Real Estate Designations and Certifications

The National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliated Institutes, Societies, and Councils provide a wide range of programs and services that help members increase their skills, proficiency, and knowledge. Designations and certifications acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded by NAR and each affiliated group upon completion of required courses.

Real estate designations and certifications through NAR are specialized credentials for REALTORS®. Both designations and certifications are forms of real estate agent education that require real estate professionals to be active members of NAR. The difference between the two is that a designation requires annual dues, but a certification only requires an application fee without annual dues.

Designation and Certification Guidelines and Promotional Materials for Associations

NAR Family Designations

Designations are specialized credentials for REALTORS®. Designations offer extensive benefits that are continually improved upon and expanded. For this reason, maintaining a designation requires annual dues and continued membership in NAR.

ABR® designees advocate for homebuyers, and are recognized as distinguished agents in the industry. The designation program establishes a foundation of training, skills, and resources to help real estate professionals succeed as a buyer’s representative.

Presented by REBAC (Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council) and the Center for REALTOR® Development
Contact REBAC at [email protected] or 800-648-6224.

Accredited Land Consultant / ALC

The esteemed Accredited Land Consultants (ALCs) are the most trusted, knowledgeable, experienced, and highest-producing experts in all segments of land. Conferred by the REALTORS® Land Institute, the designation requires successful completion of a rigorous LANDU education program, a specific, high-volume and experience level, and adherence to an honorable Code of Conduct.

• See course information.

Presented by the REALTORS® Land Institute (RLI)
Contact RLI at 800.441.5263 or [email protected].

Certified Commercial Investment Member / CCIM

The Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation is commercial real estate’s global standard for professional achievement, earned through an extensive curriculum of 200 classroom hours and professional experiential requirements. CCIMs are active in 1,000 U.S. markets and 31 other countries and comprise a 13,000-member network that includes brokers, leasing professionals, asset managers, appraisers, corporate real estate executives, investors, lenders, and other allied professionals.

• See course information.

Presented by the CCIM Institute
Contact CCIM at 800-621-7027 or www.CCIM.com.

Certified Property Manager® / CPM®

CPM® designees are recognized as experts in real estate management. Holding this designation demonstrates expertise and integrity to employers, owners, and investors.

• See course information.

Presented by Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)
Contact IREM® at 800-837-0706, ext. 4650.

Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager / CRB

The Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) is one of the most respected and relevant designations offered in real estate business management and is awarded to REALTORS® who have completed advanced educational and professional requirements. CRB Designees are better positioned to streamline operations, integrate new technology and apply new trends and business strategies.

• See course information.

Visit REBInstitute.com or contact the Real Estate Business Institute (REBI) at [email protected] or 800-621-8738

Certified Residential Specialist / CRS

The CRS designation is the highest credential awarded to residential sales agents, managers, and brokers. On average, CRS designees earn nearly three times more in income, transactions, and gross sales than non-designee REALTORS®.

• See course information.

Presented by Residential Real Estate Council
Contact RRC at https://www.crs.com/about-us/contact-us or 800-462-8841.

Counselor of Real Estate® / CRE®

The Counselors of Real Estate® is an organization of commercial property experts worldwide who provide seasoned, objective advice on real property and land-related matters. Only 1,100 professionals from all disciplines of real estate, academia and government hold the CRE credential. Membership is selective and extended by invitation, although commercial real estate practitioners with 10 years of proven experience may apply.

Presented by The Counselors of Real Estate®
Contact CRE® at 312-329-8427 or [email protected].

General Accredited Appraiser / GAA

For general appraisers, this designation is awarded to those whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification requirements and is supported by the National Association of REALTORS®.

• See course information.

Presented by National Association of REALTORS®
Contact GAA program staff at 800-874-6500 ext. 8268 or email [email protected].

Graduate, REALTOR® Institute / GRI

REALTORS® with the GRI designation have in-depth training in legal and regulatory issues, technology, professional standards, and the sales process. Earning the designation is a way to stand out to prospective buyers and sellers as a professional with expertise in these areas.

• See course information.

Presented by National Association of REALTORS®
Contact your State Association to get information on program requirements, course schedules, location, and tuition.

Performance Management Network / PMN

This designation is unique to the REALTOR® family designations, emphasizing that in order to enhance your business, you must enhance yourself. It focuses on negotiating strategies and tactics, networking and referrals, business planning and systems, personal performance management and  leadership development.

• See course information.

Presented by Women’s Council of REALTORS®
Contact the Women’s Council of REALTORS® at 800-245-8512.

REALTOR® Association Certified Executive / RCE

RCE is the only professional designation designed specifically for REALTOR® association executives. RCE designees exemplify goal-oriented AEs with drive, experience and commitment to professional growth.

• See course information.

Presented by National Association of REALTORS®
Contact Renee Holland at 312-329-8545 or [email protected].

Residential Accredited Appraiser / RAA

For residential appraisers, this designation is awarded to those whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification requirements and is supported by the National Association of REALTORS®.

• See course information.

Presented by National Association of REALTORS®
Contact RAA program staff at 312-329-8268 or email [email protected].

Seller Representative Specialist / SRS

The Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) designation is the premier credential in seller representation. It is designed to elevate professional standards and enhance personal performance. The designation is awarded to real estate professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential for seller advocacy. SRS designees represent a global community of REALTORS® who use their advanced training and expertise to go above and beyond their client’s expectations.

• See course information.

Visit www.REBInstitute.com or contact the Real Estate Business Institute (REBI) at [email protected] or 800-621-8738.

NAR Family Certifications

Like designations, certifications are also specialized credentials for REALTORS®. Maintaining a certification requires only an application fee and continued membership in NAR, but no annual dues.

At Home With Diversity® / AHWD

Learn to work effectively with – and within – today’s diverse real estate market. The At Home With Diversity® certification teaches you how to conduct your business with sensitivity to all client profiles and build a business plan to successfully serve them.

• See course information.

Presented by the National Association of REALTORS® and the Center for REALTOR® Development
For more information on this course and its business principles, please contact us at [email protected] or 800-874-6500 ext. 8393.

Broker Price Opinion Resource / BPOR

The BPOR certification is no longer being awarded to members. Approximately 6,000 members have earned BPOR.

Certified Real Estate Team Specialist / C-RETS

The Certified Real Estate Team Specialist (C-RETS) certification is designed to improve team development, individual leadership skills, and financial performance. C-RETS courses provide the tools, strategies, and knowledge that are required of today’s real estate professionals who are either considering or currently operating in a team environment. It is for team leaders, team members, those looking to start a team, and those who simply want to sharpen their management skills.

• See course information.

Visit www.REBInstitute.com or contact the Real Estate Business Institute (REBI) at [email protected] or 800-621-8738.

Digital Marketing: Social Media

The RRC Digital Marketing: Social Media certification is for real estate professionals who want to develop expertise with social media resources and the sites that are an essential part of today’s digital marketing mix, whether you are promoting your business or the properties you represent.

• See course information.

Presented by Residential Real Estate Council
Contact RRC at https://www.crs.com/about-us/contact-us or 800-462-8841.