BATC University (BATC-U) was created by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) to enhance and provide the finest education to its members as well as others in the building community. The ultimate goal of this endeavor is to serve the entire home building industry through improving the knowledge and expertise of the professionals working within the sector.

BATC-U courses cover the latest in building science and technology, business acumen, marketing and sales knowledge and much more. Residential contractors and real estate agents can meet their state licensing continuing education requirements, earn national designations in courses held in partnership with our parent organization, the National Association of Home Builders University of Housing, and attend less formal classes that share knowledge from local and national experts.

Forming the core of BATC-U curriculum are:

Contractor Continuing Education – a variety of comprehensive courses to builders and remodelers are offered for renewal of their state residential contractor license. BATC-U strives to bring the “Best in the Business” instructors that provide real world as well as theoretical knowledge to attendees. For builders needing real estate continuing education, some courses offer dual accreditation.

Real Estate Continuing Education – Each spring BATC-U holds two days of coursework specifically for Real Estate license renewal. Courses range in topics from traditional real estate requirements (Fair Housing and Agency) to new construction-specific classes that can advance a real estate agents’ capabilities in the new home market. Many of the Contractor Continuing Education Courses are also approved for Real Estate credit, providing even more construction-centered education.

National Designations – Industry professionals can set themselves apart from their competition by gaining national credibility and recognition with prestigious NAHB designations. NAHB University of Housing designations are designed by top professionals in the national arena and cover a variety of areas. NAHB designation courses offered at BATC-U include:

• CAPS – Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist – Technical, business management and customer services skills including home modifications for the aging in place market
• CGB – Certified Graduate Builder – Business management skills and understanding today’s home building industry through a variety of courses determined by taking BAR (Builders Assessment Review)
• CGR – Certified Graduate Remodeler – Understand today’s home remodeling industry through a variety of courses determined by taking PREP (Professional Remodeler Experience Profile)
• CSP – Certified New Home Sales Professional – Enhance professional image, increase marketability and move more product
• Master CSP – Master Certified New Home Sales Professional – Additional educational achievements of graduates of the CSP program
• CMP – Certified New Home Marketing Professional – Manage sales and marketing for new home communities
• MIRM – Member, Institute of Residential Marketing – In-depth peer reviewed and approved marketing case study, similar to a master’s level thesis
• CAASH – Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing – Essential knowledge, tools and skills to succeed with the fastest-growing segment of the housing market
• RCS – Residential Construction Superintendent – Home Builders Institute’s (HBI) designation includes customer service to trade contractor relations

BATC University Seminars – BATC-U also offers a variety of other seminars designed to enhance construction and business professionalism for members of the housing industry. And, in partnership with BATC’s five Councils (50+ Housing, Developers, Remodelers, Sales & Marketing, and Professional Women in Building), additional seminars are offered designed to appeal to niche-market education.