Designations signify that a REALTOR® has taken a prescribed course of education, typically, at a higher level than other real estate courses. Courses which are part of a prescribed designation plan can also be taken for the valuable information they provide. In most cases, it is not necessary to be a designation candidate to take a designation course.

The following are the designations that the Association of REALTORS® school is currently offering classes to which to achieve:

Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR):

The Accredited Buyer Representative designation is the “benchmark of excellence in buyer representation.” The Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council, Inc. (REBAC) of the National Association of REALTORS® awards this coveted designation to REALTORS® who meet the following criteria:

• Completion of the 2-day ABR designation course and a passing grade the written exam
• Maintain membership in REBAC (one year membership is included with registration for the designation course)
• Maintain membership with NAR
• Complete one ABR elective course within three years of completing the 2-day designation course.
• Document five completed transactions as a buyer representative. Transactions may have occurred before taking the ABR designation course within three years of taking the designation course.

Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS):

The Certified International Property Specialist Network (CIPS Network) is the specialty membership group for international practitioners of the National Association of REALTORS®, the world's largest trade association. The CIPS Network is comprised of 1,500 real estate professionals 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 members are consumers' best resource to ensure they are dealing with a professional skilled in the unique aspects of international real estate. Visit the Certified International Property Specialist website at www.cips.com.

Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB)
The CRB designation is recognized industry-wide as the measure of success in brokerage and real estate business management. It is achieved by the most dedicated, conscientious, and highly skilled managers. Students do not have to be a CRB candidate to take this class. Credits toward the CRB designation are generally good for four years.

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS):

The CRS® Designation, awarded by the Council of Residential Specialists, is the highest professional designation awarded to REALTORS® in the residential sales field. Less than 4% of all REALTORS® hold the CRS® Designation. CRS® Designees earn an average of $155,876 annually - three times as much as the typical REALTOR® who sells residential real estate. The education and production requirements are extensive and involve several options. Visit the Council of Residential Specialists website at www.crs.com for an application form which includes the designation criteria.

Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI):

The GRI is an entry-level residential designation, and will be most beneficial to real estate professionals who have less than three years of experience. The GRI is awarded through the member’s state association to REALTOR® meeting the following criteria:

Successful completion of five (5) required courses, 2 days each

• Successful completion of two (2) elective courses, 1 day each
• Maintain membership in NAR

Courses can be taken in any order, and must be completed within 5 years from the candidate’s start date. Each course includes a written exam, which must be passed with a grade of at least 70%.

Performance Management Network (PMN):

The Performance Management Network 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. It is awarded by the Women’s Council of
REALTORS® to REALTORS® meeting the following criteria:

• Successful completion of three Performance Management Network courses
• Documented evidence of closed referral transactions within 24 months.
• Maintain membership in the Women’s Council of REALTORS®
• Maintain membership in NAR