CRS—Certified Residential Specialist
Dubbed the “PhD of designations,” the CRS combines classroom study with demonstrable productivity in the field. It is the highest credential that residential sales agents, managers, and brokers can obtain.
Break Out from the Pack by Specializing
A growing number of Realtors® add value to client relationships by specializing in different areas of service. Does your demographic include a lot of downsizing Baby Boomers? Getting a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation can help you address the unique needs of older home sellers and buyers. Perhaps your community has a lot of ethnic diversity. The At Home with Diversity (AHWD) certification helps you better serve clients by expanding your cultural awareness and sensitivity. Doing business in the heart of lake country? A Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) certification makes you an expert on different aspects of the recreation and lifestyle market, from tax structures for vacation and second homes to real estate investment. From specializing in environmentally sustainable homes (NAR’s GREEN designation) to buying and selling international properties (Certified International Property Specialist), there is a designation or certification that will heighten your knowledge, hone your skills, and make you a more professional and profitable Realtor®.
Your Quick Guide to Designations and Certifications
Below you’ll find an overview of the designations and certifications currently offered by NAR. Visit the Designations and Certifications page on NAR’s website for more information, and see new designations and offerings here.
ABR—Accredited Buyer’s Representative
For agents who work with buyer-clients at every stage of the home-buying process. Rooted in the Code of Ethics, the ABR explores issues and trends impacting home buyers.
ALC—Accredited Land Consultant
The ALC makes you a high-performing land professional with deep knowledge in land brokerage, land investment analysis, and tax-deferred 1031 exchanges.
CCIM—Certified Commercial Investment Member
Commercial real estate’s global standard for professional achievement makes you proficient in the theory and practice of commercial investment.
CIPS—Certified International Property Specialist
This designation is indispensable for those wanting to enter and compete in the international real estate business. You’ll gain the knowledge and tools you’ll need to research, network, and build a global business.
CPM—Certified Property Manager
Transform your property management skills and expand your earning potential by learning advanced financial and asset management capabilities.
CRB—Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager
The CRB raises professional standards by sharpening expertise in brokerage management and strengthening individual and office performance.
CRS—Certified Residential Specialist
Dubbed the “PhD of designations,” the CRS combines classroom study with demonstrable productivity in the field. It is the highest credential that residential sales agents, managers, and brokers can obtain.
CRE—Counselors of Real Estate
Membership in this elite group is usually by invitation only. Its 1,100 members have long track records of commercial property expertise, and provide seasoned, objective advice on real property and land-related matters. Some commercial practitioners with a decade of proven experience are eligible to apply.
GAA—General Accredited Appraiser
Going far beyond the requirements of ordinary appraisers, this designation distinguishes professionals with superior knowledge and capabilities.
GREEN—NAR’s Green Designation
Gain in-depth knowledge about issues of energy and sustainability in real estate, and help clients make intelligent choices about green technology.
GRI—Graduate, Realtor® Institute
A wide-ranging course of study examining legal and regulatory issues, technology, professional standards, marketing, business skills, the sales process, and risk management. Administered exclusively by MNR in Minnesota.
PMN—Performance Management Network
Focusing on business leadership, the PMN provides practical skills in management, negotiation, networking, and business planning.
RCE—Realtor® Association Certified Executive
The RCE helps association executives develop goal-oriented leadership and enhance skills in management, mentoring, and networking.
RAA—Residential Accredited Appraiser
The RAA provides knowledge and skills beyond and above standard requirements for residential appraisers.
SRS—Seller Representative Specialist
The premier credential in seller representation, the SRS provides a comprehensive foundation of skill development, training and resources that help Realtors® enhance personal performance and fully represent the interests of sellers in today’s marketplace.
SIOR—Society of Industrial and Office Realtors®
Designed for commercial specialists in industrial and office markets, the SIOR lets you select a focus in one of six categories, including Industrial, Office, Industrial & Office, Sales Management, Executive Management, and Advisory Services.
SRES—Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Realtors® with SRES are well equipped to meet the needs of maturing Americans when selling, buying, relocating, or refinancing residential or investment properties.
AHWD—At Home with Diversity
The AHWD teaches Realtors® how to conduct business with sensitivity to all client profiles and build a business plan to successfully serve them.
C-RETS—Certified Real Estate Team Specialist
Improve team development, individual leadership skills, and financial performance with this intensive specialization. You’ll get the tools, strategies, and knowledge that team leaders need to develop their management skills.
DMSM—Digital Marketing: Social Media
Develop the expertise to plan, implement, and manage your business’s social media strategy. You’ll learn to interpret analytics and engagement, reassess and revise strategies, and build best practices for risk management into your social media strategy.
e-PRO—Digital Marketing
Master digital marketing techniques and expand your ability to reach customers while safeguarding client information.
MRP—Military Relocation Professional
The MRP educates you about the world of military benefits and support and provides the skills you need to find the best housing solutions for current and former military service members.
PSA—Pricing Strategy Advisor
The PSA makes you an expert in pricing properties, creating CMAs, working with appraisers, and educating clients about realistic home values. You’ll master the terminology of pricing and valuation, and related Code of Ethics issues. Plus, you’ll learn how to identify appropriate comparables, and incorporate the role of supply and demand in pricing.