Top 10 Relocation Specialist Certifications

Certifications for relocation specialists are important for a few reasons. First, they demonstrate to potential employers that the specialist has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job. Certifications also provide recognition of expertise in the field, which can be beneficial when competing for jobs or promotions. Finally, certifications may open up new opportunities for career advancement and specialization in the field. Relocation specialists with certifications may be more likely to be considered for higher-paying positions or specialized roles within an organization.

This article reviews the top certifications available to Relocation Specialists and explains how these certifications can help them advance their careers.

What are Relocation Specialist Certifications?

Relocation specialist certification is a professional designation that demonstrates expertise in the relocation industry. It is awarded to those who have attained a certain level of knowledge and experience in the field by completing an accredited program, passing an exam, and meeting other requirements. This certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees, as it provides assurance that the individual has the necessary skills to handle any relocation-related tasks they may encounter.

For employers, having certified relocation specialists on staff can be invaluable when it comes to managing employee relocations. Certified specialists have proven their expertise in all aspects of relocation services, including budgeting, sourcing housing options, obtaining visas and permits, and more. This ensures that critical steps are not overlooked or underestimated during the process. Furthermore, employers know they can trust these professionals to provide accurate advice and manage the entire move with minimal disruption to their business operations.

For employees, having a certified relocation specialist managing their move can help them feel more confident about relocating to a new city or country. A certified specialist is better equipped to discuss options for housing and transportation and identify any potential obstacles along the way. They also understand how to navigate complex visa regulations and other bureaucratic processes so that employees don't get stuck in red tape during their transition period. Ultimately, this certification provides peace of mind for both employers and employees throughout the relocation process.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the requirements for a relocation specialist certification before investing in any training or certification programs. Many states have their own specific regulations and requirements, so it is important to be aware of them in order to ensure that you are properly certified. Additionally, make sure to look into what type of continuing education may be required for maintaining your certification status.

Related: What does a Relocation Specialist do?

Top 10 Relocation Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Relocation Professional (CRP)

A Certified Relocation Professional (CRP) is a professional who has been trained and certified to provide relocation services. The CRP designation is awarded by the Worldwide ERC, an organization that sets standards for the relocation industry.

To become a Certified Relocation Professional, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the relocation field, complete an online course and exam, and pay a fee. The online course covers topics such as relocation policies, tax laws, customer service, and other aspects of the relocation process. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a passing score of 70%.

The entire process typically takes about four weeks to complete. Once the applicant passes the exam they will receive their certification from Worldwide ERC.

The cost to become a Certified Relocation Professional varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of Worldwide ERC. For non-members it costs $795 USD while members pay $595 USD.

2. Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)

Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) is a professional designation for real estate professionals who specialize in international real estate transactions. The CIPS designation is awarded by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and recognizes agents with expertise in global markets, cross-border transactions, and international real estate trends.

The CIPS designation requires completion of five courses, each taking approximately 30 hours to complete. The courses cover topics such as global real estate trends, foreign investment laws, taxation issues, and cultural differences. After completing the courses, applicants must pass an exam to earn the designation.

The cost of the CIPS program varies depending on NAR membership status and other factors. Generally speaking, the program costs around $2,500 USD to complete all five courses plus the exam fee.

In order to earn the CIPS designation, applicants must be members of NAR and have at least two years of experience in international real estate transactions or related fields. Additionally, applicants must complete all five courses within three years of starting their first course.

3. Global Mobility Specialist (GMS)

Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of global mobility. This designation is awarded by Worldwide ERC, an international organization dedicated to the advancement of global mobility and relocation professionals.

To be eligible for the GMS designation, you must have at least five years of experience in global mobility, as well as a minimum of three years in a management role. You must also complete a series of courses and pass an exam administered by Worldwide ERC. The courses cover topics such as immigration law, relocation policies and procedures, tax implications, cultural awareness, and more.

It typically takes about six months to complete all the requirements for the GMS designation. The cost varies depending on how many courses you take and whether or not you choose to take any additional workshops or webinars offered by Worldwide ERC. On average, the total cost is around $2,000 USD.

4. Certified Employee Relocation Professional (CERP)

Certified Employee Relocation Professional (CERP) is a professional designation that recognizes the expertise of those who specialize in employee relocation. It is awarded by Worldwide ERC, a professional association for global workforce mobility.

To qualify for the CERP designation, individuals must have at least three years of experience in employee relocation and demonstrate their knowledge and competency in the field through an exam. The exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and an essay section. It takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to get the CERP designation, individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements and then register for the exam. Registration fees vary depending on membership status with Worldwide ERC, but typically range from $350 - $500 USD. Once registered, candidates can take the exam at any authorized testing center worldwide or via remote proctoring online.

The CERP designation is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

5. Certified Moving & Storage Consultant (CM&SC)

A Certified Moving & Storage Consultant (CM&SC) is a professional designation for those in the moving and storage industry. It is awarded by the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA), which is the leading trade association for the moving and storage industry in the United States. The CM&SC designation signifies that an individual has achieved a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in all aspects of the moving and storage profession.

In order to become a CM&SC, individuals must complete an online training program administered by AMSA. The program consists of four courses: Principles of Moving & Storage; Safety & Claims Prevention; Customer Service & Sales; and Legal Aspects of Moving & Storage. Each course requires approximately 8-10 hours to complete, depending on the individual’s existing knowledge base. In addition to completing these courses, individuals must also pass a comprehensive exam covering all four topics with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for the CM&SC program varies depending on whether you are an AMSA member or non-member. For non-members, it costs $495 for all four courses and the exam fee; for members, it costs $395 for all four courses and the exam fee.

Once you have completed all four courses and passed the exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your official CM&SC certification from AMSA. This certification is valid for three years from date of issuance, after which time you will need to renew your certification by taking continuing education classes through AMSA or other approved providers.

6. International Associate of Household Goods Forwarders (IAHGF)

The International Association of Household Goods Forwarders (IAHGF) is a professional organization that provides its members with a variety of services, including networking and educational opportunities, as well as access to industry-specific resources. It is the only global organization dedicated to the household goods forwarding industry.

Membership in IAHGF is open to any company or individual involved in the business of providing services related to the international transportation and storage of household goods. This includes freight forwarders, movers, packers, storage companies, customs brokers, and other related service providers.

To become a member of IAHGF, applicants must submit an application form and pay an annual membership fee. The fee varies depending on the type of membership chosen; however, all memberships include access to IAHGF's online resources and discounts on educational programs and events.

It typically takes about two weeks for applications to be processed and approved. Once approved, members will receive their membership card along with information about their benefits and access codes for online resources.

The cost of membership varies depending on the type of membership chosen; however, most memberships range from $50 - $200 per year.

7. Senior Move Manager Certification (SMMC)

Senior Move Manager Certification (SMMC) is a professional certification program designed for individuals who provide services to seniors and their families during the transition from one residence to another. The certification program is administered by the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM).

The SMMC requires successful completion of an in-depth training course, which includes topics such as understanding the needs of seniors, working with families, physical and emotional aspects of moving, and marketing and business practices. The course takes approximately 30 hours to complete.

To obtain the SMMC, individuals must have a minimum of two years’ experience in providing senior move management services or related services to seniors and/or their families. They must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in this field. After submitting the portfolio, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge on topics covered in the training course.

The cost for obtaining the SMMC is $425 USD for NASMM members and $525 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to all materials needed to prepare for the exam, including videos, slideshows, workbooks, and practice exams.

8. Certified Residential Relocation Specialist (CRRS)

A Certified Residential Relocation Specialist (CRRS) is a professional designation awarded to individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of residential relocation. The CRRS certification is administered by the Worldwide Employee Relocation Council (WERC), and is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the residential relocation industry.

To become a Certified Residential Relocation Specialist, an individual must complete an online application, pass an exam, and pay an application fee. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as residential real estate, relocation services, home sale programs, tax issues, and more.

The cost for the CRRS certification is $295 USD for WERC members and $395 USD for non-members. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center. After successfully passing the exam, applicants will receive their CRRS certification within 4-6 weeks.

9. Certified International Relocation Professional (CIRP)

Certified International Relocation Professional (CIRP) is a certification program offered by Worldwide ERC, the workforce mobility association. The CIRP designation is a mark of excellence that recognizes individuals who have attained the highest level of knowledge and expertise in global relocation. It demonstrates to employers, peers and customers that the individual has achieved a level of proficiency in international relocation management.

To become a Certified International Relocation Professional (CIRP), an individual must meet certain requirements:

• Have at least three years of experience in international relocation management;
• Pass an exam administered by Worldwide ERC;
• Agree to abide by the Worldwide ERC Code of Ethics; and
• Maintain their certification through continuing education credits.

The exam for the CIRP designation consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as global mobility policy, immigration, taxation, cultural awareness and more. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and is offered twice a year at various locations around the world.

The cost for taking the CIRP exam is $495 for members of Worldwide ERC and $595 for non-members. There are also additional fees associated with maintaining your certification over time, including annual renewal fees and continuing education credits.

10. International Association of Movers Senior Move Manager Certification Program (IAM-SMMC).

The International Association of Movers Senior Move Manager Certification Program (IAM-SMMC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who provide senior move management services. This program is intended for individuals who are currently employed in the senior move management industry or those who wish to enter this field.

The IAM-SMMC program consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site assessment. The online course covers topics such as understanding the aging process, working with seniors, marketing and business development, safety and risk management, and relocation services. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the online course.

To get certified, you must pass both the online course and the on-site assessment. The on-site assessment is conducted by a certified IAM-SMMC assessor at your place of work or at another location approved by IAM. During the assessment, you will be evaluated on your ability to demonstrate key competencies related to providing senior move management services.

The cost of getting certified depends on whether you are an individual or a company member of IAM. For individual members, it costs $495 USD; for company members it costs $595 USD.

Do You Really Need a Relocation Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are looking to become a relocation specialist, it is likely that having a relocation specialist certificate will be beneficial to you. A certification can demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field of relocation, which can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. Additionally, having a certification may give you access to professional development opportunities, such as seminars and conferences, that can help you develop new skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends.

However, if you already have significant experience in the field of relocation and feel confident about your knowledge and abilities, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a relocation specialist certificate. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Evaluate your current skillset and career goals to determine whether or not obtaining a relocation specialist certificate is worth the time and money required.

Related: Relocation Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Relocation Specialist Certifications

1. What is a Relocation Specialist Certification?

Answer: A Relocation Specialist Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the field of relocation services. It is awarded by industry organizations such as Worldwide ERC® or the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) after successful completion of their respective certification programs.

2. What are the benefits of getting a Relocation Specialist Certification?

Answer: Benefits of obtaining a Relocation Specialist Certification include having access to resources and support from industry organizations, gaining recognition in the field, and increasing your marketability when applying for jobs or promotions.

3. How much does it cost to get certified?

Answer: The cost varies depending on which certification program you choose. For example, Worldwide ERC® offers two different certifications with fees ranging from $350 - $1,000 USD while NASMM charges an annual membership fee in addition to the cost of their certification course ($495 USD).

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time required to complete a certification program can vary based on the organization you choose and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying and completing assignments. Generally, it takes anywhere from three months up to one year or more depending on your level of commitment and dedication.

5. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified?

Answer: Yes, most organizations have certain prerequisites that must be met prior to being accepted into their certification program such as having at least two years experience working in the relocation field or passing an exam demonstrating basic knowledge in related topics.