Online Escrow Officer Training Programs

<p>Becoming an <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Escrow_Officer_Become_an_Escrow_Officer_in_5_Steps.html">escrow officer</a> typically does not involve earning a specialized degree. While you may gain the knowledge required to become an escrow officer through on-the-job training, training programs and courses may enhance your employment opportunities. These programs are available on-campus and through a variety of distance learning options. </p> <p>For entry-level employment, you may choose to enroll in a certificate program that specializes in escrow. You can also choose to pursue an online degree, such as an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in real estate. There are also a variety of short escrow training programs and stand-alone escrow courses available online. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Options</b></td><td>Online certificate and stand-alone courses available; degrees in real estate are an option</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Fund disbursement, record keeping, terminology, statement preparation</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td>Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; specialized program requirements vary</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Course Structure</b></td><td>No special requirements; programs delivered through a variety of online formats</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Duties</b></td><td>Ensure titles are free of liens, hold deed until sale completion, distribute funds, pay real estate transaction bills</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td> $48,820 (for title examiners, abstractors, and searchers)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td> -3% (for title examiners, abstractors, and searchers)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3> <p>Online escrow officer training programs will prepare you for employment in settings involving real estate transactions, such as lending institutions, title companies or real estate agencies. You'll become knowledgeable in all aspects of real estate transaction and learn the correct procedures for ensuring that all documentation is correct and in compliance with federal, state and local regulations. </p> <p>Coursework may include terminology, record keeping, statement preparation, ethical issues in real estate transactions and fund disbursement. Most programs also combine training in title insurance with the escrow training. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheRequirementsForOnlinePrograms">What Are the Requirements for Online Programs?</h3> <p>In most cases, a high school diploma or equivalent is all that's required to enroll in escrow officer courses or programs. If you decide to pursue a degree that specializes in real estate and escrow, requirements will vary by school and level of study. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreOnlineProgramsLike">What Are Online Programs Like?</h3> <p>As an online student, you'll have the same classes that you'd have if you were attending an on-campus program. The main difference is that instead of face-to-face interaction with instructors and classmates, communication will take place via e-mail, message board or through the school's distance learning website. </p> <p>In most programs, you'll need a computer with Internet access, an e-mail address and office software, such as a word processor and presentation application. Your coursework may be delivered through a variety of ways including e-mail, DVDs or an Internet-based course system. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithEscrowOfficerTraining">What Can I Do with Escrow Officer Training?</h3> <p>As an escrow officer, your main responsibility will be to ensure that all of the necessary steps are taken during a real estate transaction and that both parties abide by the rules and regulations governing these types of transactions. These steps may include paying the bills that are part of the real estate transaction, making sure that titles are lien-free, distributing funds and holding the deed or deposit until the sale is finalized. You can find career opportunities working as an escrow officer, escrow assistant or loan secretary in a variety of places, such as banks, title companies, real estate agencies and lending institutions.</p>