The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has nine affiliated Institutes, Societies, and Councils that provide a wide-ranging menu of programs and services that assist members in increasing skills, productivity and knowledge. Designations acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded by each Affiliated group upon completion of required courses. In addition, NAR offers two certification programs to its members.



	ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative* With over 40,000 members, REBAC is the largest association of real estate professionals focusing on all aspects of buyer representation. Over 30,000 ABR® designees have completed the REBAC course, passed the test and provided documentation of buyer agency experience. REBAC (Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council ) Contact REBAC, 1-800-648-6224 or visit the REBAC Web site



	ABRM - Accredited Buyer Representative Manager* Geared to real estate firm brokers, owners and managers that have or wish to incorporate buyer representation into their daily practice, designees have taken and passed both the ABR® and ABRMSM course and provided documentation of past management experience. REBAC (Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council) Contact REBAC, 1-800-648-6224 or visit the REBACWeb site.



	AHWD - At Home with Diversity Certification A ground-breaking professional education initiative designed to provide America's real estate professionals with training and tools to expand their businessas well as homeownership opportunities for more Americans. AHWD certification relays to the public that those certified have been professionally trained in and are sensitive to a wide range of cultural issues inviting a wider volume of business from a greater variety of cultures. For more information on this course and its business principles, please visit the At Home With Diversity sub-site or contact Diversity, (202) 383-1201.



	ALC - Accredited Land Consultant* ALC’s are the recognized experts in land brokerage transactions of five specialized types: (1) farms and ranches; (2) undeveloped tracts of land; (3) transitional and development land; (4) subdivision and wholesaling of lots; and (5) site selection and assemblage of land parcels. Acquire valuable skills through educational offerings leading to the ALC designation. REALTORS® Land Institute (RLI) For information on the ALC designation call 1-800-441-5263, visit the RLI Web site or e-mail RLI



	CCIM - Certified Commercial Investment Member® CCIMs are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, valuation and investment analysis. The CCIM business network includes more than 7,500 designees and an equal number of candidates principally in North America, but also in Asia and Europe. CCIMs are backed by a respected education program, as well as superior technology products and business resources. CCIM Institute Call 1-800-621-7027, visit the CCIM Web site.



	CIPS - Certified International Property Specialist The CIPS network is comprised of 1,500 real estate professionals from 50 countries who deal in all types of real estate, but with one common element: they are focused specifically on the "international" market. Whether traveling abroad to put deals together, assisting foreign investors, helping local buyers invest abroad, or serving an immigrant niche in local markets, CIPS designees are consumers' best resource to ensure they are dealing with a professional skilled in the unique aspects of international real estate. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Call NAR Customer Service at 1-800-874-6500, e-mail NAR International or visit the CIPS Education Web site.



	CPM - Certified Property Manager® Acquire valuable real estate management skills through educational offerings leading to the CPM® designation. CPM® members have the competitive edge in every area of real estate management from residential to commercial to industrial. Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) Contact Customer Service at 1-800-837-0706, Ext. 4650 or visit the IREM Web site



	CRB - Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager The Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) designation is recognized industry-wide as the measure of success in brokerage and real estate business management. The designation is awarded by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers to REALTORS® who have completed the Council's advanced educational and professional requirements. CRB designees consistently increase their level of industry knowledge, advance their earning and career potential, increase their firm’s profitability and benefit from active involvement in our network of real estate professionals. The new CRB Designation Program now provides credit for management experience, higher education and previously earned NAR designations. Additional credits can be earned through the Council's management education programs delivered live or by Self Study on CD-ROM. Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers For more information, contact CRB, call 800-621-8738 or visit the CRBWeb site.



	CRE - Counselor of Real Estate The Counselor of Real Estate – or CRE – is a member of The Counselors of Real Estate, an international group of recognized professionals who provide seasoned, objective advice on real property and land-related matters. Only 1,100 practitioners throughout the world carry the CRE designation. Membership is by invitation only. Counselors of Real Estate Call 1-312-329-8427 or visit the CRE Web site.



	CRS - Certified Residential Specialist® Agents can maximize their potential by earning the CRS® Designation and joining the organization that has served top-producing residential sales agents since 1977. The more than 35,000 CRS® Designees benefit from nationwide referral opportunities, a professional image that attracts customers, and sales and marketing support. The CRS® Designation is awarded to experienced REALTORS® who complete advanced training in listing and selling, and meet rigorous production requirements. Certified Residential Specialist® Contact Customer Services at 1-800-462-8841, visit the CRSWeb site.



	ePRO® - ePro Internet Professionals e-PRO® is a revolutionary training program presented entirely online to certify real estate agents and brokers as Internet Professionals. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is the first major trade group to offer certification for online professionalism. e-PRO® is not just about technology - it's about how you can leverage your most powerful asset, your people-skills, into doing more business on the Internet. e-PRO® gives you: - Exhaustive Internet Training - Unique Competitive Advantage - Professional Distinction - CE credit is now available in several states For more information on the e-PRO® certification, visit the REALTOR e-PRO® Web site.



	GAA - General Accredited Appraiser Certified general appraisers wishing to increase their visibility should consider pursuing the GAA designation. The GAA designation is awarded to appraisers whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification requirements and is supported by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Call 1-800-874-6500 ext. 8393 or visit the NAR Appraisal page.



	GREEN - NAR's Green Designation • Provides real estate professionals with the knowledge and awareness of green building principles applied in residences, commercial properties, developments, and communities so that they can list, market, and manage green properties as well as guide buyer-clients, in purchasing green homes and buildings. • Enables real estate professionals to incorporate green principles into their practice. • Encourages the real estate professional to be an advocate in spreading the green philosophy and be a positive force for creating sustainable and energy efficient communities of homes and commercial buildings. • Provides on-going information, tools, and support regarding green building features, thus enabling members to be leaders in their marketplace. • Supports member efforts with referrals, marketing tools, and consumer awareness campaigns.



	GRI - Graduate REALTOR® Institute Members involved in residential real estate who want a solid base of information for their practice will want to participate in the REALTOR® Institute program and earn the GRI designation. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Contact your State REALTOR® Association for course dates and locations or go to the listing of State REALTOR® Associations available here. NAR maintains a clearinghouse of information for individuals interested in the GRI program. For more information, visit the new GRI Web site.



	PMN - Performance Management Network The Performance Management Network (PMN) is a new REALTOR® designation that's built from the ground up to bring you the real-world skills, the know-how and the tools that will keep your business out front and on top of a lighting-fast market. This designation is unique to the REALTOR® family designations, focusing on the idea that in order to enhance your business, you must enhance yourself. The curriculum is driven by the following topics: negotiating strategies and tactics, networking and referrals, business planning & systems, personal performance management and cultural differences in buying and selling. Women's Council of REALTORS® Contact the WCR Education Department, 1-800-245-8512 or visit the WCR Web site



	RAA - Residential Accredited Appraiser Certified residential appraisers wishing to increase their visibility should consider pursuing the RAA designation. The RAA designation is awarded to appraisers whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification requirements and is supported by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Contact Renee Holland, 1-312-329-8545. More information can be found at the Association Executives Homepage.



	RCE - REALTOR® association Certified Executive Association executives interested in demonstrating commitment to the field of REALTOR® association management should pursue the RCE designation. AEs are recognized for their specialized industry knowledge and their association achievements and experience. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Contact Renee Holland, 1-312-329-8545. More information can be found at the Association Executives Homepage.



	REPA - Real Estate Professional Assistant^sm REPA is a comprehensive two-day certificate course that provides an intensive introduction to the real estate business and to the specific ways support staff can become valuable assets to their employers. Every administrative employee in the brokerage office, from listing secretary to the personal assistant, will benefit tremendously from this quick-start program. For more information, visit the Real Estate Professional Assistant Web site



	RSPS - Resort & Second-Home Markets Certification The RSPS is a new certification offered by NAR Resort for resort & second-home REALTORS around the world. REALTORS specializing in resort and second-home markets and interested in demonstrating their knowledge and expertise should pursue the RSPS certification. The RSPS core certification requirements include the NAR Resort & Second-Home Market Course and the RLI Tax-Deferred (1031) Exchange Course. RSPS applicants will also choose from nine different elective choices including courses from the NAR Education Matrix and the NAR Resort Symposium held every 18 months. For more information, NAR Resort 312-329-8393, or visit the NAR Resort Web site.



	SIOR - Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS® The SOCIETY OF INDUSTRIAL AND OFFICE REALTORS® is the leading professional commercial and industrial real estate association. With more than 2,800 certified members in more than 590 cities in 25 countries, SIOR represents today's most knowledgeable, experienced, and successful commercial real estate brokerage specialists. Contact Membership at 202-449-8200 or visit the http://www.sior.com SIOR Web site.



	SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist The SRES® Designation program trains REALTORS® to profitably and ethically serve the real estate needs of clients age 50+. Includes first year membership in SRES Council and its umbrella of services. SRES Council Call 1800-500-4564 or visit the SRES website site.



	TRC - Transnational Referral Certification The goal of this certification offered by the National Association of REALTORS^® is to prepare real estate professionals to make and receive compensated referrals using the Transnational Referral system developed NAR and the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA). Students will learn how to integrate international referrals, resulting in increased income, into their business plans. When you are involved in an international referral, as a referring or receiving agent, the Transnational Referral Certification demonstrates to other real estate professionals that you are well versed in the procedures of the Transnational Referral system, have pledged to follow a code of conduct in business dealings, and expect that compensation, paid in a timely manner, will be an integral part of the transaction. For more information, visit NAR International: Transnational Referral Certification

General Designations



	AHSS - Accredited Home-Staging Specialist Accredited Home Stagers Prepare Homes to Sell Faster for More Money! Professional Home Staging is the fastest growing new career opportunity in Real Estate! Recommended by top Real Estate Agents and as seen on television, Home Staging is professionally preparing homes for sale, so that they appeal to the most amount of buyers and generate the highest price in the least amount of time on market. In today's market conditions, Staging sells homes. (http://www.StagingSpecialist.com)



	ALHS - Accredited Luxury Home Specialist Inclusion into the Luxury Home Council requires all members to meet or exceed minimum standards of achievement demonstrating their expertise in the Luxury Home segment of the real estate industry. To display the ALHS designation each member must: Complete the Accredited Luxury Home Specialist Course. Represent a buyer or seller, in at least two transactions, where the purchase price is at least two times the average sales price in the market. The transactions must take place within 24 months of taking the course or anytime prior to taking the course. Be in good standing with the National Association of REALTORS® and the Luxury Home Council. (http://www.luxuryhomecouncil.com/)



	AREP - Accredited Real Estate Professional The purpose of this course is to teach a new agent how to get started in his/her new real estate career. The course provides a day-by-day approach for the first 30 days in their new career that will get the real estate agent into the routine of basic marketing and sales techniques. At the conclusion agents should know how to farm, prospect and market themselves; have a checklist of daily reminders of what needs to be accomplished; understand the legalities of non-discrimination and the “do not call” list; have a business/financial plan for guiding them through the year; and have a plan of attack for his real estate career, either for their new career or to get back on track with their current career.



	ASP - Accredited Staging Professional Accredited ASP Stagers and ASP Real Estate Agents are true Professionals trained under strict guidelines using proven Staging techniques developed for over 30 years. When you bring your home on the market and prepare your house for sale always hire an ASP because they are the true leaders in the Home Staging and Real Estate Industries. (http://www.stagedhomes.com)



	ASR - Accredited Seller Representative ASR® Seller Agents are trained and committed to deliver to today's seller true "value added services." This has a major impact on the quality of representation to you, the seller, as well as potential possibilities to the financial bottom line. Remember, whenever possible, ASR® Seller Agents are committed to providing exclusive representation to you, which simply means placing your interests above that of others in the real estate transaction.Committed to adhering to a stringent standard of ethics, ASR® Seller Agents are to demonstrate complete honesty in pricing as well as thorough research and preparation in completing and presenting the property market analysis. A further and most important commitment of ASR® Seller Agents is to demonstrate ethical conduct and integrity in every aspect of their real estate career. (http://www.selleragency.com/sellers-agents.htm)



	CBR - Certified Buyer Representative Focus on the 'forgotten' side of the transaction! Obtain the skills necessary to effectively represent home buyers with a Certified Buyer Representative designation; the CBR designation enables consumers to identify real estate buyer agents who can provide value with a proven level of education and expertise. CBR® was the first registered mark to be used identifying real estate buyer agents; since its inception, the course has continued to meet the requirements for instructional excellence and has a proven track record of success.



	CDPE - Certified Distressed Property Expert The founders of the Distressed Property Institute believe that in almost all cases the best person for a homeowner in distress to speak with is a well informed Licensed Realtor® that has the tools needed to help that homeowner find the best solution for their situation. Foreclosure is a devastating financial and emotional process for a homeowner to go through, and in many cases they do so alone and without help of any kind. It is the goal of the Distressed Property Institute to give agents the tools and information they need to avoid foreclosure and move forward with their lives. The Certified Distressed Property Expert Designation is the course that provides agent with everything they need to assist these homeowners. The course is delivered in easy to understand modules that will give the future CDPE agent everything they need to understand and assist with the needs of distressed homeowners.



	CDRS - Certified Default Resolution Specialist (CDRS™) America’s Home Rescue (2008/2009 NAR Convention Speakers & Panelists) is now offering our trained Agents a Certified Default Resolution Specialist™ (CDRS) Certification, which awards you, the Agent, the unique distinction of being a certified member of a powerful national network of licensed real estate professionals equipped with the most advanced, substantive, nuts-and-bolts pre-foreclosure training and support system in today's challenging real estate market. As a CDRS™ Certified Member, you will have a distinct and highly-recognized advantage that gives lenders, homeowners, as well as other real estate professionals, the ability to recognize your acquired training and education, and make wise and confident choices to work with you, a CDRS™ Certified Real Estate Professional. You will be recognized for personally investing in your pre-foreclosure training and you will have the necessary knowledge, tools and resources required to successfully facilitate pre-foreclosure solutions, from a Listing or Buyer's Agent perspective. Once you become a CDRS™ Member, it is also our goal, at America's Home Rescue, to help you receive the recognition you deserve. To help maximize your recognition and exposure, we have created the All-New CDRS™ Agent Network, utilizing advanced online geospatial mapping technology.



	CHMS - Certified Home Marketing Specialist The ability to successfully manage staging has become an integral part of every successful real estate professional's business plan. Consumers expect it. Markets demand it. Now is the time to develop the knowledge and skills you need to put staging to work for you.



	CLHMS - Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist The Institute offers the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) designation for member agents who complete our specialized CLHMS training and have documented performance in the top 10% of their markets. CLHMS members who demonstrate skill in the million-dollar-plus market can receive added recognition as members of The Million Dollar Guild.(http://www.luxuryhomemarketing.com/real-estate-agents/home.html)



	CNE - Certified Negotiation Expert The Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) designation was launched in late 2006. In just over the first year of operation, over 1400 agents in 11 different states earned their CNE designation. An aggressive national expansion began in early 2008 via licensing agreements with over 40 real estate schools across the country. Many agents who take the CNE seminar rate it the best training experience of their real estate career (see Testimonials on website). And the negotiation knowledge obtained during the CNE seminar can be used in virtually any negotiation inside or outside of real estate. (http://www.negotiationexpertise.com/)



	CNHS - Certified New Home Specialist™ Includes the Residential Construction Certified™ CNHS™ is recognized as Real Estate's #1 certification representing professionalism in working with Builders & New Home Buyers. More than 25,000 brokers, builders, managers & sales associates have increased their knowledge, confidence and professionalism. Whether Builder Representation or New Home Buyer Representation.



	CNS - Certified Neighborhood Specialist A Certified Neighborhood Specialist (CNS) is a real estate professional that has been certified by the Council of Neighborhood Specialists as an expert in a particular neighborhood. Those professionals bearing the CNS designation have proven their knowledge of a particular neighborhood. Most agents have a broad knowledge of a geographical area but a CNS specializes in just a few neighborhoods. Although some agents in the industry may print “Neighborhood Expert” on a business card, in reality they don’t really have any evidence of special knowledge to back up this claim. The purpose of the CNS is to educate and empower the agent to have that intimate knowledge or the ability to research the specifics of a neighborhood. (http://www.certifiedneighborhoodspecialist.com)



	CSP - Certified New Home Sales Professional The Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP) designation is the first designation available through The Institute of Residential Marketing. CSP was designed for specialists in new home sales to enhance their professional image, increase their marketability in the home building industry and sell more homes!



	CSSN - Certified Short Sale Negotiator Students who take the CSSN course will receive the following: 1-day of professional negotiation and short sale training Certified Short Sale Negotiator designation awarded at the end of the day Continuing Education Credit Hours in most states Over 50 pages of short sale negotiation summaries and marketing materials for your new designation Quarterly newsletters with advanced negotiation tips and advice Access to leading edge negotiation research to use in real estate negotiations



	EcoBroker - EcoBroker Certified EcoBroker (tm) is an education and market performance program designed exclusively for real estate professionals and industry affiliates who care about the environment. The EcoBroker (tm) logo is the symbol of environmentally responsible and sustainable practices in the real estate industry. If you are a licensed real estate professional, becoming an EcoBroker (tm) is a great opportunity for you to benefit your community and the planet, while broadening your base of training and earning more business. Before becoming a certified EcoBroker (tm), licensed real estate agents must fulfill a straight-forward set of requirements. The most important requirement of EcoBroker (tm) Certification is that you complete our energy, environmental, and marketing training program. (http://www.energystarloans.com/ESL/ecobroker.htm)



	GHS - Generational Housing Specialist A Generational Housing Specialist™ has completed a comprehensive course of study and successfully completed an exam on housing, finance, and investment issues to qualify for the GHS™ designation. Generational effects on decision making The history of real estate market fluctuations and loan products in changing investment environments. Financing options and new loan products including Fixed and Adjustable Loans, Reverse Mortgages, and the effect of the Secondary Markets Lifestyle Requirements and Amenities Universal Design and Aging in Place Effect of Retirement Benefits, Pensions, Social Security Taxes: capital gains, 1031 exchanges and installment sales. Asset planning and Estate planning with implications for real estate. Vacation and Investment purchases. (http://www.generationalhousingspecialist.com/referrals.shtml)



	IRES - International Real Estate Specialist Certification Audree Mevellec, the creator and co-founder of the International Real Estate Specialist Certification (I.R.E.S.) has listed and sold Billions of dollars in International listings, including developments in Thailand, St. Luci and has been teaching Agents how to break into this lucrative market. The I.R.E.S. courses teach the agents how to promote properties in the national and international markets and how to work with builders and developers around the world. The courses also teach agents how to co-list with other agents wherever in the world it makes sense to market their listings, promote, advertise and find potential buyers for their listings. The course teaches agents how to obtain more listings in their local markets as well as globally. Finally agents learn about globalization, popular second home markets, leverage listings, baby boomers, fractional ownership versus timeshare, buyers statistics, and much more. This certification will change the way agents do business and assist brokerages with recruitment, retention and increased agent productivity.



	MCNE - Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE) The MCNE® designation is awarded to students who successfully complete all of the following courses through RENI: Certified Negotiation Expert (2 days) Mastering Email Negotiations in Real Estate (1 day) Advanced Negotiation Techniques for Buyer’s Agents (1 day) Advanced Negotiation Techniques for Listing Agents (1 day) Negotiating Across Generations in Real Estate (3 hours) Cultural Factors in Real Estate Negotiations (3 hours) The MCNE designation will be clear evidence to your clients that you are the best-trained agent to help meet their needs. The results you achieve on behalf of your clients will be far above average, which will translate to more clients through referrals and direct advertising.



	QSC - Quality Service Certification Commits to communicating and following a proven service process. Provides a Guarantee of service performance. Agrees to have his/her service evaluated. (http://www.qualityservice.org)



	RCC - Residential Construction Certified™ For real estate professionals active in either resale or new home business, Residential Construction Certified™ delivers the most effective & comprehensive training available covering materials, methods, terminology and details of residential construction. The RCC™ Certification identifies you as a true real estate professional with in-depth knowledge of the products you sell ... knowledge of residential construction ... which allows you to work more professionally with buyers, sellers, appraisers, inspectors, lenders, designers, engineers and construction professionals.



	RECS - Real Estate Cyberspace Specialist Real Estate Professionals receive a distinct competitive advantage when they join the Real Estate CyberSpace Society. Society members leverage their effectiveness, visibility, professionalism and earnings by using the latest up to the minute networking tools, strategies and services in the CyberPro ToolBox they receive with Society membership. (http://www.recyber.com/)



	SFR - Short Sales and foreclosures Resource Certification For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” real estate transaction. Knowing how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities are not merely good skills to have in today’s market—they are critical. And while short sales and foreclosures are not for the faint of heart, agents with the proper tools and training can use these specialty areas to build their business for the long term. Learn what it takes to become SFR certified.



	SMP - Social Media Pro Social media skills are now part of the tool-set successful REALTORS must use in their marketing efforts. In an effort to create awareness and education about these various tools, HAR has created 5 brand new classes. Each course will explain that particular area of social media and how to use it with your business. In addition to gaining important knowledge, if you attend the following courses (6 in all) you will be recognized by HAR as a Social Media Pro! • Real Estate Blogging 101 • Video 101 (Using your Flip to List) or Hot iPhone Tools for Today’s Realtor • Real Estate & Facebook 101 • Real Estate & Linkedin 101 • Real Estate & Twitter 101 • Advanced Social Media These classes will be ongoing, but are sure to fill up quickly so sign up today!



	SRS - Seller Representative Specialist For the last several years, it has been apparent that there has not been training for Seller Agents similar to the REBAC ABR designation disciplines. So, SRS Council and its Authors, along with the counsel of Tom Dooley, set forth to create a new seller designation that would take a new agent to an accomplished level sooner and an already successful agent to an even higher level of competency. SRS - Seller Representative Specialist - is the premiere seller agency designation, conferred by the SRS Council, recognizing real estate professionals who have completed special education in seller representation.



	TAHS - Texas Affordable Housing Specialist The Texas Affordable Housing Specialist certification combines five MCE courses that equip you with the knowledge to help first-time homebuyers and increase homeownership and retention in Texas.



	TRLP - Texas Realtors Leadership Program The mission of the Texas REALTORS Leadership Program is to develop community and organizational leaders to become contributors to their community and their businesses and enrich their personal and professional lives. Participants will learn about their communication skills, how to lead a team and work within a team, understand multi-cultures, and how to grow their real estate business while learning about their community, government, and business partners. The Leadership Program offers participants the opportunity to meet other motivated leaders and to share intensive learning experience that focuses on community issues and leadership skills. The purpose of the leadership program is to prepare the next generation of Realtors® to meet future challenges. The program provides participants with lectures, seminars, guest speakers, group discussions and leadership exercise that address vital issues affecting Realtors

Meet The Team

Rita Klein
Professional Development Director
Ext. 263

Marilyn Maxwell
Technology Training Specialist
Ext. 288

Tara Jordan
Member Relations Manager
Ext. 783

Ronnie Kovar
Professional Development Coordinator
Ext. 245

Cristina Schaefer
Professional Development Coordinator
Ext. 264

All information is subject to change and should be independently verified.
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