Top 10 Real Estate Agent Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the real estate agent job market. They show that an agent has taken the time and effort to learn about their profession and understand the laws, regulations, and principles that govern it. Certification programs provide agents with a higher level of knowledge, which can help them better serve clients and make more informed decisions when it comes to buying or selling property. Certifications also demonstrate a commitment to continuing education, which can be attractive to employers who are looking for experienced professionals who stay up to date on industry trends. Finally, certifications can help agents stand out from their peers in a competitive job market.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain how popular real estate agent certifications can contribute to a successful career in the field.

What are Real Estate Agent Certifications?

Real estate agent certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and experience necessary to work in the field of real estate. This certification is awarded by professional organizations or government agencies, and it requires the successful completion of courses and exams. Certification can be beneficial for real estate agents in several ways. It can provide proof of expertise, which can help agents to stand out from their competition and attract more clients. Additionally, certification may also be required for certain types of real estate transactions, such as commercial properties or international deals. Furthermore, certifications may come with access to exclusive resources, such as discounts on educational materials or networking opportunities with other certified agents. Finally, some employers prefer to hire certified agents because they are confident these individuals have the skills needed for success in the industry.

Pro Tip: Make sure you get certified in the area of real estate that best suits your needs. Different certifications can open the door to different opportunities, so research each certification and make sure it is the right fit for you.

Related: What does a Real Estate Agent do?

Top 10 Real Estate Agent Certifications

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

1. Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is a professional designation awarded by the Council of Residential Specialists, a subsidiary of the National Association of Realtors. The CRS Designation is the highest credential awarded to residential sales agents, managers and brokers. It recognizes real estate professionals who have completed advanced training in listing and selling, and demonstrated outstanding professional achievement in residential real estate.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the requirements for the CRS Designation. To get it, you must be an active member of the National Association of Realtors and have at least two years of full-time real estate experience in the past five years. You must also complete two courses offered by the Council of Residential Specialists: “The Real Estate Professional’s Guide to Success” and “The Real Estate Professional’s Guide to Advanced Practices”. You must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as marketing strategies, contracts, financing options, appraisals, negotiations and more.

The cost for obtaining the CRS Designation varies depending on your state or local chapter but typically ranges from $400-$600 which includes all course materials and exams fees.

2. Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR)

Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) is a designation given to real estate agents who have completed additional training in buyer representation. The ABR designation is granted by the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC), which is affiliated with the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

The ABR designation requires agents to complete an extensive course of study and pass a comprehensive exam. The course covers topics such as buyer representation, agency relationships, negotiation strategies, and other related topics. Upon completion of the course and passing the exam, agents are awarded the ABR designation.

It typically takes between two and four weeks to complete the required coursework and take the exam for an ABR designation. The cost of obtaining an ABR designation varies depending on where you take the course but can range from $500-$1,000 USD.

3. Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)

The Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation is a professional certification program for real estate professionals who specialize in international real estate transactions. The CIPS program is administered by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

To earn the CIPS designation, candidates must complete five full-day courses and pass an exam. The courses are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of global real estate markets and practices. Topics covered include international market trends, legal considerations, cultural differences, financing options, and investment strategies.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CIPS program. To begin the process, candidates must first become members of NAR and then submit an application to take the CIPS coursework. Once approved, they can register for classes at their local NAR chapter or online through NAR’s e-learning platform.

The cost of the CIPS program varies depending on where you take the classes. In-person classes typically cost around $1,500 while online courses range from $600-$900. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $395 that must be paid when registering for the exam.

Once all five courses have been completed and the exam has been passed with a score of 75% or higher, candidates will receive their official CIPS designation from NAR.

4. Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES)

A Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) is a designation given to real estate professionals who have taken specialized training in working with senior clients. SRES designees are knowledgeable about the needs of seniors, including those related to housing, financing and other issues that may arise when dealing with older clients.

The SRES designation is awarded by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). To qualify for the designation, you must be an active member of NAR and complete a two-day course on topics such as retirement planning, reverse mortgages, long-term care insurance and other financial considerations for seniors. You must also pass an exam after completing the course.

The cost of the SRES designation varies depending on your NAR membership status and whether or not you choose to purchase additional study materials. The cost typically ranges from $400-$600.

Once you have completed the course and passed the exam, you will receive your official SRES designation certificate from NAR.

5. Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI)

The Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI) is a professional designation program offered by the National Association of Realtors. It is designed to help real estate professionals increase their knowledge and expertise in the field. The program consists of four courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, Legal Aspects of Real Estate, and Real Estate Finance. Each course takes an average of 30 hours to complete and can be taken online or in a classroom setting.

To get the GRI designation, you must successfully complete all four courses within a two-year period and pass the final exam with a score of 75% or higher. You must also be an active member of the National Association of Realtors in good standing for at least one year prior to applying for the GRI designation.

The cost for the GRI program varies depending on where you take it. If you take it online through NAR's website, it will cost $650 plus any applicable taxes and fees. If you take it through an approved local real estate school or university, then prices may vary depending on your location and provider.

6. Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)

A Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) is a professional designation given to individuals who have successfully completed an accredited negotiation training program. The CNE certification demonstrates that the individual has achieved a high level of proficiency in negotiation skills and techniques.

The CNE certification program is offered by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI). It is a two-day course that covers topics such as communication, persuasion, conflict resolution, problem solving, and other negotiation strategies. The course also includes interactive exercises and role-playing scenarios to help participants practice their newly acquired skills.

In order to become certified as a CNE, you must first complete the two-day course. After completing the course, you must pass an online exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the CNE certification program varies depending on location but generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

7. E-PRO Certification

E-PRO Certification is a professional certification program developed by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). It is designed to help real estate professionals become more knowledgeable and effective when using technology in their business. The program consists of two courses: E-PRO 1 and E-PRO 2.

The E-PRO 1 course covers topics such as online marketing, social media, search engine optimization, mobile technology, and other digital tools. The second course focuses on how to use these technologies to better serve clients.

It takes approximately four weeks to complete both courses. The cost of the program is $149 for NAR members and $199 for non-members. To get certified, you must pass an exam at the end of each course with a score of 70% or higher. Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your official E-PRO Certification from NAR.

8. Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS)

Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS) is a designation for real estate professionals who specialize in the luxury home market. This designation was created by the Luxury Home Council, an international organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge and skills of real estate professionals in the luxury home market.

To obtain the ALHS designation, real estate professionals must complete a series of online courses and pass an exam. The courses cover topics such as understanding luxury home buyers and sellers, marketing strategies for luxury homes, pricing strategies for luxury homes, negotiation techniques for luxury homes, and more.

The entire process typically takes about two weeks to complete. The cost of obtaining the ALHS designation varies depending on the provider but can range from $500-$1000 USD.

9. At Home With Diversity Certification

At Home With Diversity (AHWD) is a certification program offered by the National Association of REALTORS® that helps real estate professionals understand, appreciate, and work with diverse cultures. This certification is designed to help real estate agents become more knowledgeable about diversity issues and provide better service to their clients.

The AHWD certification course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. It consists of an online course followed by an in-person workshop. The online course covers topics such as cultural sensitivity, fair housing laws, and the importance of diversity in the real estate industry. The in-person workshop allows participants to practice their skills through role-playing activities and discussions with other real estate professionals.

To get certified, you must first complete the online course and then attend an in-person workshop. You can find a list of upcoming workshops on the NAR website or contact your local REALTOR® association for details on upcoming workshops in your area.

The cost of the AHWD certification varies depending on where you take it. Generally, it costs around $150-$200 for both the online course and in-person workshop.

10. Military Relocation Professional Certification

Military Relocation Professional Certification is a specialized certification program designed to provide real estate professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist military personnel, veterans, and their families in buying, selling, or renting property. The certification is offered by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

The Military Relocation Professional Certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as understanding military culture and terminology; understanding VA loan benefits; working with lenders who serve military clients; understanding special relocation incentives; and marketing to military clients. It takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete the online course.

To get certified, you must pass the final exam at the end of the online course with a score of 75% or higher. The final exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that cover all topics covered in the online course. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your Military Relocation Professional Certification from NAR.

The cost for the Military Relocation Professional Certification program is $99 for NAR members and $149 for non-members. This fee includes access to the online course as well as one attempt at taking the final exam.

Do You Really Need a Real Estate Agent Certificate?

Yes, you do need a real estate agent certificate if you want to work as a real estate agent. A real estate agent certificate is required in order to become licensed in most states. It serves as proof that the individual has completed the necessary education and training to gain the knowledge and skills needed to practice real estate law.

Having a real estate agent certificate demonstrates that you have taken the time to learn about all aspects of the profession, including legal rules, regulations, and best practices for working with clients. It also shows potential employers that you have already obtained the credentials necessary for them to trust you with their business.

In addition to being legally required, having a real estate agent certificate gives agents an advantage over those without one when it comes to competing for jobs or listings. It can also be used as a bargaining chip when negotiating commissions or fees. The certification also provides credibility and can help build relationships with potential buyers or sellers by showing them that you are knowledgeable about the industry and committed to providing quality service.

Overall, having a real estate agent certificate is essential for anyone who wants to pursue a successful career in this field. It will help ensure that you are properly trained and prepared for any situation that may arise while helping clients navigate through the often-complex process of buying or selling property.

Related: Real Estate Agent Resume Examples

FAQs About Real Estate Agent Certifications

1. What certifications do real estate agents need?

Answer: Real estate agents must be licensed by their state and typically must complete a certain number of education hours before obtaining a license. In addition, agents may pursue additional certifications or designations such as Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI).

2. What is the difference between an agent and a broker?

Answer: A real estate agent works under a broker and is authorized to list, market, show and sell properties for clients. A broker has more experience than an agent and can work independently, but also has additional responsibilities such as supervising other agents, maintaining records and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the type of certification being pursued. Some certifications require completion of classroom courses or online study programs that can take several weeks or months to complete. Other designations may only require passing an exam or completing continuing education courses each year to maintain certification status.

4. Is there an age requirement for becoming certified?

Answer: Generally speaking, there is no age requirement for becoming certified as a real estate agent; however, some states may have specific regulations regarding minimum age requirements in order to obtain a license.

5. What are the benefits of being certified?

Answer: Being certified can provide many benefits including increased credibility among clients and colleagues, access to industry resources and specialized knowledge that can help you better serve your clients’ needs. Additionally, having certifications can help differentiate you from other agents in the marketplace and provide opportunities for professional growth within the real estate industry.