Quality STR Education Can Open Doors
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increased profits,
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5-Star guest reviews,
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desirable reservations,
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simple-to-use management systems,
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bullet-proof code compliance,
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expert tools and tips,
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and more!
There are live and online course options.
Elevate your STR knowledge by registering today!
Pending approvals
The STR Certification Course Options
Hybrid STR Class
Now Available!
Self-Study the Textbook and attend one Live Online Seminar via Zoom
This popular STR Certification Course option offers the flexibility of self-study and the benefits of a shorter live online lecture via Zoom.
Review textbook chapters at your own pace and then join a Live Zoom Class for up to five hours of instruction and discussions.
The Online Self-Study Course version's rules and final exam also apply to this option (detailed below), but it adds some live instruction to further explain key course concepts.
STR Seminars
The STR Certification Course divided into four online Seminars
Available!
You can learn through lectures and group discussions without traveling to a classroom. The four stand-alone seminars are offered live via Zoom on different dates/times.
You can register for only one of the stand-alone seminars to elevate specific STR skills.
Or register for all 4 seminars on your preferred dates/times to complete the entire STR Certification Course (four seminar lectures, quizzes, and an exam).
Online Self-Study
Coming Soon!
STR Certification Course completion at your own pace and location
This online self-study STR Certification Course option doesn't have a class date, lectures, or other students in class---just a textbook, supplemental reading, optional activities, two mandatory exams, and a certification review.
You are in control of your educational experience and course success (see the strict rules and details below).
Due to the bad behavior of some self-study students, cities asked for this option to be on hold until approval. This option requires discipline and diligent study of course materials. Students must prove that they learned the same concepts presented in the 2-day live class or 4-Part Live via Zoom Seminars.
Live In-Person Class
Scheduled by Groups
Live, In-person 2-day Class offered in different locations
In-person classes are held for two days in different host cities or when reserved by a group. Live classes allow students to learn through classroom lectures, discussions, and activities. Live classes are usually hosted by cities, associations, real estate divisions, or business, so tuition is lower. Some groups allow open enrollment, while others are only available for local or affiliated attendees.
When an in-person STR Certification Course session allows open enrollment, the dates and locations are listed in the section below.
You can register now by clicking the registration button for your choice,
or you can scroll down the page for more details about the different Course Options
STR Certification Hybrid Course
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May 29, 2026, 7 am-Noon PT
(Students can register using this WIX website link or the LearnDesk Registration link)
It's a Self-Study and a Shorter Lecture STR Course!
Some students want to study on their own schedule and pace, while others enjoy learning with a class ---this course version offers the benefits of self-study and more detailed explanations of STR management best practices from an experienced STR owner in a live online class!
This is the most popular online version of the STR Certification Course.
Only $600 tuition, it includes:
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a complimentary copy of the e-textbook for self-study learning,
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an online live via Zoom course session for up to five hours of instruction and discussions,
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a practice quiz,
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the final exam,
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and the certification review.
To register for this Hybrid Classs through Wix, click the blue Wix Registration button, follow the registration instructions, or
To register for this Hybrid Class through LearnDesk:
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Click the blue registration link button to enter the LearnDesk site and create a free student account
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Select the BOOK CLASS button to view upcoming available live Zoom class sessions on the calendar
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Select the best class date and time for you.
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Complete the registration information and tuition payment.
After you have registered:
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You will receive an email with the downloadable e-textbook for your personal use and information about the live via Zoom seminar for the date you selected.
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Review the e-textbook content. (Students are expected to understand the same course concepts presented in the 2-day live or 4-Seminar live via Zoom sessions. See self-study course rules and instructions for more details).
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Attend the Live online seminar via Zoom on the date/time you scheduled through your registration, using the link you receive in the email.
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Complete the optional practice quiz.
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Request the link to the final exam and complete the exam according to course rules. (Other than the lecture and exams, the rules for the self-study course option apply to this Hybrid Class.)
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The Certification Board will then review your course progress and determine eligibility for the STR Certificate.
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Watch your email for course completion information.
Questions? Contact us at strcertification@gmail.com.
(Students can register using this WIX website link or the LearnDesk Registration link.)
Live In-Person
STR Certification Course (in a classroom) Date/Time Options
Registration is closed for the current live in-person STR classes.
(Seating is limited and some sponsors do not allow open enrollment for city-specific or CE courses. Group sponsorship often allows tuition to be less than $300
per student.)
Class locations are determined by the live course session sponsor.
Please email your name, contact information, and preferred live class location to strcertification@gmail.com to be added to the waitlist for upcoming live in-person classes.
If you have a group of 15 or more students we may be able to open a special session for your group.
The Online Self-Study
STR Certification Course
Students who register for
the Online Self-Study Course:
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Must complete the course reading assignments and two mandatory exams.
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Course Resources include:
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A copy of the e-textbook,
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Four online lessons,
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Bonus activities (optional),
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One optional Practice Quiz,
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The Regulations Exam,
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The Final Exam,
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Optional Live via Zoom Q/A Sessions
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You can work at your own pace within the course registration session to learn the course content.
Tuition is only $600 for this self-study course version. (Register by clicking the link button.)
Questions / Answers about this
Self-Study Course
Is the online self-study course content the same as
the 2-Day Live STR Certification Course?
Yes. The core content is the same. The student is responsible for studying the textbook and lesson content well enough to pass the exams. This course version meets the STR education requirement for cities that have approved the STR Certification Course or the STR Laws and Essential Best Practices Seminar for their STR permitting process. (Most students benefit from the lectures and class discussions, but some prefer the flexibility of self-study.)
How will I learn the content if there are no lectures?
You will have access to the following resources:
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The e-textbook, Vacation Rental Management 411, contains much of the course content.
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Lessons in the online course sections include additional concepts that students should learn.
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Bonus activities, such as case studies, downloadable worksheets, exercises, and tips, are optional.
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One Practice Quiz to help students prepare to complete the final exam is highly recommended but optional.
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Live via Zoom Q&A sessions with instructors or other industry experts, scheduled for specific dates/times, are optional. Students submit questions via email and receive the Zoom link for a session.
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Two Mandatory Exams (requiring at least an 80% score).
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The Regulations Exam uses the actual STR regulations of an example city, along with relevant course content.
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The Final Examination is similar to the practice quizzes, but longer and more detailed.
Do I need to purchase the e-textbook?
No. Registered students receive a complimentary copy of the e-textbook, Vacation Rental Management 411, to download on one device for personal study. (Softcover textbooks and the Kindle version are available for purchase through the authors, publisher, book sellers, or this site.)
When will I complete the course?
Once you register, you can start and finish the course at your own pace. You can complete the course in a couple of days with intensive work, or study at a leisurely pace within 2 months. (Access to the course is closed sixty days after you register.)
How many Q&A sessions can I attend?
You can attend as many of the scheduled sessions as you like during your course registration window by emailing the instructor (your name, the session date, and a question) to receive the Zoom session link.
Is the Practice Quiz mandatory?
No. However, it's wise to use it as a learning tool to prepare for the two mandatory exams. The exams are pass/fail.
What are some of the rules for the course and the two mandatory exams?
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You will have up to one hour to complete each exam.
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You, the registered student, must share your government-issued ID to verify the test-taker's identity.
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The exam must be completed using a computer with an active camera (centered on the test-taker) and a microphone. The online exam is monitored. The reports are part of the certificate review.
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No other person, extra electronic devices, or distractions can be in the room while you take the exam.
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Since the course is offered within academic and other regulated settings, students are expected to honor the universal code of student conduct throughout the course.
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Exam questions must be completed in sequential order. You cannot return to previous questions or click out of the exam and reaccess it later.
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The exam consists of questions randomly selected from a large question bank (true/false, multiple-choice, multiple-answer, and essay questions). Every exam is unique.
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You must earn a final score of at least 80% on a mandatory exam (and pass the test monitoring report review).
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At the end of the exam, the test app will show a preliminary score, but the final score is recorded after review of the test monitoring report and student conduct. The certificate must be approved by the certification board, which reviews multiple student reports.
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The exams are pass/fail.
How is the Regulations Exam different from the Final Exam?
Students report that learning how to find applicable STR regulations is one of the most beneficial lessons in the course (and they are right. Officials expect STR Certification Course graduates to know how to find, read, understand, and apply applicable laws and regulations to their STR business practices). Along with the above-mentioned rules for the mandatory exams:
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You will receive information about a specific city's STR regulations and a link to the online Regulations Exam.
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Read the applicable STR ordinance(s), noting key elements and references to the most common complaints about STR.
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You can use a printed copy of the ordinance while taking the exam. You cannot use other resources, such as other people, books, or other electronic devices, during the exam.
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You cannot click out of the exam to check the city's site. The exam must be completed in sequential order without leaving it. (This is one of the reasons we suggest printing and reading the ordinance before starting the exam.)
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This exam also includes questions about the process of finding and understanding applicable STR ordinances.
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The exam consists of questions randomly selected from a large question bank specific to applicable STR laws and regulations (true/false, multiple-choice, multiple-answer, and essay questions).
How long is the Final Exam?
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The final exam consists of 50 questions randomly selected from a large question bank (true/false, multiple-choice, multiple-answer, and essay questions). You have up to one hour to complete the exam.
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The Final Exam is closed-book, and all other course rules also apply. Unlike the regulations exam, no other resources may be used during the final exam.
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You need to use your own brainpower without help from others or additional resources. This is about your understanding of the course content.
What if I fail one of the exams?
If you fail to pass one of the mandatory exams, you can retake it by registering for Exam #2 or Exam #3 (additional fees apply). If a student doesn't pass a mandatory exam and the exam monitoring report after three attempts, the student will fail the course. No refunds or additional retakes are allowed within the current course registration. Still, the student can re-register for a new course session, starting over (such students may consider registering for the Live, Hybrid, or Live via Zoom course version).
What is a Certification Review Board?
For certificate courses, a third-party Certification Review Board evaluates each student's course participation and approves the issuance of certificates to qualifying students. Once we receive the board's consent, we email the digital certificate to the student. If a certificate holder is found guilty of a felony or severe code violations, the board can revoke the certificate to better ensure the integrity of the certification course. (Out of thousands of graduates over the years, only one has lost his STR course certificate.)
What if I don't complete the course or don't pass the exams?
The course is pass/fail. By registering, a student agrees to follow the course rules. It is up to the student to learn the course content and pass the exams. Students can register to retake an exam up to two times. Students who fail the course can register for a new session or version on a subsequent attempt to pass.
Do I need to retake the course every year?
No. This is a one-time course. Some graduates have used the certificate for STR license/permit applications in multiple cities. If an organization uses this course as part of its professional designation program, students complete the course only once. Any professional requirements or CE are controlled by the designation authority.
How can I register for this course?
Click a green registration button below to register. Create a free LearnDesk account and register for the course.
What if I have any additional questions or problems with course registration?
Please contact us at strcertification@gmail.com.
STR Certification Course in four stand-alone Seminars
In this version, we have divided the STR Certification Course into four seminars.
You can register for each of the four seminars on your preferred date/time to complete the STR Certification Course.
Or you can register for a single stand-alone seminar to learn more about a specific set of STR best practices.
For each online live STR seminar via Zoom, you will need to:
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attend the full Zoom session using a computer with an active camera and microphone for class interaction,
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follow class rules and the student code of conduct,
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complete the seminar quiz with a score of at least 80%,
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refer to the complimentary copy of the e-textbook to enhance your learning.
If you register for and complete all four seminars (Parts 1-4) with requisite quiz and review scores, you can complete the final exam, according to course rules. You must receive a final score of at least 80% after certification review (then you will receive a certificate!).
Tuition varies for each seminar and is listed in the descriptions below. Register by clicking the links button for a seminar below or
---STR Laws and Essential Best Practices Seminar via ZOOM (Part 1 seminar). It usually lasts 4 hours.
Upcoming Class Dates include:
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and more!
(To just register for this Part 1 seminar, click the registration button below and select from the dates listed in the Registration site calendar.) Tuition is $240 for this stand-alone seminar.
---Vacation Home Design & Maintenance Seminar via ZOOM (Part 2 in the STR Course bundle), lasting approximately 2 hours.
Upcoming dates include:
and more!
(To just register for this Part 2 seminar, click the registration button below and select from the dates listed in the Registration site calendar.) Tuition is $120 for this stand-alone seminar.
---STR Reservations, Marketing, & Systems Seminar via ZOOM
(Part 3 in the STR Course bundle), lasting approximately 2-3 hours.
Upcoming dates include:
(To just register for this Part 3 seminar, click the registration button below and select from the dates listed in the Registration site calendar.) Tuition is $240 for this stand-alone seminar.
---STR Management & Investment Seminar via ZOOM
(Part 4 in the STR Course bundle), lasting approximately 2 hours.
Upcoming dates (select your preferred date on the registration site calendar):
(To just register for this Part 4 seminar, click the registration button below and select from the dates listed in the Registration site calendar.) Tuition is $150 for this stand-alone seminar..
More Information about the
Live STR Class Options
The STR Certification Course and Seminars are offered in different locations as
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live in-person classes,
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live classes via ZOOM, or
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online self-study courses.
---The STR Certification Course is a 2-day live or live via Zoom class.
---or it can be divided into four seminars (each seminar section can be registered as a stand-alone seminar, or combined to complete the entire STR Certification Course)
Part 1: STR Laws and Essential Best Practices Seminar ($240 tuition fee for the stand-alone seminar)
Part 2: Vacation Home Design & Maintenance Seminar ($120 tuition fee for the stand-alone seminar)
Part 3: STR Reservations, Marketing, & Systems Seminar ($240 tuition fee for the stand-alone seminar)
Part 4: STR Management & Investment Seminar ($150 tuition fee for the stand-alone seminar)
More STR Seminars
---The STR Governance Best Practices Seminar is designed for officials who want to learn about the often-misunderstood STR industry.
(2-4 hours. Contact us at strcertification@gmail.com for details.)
---The STR Basics Seminar is a conference session presentation about essential STR information and tips (usually requested for real estate association or government conferences).
(1-3 hours. Contact us at strcertification@gmail.com for details.)
---Some cities request a unique city-specific STR education course and quiz, which we develop for cities to offer within their STR licensing requirements.
---We develop special classes for cities, STR Managers, RE property management companies, small and large lodging properties, resorts, and real estate businesses.
Please contact Julie at 702-755-6881 or strcertification@gmail.com to discuss special classes.
Virtual Q/A Sessions
We schedule optional Zoom sessions for students to ask questions or discuss specific topics with instructors, guest experts, and other students. The sessions last one hour.
This is particularly helpful for students enrolled in the online self-study STR Certification Course.
Here's how it works:
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Select a Q/A session date from the list below.
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Send an email to strcertification@gmail.com
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Include your name, the desired Q/A session date, and your question(s).
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We will email the Zoom link.
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Join the Q/A session.
Scheduled Q/A Sessions:
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Mondays at Noon PT
Practive and Retake Exams
Hospitality Management & Real Estate Seminars
Coaching Sessions!
Students, course graduates, and public officials sometimes want to ask questions or discuss topics with the instructor in a one-on-one Live via Zoom session.
You can schedule a coaching session with the lead instructor! Available dates and times are listed on the registration site (click the black button below to access the registration site page).
Students Success Stories
“This vacation rental class and the valuable information in the textbook exceeded my expectations! Learning guidelines and standards are essential to proessionalizing this industry.”
Paula
(An STR Owner, Property Manager, and Realtor with STR units in US and international locations)
“If you think you can't learn any more about running a short-term rental business, think again. You can! This class is a must for anyone in the hospitality industry; I highly recommend this small invenstion .”
Mike
(A longtime vacation rental owner, STR host, and travel broker)
“After our City required STR license applicants to take this class, we saw an amazingly positive difference in STR educated hosts. And they loved it, so I attended class and am now hosting guests in my STR units.”
Mary
(A retired city manager who now owns and manages very code-compliant STR units in several cities)
Please note: Certain city or county officials require an STR business licensing applicant (and their designated local contact/manager) to complete a city-approved STR education course. Please check to ensure you are completing the approved STR education required in your location.
Some cities require the complete STR Certification Course,
while others may allow either the complete course or the
STR Laws and Essential Best Practices Seminar (Part 1 of the four-part STR seminar series)
Revisit this page often for updates about live class dates and locations, online self-study courses, and live classes via Zoom. (City websites may have links to specialized education for their area. Some do not allow us to offer their city-specific classes through our website.)
The qualifying course may also be offered in semester-long Vacation Rental Management classes or within other courses in many universities as part of degree programs.
If you want to attend or host a live in-person class, or request a unique course for your area or organization, please contact Julie at 702-755-6881 or email us at strcertification@gmail.com (please include your name, contact information, and location).
The STR Certification Course and STR Seminars have been
approved through
Accredited Higher Education Institutions, Real Estate Divisions, Trade Associations, and Cities.
We don't accept sponsors or make endorsements. This keeps the content secure and trustworthy.
A third-party Certificate Review Committee evaluates student course completion.
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Course graduates can use the Certification Seal to show that they have taken their STR knowledge to a professional level.
Registration is handled through online links, so you may need to create a student account and register within their system.
We also list other continuing education opportunities, so please check this site often.
(See this page and the
Events & Promotions page.)
has more information
about the courses, instructors,
and reviews from course graduates!
Thousands of students have completed this course, hosting STRs, inns, boutique resorts, and other lodging units in dozens of countries, including
throughout the USA.
Cities requiring STR education (along with other reasonable STR regulations)
are experiencing
stabilization,
better code compliance,
fewer neighborhood disruptions, slower STR growth,
increased tax remittance,
and stronger code enforcement.
Quality education is making a positive difference for communities and hosts!
Information about the STR Certification Course and
Seminar Classes
STR Certification Courses are approved by and offered through Universities, Real Estate Divisions, Associations, and Municipal Government Leaders
in many US States and internationally.
We appreciate community and industry leaders for recognizing the need for quality education regarding this emerging industry by offering the course at a low tuition rate and in multiple locations, versions, and dates.
If you want to explore having a course or seminar offered in your city, please contact Julie at 702-755-6881 or strcertification@gmail.com.
The course and certificate program was formed in 2016 at the request of the City of Las Vegas, and our first session was held at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) campus. Hosts and managers from many countries and from across the USA traveled to Las Vegas to attend live in-person classes.
Other colleges, universities, real estate divisions, associations, and cities requested live and online courses and seminars in their locations — and the course became global in scope and availability. It's ranked among the "TOP TEN" STR and Property Management education by international leaders. After all, time-honored STR practices apply to hosting guests in any city.
With e-courses and live Zoom sessions, students can complete the course from nearly anywhere in the world.
A growing number of universities are adding a more detailed version of the course or parts of it to Hospitality, Business Management, Hotel Management, and Sociology Degree Programs. The textbook, Vacation Rental Management 411 is also used in other for-credit University classes and internship programs.
We host live in-person class sessions in many locations and post the registration links for classes open for general enrollment on this page. Some classes are only offered to specific city license applicants or members of associations that privately share the registration links. Some Real Estate Commissions have approved RE CE for the courses and list dates on their sites, too.
Quality education is always a vital component in stabilizing social changes that sometimes disrupt communities and other industries, such as the emerging STR industry. Once stabilized, social changes can enhance communities and emerging industries.
Why are cities requiring STR education as part of their business licensing process?
As word has spread about this trusted STR Certification Course content and the positive effect quality STR education can have on code compliance and enforcement, more cities are requiring education for STR permit applicants.
Statistics and case studies show that quality STR education saves staff time, increases code compliance, and supports enforcement efforts.
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There are fewer neighborhood disruptions, so officials and community residents can appreciate the benefits of STRs.
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More tax revenue is remitted, and having all lodging guests pay transient lodging taxes 'levels the playing field' for all lodging properties. These guest taxes benefit local communities.
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Hosts who understand and apply time-honored and innovative practices to their STR property management, working within reasonable regulations, run better small businesses within the community.
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With ample licensed STR businesses available to meet consumer STR demand, illegal and poorly managed STRs (too often identified by false branding nicknames, such as "Airbnbs," "Vrbos," or "Party Houses") move out of the well-regulated community.
In some cities and counties, officials requested a 4-hour class similar to the STR Governance Seminar and a quiz designed in cooperation with local government officials. Other cities require a full 12-hour STR Certification Course. We offer live, live via Zoom, and online self-study classes and seminars for their STR business license/permit applicants.
We can offer special city-specific quizzes to help students become familiar with code requirements and the application process. Students are also invited to regular Virtual Discussion or Coaching sessions to ask questions and discuss industry trends with industry experts and other STR professionals.
In cities where the course is mandated for all license/permit applicants and their designated local contact or manager, some students start the class begrudgingly, thinking they already know enough. Soon they discover that this industry is much more complicated than they thought----and implementing STR best practices can enhance profitability while reducing liability.
Even with the mandates, the STR Certification Course sessions and Seminars consistently receive Excellent reviews from students for content and presentation. We must be doing something right!
We invite you to join us for the next course session!
The STR Certification Course is offered at many universities, colleges, real estate divisions and firms, associations, and Cities throughout the USA and Internationally.
The STR Certification Course is listed among the national and international
Top Ten STR and PM courses.
Conferences, Networking Events, & Continuing Education
When we hear about upcoming conferences, meetings, networking events, and courses, we'll list them on the Events & Promotions page and the Links/Articles page.
These events may or may not be courses offered through colleges or as part of the STR Certification Course.
These pages offer resources for continuing education and networking.