Top 11 Leasing Agent Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a leasing agent’s job market, as they demonstrate the agent’s level of knowledge and expertise in the field. A certification can help a leasing agent stand out from other applicants and show potential employers that they have the skills needed to be successful in the role. Certifications also provide an opportunity for growth and development, as agents can use them to advance their career and learn new techniques and strategies. Additionally, certifications can give leasing agents access to industry resources, such as networking opportunities and continuing education programs. Ultimately, certifications are essential for leasing agents who want to remain competitive in today’s job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Leasing Agents and explains how they can help enhance a leasing agent's career.

What are Leasing Agent Certifications?

Leasing agent certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge and expertise in the field of residential leasing. It is awarded by organizations such as the National Apartment Association (NAA) and the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).

The purpose of leasing agent certification is to ensure that those working in this field are knowledgeable, competent, and up-to-date on all aspects of rental property management. Leasing agents must complete a rigorous training program that covers topics such as landlord/tenant law, marketing, customer service, financial management, tenant screening, maintenance and repair techniques, fair housing laws and regulations, and more.

By earning their certification from an accredited organization like the NAA or IREM, leasing agents can demonstrate their commitment to professionalism and excellence in their work. This can help them stand out from other candidates for rental management positions and show potential employers that they are dedicated to providing quality service to both landlords and tenants alike. Additionally, having a certified leasing agent on staff can provide landlords with peace of mind knowing that their properties are being managed properly.

Pro Tip: When considering leasing agent certification, always look for programs that include hands-on training and industry-recognized qualifications. This will ensure that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful leasing agent.

Related: What does a Leasing Agent do?

Top 11 Leasing Agent Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Leasing Agents today.

1. Certified Leasing Professional (CLP)

Certified Leasing Professional (CLP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of excellence in the leasing industry. It is administered by the National Apartment Association (NAA).

The CLP program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as leasing fundamentals, tenant relations, marketing, legal issues, and financial management. The exam tests a participant’s knowledge of these topics.

To get certified as a CLP, you must complete the online course and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. The course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete, depending on your background knowledge and experience in the field.

The cost for the CLP program is $250 for NAA members and $350 for non-members. This fee includes access to the online course materials, one attempt at the exam, and one year of membership in NAA’s Certified Leasing Professional program.

2. Certified Apartment Leasing Agent (CALA)

Certified Apartment Leasing Agent (CALA) is a certification program that is designed to provide apartment leasing agents with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lease apartments. The program is offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA). It consists of two courses: “Fundamentals of Apartment Leasing” and “Advanced Apartment Leasing Practices.”

The Fundamentals course covers topics such as understanding the rental market, fair housing laws, customer service, and marketing strategies. The Advanced course covers topics such as tenant screening, lease negotiation, tenant retention, and conflict resolution.

The certification process takes about 8-10 hours to complete and requires passing an online exam at the end of each course. The cost for both courses is $299 USD. Once you have completed both courses and passed the exams, you will receive your CALA certification.

3. Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)

Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) is a professional designation given by the National Apartment Association (NAA). This certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and expertise of apartment managers in managing their properties. The CAM program requires that applicants have at least two years of experience in apartment management and demonstrate their knowledge through an exam.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CAM program. Applicants must first register with NAA and pay the required fees, which include a registration fee, exam fee, and membership dues. After registering, applicants must complete a series of online courses or attend classroom sessions. Once they have completed all course requirements, they can take the CAM exam.

The cost of the CAM program varies depending on whether you take online or classroom courses and if you are a member of NAA or not. The total cost for non-members ranges from $400 to $600 depending on the type of course taken. For members, it is typically around $200-$300.

4. National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP)

National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) is a designation offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the leasing of apartments.

To get the NALP designation, you must complete an online course and pass an exam. The course consists of six modules that cover topics such as marketing, customer service, leasing operations, legal issues, and fair housing. The course takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete.

The cost for the NALP program is $299 for members of the National Apartment Association or $399 for non-members. Upon successful completion of the program and exam, you will receive your NALP designation.

5. Fair Housing Certification

Fair Housing Certification is a certification program offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It ensures that housing providers comply with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or disability.

The certification process involves completing an online application and submitting supporting documents to HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO). The application must include a detailed description of the applicant’s current practices related to fair housing compliance. Once approved, HUD will issue a certificate of completion that is valid for three years.

The entire process typically takes about two months from start to finish. Applicants should expect to spend several hours gathering documents and completing forms for their application packet.

The cost for Fair Housing Certification varies depending on the size and scope of the applicant's business operations; however, it generally ranges from $500 - $2000 dollars.

6. Real Estate Salesperson License

A Real Estate Salesperson License is a license that allows an individual to legally act as a real estate salesperson in the state in which the license was issued. The license is required for anyone who wishes to buy, sell, rent, or manage real estate on behalf of another person or entity.

The process of obtaining a Real Estate Salesperson License varies from state to state. Generally, it involves taking an approved pre-licensing course and passing a licensing exam. The length of time it takes to obtain a license depends on the state and can range from several weeks to several months.

To get your Real Estate Salesperson License, you must first complete an approved pre-licensing course. These courses typically cover topics such as real estate law, finance, contracts, and ethics. After completing the course, you must then pass a licensing exam administered by your state's real estate commission. Once you have passed the exam, you will be issued your Real Estate Salesperson License.

The cost of obtaining a Real Estate Salesperson License varies from state to state but typically includes the cost of the pre-licensing course and any applicable licensing fees.

7. Real Estate Broker License

A real estate broker license is a professional license that allows individuals to act as agents for the purchase, sale, and rental of real estate. This license is required by all states in order to legally practice real estate brokerage.

How long does it take to get a real estate broker license? The amount of time it takes to obtain a real estate broker license varies by state. Generally, the process can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on the state’s requirements.

How do you get a real estate broker license? To become a licensed real estate broker, you must complete an approved pre-licensing course and pass the state licensing exam. After passing the exam, you must submit an application with your state's Real Estate Commission or Department of Licensing and Regulation.

How much does it cost? The cost of obtaining a real estate broker license varies by state but typically ranges from $100-$500. In addition to the licensing fee, there may be additional fees for pre-licensing courses, background checks, fingerprinting, etc.

8. National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) Certification

The National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) Certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage residential rental property. The certification is designed to provide property managers with the tools they need to stay ahead in an ever-changing industry.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam administered by NARPM. The exam consists of four sections: Property Management Fundamentals, Residential Leasing and Tenant Relations, Financial Management and Risk Mitigation, and Legal Compliance. Applicants must also complete a minimum of 15 continuing education credits within two years prior to taking the exam.

The entire process typically takes between three months and one year depending on how quickly applicants can fulfill the educational requirements. Once all requirements are met, applicants can register for the exam online through NARPM’s website. The cost of taking the exam is $395 for members of NARPM and $495 for non-members.

Once certified, individuals will be able to demonstrate their expertise in residential property management and gain access to exclusive resources from NARPM such as networking opportunities with other professionals in the field and discounts on educational materials.

9. Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) Certification

Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) certification is a professional credential for residential property managers. It is administered by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of residential management. The ARM certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam, which covers topics such as legal and regulatory issues, financial management, marketing, tenant relations, maintenance, and other areas related to the management of residential properties.

The ARM certification process typically takes about 6 months from start to finish. To become certified, individuals must first submit an application to IREM that includes their educational background and experience in residential property management. Once approved, applicants must then register for the ARM exam and pay all applicable fees. After passing the exam with a minimum score of 70%, applicants will receive their official ARM certification.

The cost for obtaining an ARM certification varies depending on your IREM membership status. Non-members are required to pay $295 for the application fee plus $395 for the exam fee ($690 total). Members receive discounted rates: $145 for the application fee plus $295 for the exam fee ($440 total).

10. Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) Certification

A Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) Certification is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field of affordable housing. This certification is offered by the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA). It is designed to ensure that individuals working in the affordable housing industry have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage their properties.

The COS Certification requires completion of a two-day training course, which covers topics such as tenant selection, lease enforcement, rent collection, budgeting, and compliance with federal regulations. The course also includes a final exam that must be passed in order to receive the certification. The course typically takes two days to complete and costs approximately $400 per person.

In order to become certified, applicants must have at least one year of experience in the affordable housing industry or related field. In addition, they must submit a completed application form and pass both the written exam and practical exam with a score of 75% or higher. Once certified, COS holders are required to complete continuing education courses every two years in order to maintain their certification status.

Overall, becoming a Certified Occupancy Specialist can be beneficial for those looking to further their career in the affordable housing industry. It provides employers with assurance that their employees have received proper training and are knowledgeable about all aspects of managing affordable housing properties.

11. National Multi-Housing Council's Certified Professional of Occupancy (CPO)

The Certified Professional of Occupancy (CPO) is a designation offered by the National Multi-Housing Council (NMHC). It is designed to provide professionals in the multi-housing industry with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage rental properties. The CPO program provides individuals with an understanding of the legal, financial, and operational aspects of managing rental properties.

The CPO program consists of four courses: Introduction to Property Management, Fair Housing & Discrimination Law, Maintenance & Operations and Financial Management. Each course must be completed in order to earn the designation. The courses can be taken online or in person through NMHC's training partners.

It typically takes 6–12 months to complete all four courses and earn the CPO designation. To get started, you will need to register for the program online at NMHC’s website. Once registered, you will be able to access all course materials and begin taking classes.

The cost for the entire CPO program is $1,000 for members of NMHC or $1,500 for non-members. This fee includes all course materials, access to online resources and support from NMHC staff throughout your journey towards earning your CPO designation.

Do You Really Need a Leasing Agent Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. If someone is looking for a job in the leasing industry, then having a Leasing Agent Certificate may be beneficial. This certificate shows potential employers that the person has specialized knowledge and skills related to leasing and can help them stand out from other applicants.

On the other hand, if someone is already working in the leasing industry or has experience in related fields such as real estate, they may not need to obtain a certificate. In these cases, having a certificate may still be beneficial as it can provide additional credentials and demonstrate a commitment to professional development.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a Leasing Agent Certificate will depend on their individual situation and career goals. For those looking to break into the leasing industry, obtaining this certification may be helpful in demonstrating their qualifications and helping them stand out from other applicants. For those already working in this field, having this certification may still provide an advantage but may not be necessary for success in the industry.

Related: Leasing Agent Resume Examples

FAQs About Leasing Agent Certifications

Q1. What is a Leasing Agent Certification?

A1. A Leasing Agent Certification is a formal accreditation that recognizes the knowledge and skill of leasing agents. It provides recognition of their experience, training, and expertise in the field of leasing and property management.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Leasing Agent?

A2. To become certified as a Leasing Agent, you must complete an accredited course or program that covers topics such as tenant relations, rental laws, marketing and leasing strategies, budgeting and finance, and contract law. You may also need to pass an exam to receive certification.

Q3. What are the benefits of having a Leasing Agent Certification?

A3. Having a Leasing Agent Certification can help you gain credibility with potential clients and employers, demonstrate your commitment to the profession, expand your professional network, increase your earning potential, and stay up-to-date on industry trends and regulations.

Q4. How long does it take to earn a Leasing Agent Certification?

A4. The amount of time it takes to earn a Leasing Agent Certification depends on the program or course you choose to pursue. Generally speaking, most courses can be completed in two to four weeks depending on the intensity of study required for each topic covered in the program or course curriculum.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Leasing Agent Certification?

A5: Yes – most programs or courses require applicants have some prior education or experience in real estate principles before enrolling in their program or coursework for certification purposes.