The STR Certification Course Options
Hybrid STR Class
Now Available!
Self-Study the Textbook and attend one Lecture, (Live Class or Online via Zoom)
This popular STR Certification Course option offers the flexibility of self-study and the benefits of a shorter live
lecture (thorugh an in-person class or live via Zoom).
Review textbook chapters at your own pace and then join a Class for up to five hours of instruction and discussions.
Course rules, the pass/fail final exam, and certificate review apply (detailed below). The live instruction allows for additional information, answers to questions, and further explaination of key course concepts.
STR Seminars
The STR Seminars for additional coaching and Certification Course Review.
Available!
The topic intensive seminars are offered live via Zoom or in-person in classrooms on different dates/times.
You can register for one of the stand-alone
advanced-level seminars
to elevate specific STR skills.
For example, students who desire more profitable and efficient reservation management can register for the popular Advanced STR Reservations, Pricing, and Marketing (Part 3) Seminar.
Online Self-Study
Pending Approval
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).
This option requires discipline and diligent study of course materials. Students must prove that they have actually learned the core course concepts through self study.
Due to the bad behavior of some self-study students, cities and the Certification Board asked for this option to be on hold for further evaluation and approval.
Live In-Person Class
Scheduled by Groups
Live, In-person 2-day Class offered in different locations
In-person live 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 often lower. Some groups allow open enrollment, while other classes 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
Live via Zoom
Upcoming Course Dates:
(Students can register using this WIX website link.)
It's Self-Study with a Shorter Online Lecture!
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.
After you register:
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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 class. See course rules and instructions in the center section ---> ).
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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.
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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.)
STR Certification Hybrid Course with a Live In-Person Class Session
Registration is closed for the current live in-person STR classes.
This STR course version allows for self-study using the textbook, then attendance in a live, in-person class that lasts approximately 5 hours.
(Seating is limited and some sponsors do not allow open enrollment for city-specific or CE courses. Group sponsorship often allows tuition to be approximately $400 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.
STR Certification Live In-Person 2-Day Classes
Registration is closed for the current live in-person STR classes.
This is the in-person class version of the STR Course (which doesn't require the self-study reading like the Hybrid version). It's two, eight-hour live lecture sessions (qualifying for CEU in some states. Seating is limited and some sponsors do not allow open enrollment for city-specific or CE classes.)
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 20 or more students, we may be able to open a special session for your group.
Questions / Answers about the Self-Study and Hybrid Course Versions
Is the Hybrid Course version shorter lecture and the Self-Study Course content equivalent to the 2-Day Live STR Certification Course?
The core content is the same. Students must attend the mandatory lecture session, and they are responsible for studying the textbook well enough to pass the exam. All available course versions meet the STR education requirement for cities that have approved the STR Certification Course for use in 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 without the entire 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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In the Hybrid Course, students must study the course textbook and attend a 5-hour lecture that reviews key concepts, offers additional information, and allows for questions and discussions.
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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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The instructors are successful STR owners and managers who are also experienced educators. Their extensive knowledge is combined with ongoing research regarding this emerging industry. (And they learn from discussions with students in class.)
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Mandatory Exam (requiring at least an 80% final score*).
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The Self-Study course version and some cities require the course final exam and an additional exam: the Regulations Exam, which 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. It is required in all versions of the STR Certification Course.
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The Certification Board reviews course participation and exam reports. *The board issues the final score and approves/denies the certificate.
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.
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Hybrid Course students gain access to the e-textbook for their personal study when they register for their preferred lecture session date/time.
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Students should complete the self-study reading before the lecture, since they must complete the final exam within 48 hours of the online lecture session (for live Zoom class students) or within an hour of the live in-person class session.
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 mandatory exams. Final exams are pass/fail.
What are some of the rules for the course and the mandatory exams?
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You will have up to one hour to complete the exam.
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You, the registered student, must share your government-issued ID before starting the exam to verify your identity.
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Online course students must complete the online exam using a computer with an active camera (centered on the test-taker) and a microphone. The online exam is proctored, monitored, and evaluated. The reports are part of the certificate review. Live in-person course students must complete the exam directly after the lecture session ends. It is also proctored and evaluated.
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The exam is closed-book and may not be completed with assistance from notes, devices, or anyone else (other than the instructor under special circumstances).
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No other person, extra electronic devices, notes, or distractions can be in the room while you take the online exam.
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You must complete online exam questions 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 final score* (and pass the test monitoring report review as part of the final score and certificate evaluation).
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At the end of the exam, the test app or proctor may show a preliminary score, but the final score* is recorded after review of the test monitoring report and student conduct. The certification board will approve or deny the certificate after reviewing multiple reports for each student, including exam scores.
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The exams are pass/fail; the course is pass/fail. Since registered students receive access to materials upon registration and class enrollment is limited, there are no refunds for cancellations, no-shows, or course failure. (Any approved revision will incur a change fee of at least $80).
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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. Violations of rules can result in course failure.
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, students taking the Regulations Exam:
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will receive information about a specific city's STR regulations and a link to the online Regulations Exam.
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must read the applicable STR ordinance(s), noting key elements and references to the most common complaints about STR.
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can use a printed copy of the ordinance while taking the exam. You cannot use additional resources, such as other people or books, during the exam. No other active electronic devices can be in the room with the test-taker during the exam.
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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.)
This exam also includes questions about the process of finding and understanding applicable STR ordinances.
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 or the certificate review?
The course is pass/fail. By registering, you agree to follow the course rules. Students must learn the course content and pass the exams. If you fail to pass a mandatory exam, 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, and no refunds or additional retakes are allowed within the current course registration. Still, the student can re-register for a new course session and start over (such students may consider registering for the Live 2-Day, Hybrid Live In-Person, 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. Violation of course rules or exam failure can result in course failure. If a certificate holder is found guilty of severe code violations, the board can revoke the certificate to better ensure the integrity of the certification course. (With thousands of graduates over the years, only two have lost their STR course certificates for cause.)
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 approved 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 the registration button for your preferred course version.
What if I have any additional questions or problems with course registration?
Please contact us at strcertification@gmail.com.
When available, students who register for
the Online Self-Study Course:
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Must complete the course reading assignments, exercises, 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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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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Bonus activities (optional case studies, worksheets, checklists, & tips), and
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a 30-day course window for self-paced study.
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You can work at your own pace within the registration session to learn the course content.
Unfortunately, bad behavior by some self-study students required us to suspend this version of the course until the Certification Board and Officials complete further evaluations and approvals. We will not compromise the value of the STR Certification.
STR
Topic-Specific Advanced
Seminars
The STR Certification Course content is divided into four seminars, each with advanced information, designed for students who have completed the STR Certification Course and want to review specific content or receive more advanced coaching.
Each stand-alone seminar is usually a live via Zoom session offered on select dates, but it may be offered as a live in-person class.
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 (or attend a live in-person class),
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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 course textbook to enhance your learning.
If you complete all four seminars (Parts 1-4) with requisite quiz and review scores within course rules, you may qualify to take the STR Certification final exam. You must receive a final overall score of at least 80% after certification review.
Tuition varies for each seminar and is listed in the descriptions below. Click the button in the following sections to register for a stand-alone seminar.
---STR Laws and Essential Best Practices Seminar
(Part 1 seminar), lasting approximately 5 hours.
Tuition is $300 for this stand-alone seminar with the seminar code.
This class is often aligned with the live via Zoom or live in-person STR Hybrid Course session dates, but this stand-alone seminar doesn't qualify for the STR Certification Exam and Review unless Parts 2-4 seminars are also completed.
(This seminar is for students who want to review details about STR laws, financial protocols, and essentail policies and practices).
---Vacation Home Design & Systems Seminar
(Part 2 seminar), lasting approximately 2 hours.
Tuition is $150 for this stand-alone seminar.
Upcoming live via Zoom dates include:
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Oct. 7, 2026, 2 pm - 4 pm PT
Watch for more dates for live via Zoom or in-person class sessions.
(This advanced seminar is for students who want to review STR design elements, amenities, services, safety and security features, policies, house rules, and how to attract the ideal target markets. for each unique STR home.)
---STR Advanced Reservations, Pricing, & Marketing Seminar
(Part 3 seminar), lasting approximately 3 hours.
Tuition is $220 for this stand-alone seminar.
Upcoming live via Zoom session dates include:
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Oct. 8, 2026, 8 am-11 am PT
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Nov. 24, 2026, 7 pm- 10 pm PT
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Dec. 16, 2026, 6 pm- 9 pm PT
Watch for more dates for live via Zoom or in-person class sessions or contact strcertification.com.
(This is the most popular advanced seminar, focusing on enhancing reservation management, pricing, diverse booking sources, target marketing, additional services, contracts, and maximizing revenue.)
---STR Management & Investment Seminar
(Part 4 seminar), lasting approximately 3 hours.
Tuition is $200 for this stand-alone seminar..
Upcoming live via Zoom session dates include: T
Watch for more dates for live via Zoom or in-person class sessions or contact strcertification.com.
(This advanced seminar focuses on STR management, the critical differences between STR and LTR, contracts, multi-property management and acquisition, contracts, international STR investments, housekeeping, maintenance, staffing, and more.)
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,
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online self-study, or
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Hybrid classes.
---The STR Certification Course is a 2-day live or live via Zoom class and it is a comprehensive overview of STR laws, management protocols, safety, security, and liability concerns, marketing, reservation management, staffing, contracts, STR design, housekeeping, maintenance, financial practices, and more. As the first STR course approved and trusted by higher education institutions, RE divisions, and cities, it set the standard for STR education and many management best practices.
The Hybrid STR Course version is the most popular because it combines the flexibility and convenience of self-study, using an acclaimed textbook and a lecture session that further explains core course content and allows for questions and discussions. Rather than a 2-day class or 4 seminars, the one lecture session usually lasts less than five hours. As the industry advanced and cities set reasonable regulations for STR, seasoned and new hosts desired this comprehensive training and certification.
The Advanced STR Seminars dive deeper into the course topics, allowing students to concentrate on a set of course topics, but Parts 1-4 can be combined to qualify for STR Certification.
More STR Seminars
---The STR Governance Best Practices Seminar is designed for officials who want to learn about the often-misunderstood STR industry. Access the Hybrid STR Course offered to students and the opportunity to schedule a Q/A call. (see dates above for Hybrid STR classes)
*Contact strcertification@gmail.com for registration code.
(Or schedule a special live or live via Zoom session for your city. 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.
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 for open registration 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 (upon approval by us).
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.
.
Course graduates can use the Certificate 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 to 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, clinics, 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.