5 Popular Realtor Certifications and Designations

Realtors who want to build their expertise in real estate can pursue Realtor certifications and designations offered by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and its affiliates. These credentials help you specialize in areas such as luxury home sales, international transactions, and property management, enhancing your credibility and earning potential.

Earning a Realtor certification or designation helps demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a particular real estate area. Realtor certifications and designations focus on luxury home sales, international home sales, and more. Specializing in niche markets, such as luxury or international real estate, often leads to higher commissions.

With certifications, you may enjoy greater earnings, a stronger client base, and a reputation as an expert in your specific areas of real estate.

What is a Realtor?

A Realtor is a licensed real estate professional who belongs to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). To use this title, you must first be a licensed real estate agent and then join a local NAR chapter, which grants membership at the local, state, and national levels. Requirements for joining a local chapter may vary, typically including an application and annual dues.

Read more: What Is a Real Estate Agent? Your 2024 Career Guide

5 popular Realtor certifications and other top designations 

To help increase your knowledge, earning power, and credentials as a Realtor, consider the following certifications and designations offered by or approved by the NAR. As you contemplate which is best for you, look for the credentials that can add value to the area of real estate you are pursuing and help you meet your professional goals.

1. Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) 

The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) designation, offered by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC), helps enhance your skills in advocating for home buyers. Tailored for agents who want to specialize in representing buyers, the ABR credential provides valuable tools and resources to improve the client experience throughout the home-buying process. 

Benefits of earning the ABR include: 

• Access to an online referral database

• Customizable postcards, advertisements, and handouts to use in marketing

• Industry insights via newsletters and webinars 

• Access to a private network of ABR network of Realtors 

• Use of the ABR logo 

Requirements

To earn the ABR credential, you have to complete a course offered through the Center for Realtor Development (CRD) and show proof that you've successfully closed at least five property sales, serving in the role of a buyer's agent. In addition, you must be a member of both the CRD and NAR to apply for this designation. 

Cost (US)

The ABR designation course is free for members (through December 31, 2024), and non-members pay $590 for an online course through CRD [1]. The cost of taking a course in person varies depending on the facilitator and venue. Elective courses cost between $79  and $260. You'll also pay a $185 application fee. You'll pay $75 per year to maintain your ABR designation and must keep your NAR membership active.

2. Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)

The CCIM Institute offers the prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation for real estate professionals with at least two years of experience who want to specialize in commercial and investment real estate. This designation sets you apart as a highly qualified expert in your field.

As a CCIM member, you can access a global network of professionals and valuable resources, including maps, templates, and the CCIM financial calculator. Additional benefits include discounts on CCIM educational training, resources, and materials, further enhancing your expertise and success in the industry. 

Requirements

To earn the CCIM designation, you must complete the required education courses, submit a portfolio demonstrating at least two years of experience in commercial real estate, and pass an exam.

Cost (US)

Earning the CCIM designation costs $8,256 for members and $10,210 for non-members [2].

3. Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)

The Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) is one of the NAR certifications designed for Realtors who work with buyers. Specifically, consider earning this certification if you want to specialize in international real estate transactions. It provides essential knowledge on tax laws, currency, exchange rates, and cross-cultural relations, helping you navigate the complexities of global deals. To earn the CIPS designation, you must have an active NAR membership and accumulate at least 100 points through relevant experience, as outlined on the CIPS application.

Requirements

To become a CIPS, you must be a National Association of Realtors member. You must complete five CIPS courses, including the two required courses on global real estate markets and transaction tools. Record on the CIPS application the activities you've participated in to earn the 100 experience points, pay the application fee, and make sure your dues are current.

Cost (US)

The cost to earn the CIPS varies depending on the country you're in and the course delivery method you choose. Online courses typically cost around $150, but NAR occasionally offers discounts that lower the price to $118 to $235. Depending on your membership status, you can purchase a bundle that includes five courses for $625 or $1,250. The application fee to receive the certification is $75.

4. Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS)

The Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) designation, offered by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (The Institute), is ideal for Realtors looking to excel in luxury markets worldwide. This prestigious certification helps Realtors access more high-end markets and meet clients' unique demands purchasing luxury homes. 

Earning the CLHMS designation has many advantages, including the potential for higher earnings, business growth, a stronger reputation in the luxury home market, and sharpened negotiation skills. It's an exceptional way to elevate your career and stand out in the competitive luxury real estate industry.

Requirements

To qualify for the CLHMS designation, you must have a valid real estate license, complete the required courses, meet minimum sales requirements, and have a current membership with The Institute. You must submit proof that you have sold at least three single-family homes, townhomes, condos, or cooperatives that qualify as luxury homes in your area.

Cost (US)

$545 for members (nonmembers are not eligible for designation).

5. Certified Property Manager (CPM)

The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) offers the Certified Property Manager (CPM) to Realtors with property management experience who want to advance their careers and move into higher-level positions. This designation provides valuable knowledge and skills, empowering you to confidently engage with investors, tenants, owners, and residents while enhancing your expertise in property management. Earning the CPM can create opportunities and potential for increased earnings in the industry. 

Requirements

To qualify for the CPM, you must enroll in the program, pay an enrollment fee, complete certification courses, and pass a test. Before earning the designation, you will need a valid real estate license and at least 36 months of qualifying real estate property management experience by graduation. You must pay your IREM due each year to maintain the credential.

Cost (US)

The total cost of earning the CPM designation is about $7,500 to $8,500, which includes all tuition, fees, and membership dues (nonmembers not eligible for designation). 

Can you get a Realtor certification online?

Yes, you can get a Realtor certification through the many online courses NAR and NAR affiliates offer. Work at your own pace to earn certifications, designations, and certification courses with the multiple online offerings. If you're already a member of NAR, you can view a list of courses on the Center for Realtor Development's website.

Read more: Real Estate Agent Salary Guide: What to Expect

Getting started with Coursera

Realtor designations and certifications can enhance your earnings as a Realtor and help you grow your business. Earning designations and certifications in real estate assure potential clients and other Realtors of your expertise in specialized housing markets and areas of real estate. 

You can also gain key Realtor skills, such as negotiation techniques, by enrolling in online courses such as Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills on Coursera. In this course, you can explore key skills and tactics for successfully negotiating in varying situations. Enroll today and add your career certificate credential to your resume, website, or social media channels after completing the course.