The National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliated Institutes, Societies, and Councils provide a wide-range of programs and services that help members increase their skills, proficiency, and knowledge. Designations and certifications acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded by NAR and each affiliated group upon completion of required courses. Some courses are available online via NAR's Center for REALTOR® Development.
NAR Designations
The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation is designed for real estate buyer agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients at every stage of the home-buying process.
The Accredited Land Consultants (ALCs) are the most trusted, knowledgeable, experienced, and highest-producing experts in all segments of land. Becoming an ALC requires successful completion of a rigorous education program, a proven track record of transaction performance, and a commitment to professional growth.
The Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation designation is commercial real estate’s global standard for professional achievement, earned through an extensive curriculum of 200 classroom hours and professional experiential requirements.
The Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation is for REALTORS® from the United States and abroad, as well as association staff and volunteer leaders who wish to develop or grow their international real estate business.
Certified Property Manager® (CPM®) designees are recognized as experts in real estate management. Holding this designation demonstrates expertise and integrity to employers, owners, and investors.
The Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) Designation is designed to elevate professional standards, strengthen individual and office performance, and indicate expertise in brokerage management. This designation represents the highest level of professional achievement in real estate brokerage management.
The Certified Residential Specialist (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®.
Membership in the Counselors of Real EstateTM (CRETM) is extended on an invitation-only basis. To be invited, prospective members must be recognized, by their peers, clients and employers, for their outstanding professional achievement, impeccable judgment, and commitment to integrity in the field of real estate counseling.
The General Accredited Appraiser (GAA) designation is awarded general appraisers whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification requirements and is supported by the National Association of REALTORS®.
NAR's Green Designation (GREEN) is designed for agents looking to learn about issues of energy efficiency and sustainability in real estate.
Members with the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) 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.
The Performance Management Network (PMN) designation focuses on developing negotiations strategies and tactics, networking and referrals, business planning and systems, personal performance management and leadership development.
The Residential Accredited Appraiser (RAA) designation is awarded to residential appraisers whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification requirements and is supported by the National Association of REALTORS®.
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 practitioners by the Real Estate Business Institute (REBI) who meet specific educational and practical experience criteria.
The Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®(SIOR) designation is held by knowledgeable, experienced, and successful commercial real estate brokerage specialists. To earn it, designees must meet standards of experience, production, education, ethics, and provide recommendations.
The Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation is for REALTORS® who want to be able to meet the special needs of maturing Americans when selling, buying, relocating, or refinancing residential or investment properties. By earning the SRES® designation, REALTORS® are prepared to approach mature clients with the best options and information for them to make life-changing decisions.
NAR Certifications
At Home With Diversity is an educational experience designed to present a picture of the changing face of the real estate industry. More importantly, the class teaches REALTORS® how to work effectively with—and within—a rapidly changing multicultural market. Diversifying your clientele means learning the practical skills and tools to expand business and effectively service all cultural groups. This certification addresses issues of diversity, fair housing, and cultural differences. The course teaches you to transact business in culturally competent ways.
The Certified Real Estate Team Specialist (C-RETS) certification is for team leaders, team members, those looking to start a team, and those who simply want to sharpen their management skills.The program is designed to improve team development, individual leadership skills, and financial performance.
NAR's e-PRO® certification teaches you to use cutting-edge technologies and digital initiatives to link up with today's savvy real estate consumer.
NAR's Military Relocation Professional (MRP) 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
Earn NAR's Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) certification to 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.
The Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) certification is for real estate professionals who want to sharpen their negotiation skills. The RENE certification program gives REALTORS® the tips and tools they need to be skillful advocates for their clients.
The Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) 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.
The Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource® (SFR®) certification teaches real estate professionals to work with distressed sellers and the 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.