Common Real Estate Designations and Certifications

National Association of Realtors (NAR) / REALTORS®

The National Association of REALTORS® is America's largest trade association, representing 1 million members, including NAR's institutes, societies and councils, involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. Their membership is composed of residential and commercial REALTORS®, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. Members belong to one or more of some 1,400 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS®, or to one of 81 cooperating associations in nearly 60 countries. They are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
The National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliated Institutes, Societies, and Councils provide a wide-range of programs and services that help members increase their skills, proficiency, and knowledge. Designations and certifications acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded by NAR and each affiliated group upon completion of required courses.

Below are some of the most commonly found designations found by REALTORS® members in Mexico:

Certified Residential Specialist / CRS

The CRS designation is the highest credential awarded by REALTORS® to residential sales agents, managers, and brokers. On average, CRS designees earn nearly three times more in income, transactions, and gross sales than non-designees.

Certified Commercial Investment Member / CCIM

The Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation, offered by the CCIM Institute, is commercial real estate's global standard for professional achievement, earned through an extensive curriculum of 200 classroom hours and professional experiential requirements. CCIMs are active in 1,000 U.S. markets and 31 other countries and comprise a 13,000-member network that includes brokers, leasing professionals, asset managers, appraisers, corporate real estate executives, investors, lenders, and other allied professionals.

Certified International Property Specialist / CIPS

This designation, offered by the National Association of REALTORS®, involves five full days of study focusing on the critical aspects of international real estate transactions, and an influential network of 2,000 professionals who turn to each other first when looking for referral partners.

International Real Estate Federation / FIABCI

FIABCI is a non-political entity whose objective is to help its members add an international dimension to their businesses. It helps members acquire knowledge, develop networks and optimize business opportunities all over the world. Currently there are members from 60 countries and more than 100 nations real estate associations. FIABCI is also recognized as a special consultant with NGO status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Organization.