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REALTOR® Designation Programs
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has nine affiliated Institutes, Societies, and Councils that provide a wide-ranging menu of programs and services that assist members in increasing skills, productivity and knowledge. Designations acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded by each Affiliated group upon completion of required courses. In addition, NAR offers two certification programs to its members.
- ABR, Accredited Buyer Representative
- ABRM, Accredited Buyer Representative Manager
- ALC, Accredited Land Consultant
- CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member®
- CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist
- CPM, CERTIFIED PROPERTY MANAGER®
- CRB, Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager
- CRS®, Certified Residential Specialist®
- CRE, Counselor of Real Estate
- GAA, General Accredited Appraiser
- GRI Graduate REALTOR Institute
- PMN, Performance Management Network
- RCE, REALTOR® association Certified Executive
- RAA, Residential Accredited Appraiser
- SIOR, Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®
- At Home with Diversity Certification
- REALTOR e-PRO®
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ABR, Accredited Buyer Representative
With over 40,000 members, REBAC is the largest association of real estate professionals focusing on all aspects of buyer representation. Over 30,000 ABR® designees have completed the REBAC course, passed the test and provided documentation of buyer agency experience.
REBAC (Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council)
Contact REBAC, 1-800-648-6224, or visit the REBAC Web site.
ABR (AcAcredited Buyer Representative) - This is a relatively popular and relatively easy to get designation offered by the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council, which is part of the National Association of Realtors. The ABR focuses on teaching members how to work with buyers. A lot of attention is paid to helping consumers sidestep legal land mines. |
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ABRM, Accredited Buyer Representative Manager
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 ABRMSM course and provided documentation of past management experience.
ABRM (Accredited Buyer Representative Manager) - This course is mostly for managers who have a lot of ABRs in their offices.
REBAC (Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council)
Contact REBAC, 1-800-648-6224 or visit the REBAC Web site. |
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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. Acquire valuable skills through educational offerings leading to the ALC designation.
ALC +
Accredited Land Consultant, offered by the Realtors Land Institute, www.rliland.com
REALTORS® Land Institute (RLI)
For information on the ALC designation call 1-800-441-5263, visit the RLI Web site or e-mail RLI. |
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CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member®
CCIMs are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, valuation and investment analysis. The CCIM business network includes more than 7,500 designees and an equal number of candidates principally in North America, but also in Asia and Europe. CCIMs are backed by a respected education program, as well as superior technology products and business resources.
CCIM Institute
Call 1-800-621-7027, visit the CCIM Web site. |
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CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist
The CIPS network is comprised of 1,500 real estate professionals from 50 countries who deal in all types of real estate, but with one common element: they are focused specifically on the "international" market. Whether traveling abroad to put deals together, assisting foreign investors, helping local buyers invest abroad, or serving an immigrant niche in local markets, CIPS designees are consumers' best resource to ensure they are dealing with a professional skilled in the unique aspects of international real estate.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Call NAR Customer Service at 800/874-6500, e-mail NAR International or visit the CIPS Education Web site. |
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CPM, CERTIFIED PROPERTY MANAGER®
Acquire valuable real estate management skills through educational offerings leading to the CPM® designation. CPM® members have the competitive edge in every area of real estate management from residential to commercial to industrial.
Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)
Contact Customer Service at 1-800-837-0706, Ext. 4650 or visit the IREM Web site. |
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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. The new CRB Designation Program now provides credit for management experience, higher education and previously earned NAR designations. Additional credits can be earned through the Council's management education programs delivered live or by Self Study on CD-ROM.
Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers
For more information, contact CRB, call 800.621.8738 or visit the CRB Web site. |
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CRS®, Certified Residential Specialist®
Agents can maximize their potential by earning the CRS® Designation and joining the organization that has served top-producing residential sales agents since 1977. The more than 35,000 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, and meet rigorous production requirements.
Council of Residential Specialists
Contact Customer Services at 1-800-462-8841, visit the CRS Web site. |
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CRE, Counselor of Real Estate
The Counselor of Real Estate – or CRE – 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 1,100 practitioners throughout the world carry the CRE designation. Membership is by invitation only.
Counselors of Real Estate
Call 1-312-329-8427 or visit the CRE Web site. |
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GAA, General Accredited Appraiser
Certified general appraisers wishing to increase their visibility should consider pursuing the GAA designation. 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®.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Call 1-800-874-6500 ext. 8393 or visit the NAR Appraisal page . |
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GRI Graduate REALTOR Institute
Members involved in residential real estate who want a solid base of information for their practice will want to participate in the REALTOR® Institute program and earn the GRI designation.
New! 2003 Graduate REALTOR® Institute Study (174K PDF file >>)
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Contact your State REALTOR® Association for course dates and locations or go to the listing of State REALTOR® Associations available here.
NAR maintains a clearinghouse of information for individuals interested in the GRI program. For more information, visit the new GRI site. |
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PMN, Performance Management Network
The Performance Management Network (PMN) is a new REALTOR® designation that's built from the ground up to bring you the real-world skills, the know-how and the tools that will keep your business out front and on top of a lighting-fast market. This designation is unique to the REALTOR® family 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.
Women's Council of REALTORS®
Contact the WCR Education Department, 1-800-245-8512 or visit the WCR Web site. |
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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.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Contact Renee Holland, 1-312-329-8545. More information can be found at the Association Executives Homepage. |
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Residential Accredited Appraiser
Certified residential appraisers wishing to increase their visibility should consider pursuing the RAA designation. 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®.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Call 1-800-874-6500, ext. 8393, or visit the NAR Appraisal page. |
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SIOR, Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®
Individuals certified with the SIOR designation are top producers in industrial and office real estate brokerage. SIOR's network includes more than 2,800 members in 480 cities in 20 countries on six continents. The Society's mandatory recertification requirement assures clients of the designee's excellence in the fast changing commercial brokerage field.
Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®
Contact Membership at 202-449-8200 or visit the SIOR Web site. |
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At Home with Diversity Certification
A ground-breaking professional education initiative designed to provide America's real estate professionals with training and tools to expand their businessas well as homeownership opportunities for more Americans.
AHWD certification relays to the public that those certified have been professionally trained in and are sensitive to a wide range of cultural issues inviting a wider volume of business from a greater variety of cultures.
For more information on this course and its business principles, please visit the At Home With Diversity sub-site or contact Diversity, 202/383-1201.
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REALTOR e-PRO®
REALTOR e-PRO® is a revolutionary training program presented entirely online to certify real estate agents and brokers as Internet Professionals. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is the first major trade group to offer certification for online professionalism. REALTOR® e-PRO is not just about technology - it's about how you can leverage your most powerful asset, your people-skills, into doing more business on the Internet.
REALTOR e-PRO® gives you:
- Exhaustive Internet Training
- Unique Competitive Advantage
- Professional Distinction
- CE credit is now available in several states
For more information on the REALTOR e-PRO certification, visit the REALTOR e-PRO® Web site. |
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REPAsm, Real Estate Professional Assistantsm 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. |
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Designations and certifications below that are recognized by the National Association of Realtors are marked with a +.
AAMC (Accredited Association Management Company) - This is a credential you may see if you are doing an inspection in a condo building or maybe even a property in a home owner association. The Community Associations Institute gives this certification to professional managers.
AMS (Association Management Specialist) - This is the basic designation given by the Community Associations Institute to those who have learned how to manage home owner and condo associations.
ARO (Accredited Residential Originator) - This is a mortgage industry certification that suggests a high degree of ethics and standards in the origination of residential mortgages.
ARU (Accredited Residential Underwriter) - This is a mortgage certification that can be earned by those who review credit and property applications typically involving one-to-four unit residential properties
CBG (Certified Graduate Builder) - This is an advanced certification for home builders that suggests a high level of education in business management, property management, sales and marketing of new homes.
+C-CREC (Certified-Consumer Real Estate Consultant) - The C-CREC is a fairly new certification course that is awarded to people who work on a fee-for-service basis. For instance, instead of using a real estate agent for the entire transaction, a buyer might hire a C-CREC to just help negotiate the deal after the buyer found the house.
+CEBA (Certified Exclusive Buyer Agent) - This is a rare and fairly rigorous certification course for buyer agents. Many CBEAs never work on the seller side of a deal. They'll only work for home buyers.
CGA (Certified Graduate Associate) - This is a basic certification for home builders that signifies some advanced education in management, sales and marketing.
CIRMS (Community Insurance and Risk Management Specialist) - A designation given by the Community Associations Institute for the study of insurance issues confronting home owner and condominium associations. If you're inspecting a problem property, someone with this designation may be hanging around.
CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) - A certification won by real estate agents who work exclusively in the million dollar-plus price range. A course is required, plus experience in selling upper-end homes.
CMB (Certified Mortgage Banker) - This is the basic certification of those who seek a higher level of professionalism in mortgage banking.
CMC (Certified Mortgage Consultant) - Someone who has demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of the mortgage profession and laws. Must have at least five years of experience in mortgage finance.
CMP (Certified New Home Marketing Professional) - The holder of this certification has taken sales training classes in new home sales.
CMT (Certified Mortgage Technologist) - This designation is designed for Information Technology (IT) professionals, managers, and executives in the real estate finance industry. The certification is held by people who understand how technology impacts mortgage banking.
CREA (Certified Real Estate Appraiser) - There are a couple of certifications available to people who are in the appraisal business. This one is offered by the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers. The course reminds appraisers of various factors that can impact the value of properties.
CPM (Certified Property Manager) - A growing number of real estate licenses also become involved in managing rental properties for the owners of those properties. The CPM teaches some of those skills.
CRB (Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager) - The holder of this certification is usually an office manager who is responsible for the actions of the sales associates on his staff. He may also be actively engaged in working with consumers.
CRE (Counselor of Real Estate) - Another fairly rare certification, CRE holders typically consult on complex commercial or industrial real estate deals, rather than residential deals.
CRMS (Certified Residential Mortgage Specialist) - A degree that signifies a high level of knowledge and experience in mortgage origination and finance. Holders of the CRMS must have at least two years of experience in mortgage finance or a related field.
CRP (Certified Relocation Professional) - This certification helps professionals understand issues involved when a corporation is moving either one employee or many employees. It involves things like coordinating movers and finding new schools for the kids.
CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) - This certification can take years for a real estate agent to earn but is considered one of the best in the real estate business. A CRS has successfully worked with a large number of buyers and sellers and taken extensive marketing courses. It is largely for professionals who work with home sellers, rather than buyers.
CSP (Certified New Home Sales Professional) - A certification given to those who have developed skills in the sales of new homes.
GAA (General Accredited Appraiser) - Another basic appraisal certification, this one offered by the National Association of Realtors, to help professionals understand how to set property values. Extensive course work and experience are required to obtain the certification, as well as state licensing.
GMB (Graduate Master Builder) - One of the highest designation in the home building industry, applicants must have 10 years of building experience, already be a CGA or have an equal certification in the remodeling business.
MCSP (Master Certified New Home Sales Professional) - A more advanced degree of education than required for the CSP.
PCAM (Professional Community Association Manager) - This is earned by individuals who take a special course from the Community Associations Institute.
+QSC (Quality Service Certified) - The QSC is offered to agents who are prepared to have consumer feedback about them posted publicly on the Internet.
+SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) - This is a relatively new certification gaining popularity inside the real estate industry. Holders of the SRES are trained to work with Baby Boomers and other older people looking at retirement, cashing out of the family home, or may have other real estate issues on the horizon.
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Appraisal Industry
CREA (Certified Real Estate Appraiser) - There are a couple of certifications available to people who are in the appraisal business. This one is offered by the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers. The course reminds appraisers of various factors that can impact the value of properties.
GAA (General Accredited Appraiser) - Another basic appraisal certification, this one offered by the National Association of Realtors, to help professionals understand how to set property values. Extensive coursework and experience are required to obtain the certification, as well as state licensing.
RAA (Residential Accredited Appraiser) - An appraisal course similar to the GAA offered by the Realtor association. Extensive coursework and experience is required.
Banking Industry
ARO (Accredited Residential Originator) - This is a mortgage industry certification that suggests a high degree of ethics and standards in the origination of residential mortgages.
ARU (Accredited Residential Underwriter) - This is a mortgage certification that can be earned by those who review credit and property applications typically involving one-to-four unit residential properties
CMB (Certified Mortgage Banker) - This is the basic certification of those who seek a higher level of professionalism in mortgage banking.
CMC (Certified Mortgage Consultant) - Someone who has demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of the mortgage profession and laws. Must have at least five years of experience in mortgage finance.
CMT (Certified Mortgage Technologist) - This designation is designed for Information Technology (IT) professionals, managers, and executives in the real estate finance industry. The certification is held by people who understand how technology impacts mortgage banking.
CRMS (Certified Residential Mortgage Specialist) - A degree that signifies a high level of knowledge and experience in mortgage origination and finance. Holders of the CRMS must have at least two years of experience in mortgage finance or a related field.
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Inspection industry
ASHI -- Member benefits include online discussion groups, access to technical and business resources, lobbying and public relations efforts raising awareness of the industry, a national referral directory, discounts and various publications.
NACHI - The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors
NACHI says it is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping home inspectors achieve financial success and inspection excellence. Formed in 1990, it claims over 9,400 members in all 50 states plus 22 countries, and 55 chapters. Even non-members may take the three free online exams required for membership -- the NACHI Online Inspector Examination, NACHI Ethics Obstacle Course and Standards of Practice Quiz - and review their results. They also may access a variety of information categories, including an online glossary of terms, marketing tips, participate in the online message board and get help choosing their company name by searching NACHI's database of inspection companies and locations.
NAHI - The National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc.
NAHI, established in 1987 as a non-profit association, calls itself the "Home Inspector-Friendly Association" and claims more than 1,900 members in 49 U.S. states and Canada. Member benefits include use of the NAHI logo, a newsletter, public relations support, a member e-forum, and listing in the NAHI referral directory.NAHI offers Associate Membership to new inspectors who have completed a 40-hour comprehensive home inspection training program or 20 full fee-paid inspections. They must submit a copy of a completed full home inspection report that meets NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics requirements, as well as complete at least eight Continuing Education Units annually.
NABIE - National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers
Established in 1989, NABIE is a non-profit, professional society that only accepts state-licensed professional engineers and registered architects specializing in building inspections. It claims 165 members. NABIE believes that "those aspects of building inspection which require the application of engineering principles constitute the practice of engineering and should only be performed by licensed professional engineers. Such aspects include but are not limited to the evaluation of commercial, industrial, and institutional building and residential dwellings, regarding the structural, electrical, or mechanical systems."
HIF - The Housing Inspection Foundation
HIF says it is "dedicated to the promotion and development of Home Inspection" and claims 4,500 members.
HIF offers a RHI, or Registered Home Inspector, designation to members with at least two years of experience in the home inspection field, or 50 inspections completed. Members are expected to adhere to the group's Code of Ethics and follow its Uniform Home Inspection Standards of Practice.
It also says it offers a CHI, or Certified Home Inspector, to members who have completed 50 home inspections and passed a 100-question, open book test mailed with a free Home Inspection Manual. There also is a continuing education requirement.
NIBI - National Institute of Building Inspectors®
The National Institute of Building Inspectors ® (NIBI) was formed in 1986 to provide professional training and certification. It operates a training facility in New Jersey and also offers online courses. It claims 350 members in the United States and Canada. NIBI ® Certified Inspectors are required to complete the NIBI ® training course, satisfactorily pass its exam or the National Home Inspectors Exam, complete at least 50 home inspections and submit the addresses, submit reports from two inspections for review and are required to carry Errors & Omissions liability insurance. They also must participate in the NIBI® Continuing Education Program and retake a certification exam annually.
NIBI® posts on its Web site a Code of Ethics and offers a members-only Message Board.
Consumers may search the NIBI® web site by state, and then view listings of NIBI® Certified Inspectors by county.
AII - American Institute of Inspectors®
The American Institute of Inspectors®, formed in 1989 as a non-profit corporation, claims over 300 members. It offers training courses for new and experienced inspectors.
The group offers Associate membership to anyone who pays the fee. Certified Membership requires successful completion of AII training; or passing another recognized certification exam, submitting three recent inspection reports for review and attending an AII new member seminar at an AII Conference. Certified members receive logo use, access to an Electronic Mail Hotline and a weekly newsletter, and a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
AIS - American Inspectors Society
Established in 1971 to "promote excellence within the home inspection industry," AIS offers a lifetime membership to those who complete its training program of classroom and in-the-field instruction, self study, and oral and written tests. Members must abide by the Standards of Practice and Code of Conduct.
Consumers may find AIS members by clicking on a state to get a name but then must call (770) 695-2894 for additional information.
NARIES - National Association of Real-estate Inspection & Evaluation Services
NARIES(tm), a for-profit corporation established in 1999, says it is open to everyone and includes among its members inspectors, appraisers, real estate professionals and others.
It is an outgrowth of Aries Co. (Architectural Review, Inspection & Evaluation Schools) , which offers correspondence home inspector training. NAREIS offers a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, along with publications and logo use.
Historic Building Inspectors Association
Formed in 2003 for inspectors actively involved in dealing with historic preservation, this group counts only a handful of members but says it has rejected more members than it has approved.
A member must passed either the NHIE or the NAHI CRI exam, complete at least 200 fee-paid inspections, maintain valid State or municipal licenses, and maintain 16 hours of continuing ed requirements annually. In addition, two inspection reports on buildings constructed before 1925 must be submitted for review.
Independent Home Inspectors of North America
IHINA says its primary mission is to help alert prospective homebuyers of the potential, or inherent, conflict of interest when a person/agent selling a house also recommends the person/ inspector to inspect it for the prospective buyer." IHINA claims 125 members in 24 states and Canada.
It believes state and provincial real estate licensing laws should be amended by adding a "firewall" between real estate agents and home inspectors, similar to that enacted by Massachusetts to prohibit real estate agents, other than buyer's agents, from "directly" recommending a home inspector.
Foundation for Independent Home Inspection (FIHI®)
The Foundation is a non-profit association of home inspectors who pledge "to put the interest of their clients above all else." It was formed in 2003, primarily for registered engineers.
Members must promise "to not be influenced by builders, mortgage companies, realtors, relocation organizations, sellers or anyone else with an interest in the outcome of a home inspection." and to follow the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
Here are some of the acronyms you might see on a home inspector's business card:
AII
Member of the American Institute of Inspectors, Associate Membership open to anyone paying the fee but Certified Membership requires passage of AII training program or another recognized certification exam.
AII Certified Member
Member of the American Institute of Inspectors who has completed AII training or passed another recognized certification exam, and had three recent inspection reports reviewed.
AIS
Member of the American Inspectors Society after passing its training program.
ASHI®
Member of the American Society of Home Inspectors and the logo can only be used by meeting certain qualifications. Three levels of membership - Candidate, Candidate with Logo, and Full. Candidate with Logo and Full must take an exam and have inspection reports verified. All levels require continuing education. www.ashi.org
Certified Home InspectorTM
Certified by the American Association of Home Inspectors, AAHI(tm). Must complete 90 hours of inspection education or three years of experience, plus pass a written exam.
CHI
Certified Home Inspector designation, requiring passage of 100-question open-book exam, offered by the Housing Inspection Foundation.
CRI
Certified Real Estate Inspector designation offered by the National Association of Home Inspectors. Must pass one of 3 nationally recognized exams, complete 250 fee paid inspections and then pass a CRI test. Annual review and continuing education required.
FIHI®
Member of Foundation for Independent Home Inspection, no test but must promise not to be influenced by others.
HBIA
Member of the Historic Building Inspectors Association, must pass a standardized exam, complete 200 fee-paid inspections and submit two reports on pre-1925 buildings.
HIF
Member of the Housing Inspection Foundation that offers RHI to those with two years of experience, or 50 inspections, and CHI to those completing 50 inspections and 100-question open book test.
IHINA
Member of Independent Home Inspectors of North America, no exam but must pledge not to solicit leads from real estate agents.
NABIE
Member of the National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers, state-licensed professional engineers and registered architects only.
NACHI
Member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Must pass three online tests for Associate level. Must participate in 100 inspections, take continuing ed and retake test annually for Full membership.
NAHI
Member of the National Association of Home Inspectors, two levels of membership plus CRI (certified Real Estate Inspector) designation available. Continuing education required for all and annual review for CRI.
NARIES(tm)
Member of National Association of Real-estate Inspection & Evaluation Services, open to anyone associated with the ARIES(tm) training program.
NIBI® Certified Inspector
Certification offered by the National Institute of Building Inspectors to those who have completed NIBI® training or passed the National Home Inspectors Exam, complete at least 50 home inspections and carry Errors & Omissions insurance plus go through annual re-certification.
RHI
Registered Home Inspector designation for those with two years of experience or 50 home inspections, offered by the Housing Inspection Foundation.
SPREI
The Society of Professional Real Estate Inspectors, no experience required.
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