Zoom Instructions and Tips

RAR and CVR MLS offer virtual classes via the Zoom meeting platform. Registration is required and available on learning.RARealtors.com or through the RAR calendar.

You will be notified about instructor question submission preferences prior to the start of class.

Some instructors will accept question submissions via the chat or through the RAR staff host. Other instructors prefer attendees to use the Raise Hand button and will give you opportunities to ask questions verbally.

Click here to test your audio and video connection by joining a Zoom test meeting.

We recommend joining the Zoom meeting 20 minutes before the start of class, as this will give you adequate time to test your audio connection and camera. You will also have time to send any questions to the meeting host.

Mobile App Testing: Open the Zoom app and start a test meeting by selecting New Meeting > Start Meeting. If prompted, allow Zoom access to your microphone and camera. You can then verify that your audio and video are working properly.

iPhone/iPad (iOS):
If Zoom cannot access your microphone or camera:

  • Open Settings
  • Scroll down and tap Zoom (or Apps > Zoom on newer iOS versions)
  • Ensure Microphone is enabled
  • Ensure Camera is enabled

Android:
If Zoom cannot access your microphone or camera:

  • Open Settings
  • Tap Apps
  • Select Zoom
  • Tap Permissions
  • Ensure Microphone is allowed
  • Ensure Camera is allowed

As a virtual class attendee, you will have access to the following features:

Mute / Unmute: We ask that you keep your microphone muted unless your instructor or meeting host requests otherwise. Clicking the arrow to the right of the Mute button will allow you to change the microphone and speaker that Zoom is currently using on your computer, disconnect your audio or access the full audio settings.
Alternatively, you can use the following keyboard shortcuts to mute or unmute yourself:
  • Press and hold SPACE to temporarily unmute yourself
  • Windows: Alt + A to unmute
  • Mac: Shift + Command + A to unmute
Start Video / Stop Video: This will turn your camera on or off. Students attending credited classes must stay on camera while class is in session.
Participants: This button will allow you to see your instructor and any staff hosts. Other meeting attendees will not be visible once Focus Mode is turned on at the start of class. Clicking the arrow to the right of the Participants button will allow you to change your display name on Zoom.
Chat: This will open the chat window, allowing you to send questions to the meeting host.
Leave Meeting: Leave the meeting.

The meeting chat will be available for questions directed to the RAR staff host or instructor only.

If you appear to be off camera during a credited class, the RAR staff host will contact you via chat, as staying on camera is required. For this reason, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the chat feature.

If an RAR virtual program or class is free, noncredited and open to all RAR Members, then you can have a “watch party” with other members of your firm.

Click here to download our tips and tricks for hosting a successful office watch party.

Click here to view all School Policies.

If you get disconnected for any reason while class is in session, head to learning.RARealtors.com and navigate to the page of your virtual class. There, you’ll see a large blue button with the word Join. Click this button to return to your Zoom meeting.

Alternatively, you can open the reminder email you received prior to class and follow the Zoom instructions listed there.

Once you return, send a chat to the host explaining what happened and how long you were away.

If you have ongoing technical issues, tell your host in a private message. If that is not possible, contact programs@RARealtors.com. 

10-minute breaks will be held after each hour of class. During this time, attendees are permitted to turn off their cameras. You must have your camera on by the time class resumes.

You must test your camera and audio connection before class begins. Utilize the tests available for Zoom meetings at zoom.us/test.

Appearing and remaining on camera for the duration of the class is mandatory in order to receive credit for your attendance, per the Virginia Real Estate Board. A staff host will be present to observe attendance for the instructor.

  • Credited Courses: Attendees must ensure that their name on Zoom matches the name on their real estate license and must stay on camera throughout the duration of the class
  • Noncredited Courses: Attendees must ensure that their name on Zoom matches the name on their real estate license

If you are off-camera for an extended period of time, the RAR staff host will send you a private message to request that you come back on camera. If you remain off-camera, you will be removed from class.

We recommend joining the Zoom meeting 20 minutes before the start of class, as this will give you adequate time to test your audio connection and camera. You will also have time to send any questions to the meeting host. 

Please note that all participant microphones will be muted while class is in session. If you have a question at any time during class, please open the chat and send your question directly to the RAR staff host. Do not unmute your microphone unless asked to do so by your instructor or meeting host.  

Sign-in ends 10 minutes after the start of class, after which time no one is permitted to enter the class. Click here for more information on school policies.