REALTOR® Designations

Many REALTORS® hold professional designations acknowledging experience and expertise in various areas of the real estate business. These designations, most of which are described below, are awarded for the completion of certain college level courses offered by each of nine professional institutes, societies and councils affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS®. In addition, the National Association offers two certification programs to REALTORS®, both of which offer professional designations for completion.

ABR—Accredited Buyer Representative

The 40,000-member Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council awards the ABR designation. Designees must complete a course of study that focuses on all aspects of buyer representation, pass a rigorous examination and provide evidence of buyer agency experience.

ABRM—Accredited Buyer Representative Manager

Geared to real estate brokerage firms, 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.

ARM—Accredited Resident Manager

ARM designees are specialists in the management of residential properties at the site level. They uphold high ethical standards in the practice of real estate management.

AMO—Accredited Management Organization

Firms that have been awarded the AMO designation demonstrate ethical standards, financial stability and a strong commitment to the proper management of their clients’ assets.

CCIM—Certified Commercial Investment Member

CCIMS are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, and asset management valuation and investment analysis.

CIPS—Certified International Property Specialist

Many REALTORS® work with buyers and sellers from different countries or cultures. CIPS designees have demonstrated their international experience and participation in international programs offered by the National Association of REALTORS®.

CPM—Certified Property Manager

CPM designees are trained experts with high ethical standards in property and asset management. They have the competitive edge in every area of real estate management from residential to commercial to industrial properties.

CRB—Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager

The CRB designation is recognized industry-wide as a measure of success in brokerage and real estate business management. The Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers awards the designation to REALTORS® who have completed its advanced educational and professional requirements.

CRE—Counselor of Real Estate

CRE designees are members 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 1,000 practitioners throughout the world carry the CRE designation. Membership is by invitation only.

CRS—Certified Residential Specialist

The CRS designation is the highest designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field. The designation is awarded by the Council of Residential Specialists and is conferred on REALTORS® meeting its stringent experience and educational requirements

e-Pro

The e-Pro designation is conferred on REALTORS® who complete a new training program presented entirely online that certifies them as Internet professionals.

GAA—General Accredited Appraiser

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®.

GRI—Graduate, REALTORS® Institute

The GRI designation is the nation’s most recognized professional real estate designation. It is earned after successfully completing 92 hours of course instruction. Only members of the National Association of REALTORS® may obtain the designation.

LTG—Leadership Training Graduate

The LTG designation is awarded by the Women’s Council of REALTORS® to real estate professionals who have attained their individual goals and become career leaders through a dynamic combination of education and experience.

RAA—Residential Accredited Appraiser

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®.

SIOR—Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®

REALTORS® who have been awarded the SIOR designation are top producers in industrial and office real estate brokerage, representing more than 800 offices in over 350 cities worldwide. The society’s mandatory recertification requirement assures clients of the designee’s excellence in the fast changing commercial brokerage field.