News and Press Releases
In the News: View the latest news on Kaplan Professional Schools
Press Releases
In the News: View the latest news on Kaplan Professional Schools
Safety Net – Home Inspections can reveal issues with a property that otherwise might cause big headaches down the road (September 15, 2006)
Home inspections can reveal the truth about a home and are increasingly becoming a factor in buyers’ decisions. With the increased value of an inspection, comes a growth in job opportunities for those that possess the technical skills and necessary education requirements. Kaplan Professional Schools offers classroom and online education including the use of hands-on training in various locations throughout Texas to help home inspectors meet their pre-licensing and continuing education requirements. (article summary)
Broker Associate Magazine
Kaplan Partners with PaRR Inspections to Offer FEMA Disaster Housing Inspector Training for Home Inspectors (August 2006)
Disaster housing inspection offers home inspectors another option to use their skills in the event of emergencies throughout the country. Kaplan’s Inspection Training Associates has partnered with the Partnership for Response and Recovery (PaRR Inspections), the primary contractor to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to offer disaster housing inspector training. (Article Summary)
Inspection Expo Coming to Las Vegas September 25-27 (July 27, 2006)
Inspection Training Associates (ITA) will hold its 11th annual home inspection conference and expo in Las Vegas. The event is expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees to learn the cutting-edge trends and topics in the home inspection industry. With more than 50 different sessions to attend, each inspector, whether new to the field or a seasoned veteran, can gain information to better their practice. (Article Summary)
ASHI Membership Still the Best Fit for ITA Grads (July 2006)
The ITA East Coast Seminar, held from May 20-21, brings more than 150 home inspectors to Miami. The seminar not only provides great information for home inspectors, but allows attendees to meet various exhibitors such as the American Society of Home Inspectors. (Article Summary)
Real Estate Appraisal Trainees Entering Growing Market; Facing Dramatic Increase in Education Requirement (June 20, 2006)
As the field of appraisal continues to grow so do education requirements. The number of education hours needed will significantly increase starting January 1, 2008 to ensure that appraisers conduct their business at the highest standards possible. Within the past year, Kaplan Professional Schools has seen a nearly 10 percent increase in appraisal training and the field is expected to continue to grow according to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Article Summary)
Real Estate School Changes its Name (June 11, 2006)
Leonard-Hawes Real Estate Schools are now known as Kaplan Professional Schools. Leonard-Hawes offers education options for real estate professionals throughout Texas and currently serves more than 23,000 professionals from 12 locations throughout the state. New standards are also being implemented to increase education requirements for appraisers that will take effect at the beginning of 2008. (Article Summary)
MSN Money: Real Estate Appraisal Trainees Entering Growing Market; Facing Dramatic Increase in Education Requirement (June 6, 2006)
As the field of appraisal continues to grow so do education requirements. The number of education hours needed will significantly increase starting January 1, 2008 to ensure that appraisers conduct their business at the highest standards possible. Within the past year Kaplan Professional Schools has seen a nearly 10 percent increase in appraisal training and the field is expected to continue to grow according to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Article Summary)
Home Inspectors Attending Inspection Expo 2006 Have a Chance to Experience Las Vegas (Summer 2006)
At the 2006 home inspection conference and expo hosted by Inspection Training Associates, a part of Kaplan Professional Schools, attendees will have the opportunity to take in the sights of Las Vegas as well as receive the latest industry knowledge from nation-wide professionals in one convenient location. The expo pairs a three-day exhibition where inspectors can access products and services from leading vendors in one of the most famous entertainment cities in the world. (Article Summary)
New Name for Leonard-Hawes (May 29, 2006)
Leonard-Hawes has changed its name to Kaplan Professional Schools after being acquired by the company in 2000. The school provides real estate education and continuing education courses in 12 locations in Texas. (Article Summary)
Leonard-Hawes Real Estate Schools to Become Kaplan Professional Schools (May 25, 2006)
Leonard-Hawes is changing its name to Kaplan Professional Schools after its 2000 acquisition. As part of its branding initiative, Kaplan has changed the school’s name to unify its businesses under a common name and logo. Leonard-Hawes serves more than 23,000 real estate professionals annually. (Article Summary)
Real Estate School Changes Name (May 24, 2006)
Leonard-Hawes, a Texas provider of pre-licensing, exam preparation and continuing education for real estate professionals, has changed its name to Kaplan Professional Schools. (Article Summary)
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Press Releases
Leonard-Hawes Real Estate Schools Changes Name to Kaplan Professional Schools
Dallas , May 24, 2006 – Leonard-Hawes Real Estate Schools, one of Texas ’ oldest and largest real estate schools acquired by global education leader Kaplan in 2000, has changed its name to Kaplan Professional Schools. For nearly 45 years, Leonard-Hawes Real Estate Schools has offered pre-licensing, exam preparation and continuing education for Texas professionals seeking and maintaining licenses in real estate. Leonard-Hawes serves more than 23,000 real estate professionals annually from 12 locations.
“Leonard-Hawes Real Estate Schools have been part of the Kaplan family for many years. This name change highlights the access to a network of resources, technology and specialists that are the trademark of Kaplan,” said Rob Huge , Vice President of Kaplan Professional Schools’ southwest region.
Kaplan Professional Schools provides licensing and continuing education to more than 150,000 professionals in the real estate (commercial and residential), appraisal, home inspection, mortgage, contractor, insurance and financial services industries. Kaplan Professional Schools offer both classroom and distance education to help students earn their state certifications in California, Texas, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Florida, Virginia, Connecticut, Georgia, Tennessee, Washington, New York, Ohio and Illinois.
The renaming of Leonard-Hawes Real Estate Schools to Kaplan Professional Schools is part of Kaplan, Inc.’s new branding initiative designed to unify its businesses under a consistent naming and logo strategy. Kaplan, which generated $94 million in revenue a decade ago, has become a $1.4 billion global leader in postsecondary education, K12 programs, and professional training. Kaplan has more than 23,000 employees in 500 locations worldwide, including recent expansions into Europe and Asia .
Staffed facilities are located in Carrollton/Plano, Dallas , Arlington and Houston .
About Kaplan Professional Schools
Kaplan Professional Schools, a Kaplan Professional company, provides licensing and continuing education for the real estate (commercial and residential), appraisal, home inspection, mortgage, contractor, insurance and financial services industries. Kaplan Professional Schools is a division of Kaplan, Inc., leaders in education and test prep and a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). With more than 50 locations, Kaplan Professional Schools offers both classroom and distance education to help students earn their state certifications. Kaplan’s instructors are the leaders in their field, with many years of industry and teaching experience. Distance education courses include textbook correspondence and online learning. For further information, please visit www.kaplanprofessionalschools.com or call 1-800-621-9621.
About Kaplan, Inc.
Kaplan, Inc. is a leading provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses and is comprised of four divisions: Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, which offers test prep and admissions services worldwide, including K12 services for schools; SCORE!, which offers after-school learning programs for children; Kaplan Professional, which offers licensing and continuing education training and compliance tracking; and Kaplan Higher Education, which offers postsecondary certificate and degree programs online and through 76 campus-based locations. Kaplan is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). For more information about Kaplan, please visit www.kaplan.com.
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Kaplan Partners with PaRR Inspections to Offer FEMA Disaster Housing Inspector Training for Home Inspectors
Lake Forest , CA , May 9, 2006 – It is difficult watching disasters live on television, observing the weeks, months and years of aftermath when communities and families struggle to get back on their feet. Nearly 30 tropical storms formed in 2005, with seven becoming major hurricanes, including four that made landfall in the United States . Disaster recovery home inspectors play a vital role in helping to rebuild these communities, revitalize neighborhoods and aid affected families by assessing the damage in a rapid, efficient – and thoughtful - manner. Many of today’s home inspectors are choosing to get certified to add disaster housing inspection to their business.
Kaplan Professional Schools’ Inspection Training Associates is partnering with the Partnership for Response and Recovery (PaRR Inspections) to introduce comprehensive training for home inspectors to become disaster housing inspectors. PaRR is a primary contractor to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and manages the housing inspections following federally-declared disasters across the Untied States and U.S. territories. Disaster housing inspectors are responsible for collecting and reporting the required information from applicants whose houses have been damaged in the U.S. by disasters, such as the 182,000 homes destroyed by Katrina.
“There is a definite need for more home inspectors to add disaster recovery inspection to their business,” said Michael Casey, Vice President and General Manager of Kaplan Professional Schools’ Inspection Training Associates. “We’re seeing a growing number of professionals going through this training due to the personal satisfaction of helping those in crisis.”
In order for home inspectors to also become certified disaster housing inspectors, they must complete comprehensive training that includes an overview of the disaster response process, an introduction to FEMA policies and procedures and technology training.
PaRR’s Disaster Home Inspector classes are available at Kaplan Professional Schools’ Inspection Training Associates’ upcoming seminar, “Build a Stronger Tomorrow,” May 20–21 in Miami , Florida . Visit www.itaroadshow.com for more details. Additional classes are offered at several locations in California , Florida and Texas , with additional classes to come. Visit www.home-inspect.com for class dates and locations.
About Kaplan Professional Schools
Kaplan Professional Schools, a Kaplan Professional company, provides licensing and continuing education for the real estate (commercial and residential), appraisal, home inspection, mortgage, contractor, insurance and financial services industries. Kaplan Professional Schools is a division of Kaplan, Inc., leaders in education and test prep and a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). With more than 50 locations, Kaplan Professional Schools offers both classroom and distance education to help students earn their state certifications in the 15 states served. Kaplan’s instructors are the leaders in their field, with many years of industry and teaching experience. Distance education courses include textbook correspondence and online learning. For further information, please visit www.kaplanprofessionalschools.com or call 1-800-621-9621.
About Kaplan, Inc.
Kaplan, Inc. is a leading provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses and is comprised of four divisions: Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, which offers test prep and admissions services worldwide, including K12 services for schools; SCORE!, which offers after-school learning programs for children; Kaplan Professional, which offers licensing and continuing education training and compliance tracking; and Kaplan Higher Education, which offers postsecondary certificate and degree programs online and through 76 campus-based locations. Kaplan is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). For more information about Kaplan, please visit www.kaplan.com.
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Real Estate Appraisal Trainees Entering Growing Market; Facing Dramatic Increase in Education Requirement
-- Kaplan Professional Schools is Helping Professionals Meet the New Standards –
Lake Forest, CA, May, 2006 – Jobs in the appraisal field are growing, and the organizations responsible for the regulation of education and standards -- The Appraisal Foundation, the Appraiser Qualifications Board and the Appraiser Standards Board – have put in place a new and more stringent set of education requirements to ensure that appraisers conduct their business at the highest standards.
Effective January 1, 2008, the rules will change:
Licensed Appraiser – Education hours will increase from 90 to 150.
Certified Residential Appraiser – Education hours will increase from 120 to 200 hours and an Associates Degree will be required.
Certified General Appraiser – Education hours will increase from 180 to 300 hours and a Bachelor’s Degree will be required.
“Kaplan Professional Schools supports the effort to increase standards in the appraisal profession, and we will work closely with the Appraiser Qualifications Board to develop the courses that will assist new and experienced appraisers to understand the ethical guidelines of their profession - and to help them work within those guidelines,” said Josh Levenson, President of Kaplan Professional Schools.
In the past year, Kaplan Professional Schools has seen an increase of nearly 10% in appraisal training. According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2004, appraisers and assessors of real estate held about 102,000 jobs. According to the Bureau, the employment of appraisers and assessors of real estate is expected to grow faster than the average from 2004–14.
Real estate appraisal is a highly regulated industry with strict standards of practice and ethics. Substantial fines are given for those who do not follow the rules. But the high salaries and flexible schedules continue to make appraisal an attractive career.
While there is broad speculation about the real estate bubble bursting, appraisers are not as affected by a downturn. Home refinance, home improvement loans and other transactions require the continued services of an appraiser. In addition, the small number of appraisers in some regions makes room for new professionals.
The process for becoming an appraiser varies in each state, depending upon the level of appraiser. The cost ranges from $249 to $1,239 for exam preparation and test fees. The current education requirements range from 75-120 hours. However, one of the most challenging aspects about becoming certified is the required 2,000-2,500 hours of appraising experience over a 24-30 month time period. Candidates must find an experienced appraiser who will mentor, train and compensate them for their work.
Kaplan Professional Schools’ Appraiser Training Programs include training and continuing education for trainee appraisers, licensed appraisers, certified residential appraisers and certified general appraisers.
Classes are being conducted at schools across the country in preparation for the large number of people seeking an appraisal licensing before the requirements increase in 2008.
About Kaplan Professional Schools
Kaplan Professional Schools, a Kaplan Professional company, provides licensing and continuing education for the real estate (commercial and residential), appraisal, home inspection, mortgage, contractor, insurance and financial services industries. Kaplan Professional Schools is a division of Kaplan, Inc., leaders in education and test prep and a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). With more than 50 locations, Kaplan Professional Schools offers both classroom and distance education to help students earn their state certifications in the 15 states served. Kaplan’s instructors are the leaders in their field, with many years of industry and teaching experience. Distance education courses include textbook correspondence and online learning. For further information, please visit www.kaplanprofessionalschools.com or call 1-800-621-9621.
About Kaplan, Inc.
Kaplan, Inc. is a leading provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses and is comprised of four divisions: Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, which offers test prep and admissions services worldwide, including K12 services for schools; SCORE!, which offers after-school learning programs for children; Kaplan Professional, which offers licensing and continuing education training and compliance tracking; and Kaplan Higher Education, which offers postsecondary certificate and degree programs online and through 76 campus-based locations. Kaplan is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). For more information about Kaplan, please visit www.kaplan.com.
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Inspection Expo Coming to Las Vegas September 25-27
Gathering of Home Inspectors Provides Education and Networking for the Booming Home Inspection Industry
Las Vegas, July 7, 2006
Inspection Training Associates (ITA), a leader in home inspection training, will hold one of the largest home inspection conferences in the U.S. September 25-27, 2006 at Aladdin’s Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas. ITA is a part of Kaplan Professional Schools, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kaplan, Inc.
"Inspection Expo started as a reunion for ITA graduates and has turned into the premiere event for the industry," said Michael Casey, vice president and general manager of ITA. "Inspection Expo offers 49 different sessions, so whether an inspector is just beginning their career or they are a veteran inspector, there will be a topic of interest.”
Inspection Expo is expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees, with 50 exhibitors and over 30 of the profession’s most talented speakers. In addition, Inspection Expo provides many opportunities for hands on learning as well as business networking.
The event will address the latest developments in the home inspection profession with topics that directly impact today’s real estate market. In light of the recent post hurricane events, issues such as how homes withstand natural disasters, moisture intrusion and overall structural integrity will be addressed. The industry’s leading speakers also will bring “real life” experiences to the sessions.
“I have attended the past ten Inspection Expos, and each one keeps getting better and better,” said Mike Nelson of Certified Professional Inspection in Marion, New York. “The presentations are interesting and provide real-world guidance and information in a fun and lively environment. Every year I go back to my business with new eyes and better informed to service my customers!”
About Inspection Training Associates
Inspection Training Associates (www.home-inspect.com) is a leader in home inspection training, business startup support, home inspection reports and innovative products. With licensed schools across the country, graduates exceed 16,500 since 1987. Inspection Training Associates is a Kaplan Professional Company, based in Chicago, and is a unit of Kaplan, Inc., (www.kaplan.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).
About Kaplan, Inc.
Kaplan, Inc. is a leading provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses and is comprised of four divisions: Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, which offers test prep and admissions services worldwide, including K12 services for schools; SCORE!, which offers after-school learning programs for children; Kaplan Professional, which offers licensing and continuing education training and compliance tracking; and Kaplan Higher Education, which offers postsecondary certificate and degree programs online and through 76 campus-based locations. Kaplan is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). For more information about Kaplan, please visit www.kaplan.com.
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Kaplan Professional Schools Selects Market Hardware
-- Company to Provide Web Sites for Home Inspector School Graduates and Customers --
Contacts: Jenna Shields, Kaplan Professional Schools, Jenna.shields@kaplan.com, 312/894-0693
San Marcos, CA, January 22, 2007
Kaplan Professional Schools/Inspection Training Associates (ITA), one of the nation's largest home inspection schools offering home inspection licensing programs, preparation and continuing education, has partnered with Market Hardware to develop web sites for ITA’s graduates and customers. Market Hardware is a leading provider of industry-targeted Web site and Web marketing services.
“Market Hardware’s extensive experience with Web site provisioning for the home inspection industry made them a clear choice for Kaplan ITA,” said Michael Casey, General Manager, Kaplan Professional Schools/ITA. “Market Hardware is the best-of-breed at what they do. They will serve inspector’s marketing needs well.”
Under terms of the partnership, Market Hardware becomes the recommended and authorized provider of Kaplan Professional Schools/ITA’s Gold, Platinum and Executive-level Web sites for home inspectors. The sites will be localized and customized for each inspector while maintaining the brand and content standards of Kaplan Professional Schools/ITA.
“We know the home inspector industry inside and out,” stated Brian Kraff, Chief Executive Officer of Market Hardware. “Our partnership with Kaplan Professional Schools/ITA is a great example of how we build from the ground up in each category we serve.”
About Kaplan Professional Schools / Inspection Training Associates
A recent addition to the Kaplan Professional Schools network, Inspection Training Associates (ITA) is a leading provider of education, training and career resources for home inspectors. Kaplan Professional Schools provides licensing and continuing education for the real estate (commercial and residential), appraisal, home inspection, mortgage, contractor, insurance and financial services industries. Kaplan Professional Schools is a division of Kaplan, Inc., a global education firm and a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). For further information on Kaplan Professional Schools, please visit www.kaplanprofessionalschools.com or call 1-800-621-9621. For further information on Kaplan Professional Schools/ITA, visit www.learn2inspect.com or call 1-800-323-9235.
About Market Hardware
Market Hardware is a leading provider of professional and affordable website and web marketing tools for small service businesses in the home maintenance, personal service, and commercial and residential real estate sectors. With expert content and professional writing and targeted designs, its flagship service, the Complete Website Package, makes it easy for local service businesses to have a professional, custom web marketing presence that is optimized for their industry. For more information, visit www.markethardware.com.
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Kaplan Professional Schools Hires Financial Services Industry Veteran Bryan Moore
-- Company to Provide Web Sites for Home Inspector School Graduates and Customers --
Contacts: Jenna Shields, Kaplan Professional Schools, Jenna.shields@kaplan.com, 312/894-0693
Carrollton, TX, July 10, 2007
Kaplan Professional Schools, a leading provider of licensing and continuing education for the real estate and financial services industries, welcomes Bryan Moore as its new Southwest Regional Director.
Moore , 41, is responsible for all field operations for Kaplan Professional Schools in Texas , New Mexico , Oklahoma , Arkansas and Louisiana . Kaplan Professional Schools offers professional education services such as pre-licensing and continuing education courses for real estate, mortgage, home inspection, appraisal, securities and insurance professionals via live classroom, virtual classroom and online programs.
Moore comes to Kaplan with almost 18 years of experience in the financial services industry. He spent the past 12 years at Citigroup where he most recently served as Senior Vice President and National Training Director for Citibank North America’s investments and insurance divisions.
Moore was recognized during the early part of his career as a top performing investment consultant with Citibank, Merrill Lynch and Dean Witter Reynolds and has been NASD Series 7, Series 24 and Series 63 licensed for almost 18 years.
Moore graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Business, double majoring in Marketing and International Business. He will be relocating with his wife and two sons to Texas to work out of Kaplan’s Carrollton offices.
About Kaplan Professional Schools
Kaplan Professional Schools provides licensing and continuing education for the real estate (commercial and residential), appraisal, home inspection, mortgage, contractor, insurance and financial services industries. Kaplan Professional Schools is a division of Kaplan, Inc., a global education firm with 2006 revenue of nearly $1.7 billion, and a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). With more than 50 locations, Kaplan Professional Schools offers both classroom and distance education to help students earn their state certifications. Kaplan’s instructors are the leaders in their field, with many years of industry and teaching experience. Distance education courses include textbook correspondence and online learning.
For further information, please visit www.kaplanprofessionalschools.com or call 1-800-577-7585.
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