Education
Nearly 400 classroom-based courses are presented by IRWA annually throughout the United States and Canada. Courses are facilitated by right of way professionals who have extensive practical experience within their discipline and the ability to engage participants in active learning.
If you have credentialing questions or need help with an application, contact your Chapter's Professional Development Committee (PDC) Chair.
To view the educational offerings and all certification programs, please visit the main IRWA Site.
Upcoming Courses
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400 - Principles of Real Estate Appraisal (Virtual Class)
February 25, 2025
This two-day, beginning-level course introduces the valuation process, basic terminology, and three approaches used to develop real estate value opinions. Two case studies (residential and commercial) are utilized throughout the course.
Topics
- Types and Uses of Appraisals
- Types of Value
- Area and Site Analysis
- Highest and Best Use Analysis
- Sales Comparison Approach
- Reconciliation and Final Value Determination
- Introduction to Partial Acquisitions
- Economic Principles
- The Appraisal Process
- Market Analysis
- Cost Approach
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800 - Principles of Real Estate Law (Virtual Class)
March 24, 2025
This course is designed to build on the basics of real estate law provided by Course 100 “Principles of Land Acquisition” and to assist right of way agents, property managers and others in collaborating with property owners and attorneys. This introductory level course provides novice employees dealing with real estate issues with basic right of way information and experienced employees with a broader perspective on legal issues and applicable law.
Topics
- Real property law overview
- Contract law, introduction to contract law, types of contracts, elements of a contract, termination and discharge of contracts
- Specific real estate contracts, purchase and sale agreement, commercial lease easement agreements, agency agreements
- Tort law in general, specific torts relating to real estate
- Land use controls introduction, restrictive covenants, planning legislation, environmental regulation
- Condominium/common ownership interests introduction, creation of the interest, repair and insurance rights and duties of owners, comparative advantages and disadvantages of various types of ownership
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603 - Understanding Environmental Contamination in R.E. (Virtual Class)
April 17, 2025
This course is geared toward right of way professionals who may face the issue of contaminated properties, focusing on causes, effects and remedies of environmental contamination. This course emphasizes the importance of knowing the behavior of contaminants in the environment, environmental liabilities and auditing processes, underground storage tank removal and contamination assessment, cleanup and closures. Participants will learn how to evaluate potential problems that occur as a result of acquiring contaminated properties, and to evaluate, manage and minimize risks and liabilities.
Topics
- Contaminants and the meaning of the term “contaminated”
- Basics of geology, hydrology and hydrogeology
- Movement and change in contaminants
- Options for managing environmental contamination
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SR/WA Study Session & Comprehensive Exam (Virtual Class)
May 14, 2025 - May 16, 2025
This three (3) day seminar is designed to prepare Candidates to take the SR/WA Comprehensive Examination by reviewing the seven (7) core disciplines of the right of way profession. It is intended to allow participants to brush up on areas in which they may have limited experience or knowledge. The Comprehensive Exam (United States version) will be administered at the conclusion of the review session, in the afternoon of the third day, and covers the seven (7) core disciplines: Engineering, Law, Negotiation, Valuation, Environment, Relocation, and Asset Management.
Topics
- Contaminants and the meaning of the term “contaminated”
- Basics of geology, hydrology and hydrogeology
- Movement and change in contaminants
- Options for managing environmental contamination
This session provides participants with the opportunity to review subject matter from all disciplines within the right of way profession, and also provides the chance to brush up on areas in which they may have limited knowledge or experience. The Comprehensive Exam (United States version) will be administered at the conclusion of the review session, in the afternoon of the third day, and covers the seven (7) core disciplines: Engineering, Law, Negotiation, Valuation, Environment, Relocation, and Asset Management.