Top 11 Leasing Professional Certifications

Certifications are important for a leasing professional in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the applicant has the necessary knowledge and skills to do the job. By having certifications, a leasing professional can show that they have taken the extra steps to gain specialized knowledge and experience in their field. This can result in increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and even promotions. Certifications also provide a sense of credibility and professionalism that can give leasing professionals an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Leasing Professionals and explain how they can help to advance a leasing professional's career.

What are Leasing Professional Certifications?

Leasing professional certification is a form of accreditation that recognizes the completion of an educational program in the field of leasing. This certification is typically awarded by a professional organization or trade association, such as the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). The designation demonstrates that a person has achieved a certain level of knowledge and proficiency in the area of leasing.

By obtaining leasing professional certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to excellence and are better equipped to provide quality services to clients. The certification also serves as proof that a person has met certain standards for competency and has been formally trained in the latest leasing industry practices. It can help to give potential employers confidence that an individual possesses the necessary skills and qualifications needed for the job. Additionally, it may open up new career opportunities and lead to higher salaries.

In addition, having this recognition can aid in building credibility with clients and other industry professionals, helping to establish trust and strengthen relationships. It also allows for networking opportunities with other certified professionals who may have knowledge or resources that could benefit one’s business or career goals. Finally, staying current on new developments in the field is critical for success; earning certification can help individuals stay up-to-date on changes within the field of leasing, allowing them to be more competitive in their respective markets.

Pro Tip: When leasing professional certification, make sure to read the fine print and understand all of the details of the lease agreement. Make sure that you are aware of the expiration date, any additional fees or costs associated with the certification, and any restrictions or limitations on its use. Additionally, be certain that the cost is within your budget and that you have sufficient funds to cover it in a timely manner.

Related: What does a Leasing Professional do?

Top 11 Leasing Professional Certifications

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

1. Certified Leasing Professional (CLP)

Certified Leasing Professional (CLP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise and experience in the leasing industry. The CLP designation demonstrates an individual's commitment to professional excellence and knowledge of best practices in the field.

The CLP program is administered by the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI). To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as leasing fundamentals, legal and regulatory issues, marketing and customer service, financial management, and technology applications.

To be eligible for the CLP designation, applicants must have at least two years of full-time leasing experience within the past five years or four years of part-time leasing experience within the past five years. Additionally, applicants must complete at least 12 hours of NAAEI-approved continuing education courses related to leasing within two years prior to taking the exam.

The cost for taking the CLP Exam is $295 for NAA members and $395 for non-members. The exam fee includes access to online study materials and one free retake if needed. The exam can be taken at any time throughout the year; however, it typically takes 4-6 weeks after registration to receive your results.

2. Certified Equipment Leasing Professional (CELP)

Certified Equipment Leasing Professional (CELP) is a professional certification for those who work in the equipment leasing industry. It is designed to demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field.

To get the CELP certification, candidates must first meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having at least two years of experience working in the equipment leasing industry and passing an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as contract law, leasing terminology, accounting principles, and financial analysis. Once a candidate passes the exam, they are awarded their CELP certification.

The cost of getting CELP certified varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 to take the exam and receive your certification. The process typically takes about six weeks from start to finish.

In order to maintain your CELP certification, you must complete continuing education credits every two years. This ensures that you stay up-to-date with changes in the industry and remain knowledgeable about best practices in equipment leasing.

3. Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP)

Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) is a professional certification program for leasing and finance professionals. The CLFP designation is the only leasing and finance credential recognized worldwide. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, experience, and competence in the leasing and finance industry.

The CLFP program consists of a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of the leasing and finance industry, including legal, financial, operational, compliance and sales topics. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and includes both multiple-choice questions as well as written responses.

To become certified as a CLFP, an individual must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of full-time experience in the leasing or finance industry or having completed an approved course of study in leasing or finance from an accredited institution. Additionally, applicants must pass the CLFP exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost to take the CLFP exam is $350 USD for members of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) or $400 USD for non-members. There are also additional fees associated with maintaining certification such as annual membership dues and recertification fees every five years.

4. Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)

Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) is a professional designation given by the CCIM Institute, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. The designation is awarded to experienced commercial real estate professionals who demonstrate a mastery of financial, market, and investment analysis skills.

It typically takes two to three years to earn the CCIM designation. During this time, candidates must complete four core courses on topics such as finance, market analysis, user decision analysis, and investment analysis for commercial real estate. Candidates must also pass a comprehensive exam and submit an application demonstrating their experience in the field.

The cost of earning the CCIM designation varies based on the courses taken and other factors such as membership fees. Generally speaking, it can cost up to $5,000 or more depending on the individual circumstances.

In order to get the CCIM designation, candidates must first become members of the CCIM Institute. To do so, they must submit an application along with proof of their current real estate license and five years of verifiable experience in commercial real estate transactions or related fields. After becoming members, candidates can then begin taking courses and preparing for the exam.

5. Certified Property Manager (CPM)

Certified Property Manager (CPM) is a professional designation offered by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the management of residential, commercial, and/or industrial real estate. The CPM designation requires individuals to have extensive experience in property management, as well as complete rigorous coursework and pass a comprehensive exam.

The process for obtaining the CPM designation typically takes about two years. To become certified, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include having a minimum of three years of full-time experience in property management or related fields. Applicants must also complete IREM’s required courses, which cover topics such as financial analysis and budgeting, leasing and tenant relations, marketing and communications, legal issues in property management, and more. After completing the courses, applicants must then pass an examination administered by IREM to receive their certification.

The cost to obtain the CPM designation varies depending on whether you are an IREM member or non-member. For non-members, it typically costs around $2,500 for tuition fees plus additional fees for textbooks and other materials. For IREM members, there may be discounts available on tuition fees and other materials.

6. Accredited Leasing Professional (ALP)

Accredited Leasing Professional (ALP) is a professional designation offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA). The ALP certification is designed to recognize leasing professionals who have demonstrated a level of knowledge and experience in the leasing industry. It is intended to provide recognition for those individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field.

The ALP certification requires applicants to complete an online course, pass an exam, and submit proof of at least two years of leasing experience. The online course covers topics such as rental law, tenant relations, marketing, customer service, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test knowledge and understanding of the material covered in the course.

The cost for obtaining the ALP certification varies depending on whether you are an NAA member or not. For non-members, it costs $399 for the online course and exam fee. For members, it costs $299 for the same package.

In order to get your ALP certification, you must first register with NAA and complete their online course. Once you have completed the course and passed the exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will be eligible to receive your certificate from NAA. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive your certificate after passing your exam.

7. Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB)

Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) is a professional designation awarded by the Real Estate Business Institute (REBI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the real estate brokerage industry. The CRB designation is recognized by the National Association of Realtors, as well as many state and local organizations.

The CRB program requires completion of three courses: Principles of Real Estate Management, Advanced Real Estate Management, and Business Strategies for Real Estate Brokers. Each course consists of approximately 40 hours of study and must be completed within a two-year period. Upon completion of all three courses, candidates must pass an examination to receive their certification.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least five years of experience in real estate management or sales. They must also possess a valid real estate license from their state or country where they are practicing.

The cost for the CRB program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges between $1,000 - $2,500 USD. This cost includes registration fees, study materials, and exam fees. In addition to these costs, some providers may require additional fees for additional services such as mentoring or coaching programs.

8. Certified Real Estate Appraiser (CREA)

A Certified Real Estate Appraiser (CREA) is a professional designation awarded by the Appraisal Institute of Canada to appraisers who have met specific educational and experience requirements. To become a CREA, an appraiser must complete an approved real estate appraisal program, pass the Canadian Uniform Evaluation Service (CUES) examination, and have at least two years of experience in the field.

It typically takes between three and five years to obtain a CREA designation. During this time, aspiring appraisers must complete their education, gain work experience in the field, pass the CUES exam, and apply for certification with the Appraisal Institute of Canada.

To become a CREA, applicants must first complete an approved real estate appraisal program from an accredited post-secondary institution or professional association. The most common program is the Appraisal Institute of Canada’s Professional Appraisal Studies Program (PASP). This program includes classroom instruction as well as online courses that cover topics such as market analysis and valuation techniques. Once completed, applicants must then pass the CUES examination which tests their knowledge of appraisal theory and practice.

Finally, applicants must submit proof of two years of work experience in the field before they can be eligible for certification with the Appraisal Institute of Canada. This experience can include working as an assistant appraiser or completing supervised assignments under a qualified supervisor.

The cost to become a CREA varies depending on which educational program you choose to pursue and whether you are taking courses online or in person. Generally speaking, it will cost between $2,000-$4,000 CAD for tuition fees alone. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the CUES exam ($250 CAD) and applying for certification ($400 CAD).

9. National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP)

The National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) certification is a professional designation for leasing agents and property managers who work in the multifamily housing industry. The NALP program is administered by the National Apartment Association (NAA).

The NALP certification is designed to provide leasing professionals with an understanding of the fundamentals of apartment leasing, as well as the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their role. It covers topics such as customer service, marketing, legal issues, and more.

To get certified, individuals must complete a series of online courses and pass a final exam. The entire process typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete.

The cost to become certified varies depending on if you are an NAA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $150; for members, it is $125.

10. Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMI)

Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMI) is a professional organization that provides education, certification, and resources to property professionals. BOMI offers a comprehensive range of courses and certifications for those in the real estate industry, including property management, asset management, facilities management, sustainability, and more.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the coursework required for BOMI certification. The cost of the program varies depending on which certification you are seeking and whether or not you are a member of BOMI. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 to get certified through BOMI.

In order to get certified through BOMI, you must first become a member. You can do this by visiting the website and completing an online application form. Once your membership has been approved, you will be able to register for any of the courses or certifications offered by BOMI. After completing all of the required coursework and passing any necessary exams or assessments, you will receive your official certificate from BOMI.

11. Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).

The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) is a professional organization for real estate professionals who specialize in the management of commercial and residential properties. IREM provides education, certification, resources, and networking opportunities to its members.

IREM offers three levels of certification: Certified Property Manager (CPM), Accredited Residential Manager (ARM), and Accredited Commercial Manager (ACoM). To become certified at any level, you must meet certain educational requirements, pass an exam, and have a minimum of two years' experience in the field.

To get started on your IREM certification journey, you will need to submit an application form and pay a non-refundable application fee of $100. Once your application has been approved by IREM, you will be able to register for the CPM or ARM/ACoM exam. The cost of the exam is $195 for members or $295 for non-members.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that are designed to test your knowledge of property management principles and practices. You will have four hours to complete the exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official IREM certification credentials within four weeks.

In addition to the cost of the application fee and exam fee, there is also an annual membership fee associated with being an IREM member which ranges from $99-$399 depending on your level of membership.

Do You Really Need a Leasing Professional Certificate?

When considering whether or not you need a Leasing Professional Certificate, it is important to consider the type of career you are looking for and the expectations of the job role. A Leasing Professional Certificate can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in the field.

For those looking to work in property management, having a Leasing Professional Certificate can give you an edge over other applicants as it shows that you have taken the time to learn all of the necessary information to be successful. It also demonstrates that you are committed to your profession and have taken steps to increase your knowledge and skillset. The certificate is a great way to showcase your dedication and professionalism.

The certificate can also give employers confidence in your abilities and may even help when negotiating salary or other benefits. In some cases, having the certification may make all the difference between getting hired or not. Additionally, many employers look for candidates who have completed specialized training when recruiting for leasing positions, so having a Leasing Professional Certificate will put you ahead of any competition without one.

In conclusion, obtaining a Leasing Professional Certificate is an excellent way to show potential employers that you are serious about pursuing a career in property management or leasing and that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge required for success in this field.

Related: Leasing Professional Resume Examples

FAQs About Leasing Professional Certifications

1. What are the benefits of becoming a Leasing Professional?

Answer: Becoming a Leasing Professional can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the leasing industry. It can also provide you with the opportunity to network and build relationships within the industry, gain recognition for your expertise, and increase your earning potential.

2. How do I become a certified Leasing Professional?

Answer: To become a certified Leasing Professional, you must complete an approved certification program from an accredited organization such as the National Apartment Association or Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). You will also need to pass an exam and meet any other requirements set by that organization.

3. Are there any prerequisites for taking a Leasing Professional certification program?

Answer: Yes, most programs require that applicants have at least two years of experience in the leasing industry or related field. Additionally, some organizations may require additional qualifications such as college coursework or professional certifications.

4. What are some common topics covered in Leasing Professional certification programs?

Answer: Common topics covered in a Leasing Professional certification program include market analysis and trends, customer service skills, marketing strategies, legal and regulatory issues, financial management principles, and lease writing techniques.

5. How long does it take to become a certified Leasing Professional?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become a certified Leasing Professional depends on the specific program you choose to pursue. Most programs require around 40 hours of instruction plus additional study time for passing the exam.