LTI's Model Training Program

Here's a model training plan for your employees which incorporates elements for new and veteran employees, as well as a mix of audio, video, distance learning, team-building, and face-to-face training opportunities:

Module 1: Company Orientation

Independent Reading/Review

• Personnel Policy Manual
• Company Operations Manual
• Company Web Site Overview
• Company Software Manual
• Basic Computer Applications (Microsoft Training available free online!)
• Underwriter Manual

Module 2: Job-Specific Training

• One-on-One Training with Experienced Staff
• Job Training (Overview and description of duties)
• Job Shadowing (Watch and learn from experienced staff)
• Duplication of Duties (Perform duties in parallel with experienced staff)

Module 3: Industry Training: Beginner

LTI Video-based Training

• The Need For Land Title Services (12 minutes)
• Claims Awareness (14 minutes)
• Principles of Title Searching (16 minutes)

LTI Distance Learning

• Title 101 (a.k.a. "Course 1") includes basic instruction on Searching, Evidencing, Abstracting, Insurance, Underwriting, Regulations, and more. CE Credit is available in selected states. (Completion time frame: 1-3 months)

State-Specific Training (formats vary)

• Pre-Licensing Course

Module 4: Industry Training: Intermediate

LTI Video-based Training

• This Land Is My Land, That Land is Your Land (41 minutes)
• Behind the Scenes: A Look at the Settlement Process (22 minutes)
• Closing Real Estate Transactions: Process and Problem-Solving with the HUD-1 (21 minutes)
• The Return of Thaddeus Eagle: Completing a Title Insurance Commitment Form (18 minutes)
• The Policy Detectives: An Introduction to ALTA®'s 2006 Loan and Owner's Policies (41 minutes)

Independent Reading/Review

• Visit your State or Regional Land Title Association Web site
• Visit ALTA®'s Web site at www.alta.org
• Visit ALTA®'s consumer information and information site, Home Closing 101, at www.homeclosing101.org
• Review ALTA®'s Consumer Initiative & Principles of Fair Conduct

Module 5: Industry Training: Advanced

LTI Distance Learning

• Title 201 (a.k.a. "Course 2") includes advanced instruction on Easements, Water Rights, Reinsurance, and more. CE Credit is available in selected states. (Completion time frame: 1-3 months)
• Escrow Accounting Procedures teaches a model system of managerial practices designed to minimize your risk in handling escrow funds. (Completion time frame: 2-3 hours)

Ongoing: Future Training | Telephone Seminars | Lecture | Classroom

Be sure to promote a career path and professional development for your employees. Employees who see a future for themselves with your company and feel connected to the company mission are likely to become long-term successful contributors. Consider cross-training employees to expand your resources and enhance employee knowledge base. Also consider a management development program, which may include some or all of the following:

• Local & Regional Seminars, Powered by State & Regional Land Title Associations.
• ALTA® Telephone Seminars, Powered by KRM. Great business basics topics, like HR, Sales, etc.
• ALTA® Major Meetings & Professional Development Tracks. CE Credit is available in selected states.

Ongoing: Team Training | Mentoring | Lunch & Learn

As your training program proceeds, ensure that new information and knowledge is a priority for all staff. The Title Triumph® Board Game is a great tool for keeping veteran staff sharp and building team unity with new hires. Title Triumph® is a unique and challenging twist in education - and it's the only title-specific board game available. Play it at your conference or break room table. No high tech equipment needed. The topics, including closing & escrow; search & exam; commitments & policies; and general industry knowledge, will test employees' knowledge and comprehension:

• Title Triumph® Board Game (Level I)
• Title Triumph® Board Game (Level II)
• Tips for getting more out of Title Triumph®:
  • Start staff meetings with 5 questions and $5. Award $1 for each correct answer. Keep a year-long tally of the person who answers the most questions correctly and award a $50 gift card.
  • Use actual examples and company "war stories" to write new question cards.
  • Customize questions for your state laws and regulations.