ALC
Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) Designation
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) designation is a professional credential in land real estate offered through the REALTORS® Land Institute. According to RLI, it is the only land-specific designation backed by the National Association of REALTORS®, and it is held by land professionals who specialize in agricultural land, timberland, ranch and recreational properties, or vacant land for development. Earning it is a multi-step process rather than a single test: RLI describes a rigorous education program, a proven track record of transaction performance in land, and a commitment to professional growth and integrity, and notes that qualifying can take years. This independent practice page is organized around the five competency areas RLI lists for its land specialists: land brokerage across farm, ranch, recreational, timberland, vineyard and orchard property; undeveloped, transitional and development land, including subdivision and lot wholesaling; site selection and assemblage of land parcels; appraisals and land valuation; and auctions plus farm and land management. Preparation should follow those areas in order of your weakest ground, pairing each with real deal experience. Note that this page is not affiliated with RLI, and RLI's own pages do not publish exam format, item counts, fees, or pass scores, so confirm logistics directly with the institute before you register.
What you'll study
About ALC preparation
Who is the ALC designation actually for?
Land sales professionals who already work, or intend to work, in land brokerage. RLI describes ALCs as specialists in agricultural land, timberland, ranch and recreational properties, or vacant land for development, and says qualifying requires a proven transaction record in land, so it rewards practitioners rather than newcomers.
How long does it take to earn?
RLI states plainly that achieving the designation is not an easy feat and can take years to complete the education program and establish a qualifying transaction record. Plan around a multi-year horizon and treat coursework as something you spread across your active deal flow, not a single study sprint.
What does the exam cover?
Build your plan around the five specialty areas RLI lists: land brokerage for farms, ranches, recreational, timberland, vineyards and orchards; undeveloped, transitional and development land with subdivision and lot wholesaling; site selection and assemblage; appraisals and land valuation; and auctions with farm and land management.
What is the format, question count, and time limit?
RLI's public pages do not state the exam format, item count, time allowance, or passing score. Those details are not published in the source material behind this page, so verify them with RLI directly rather than relying on secondhand figures, which are frequently outdated.
How hard is it, and what trips candidates up?
The common failure mode is narrow preparation: candidates over-study the property type they sell daily and under-prepare valuation, assemblage, and auction mechanics. RLI emphasizes a well-rounded education across all facets of the land industry, so treat every domain as examinable, including the ones you rarely touch.
What study order works best?
Start with land valuation and appraisal principles, because value reasoning underpins brokerage, assemblage, and auction pricing. Then work through land brokerage by property type, followed by development and subdivision, site selection and assemblage, and finally auction and management topics. Finish with mixed practice that forces you to switch domains.
Is there a retake policy if I fail?
RLI does not publish a retake policy on the pages reviewed here, so the number of attempts, waiting periods, and any reapplication requirements are unconfirmed. Ask RLI before scheduling so you know your options in advance rather than after a failed attempt.
How long is the designation valid?
The validity period and any renewal or continuing-education requirements are not stated in the available source material. Confirm current terms with RLI before you commit, since renewal obligations affect the long-term cost and effort of holding the credential.
Is the ALC worth it financially?
RLI reports, from a 2025 membership survey, an average annual transaction volume of $24.9M for ALCs versus $10.2M for non-designee respondents, and cites a largest ALC transaction totaling $650 million. Treat these as RLI-reported survey figures, not a guarantee of individual results.