Why Use a REALTOR
REALTOR® Designations
Explaining REALTOR® designations.
As professionals, real estate agents can receive designations for specialized training and for recognition of their sales success. In most cases these designations are not automatic for completion of a real estate class. And many of the classes associated with these designations are considered post-graduate studies that can be taken over the course of months or years. We've compiled a list of some of the designations below. On our search engine you will see these designations in the advanced search options. The definitions below will help you understand the designations to help you decide which are important to you in your search for a REALTOR®. Pay special attention to CRS, GRI, CRP, and LTG. These designations show a strong commitment to the real estate industry and the real estate profession.
ABRM – Accredited Buyer Representative Manager is geared to real estate firm brokers, owners and managers that have or wish to incorporate buyer representation into their daily practice. Designees have taken and passed both the ABR® and ABRM course and provided documentation of past management experience.
ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative
With more than 40,000 members, REBAC is the largest association of real estate professionals focusing on all aspects of buyer representation. More than 30,000 ABR® designees have completed the REBAC course, passed the test and provided documentation of buyer agency experience.
ALC – Accredited Land Consultant
ALC's are the recognized experts in land brokerage transactions of five specialized types: (1) farms and ranches; (2) undeveloped tracts of land; (3) transitional and development land; (4) subdivision and wholesaling of lots and (5) site selection and assemblage of land parcels. Valuable skills are acquired through educational offerings leading to the ALC designation.
CCIM – Certified Commercial Investment Member®
CCIMs are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, asset management valuation and investment analysis. The CCIM business network includes over 6,500 designees and 5,300 candidates principally in North America.
CIPS – Certified International Property Specialist
Many REALTORS® work with buyers and sellers from different countries or cultures. CIPS designees have demonstrated their international experience and participate in international programs offered by NAR.
CPM – Certified Property Manager®
CPM® members have the competitive edge in every area of real estate management from residential to commercial to industrial.
CRB – Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager
The Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) designation is recognized industry-wide as the measure of success in brokerage and real estate business management. The designation is awarded by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers to REALTORS® who have completed the Council's advanced educational and professional requirements. CRB designees consistently increase their level of industry knowledge, advance their earning and career potential, increase their firm's profitability, and benefit from active involvement in our network of real estate professionals.
CRS – Certified Residential Specialist®
REALTORS® can maximize their potential by earning the CRS Designation and joining the organization that has served the country's top-producing real estate professionals since 1977. CRS Designees benefit from nationwide referral opportunities, a professional image that attracts customers and sales and marketing support. The CRS Designation is awarded to experienced REALTORS® who complete advanced training in listing and selling.
CRE - Counselor of Real Estate
The Counselor of Real Estate is a member of The Counselors of Real Estate, an international group of recognized professionals who provide seasoned, objective advice on real property and land-related matters. Only 1,000 practitioners throughout the world carry the CRE designation. Membership is by invitation only.
GAA - General Accredited Appraiser
The GAA designation is awarded to appraisers whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification requirements and is supported by the National Association of REALTORS®.
GRI – Graduate, REALTOR® Institute
Perfect for newer residential REALTORS® who want a solid base of information for their practice will want to participate in the REALTOR® Institute program and earn the GRI designation. Held in quick 2-day modules, GRI courses are also a perfect fit for veteran REALTORS® who will benefit from new information to re-energize their business.
IREM – Institute of Real Estate Management
An affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®, IREM is the only professional real estate management association serving both the multi-family and commercial real estate sectors. IREM is an international organization that serves as an advocate on issues affecting the real estate management industry.
CPM Designation - Certified Property Manager
ARM Designation - Accredited Residential Manager
AMO Designation - Accredited Management Organization
PMN – Performance Management Network
This designation is unique to the REALTOR® family of designations, focusing on the idea that in order to enhance your business, you must enhance yourself. The curriculum is driven by the following topics: negotiating strategies and tactics, networking and referrals, business planning & systems, personal performance management and cultural differences in buying and selling.
RAA - Residential Accredited Appraiser
The RAA designation is awarded to appraisers whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification requirements and is supported by the National Association of REALTORS®.
RCE - REALTOR® Association Certified Executive
Association executives interested in demonstrating commitment to the field of REALTOR® association management should pursue the RCE designation. AEs are recognized for their specialized industry knowledge and their association achievements and experience.
SIOR – Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®
Individuals certified with the SIOR designation are top producers in industrial and office real estate brokerage, representing more than 800 offices in over 350 cities worldwide. The Society's mandatory recertification requirement assures clients of the designee's excellence in the fast changing commercial brokerage field.
List of all NAR and non-NAR Designations
Certification Programs:
At Home with Diversity Certification
AHWD certification relays to the public that those certified have been professionally trained in and are sensitive to a wide range of cultural issues, thus inviting a wider volume of business from a greater variety of cultures.
e-PRO Certification
The New Real Estate Professional must meet the needs and expectations of the Connected Consumer. The rules of business are changing, especially in the real estate industry. The e-PRO Certification Program is specifically designed to keep you on top of changes and help you thrive in the exciting and rewarding world of online real estate. Read more...
REPA
REPA is a comprehensive two-day certificate course that provides an intensive introduction to the real estate business and to the specific ways support staff can become valuable assets to their employers. Every administrative employee in the brokerage office, from listing secretary to the personal assistant, will benefit tremendously from this quick-start program.
