The National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliated Institutes, Societies, and Councils provide a wide range of programs and services that assist members in increasing 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. Many are offered through your local board/association or at REALTORS® Triple Play Convention and Expo each December.
Designations:
ABR: The Accredited Buyer’s Representative designation is designed for real estate buyer agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients at every stage of the home-buying process.
ALC: The esteemed Accredited Land Consultants 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.
CCIM: The Certified Commercial Investment Member 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.
CIPS: Instantly align yourself with the best in international real estate by earning the Certified International Property Specialist designation. The program includes five full days of study focusing on the critical aspects of international real estate transactions, and an influential network of 2,000 professionals who turn to each other first when looking for referral partners.
CPM: Certified Property Manager® designees are recognized as experts in real estate management. Holding this designation demonstrates expertise and integrity to employers, owners, and investors.
CRB: The Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager 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. Join today and discover a new approach to enhancing knowledge and leveraging opportunity.
CRS: The Certified Residential Specialist 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®.
CRE: The Counselors of Real Estate® is an international group of recognized professionals who provide seasoned, expert, objective advice on real property and land-related matters. Only 1,100 practitioners throughout the world carry the CRE® designation. Membership is by invitation only.
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®.
GREEN: Through NAR's Green Designation, the Green Resource Council provides ongoing education, resources and tools so that real estate practitioners can successfully seek out, understand, and market properties with green features.
GRI: REALTORS® with the Graduate REALTOR® Institute 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.
PMN: The Performance Management Network 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.
RCE: REALTOR® Certified Executive 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.
RAA: The Residential Accredited Appraiser designation is awarded to those whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification requirements and is supported by the National Association of REALTORS®.
SRS: The Seller Representative Specialist 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 practitioners by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB) who meet specific educational and practical experience criteria.
SIOR: The Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS® designation is held by only the most knowledgeable, experienced, and successful commercial real estate brokerage specialists. To earn it, designees must meet standards of experience, production, education, ethics, and provide recommendations.
SRES: The Senior Real Estate Specialist® designation program educates REALTORS® on how to profitably and ethically serve the real estate needs of the fastest growing market in real estate, clients age 50+. By earning the SRES® designation, you gain access to valuable member benefits, useful resources, and networking opportunities across the U.S. and Canada to help you in your business.
Certifications:
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.
e-PRO: NAR's e-PRO® certification teaches you to use cutting-edge technologies and digital initiatives to link up with today's savvy real estate consumer.
MRP: NAR's Military Relocation Professional certification focuses on educating real estate professionals about working with current and former military service members to find housing solutions that best suit their needs and take full advantage of military benefits and support.
PSA: Mastering the Pricing Strategies CMA will enhance your skills in pricing properties, creating CMAs, working with appraisers, and guiding clients through the anxieties and misperception they often have about home values.
RSPS: The Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist certification is designed for REALTORS® who facilitate the buying, selling, or management of properties for investment, development, retirement, or second homes in a resort, recreational and/or vacation destination are involved in this market niche.
SFR: The Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource® certification teaches real estate professionals to work with distressed sellers and the finance, tax, and legal professionals who can help them, qualify sellers for short sales, develop a short sale package, negotiate with lenders, safeguard your commission, limit risk, and protect buyers.
