Top 11 Leasing Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a leasing specialist in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and competency that can give applicants an advantage over other candidates. Certifications provide proof of experience and expertise in the field, which can be beneficial when applying for jobs. They also show potential employers that the applicant is committed to their profession and has taken steps to stay up-to-date on industry trends and practices. Additionally, certifications can provide networking opportunities with other professionals in the industry, which can lead to new job opportunities or career advancement.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Leasing Specialists and how they can help advance their career.

What are Leasing Specialist Certifications?

Leasing specialist certification is a professional certification program offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA) that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the leasing industry. The program offers resources and training to help leasing agents understand the complexities of the job and develop their skills. It also helps them stay up-to-date on industry trends and regulations so they can provide quality customer service and remain compliant with all applicable laws.

The certification covers topics such as lease agreement basics, fair housing practices, tenant relations, marketing and advertising, financial management, recordkeeping, customer service, dispute resolution, safety protocols, rental pricing strategies, property maintenance and more. The NAA also offers continuing education courses to help leasing agents stay current on their certifications.

Having a leasing specialist certification can be beneficial for those who want to pursue a career in the real estate or apartment management industries. It can improve an individual’s chances of getting hired by demonstrating their knowledge of the industry and commitment to providing excellent customer service. It may also lead to higher pay or promotions within an organization since certified specialists are often considered more knowledgeable than non-certified professionals. Finally, having this type of certification can give an individual peace of mind that they are staying abreast of changes in the industry and helping ensure compliance with all relevant laws.

Pro Tip: Consider obtaining a leasing specialist certification to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to providing quality service. A certification can help you stand out from the competition, increase your credibility with potential employers, and give you an edge in the job market.

Related: What does a Leasing Specialist do?

Top 11 Leasing Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Leasing Professional (CLP)

Certified Leasing Professional (CLP) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of leasing. It is offered by the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI). To become certified, individuals must complete an educational program and pass an exam.

The CLP program consists of three courses: Introduction to Leasing, Lease Administration, and Fair Housing. The courses are available online or in-person through NAAEI's network of approved providers. The total cost for all three courses is $595.

The exam for the CLP designation can be taken either online or in-person at a testing center. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions covering topics such as lease administration, fair housing regulations, and customer service skills. The cost for the exam is $195.

Once an individual has successfully completed the courses and passed the exam, they will receive their CLP designation from NAAEI. This designation will be valid for two years before it needs to be renewed. Renewal requires completion of 12 continuing education credits every two years to maintain certification status.

2. Certified Equipment Leasing Professional (CELP)

Certified Equipment Leasing Professional (CELP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the equipment leasing industry. This certification is administered by the National Association of Equipment Leasing Professionals (NAELP).

The CELP program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as leasing fundamentals, legal and regulatory compliance, accounting principles, credit analysis, and more. It takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete the course.

To become certified, applicants must pass the CELP exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam is offered twice a year in April and October at numerous locations throughout the United States. The cost for taking the exam is $195 for NAELP members and $295 for non-members.

Once certified, CELPs are required to renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the CELP exam.

3. Certified Apartment Leasing Specialist (CALS)

Certified Apartment Leasing Specialist (CALS) is a professional designation offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an advanced level of knowledge and proficiency in leasing apartments.

To become a CALS, applicants must successfully complete an online course and pass an exam administered by the NAA. The course covers topics such as lease negotiation, customer service, fair housing laws, and marketing techniques. The course takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

The cost to obtain the CALS designation is $199 for members of the NAA and $299 for non-members. This fee includes access to the online course materials, exam registration, and certification upon successful completion of the exam.

4. Certified Commercial Leasing Specialist (CCLS)

A Certified Commercial Leasing Specialist (CCLS) is a professional designation that demonstrates expertise in commercial leasing. The CCLS certification is offered by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), an international organization dedicated to advancing the profession of real estate management.

To become a CCLS, individuals must pass an exam and have at least two years of experience in commercial leasing or property management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as lease negotiation, tenant relations, legal issues, and financial analysis. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam.

The cost for taking the CCLS exam is $375 for IREM members and $450 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with applying for the certification, which vary depending on whether you are an IREM member or not.

Once you have passed the exam and met all requirements, you will receive your official CCLS certification from IREM. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by paying a renewal fee and completing continuing education credits each year.

5. Accredited Residential Manager (ARM)

Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) is a professional designation for residential property managers. It is awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), a professional organization for real estate management professionals.

The ARM designation requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in the field and to pass an exam administered by IREM. The exam covers topics such as financial management, legal compliance, tenant relations, and maintenance operations.

The cost of the ARM designation varies depending on whether you are an IREM member or not. For non-members, the cost is $395 for the application fee plus $250 for each exam part taken. For members, the cost is $195 for the application fee plus $200 for each exam part taken.

The process to obtain the ARM designation typically takes two to three months from start to finish. You must first submit your application along with all required documentation and fees to IREM. Once your application is approved, you will be given access to study materials and information about scheduling your exams. After completing all parts of the exam, you will receive notification that you have passed and can begin using your ARM designation immediately.

6. National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP)

National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) is a professional designation offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA). It is an industry-recognized certification for leasing professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and commitment to excellence in apartment leasing.

The NALP program consists of two components: an online course and a proctored exam. The online course provides comprehensive training on all aspects of apartment leasing, including customer service, marketing, lease agreements, and legal considerations. The proctored exam tests knowledge of the topics covered in the online course.

It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete the NALP online course and exam. To get started with the program, you must first register through the NAA website. The cost of registration is $150 for members and $200 for non-members. Once registered, you will be able to access the online course material and schedule your proctored exam at a testing center near you. Upon successful completion of both components, you will receive your official NALP certification from the National Apartment Association.

7. Certified Property Manager (CPM)

Certified Property Manager (CPM) is a professional designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), a global organization for real estate professionals. The CPM credential is recognized worldwide as the highest level of professional achievement in property management.

To become a Certified Property Manager, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and adhere to IREM’s Code of Professional Ethics.

The educational requirement includes completing at least 90 hours of IREM-approved courses within five years prior to applying for certification. There are also two levels of experience requirements: one for those who have been practicing property management for less than 10 years, and another for those with more than 10 years’ experience.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as legal issues, financial analysis, marketing and leasing, maintenance and operations, human resources management, and other areas related to property management. Candidates must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to become certified.

The cost to apply for the CPM designation is $395 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. It typically takes about four months from the time you apply until you receive your certificate in the mail.

8. Real Estate Broker License

A Real Estate Broker License is a license that allows an individual to legally conduct real estate transactions in their state. It is required for anyone who wants to work as a real estate broker, and it is the highest level of licensing available in the real estate industry.

The process and requirements for obtaining a Real Estate Broker License vary by state, but generally include completing an approved pre-licensing education course, passing an exam, and submitting an application with the appropriate fees. The amount of time it takes to get a Real Estate Broker License depends on the state, but typically ranges from six months to two years.

In order to get a Real Estate Broker License, individuals must first complete an approved pre-licensing education course. This course covers topics such as real estate laws and regulations, contract law, property management, finance and investment principles, appraisal methods, and marketing strategies. Upon completion of the course, individuals must pass a state-administered exam that tests their knowledge of these topics.

Once the exam has been passed successfully, individuals must submit an application with the appropriate fees to their state's licensing board or department of real estate. The fees associated with obtaining a Real Estate Broker License vary by state but typically range from $100-$500. After submitting all necessary documentation and fees, applicants will receive their license upon approval from the licensing board or department of real estate.

Overall, obtaining a Real Estate Broker License requires dedication and hard work; however it can be very rewarding for those who are interested in working in this field.

9. Residential Management Professional (RMP)

Residential Management Professional (RMP) is a professional designation awarded by the National Apartment Association (NAA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge in the field of residential property management. The RMP certification is intended to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies and skills necessary for effective residential property management.

The RMP certification program consists of three courses: Principles & Practices of Residential Property Management, Fair Housing, and Risk Management. Each course must be completed within one year from the start date. The courses are offered online or in-person at an NAA approved training center.

To be eligible for the RMP certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in residential property management or related fields. Applicants must also successfully complete all three courses and pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost of the RMP certification program varies depending on how you choose to take the courses. Online courses range from $99-$129 per course, while in-person classes range from $199-$249 per course. The total cost for all three courses can range from $297-$477 depending on the format chosen.

10. National Association of Realtors® Green Designation

The National Association of Realtors® Green Designation is a professional designation that recognizes real estate professionals who have completed advanced training in green building and sustainable business practices. This designation helps agents to better serve their clients by providing them with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about energy efficiency, renewable resources, and other green building features.

It takes approximately 18 hours of coursework to earn the Green Designation. The courses are offered online or in person through local associations or universities. Courses cover topics such as green building principles, green appraisals, energy efficiency, renewable resources, and more.

To get the Green Designation, individuals must complete 18 hours of approved coursework, pass an exam administered by NAR's Green Resource Council (GRC), and agree to abide by NAR's Code of Ethics.

The cost for the Green Designation varies depending on how you choose to take the courses. Online courses typically cost around $300-$400 while in-person courses can range from $500-$800.

11. Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSCM).

Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSCM) is an industry-recognized professional certification program designed to provide shopping center professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a successful shopping center. The CSCM program is administered by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

The CSCM program requires applicants to complete a series of courses and examinations covering topics such as finance, leasing, marketing, operations, and customer service. Upon completion of the coursework and exams, applicants must pass an oral examination before being certified.

The CSCM program typically takes about two years to complete. Applicants should plan on dedicating at least 8-10 hours per week to studying for the coursework and exams in order to successfully complete the program within two years.

In order to become certified as a CSCM, applicants must first register for the program through ICSC's website. Registration fees vary depending on whether or not you are an ICSC member; non-members pay $1,500 while members pay $1,000.

Once registered for the program, applicants must then complete all coursework and examinations required for certification. This includes completing six core courses and passing three examinations: one written exam and two oral exams. After passing all three exams, applicants will receive their CSCM certification from ICSC.

Do You Really Need a Leasing Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what you want to do with your career. If you are looking to become a leasing specialist, then a certificate may be necessary in order to gain the knowledge and skills needed to work in the field. The certificate can provide a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities associated with leasing, such as understanding contracts and tenant rights, managing rental properties, and collecting rent. It can also help you learn how to market properties effectively and use technology for tasks like creating leases and tracking payments.

However, if you are already working in the real estate industry or have experience in property management, then a certificate may not be necessary. In that case, it could be beneficial to pursue additional education through online courses or workshops that focus on specific aspects of leasing such as tenant screening or rental collection procedures. These courses can provide valuable insight into how the leasing process works and help you develop the skills needed for success.

Ultimately, having a certificate can give you an edge when it comes to finding employment as a leasing specialist but is not always required for success in this field. Whether or not you decide to pursue certification should depend on your individual goals and needs.

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FAQs About Leasing Specialist Certifications

1. What is a Leasing Specialist Certification?

Answer: A Leasing Specialist Certification is a professional designation that demonstrates a person has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage leasing operations. It typically involves completing a specialized course of study and passing an exam.

2. How long does it take to get a Leasing Specialist Certification?

Answer: The time required to obtain a Leasing Specialist Certification varies depending on the specific program. Generally, most programs require between six months and one year of study and preparation before taking the exam.

3. What are the benefits of getting a Leasing Specialist Certification?

Answer: Having a Leasing Specialist Certification can help demonstrate your expertise in the field to employers, as well as provide you with greater job opportunities, increased pay, and improved job security. It can also help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

4. Is there an exam required for Leasing Specialist Certifications?

Answer: Yes, all certifying organizations require candidates to pass an exam in order to become certified. The content of the exams vary depending on the organization offering the certification, but generally include topics such as finance, lease agreements, tenant management, legal issues related to leasing operations, and other related topics.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Leasing Specialist Certification?

Answer: Depending on the certification program chosen, there may be certain prerequisites that must be met before enrolling in the program or taking the exam. These may include having prior experience in leasing operations or real estate management or completing specific courses related to leasing operations or real estate management at an accredited college or university.