The Leadership Academy program is designed to cultivate and empower future leaders in the real estate industry. Through a blend of in-person and virtual sessions, the Academy provides participants with essential skills, valuable networking opportunities, and comprehensive insights to help them excel in their professional roles.
Applications for the 2027 class will be accepted beginning on Nov. 12, 2025 and the application period will close on Feb. 10, 2026.
National Association of REALTORS'® Leadership Academy (NARLA) participants are something special, and while each of our applicants are evaluated based on the selection criteria below, we are also looking for that indelible extra element that tells us that you connect with our mission.
More than a volunteer... The ideal candidate has not just participated in volunteer activities, they have found a hands-on passion for giving back and creating change in a specific way. They have fed that passion regularly over time, resulting in a genuine journey of service both within or outside of the REALTOR® organization.
More than interested in leadership... The ideal candidate doesn’t just think they are interested in leadership – they have sought out experiences in a variety of leadership settings and developed a complex understanding of the real estate industry and its current challenges. Because of this, they have some insight into how they might want to fit into that system and what they want to contribute to the world of real estate.
More than good on paper... The ideal candidate is well-rounded and inclusive. They are able to work with diverse groups of people and excel at finding and building connections with others. They are an effective spoken and written communicator who celebrates the diversity in others.
The following factors will be considered during the admission process:
You are likely overqualified if you have served on one or more of these positions:
You are overqualified if you have served as:
*Except if appointed by virtue of another position
If you have any questions about the application process, please email narla@nar.realtor.
1. Please answer all the questions on the application.
2. Your application must be submitted through the Reviewr portal. Your application is saved as you move through the form. You can save your application and return to further edit it using your email address and password you provided when you created an account.
3. Three (3) professional references are required with your application from the following categories:
a) Current or past local and/or state association executive
b) Current or past local and/or state REALTOR® officer
c) Current or past officers from NAR’s affiliates, societies, and councils
d) Current or past officers from community organizations
e) Current or past officers from real estate multicultural organizations
4. Your application will not be considered complete until all three references have been received. You will receive a confirmation email when your application and references are complete.
5. You can track the submission of your references within your application in Reviewr. You may also edit your application to remove and add a new reviewer, if necessary.
6. Proof of attendance at educational events or background information is not required BUT may be requested.
7. We reserve the right to audit any or all documentation.
Please note: For security and performance reasons, your session may time out if the page is left idle for too long. We recommend saving your work regularly to avoid losing any progress.
