Have you ever noticed all those fancy letters behind REALTOR® names? What do they mean? Are they important?

Designation programs help REALTORS® master specific areas of practice. Earning any designation takes commitment, time, and money and allows the REALTOR® to keep up with the newest trends and ideas. Those letters behind a REALTOR®’s name help to establish credibility and a show of continued education on the part of the full-time professional.

Types Of Designations
REALTORS® earn designations for different reasons. Let’s take a look at the significance of some of the designations and the meaning behind all of those letters:

ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative).
Offered by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council at 800-648-6224, the ABR focuses on buyer agency education. Note: the ABRM (Accredited Buyer Representative Manager) is offered by REBAC for real estate firm brokers, owners, and managers.

ASP® (Accredited Staging Professional®)
Agents with this designation have received specialized training on what Home Staging is, Staging benefits, and why Staging works.  They have acquired specific techniques and skills of the Home Staging process including placement, principles, and proper communication that are key to becoming a market differentiator.

ADPR (Accredited Distressed Property Representative)
The ADPR designation focuses on training REALTORS®, attorneys, investors, and homeowners to be proficient in conducting short sale transactions.  The Accredited Distressed Property Representative Designation (ADPR) designation is awarded to those who successfully complete the two-day course by passing the final examination.

AHWD (At Home With Diversity).
At Home With Diversity® is an educational experience designed to present a picture of the changing face of the real estate industry. More importantly, REALTORS® who have completed the coursework to obtain this certification have had training in how to work effectively with, and within, a rapidly changing multicultural market. At Home With Diversity® addresses the topics of diversity, fair housing and business planning development.

A-REO™ (Accredited REO Agent™)
Recognized by leading default management companies, the A-REO™ designation is viewed as a base-line resource for experienced REO agents. REALTORS® with A-REO™ certification have undergone and completed intensive training and are skilled in managing REO assets for default management companies, including banks, lenders/servicers, government sponsored enterprises (GSEs), and third party asset management companies.

CIAS (Certified Investor Agent Specialist™).
A CIAS is a real estate professional specifically trained to find, create and close with residential real estate investors. Through comprehensive education and experience, a CIAS has gained the knowledge and tools to streamline the process of real estate investment and help increase returns for investor clients.

CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member).
CCIMs are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, asset management valuation, and investment analysis. The designation is offered by the Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute, 800-621-7027.

C-CREC (Consumer-Certified Real Estate Consultant).
This designation is offered by NAREC 1 866-260-7374. C-CREC designation is the first international designation focused on results-oriented skills required by consumers. The role of today’s real estate agent is becoming one of expertise and knowledge – that of a Real Estate Consultant.

CCSE (Certified Community Stabilization Expert).
The Certified Community Stabilization Expert (CCSE) designation is an intensive course teaching the latest lessons for selling REO homes, stabilizing property values and revitalizing communities hit hard by the foreclosure crisis. REALTORS® with the CCSE designation have undergone intensive training of a curriculum designed to help real estate professionals work more effectively with nonprofits and local governments, take advantage of public initiatives for maintaining properties, and create new outreach efforts for owner occupant buyers, especially low- and moderate-income homebuyers.

CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert).
A CDPE is a real estate professional with specific understanding of the complex issues confronting the real estate industry, and the foreclosure avoidance options available to homeowners. Through comprehensive training and experience, CDPEs are able to provide solutions for homeowners facing hardships in today’s market, specifically short sales. CDPEs don’t merely assist in selling properties, they serve and help save their clients in need.

CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist).
CIPS designees learn to work with buyers and sellers from different countries and cultures. The designation is offered by NAR, 800-354-2831.

CLHMS (Certified Luxury Homes Marketing Specialist).
The Certified Luxury Homes Marketing Specialist designation is awarded to Real Estate Associates who work with luxury homes. This designation is to strengthen and display expertise in this real estate specialty. RE/MAX members are among the first to have an opportunity of earning the designation.

CNC (Certified Negotiation Consultant).
The CNC training program provides real estate professionals with the skills required to assist sellers and buyers in effectively negotiating the sale and purchase of real estate. Working with a Certified Negotiation Consultant will enhance a consumer’s competitive position at the negotiation table and increase their chances of getting the best results available in the market place.

CNE (Certified Negotiation Expert).
REALTORS® who have obtained the CNE designation, have completed further education to achieve the knowledge, training and ability needed to be expert negotiators; a vital skill required for real estate transactions.

CRB (Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager).
The CRB program trains brokerage owners and managers to meet personal and professional challenges. It is offered by the Real Estate Brokerage Managers Council, 800-621-8738.

CRP (Certified Relocation Professional).
The Certified Relocation Professional designation is conferred by the Employee Relocation Council. Designees have passed a comprehensive ERC exam that covers areas such as relocation appraisals, real estate transactions, household goods shipping, tax and legal issues, international transfers, family issues and corporate policy. www.erc.org

CRS (Certified Residential Specialist).
CRS designees complete advanced study in residential listing and selling to meet established production levels. The CRS is the designation of the Council of Residential Specialists, 800-462-8841.

CSC (Certified Staging Consultant).
CSC designees complete training on how to incorporate the art and business of Home Staging into their business model.

E-Pro (Internet Professionals). 
The E-Pro designation is specifically designed to keep you on top of changes and help you thrive in the exciting and rewarding world of online real estate. Endorsed by NAR 800 874-6500.

GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute).
The REALTOR® Institute of Virginia, 800-755-8271, provides residential real estate professionals with a solid base of information for their practice.

LTG (Leadership Training Graduate).
Offered by the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, 800-245-8512, the LTG designation focuses on career improvement and individual goal attainment. Designees are professionals who excel in leadership at all stages of their career.

MRP (Military Relocation Professional).
The Military Relocation Professional (MRP) designation is for real estate professionals who want to work with current and former military service members. REALTORS® that have obtained the MRP designation have received additional education and completed the certification program that focuses on working with U.S. service members and their families and veterans to find the housing solutions that best suit their needs and to take full advantage of available benefits and support.

RRS (Referral and Relocation Specialist).

SFR (Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource®).
REALTORS® with the SFR certification can be a trusted resource for short sales and foreclosures.  They have received specialized training on how to manage short-sales, foreclosures, and real-estate owned transactions.

SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®). 
The designation offered by SIOR, 202-737-8763, is for top producers in the areas of industrial and office real estate brokerage.

SRS (Seller Representative Specialist).
The Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) designation is the premier credential in seller representation. It is designed to elevate professional standards and enhance personal performance. The designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB) who meet specific educational and practical experience criteria.

SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist).
The designation is offered by SRES 1 800-500-4564. The designation focuses on the fastest growing segment of property owners, the senior citizen population.

TRC (Transnational Referral Certification).
This certification is awarded by the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA).  The TRC is paramount in the generation of international leads, especially for Realtors® working in second home and resort markets.  TRC brokers are well prepared to provide quality service to buyers with international real estate interests.

REALTORS® Keep Learning
Our world today is moving at such a fast pace. New technology and information arrive every day. To be true professionals, REALTORS® have to know what’s out there and what takes place in the industry.