To view ALL NAR designations and learn more about them, click here.

To view the make-up of individual required classes to receive the designations, click here.

Some of the more common designations:

ABR:  Accredited Buyer Representative / www.rebac.net
These classes will make you a much better buyer’s agent, stressing how to fully represent a buyer, why avoid dual agency and how to market your services.

There is also an ABRM designation for brokers or managers who manage buyer’s agents.  An additional class is required.

ALC:  Accredited Land Consultant / www.riland.com
If you are into selling farms, raw land, or ranches, this is the designation for you!

CRB:  Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager / www.crb.com
Fantastic stuff if you are going to be a serious broker or manager.  The classes are fairly difficult and a little expensive, but well worth it!

CRS:  Certified Residential Specialist / www.crs.com
Advanced listing and selling techniques, as well as business planning, negotiation and technology.   This is a “master’s degree” in residential real estate!  Besides your class work, you will need 75 transactions closed.  Great stuff!

CCIM:  Certified Commercial Investment Members / www.ccim.com
If you are serious about being in the commercial / industrial real estate field, this is the designation for you!  Expensive and challenging, but is a “must have” in the field!

CPM:  Certified Property Manager / www.irem.org
If you are a property manager, this  designation, as well as the sponsor (Institute of Real Estate Management) will be a big help to you!

GRI: Graduate, REALTOR® Institute / www.realtor.org
This designation is the first that many agents earn when they first are licensed.  It is run by individual states.  In Illinois, it is held the week after Thanksgiving in Bloomington (Monday-Thursday) and in the Chicago suburbs in February (2 days a week).  I would call this a “bachelor’s degree” in real estate – everyone should have it!  Check with your office to see if your company training qualifies to exempt you from Course 1.  ( 3 courses required to graduate)

GREEN- NAR’s Green Designation demonstrates how real estate professionals can increase their incomes by helping clients make informed choices about the resource efficiency and performance of the homes they live in, sell, and buy.Can be taken live or online. Click here for more

PMN: Performance Management Network / www.wcr.org
This designation is awarded by the Women’s Council of REALTORS® and includes classes on leadership, negotiating, cultural differences and more.  Check the website for more information.

RSPS:  Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist / www.realtor.org/resort
The RSPS is the newest  certification offered by NAR. Agents specializing in resort and second-home markets and interested in demonstrating their knowledge and expertise should pursue the RSPS certification.

SFR: Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Certification Gain information to help clients that are in a short sale or foreclosure situation. 1 day class. No annual fee. www.realtorsfr.org

SRES:  Seniors Real Estate Specialist www.seniorsrealestate.com
The SRES® Designation program trains REALTORS® to profitably and ethically serve the real estate needs of clients age 50+. Includes first year membership in SRES Council and its umbrella of services.

BPOR: Broker Price Opinion Resource www.BPOR.org
Explores the uses of broker price opinions and when they can, and cannot, be used. One day live class plus an additional webinar is needed to earn the certification. NEW!

ePRO: Click here to Learn more about e-Pro
e-PRO® is a revolutionary training program that has just been redone. e-PRO® is not just about technology - it's about how you can leverage your most powerful asset, your people-skills, into doing more business on the Internet..  This class is NOT about computers, it is about harnessing the power of the Internet and Social Networking to make more money! Can be used as an elective for several other designations!

At Home With Diversity Certificate Program 
www.realtor.org
Do you know how to greet and speak with those from other cultures? You should, as our country is changing and the foreign-born market is an ever increasing part of the home buying public. This is a one day class that will get you started and keep you from embarrassing yourself!