2012 Year in Review: ALTA Unveils National Title Professional Designation Program
December 27, 2012
In 2012, ALTA launched the National Title Professional (NTP) designation program to recognize land title professionals who possess the knowledge and experience essential to the safe and efficient transfer of real property.
The program provides an opportunity for land title professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, experience and dedication to the land title industry. The NTP represents a measure of achievement and a commitment to career development. The program requirements provide much more than an education. The program is designed to expose designees to industry events, networking opportunities and enhance their ability to communicate. These important tools will assist members in staying current within an ever-changing industry. ALTA began accepting applications Dec. 1. The designation has several elements, including industry and compliance prerequisites, and training requirements.
“It is important to ALTA to promote professionalism within our industry and the National Title Professional program represents a measure of achievement and commitment to career development,” said Michelle Korsmo, ALTA’s CEO. “In today’s evolving marketplace, a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive workplace, distinguishing yourself from the competition can be challenging, so it’s essential to illustrate your professionalism, advanced level of skill and experience.”
Herschel Beard, a member of ALTA’s Board of Governors, a 22-year member of the Education Committee and a member of the 2012-2013 National Title Professional Council, said there are many in the land title industry who are eligible for and deserve the recognition and prestige associated with the NTP designation.
“We’ve discussed developing a program like this for some time,” said Beard, owner of Marshall County Abstract Co. in Oklahoma. “Now is the right time to recognize the professionalism and ethical standards in the industry.”
Education Opportunities
ALTA’s Land Title Institute (LTI) continued to enhance and expand its Continuing Education (CE) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) offerings at all ALTA major meetings. This year more CE and CLE hours were offered to members than ever before. These professional development sessions offered at the meetings continue to attract our members, and more attendees are taking advantage of the CE and CLE hours offered.
In addition to credit offered at the meetings, customers were looking to earn CE credits without leaving the office. The number of online course enrollments and CE credits awarded for the distance learning courses continued to be strong in 2012. We expect the trend to continue in 2013.
LTI is nearing completion of updating its Title 101 and Title 201 courses. The new versions of the courses include quiz guides, learning objectives, chapter conclusions, new quizzes, and an updated look and feel. The new versions of the course are expected to launch in early 2013. Also, LTI is nearing completion of a new offering, an Escrow & Closing 101 course, which also is planned to launch in 2013.
Once the new courses are launched, ALTA will apply for Continuing Education (CE) accreditation in additional states. Within the last year, ALTA has become an approved CE provider in three new states (New Jersey, Louisiana and Florida). This allows ALTA to offer in-person CE credit to meeting attendees licensed in those states for the first time ever. As the new courses are approved in these states and others, ALTA plans to increase the number of online course and CE enrollments.
Keep a watchful eye on the TitleNews Online email and the Title News magazine for product specials. “Rely on LTI” for all of your title industry training needs.
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].