Test Prep & Continuing Education
Continuing education are courses that let you develop your knowledge and skills in a specific area. It is education that is often required for workers to stay current with the latest development, skills, and new technologies required for their fields. Certain professions require continuing education to comply with laws, remain licensed or certified, or maintain membership in an association or licensing body. As well as any careers requiring that you continue your education, they may also require taking standardized tests. For instance, if you’re applying for a graduate-level degree, you may be required to submit scores from one or more standardized graduate admissions tests.
Standardized Tests
A standardized test is a test that is given to students in a very consistent manner. The questions on the test are all the same, the time given to each student is the same, and the way in which the test is scored is the same for all students. Students begin taking standardized tests in elementary school. Once students are in high school and considering attending college or university, they will have to determine if they will have to take the SAT or ACT, which are standardized tests that are used to determine students academic readiness for high education. Students who are considering a graduate degree after they’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree will most likely have to take other standardized tests for graduate school. The most common standardized tests for graduate school are GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT.
SAT vs. ACT
The SAT and ACT generally cover the same topics. Both ACT and SAT score are used for college admission decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. The goals of the ACT and SAT are the same, to see how ready students are for college. The SAT has a reading test that takes 65 minutes, a 35-writing and language test and an 80-minute math section. The ACT is comprised of a 35-minute reading test, 45-minute English test, 60-minute math section and 35-minute science test. The SAT does not include an independent science section but incorporates science questions throughout the exam.
GRE
If you’re planning on going to graduate school, you’ll probably need to take the GRE test. It’s a most commonly required admission test for grad school. The GRE exam is a broad assessment of your critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills. GRE testing time varies depending on which version of the test you take and the potential presence of unscored research sections, but plan to set aside at least three hours.
GMAT
The GMAT is an important part of the business school application process. The test is multiple-choice, computer-based and computer-adaptive standardized exam that is often required for admission to graduate business programs globally. The GMAT was developed to provide business schools with common measures of applicants’ preparedness for graduate-level academic work. This exam measures your command of basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, multi-source data analysis, and grammar. Knowing how to reason through and analyze information is the key to a great GMAT score.
LSAT
The LSAT is an integral part of law school admission. The test is designed specifically to assess critical reading, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and persuasive writing skills – key skills needed for success in law school. The LSAT is administered in two parts – the multiple choice part and the writing essay.
MCAT
The MCAT is a multiple-choice, computer-based test that has been a part of the medical admissions process. The exam tests examinees on the skills and knowledge that medical educators, physicians, medical students, and residents have identified as key prerequisites for success in medical school. MCAT is divided into four sections: biological and biochemical foundations of living systems; chemical and physical foundations of biological systems; psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior; and critical analysis and reasoning schools.
Standardized Test Prep
There’s no secret formula when it comes to passing a standardized test. Testing can be stressful, but being prepared for can go a long way. These simple standardized test prep strategies are a proven way to improve a student’s chances of achieving higher scores and being prepared for testing.
Take a standardized test prep course, where students can benefit from time-tested test-taking strategies that allow you to stop worrying about the testing process and start demonstrating the knowledge you possess. Get a test taking manual for the test you will be taking and then read the material and work the practice tests. Before the test learn all of the critical definitions, formulas, and concepts that appear in common questions. Practice tests are one of the most effective ways to monitor student progress and reduce your anxiety the day of the test. Taking practice tests help with pacing on timed tests, let you experience the different instructions for different sections of the tests, and give you experience with the questions types you will face.
Create a schedule that allows you enough time to prepare for the test in a continuous manner but will not be a time burden. On the day before the test, make sure you have everything you need because knowing that your materials are ready will give you a sense of calm and allow you to sleep better. One thing you should avoid id cramming the night before and pulling an all-nighter as it will prevent you from performing at your best. On the day of test, start with questions you can answer readily. Instead of wasting time trying to figure out the troublesome questions at the start, be sure to get credit for the questions you do know. Read each question carefully, as well as reading all the alternatives before deciding on an answer. Do some planning before writing the essay. An outline may be useful and help keep you organized. Students aren’t alone when it comes to preparing for a standardized test. Skilled tutors and test prep centers can help you learn effective strategies to achieve scores that will help you realize your highest potential.
Real Estate Education
Obtaining a real estate license is an advantageous opportunity that opens new doors. Real estate agents are small business owners who set their own hours, do their own marketing and lead generation, pay their own taxes, and grow their business. New salespeople are sponsored by an established broker who’ll provide office space, equipment, training and some supervision. Some specialize in buyers, sellers, or both and some agents act as a property manager for owners of rental properties. As a real estate agent your combining elements of a broker, counselor, educator, accountant, appraiser, and interior design consultant. You will be dealing with big, expensive transaction all while managing clients’ expectation and emotions regarding the acquisition or sale of their home. There are different course requirements for obtaining a real estate license or a broker’s license. In New Jersey, real estate salespersons and brokers have to maintain their certification by earning continuing education credits every two year. The best way to prepare for a real estate or broker’s license is by attending a licensed school with a very high pass rate.
Real Estate Licenses
Salesperson’s License
To obtain a real estate salesperson’s license, you must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school education or equivalency, complete a 75-hour pre-licensing course at a licensed school and pass the license examination. After you have successfully completed the course and passed the examination, you must then apply for a license through a sponsoring real estate broker.
Broker’s License
To qualify for a broker’s license, you must have a high school education or equivalency, and must successfully complete 150 hours of pre-licensure education. You must first complete a 90-hour general real estate course followed by two 30-hour courses on Agency/Ethics and Office Management and related topics. In addition, you must have continually licensed and employed on a full-time basis as a New Jersey real estate salesperson for the three years immediately preceding their application.
Broker-Salesperson’s License
A broker-salesperson has the qualifications of a real estate broker but is employed by and operates under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker to perform the functions of a real estate salesperson. In order to become a broker-salesperson, you must first meet the licensing requirements of a real estate broker.
Real Estate Continuing Education
The New Jersey Real Estate Commission mandates that all real estate licensees complete 12 continuing education credit hours every two years to maintain their licenses. At least two hours must be completed in ethics training and six hours in core topics (including ethics). The remaining six hours may be completed in core or elective topics. If you do not complete your credits by the required renewal deadline, you will not be able to renew your license and it will expire.
Contractor Education
Contractors manage and coordinate construction work in residential or massive commercial properties, either independently, or as part of a construction business. They oversee all aspects of construction, from design and planning to building supervision. Certification courses help future contractors hone the knowledge they’ll need in the field while enhancing leadership skills. Many states require contractor licenses for certain types of projects, like high-cost, commercial, residential or public works contracting ad have stringent requirements for contractor licensing. Technology and tools are constantly changing. Certificate programs and other courses can keep skills and knowledge current.
OSHA Construction Industry
OSHA recommends workplace safety training for a safe and healthful work environment, specifically for hazard avoidance on the job site. OSHA safety training standards covers safety and health hazards workers may face on construction work sites, placing special emphasis on hazard identification, avoidance, control and prevention. The OSHA training program is a safety course that is required by many federal and state jurisdictions to work on construction sites. Students receive a certificate upon completion of the course.
Mold Remediation
While molds are part of the natural environment, indoor mold cause all manner of problems, including health issues and the integrity of construction materials. This workshop teaches students about EPA mold remediation guidelines and covers mold inspections, sampling techniques and post remediation activities. It also prepares remodeling contractors, building owners, health and safety professionals, building inspectors and anyone who may be responsible for battling indoor air quality issues to handle mold and mildew problems.
Lead Abatement
Lead abatement training is required for contractors and their workers performing lead abatement work, which includes any measure designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards. Contractors who plan or oversee lead-based paint projects must maintain their accreditation as a Lead Abatement Supervisor. This course involves a complete review of all lead abatement and regulatory guidelines for individuals involved in lead abatement. The topics covered in this course are waste disposal, lead abatement techniques, health effects of lead exposure, worker protection and safety and cleanup.
Continuing Legal Education for Attorneys
Within the United States, attorneys in many states must complete certain require continuing legal education (CLE) in order to maintain their U.S. licenses to practice law. The purpose of continuing legal education is to maintain or sharpen the skills of licensed attorneys. However, many attorneys don't keep up with the rules or may have forgotten what they have learned. By speaking at legal education programs, ethics lawyers help other lawyers stay current on standards of professionalism and ethical issues related to their licenses.Attorneys who specialize in other types of law, such as an employment lawyer may also host or speak at seminars to inform others about the law they practice.
In New Jersey, every active licensed attorney is required to complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of CLE courses every two years. The topics on the CLE range from arbitration ethics to professional in the courtroom to newer areas.