Have you ever wondered what those letters after a REALTOR’S^® name stand for? REALTORS^® have recognized the need to stay on top of changing practices, laws, and regulations in the industry. One way of achieving this advanced education and recognition is through designations. To earn professional designations requires REALTORS^® to make a large investment in not only time, but money. In addition to expertise and transaction requirements, REALTORS^® must attend multiple classes, take exams, and prepare market analysis. Here are brief summaries of the designations only REALTORS^® earn:

	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.
	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.
	AHWD, At Home with Diversity Certification 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.
	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.
	CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member® CCIMs are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, valuation and investment analysis. CCIMs are backed by a respected education program, as well as superior technology products and business resources.
	CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist 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.
	CPM, CERTIFIED PROPERTY MANAGER® CPM® members have the competitive edge in every area of real estate management from residential to commercial to industrial.
	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. Membership is by invitation only.
	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. 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.
	CRS®, Certified Residential Specialist® The CRS® Designation is awarded to experienced REALTORS® who complete advanced training in listing and selling, and meet rigorous production requirements. CRS® Designees benefit from nationwide referral opportunities, a professional image that attracts customers, and sales and marketing support.
	e-PRO® 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.
	GAA, General Accredited Appraiser 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®.
	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® maintains a clearinghouse of information for individuals interested in the GRI program.
	RAA, Residential Accredited Appraiser 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®.
	RCE, REALTOR® Association Certified Executive Association Executives are recognized for their specialized industry knowledge and their association achievements and experience.
	REPAsm, Real Estate Professional Assistantsm 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.
	RSPS, Resort & Second-Home Markets Certification The RSPS is a new certification offered by NAR Resort for resort and second-home REALTORS® around the world.
	SIOR, Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS® Individuals certified with the SIOR designation are top producers in industrial and office real estate brokerage. The Society's mandatory recertification requirement assures clients of the designee's excellence in the fast changing commercial brokerage field.
	SRES®, Senior Real Estate Specialist The SRES® Designation program trains REALTORS® to profitably and ethically serve the real estate needs of clients age 50+.