Become a Designated Realtor®

Become a Designated Realtor®

Designations and certifications are distinctions awarded to Realtors® who pursue advanced training in a wide range of real estate skills and specializations. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) offers 24 distinct designations, including the prestigious Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), which is offered exclusively by Minnesota Realtors®.

Designated Realtors® and those who receive certifications are more knowledgeable, provide better customer service, and win more long-term loyalty from customers than agents without accreditations. They also earn significantly more money.

Minnesota Realtors® offers classroom and online training for agents ready to take the next step in their career by earning designations. Offerings include the GRI and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS).

Be sure to check out the Center for Realtor® Development, which offers many online courses that count towards a designation or certification. NAR provides and its partners provide training for Realtors® to earn designations in 24 different areas of skills and knowledge. Learn more about each of these certifications by visiting Designations & Certifications on NAR's website.

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Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI)

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Center for Realtor® Development

Realtor® Designations

Realtor® Certifications

Graduate REALTOR® Institute

Graduate Realtor® Institute Logo

Earning the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation is a way to stand out to prospective home buyers and sellers as a REALTOR® who has gained in-depth market knowledge, increased proficiency in a broad array of subjects to enhance professionalism and business success.

As a GRI Designee, you wield competitive knowledge in Sales Processes, Marketing, Business Skills, Legal & Regulatory Issues, Risk Management, Technology, and Professional Standards. These standout skills will make you a standout Realtor® for current and future clients!

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Realtor® Designations

As a designated Realtor®, you are showcasing your experience and expertise in various real estate sectors. Designated Realtors® are acknowledged by NAR and affiliated groups upon completion of required courses. Designated Realtors® are offered extensive benefits that are continually improved upon and expanded. For this reason, maintaining a designation requires annual dues and continued membership in NAR.

Accredited Buyers Representative realtor designation logo

Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®)

ABR® designees work with home buyers at every stage of the homebuying process. The designation program establishes a foundation of training, skills, and resources to help real estate professionals succeed as a buyer's representative.

Accredited Land Consultant realtor designation logo

Accredited Land Consultant (ALC)

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 proven track record of transaction performance, and a commitment to professional growth.

Certified Commercial Investment Member realtor designation member

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.

Certified International Property Specialist realtor designation logo

Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)

Instantly align yourself with the best in international real estate by earning the CIPS designation. The designation requires completion of five full-day courses focusing on the critical aspects of international real estate transactions. CIPS designees are connected to an influential network of over 3,500 professionals who turn to each other first when looking for referral partners., and resources to help real estate professionals succeed as a buyer's representative.

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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.

Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager Realtor® Designation logo

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.

Certified Residential Specialist Certified Real Estate Broker Manager Realtor® Designation logo

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®.

Counselor of Real Estate® Realtor® Designation logo

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.

General Accredited Appraiser Realtor® Designation logo

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®.

NAR's GREEN Realtor® Designation logo

NAR's GREEN Designation (GREEN)

Through NAR's GREEN Designation, the GREEN Resource Council provides ongoing education, resources and tools to help real estate practitioners find, understand, and market properties with green features.

Graduate Realtor® Institute Realtor® Designation

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.

Performance Management Network Realtor® Designation logo

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.

Realtor® Association Certified Executive Realtor® Designation logo

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.

Residential Accredited Appraiser Realtor® Designation loho

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®.

Seller Representative Specialist Realtor® Designation logo

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.

Society of Industrial and Office Realtors® Realtor® Designation logo

Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS® (SIOR)

The SIOR 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.

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Senior Real Esate Specialist® (SRES®)

The SRES® 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.

Realtor® 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 Realtor® Certification logo

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.

Certified Real Estate Team Specialist Realtor® Certification logo

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.

Commitment to Excellence Realtor® Certification logo

Commitment to Excellence (C2EX)

The REALTORS® Commitment to Excellence is a program in which REALTORS® strive for excellence in a number of competencies, including the NAR Code of Ethics, the laws and regulations affecting real estate, and one’s advocacy efforts on behalf of strong real estate markets and healthy communities. The Commitment to Excellence also extends to the way REALTORS® interact with one another and with consumers and to the need to maintain one’s professional education. The Commitment also asks broker-owners and principals of real estate companies to maintain an environment that promotes excellent customer service.

Digital Marketing: Social Media Realtor® Certification logo

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.

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e-PRO®

NAR's e-PRO® certification program helps REALTORS® master the advanced digital marketing techniques of today. With the e-PRO® certification, REALTORS® increase their ability to reach customers, expand their capabilities, and build trust by safeguarding client information.

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Home Finance Resource (HFR)

The Home Finance Resource Certification course is designed to teach REALTORS® how to explain key pieces of the loan origination process to clients and confidently answer questions about mortgage options.

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Inside Sales Agent

The Inside Sales Agent certification program teaches REALTORS® the art of cultivating leads and adding qualified customers to the office’s sales funnel. The certification provides opportunities to learn and practice the skills and techniques top agents use to turn leads to clients and existing customers into repeat business while helping you build your lucrative career.

Luxury Home Realtor® Certification logo

Luxury Home Certification (LHC)

Luxury Homes Certification is for agents looking to hone their skills in the ever-growing luxury home market. The courses included will give REALTORS® the knowledge they need to approach the luxury niche, including pricing strategies, negotiation tactics, and how to stand out from the crowd.

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Military Relocation Professional (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.

Pricing Strategy Advisor Realtor® Certification logo

Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA)

Enhance your skills in pricing properties, creating CMAs, working with appraisers, and guiding clients through the anxieties and misperceptions they often have about home values with NAR’s PSA (Pricing Strategy Advisor) certification.

Real Estate Investing Realtor® Certification logo

Real Estate Investing (REI)

The Real Estate Investing (REI) certification program is for REALTORS® who want to master the ins and outs of working with investors and those who are establishing themselves as real estate investors.

Real Estate Negotiation Expert Realtor® Certification logo

Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE)

The Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) certification is for real estate professionals who want to sharpen their negotiation and client advocacy skills.

Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist Realtor® Certification logo

Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS)

This 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.

Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource Realtor® Certification logo

Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource (SFR®)

The SFR® 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.

Smart Home Realtor® Certification logo

Smart Home

The Smart Home certification is for real estate professionals who want to develop expertise in the technology, privacy issues, and best transition tactics involved in selling smart homes.