Designations & Certifications
Accredited Buyer’s Representative
The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation is designed for real
estate buyer agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients at every
stage of the home buying process. Understand and explain the benefits of buyer
representation while enhancing the services that are offered to a buyer-client.
To earn the designation of ABR
you must successfully attend the course, complete the
application process shown below, remain a member of NAR and stay current on your dues.
Application must be submitted to receive the designation that includes the following:
1) Proof of completing an elective within 36 months of the ABR attendance such as
AHWD, CIPS, e-Pro, GRI. MRP, PSA, RENE, RSPS, SRES, SRS, SFR
2) Proof of 5 closed transactions where you exclusively provided buyer representation
(two can be tenant representation)
Designations are specialized credentials for REALTORS®. Designations offer extensive
benefits that are continually improved upon and expanded. For this reason, maintaining a
designation requires annual dues and continued membership in NAR. Requirements may
change and an updated set of requirements can be found on http://www.realtor.org/
Designation Dues:
(unless there is a special being offered)
ABR 1st year free.
2nd year prorated depending on when the course was taken.
3rd year $110 with a 5% discount if paid online before the end of the year.
Additional benefits:
Course may qualify as an elective for SRS
Course may offer the opportunity to earn 6 MD CE elective hours #132-1875
Attendees must be in full compliance of CE policies to earn CE hours.
At Home with Diversity
Learn to work effectively with – and within – today’s diverse real estate market.
The At Home With Diversity® certification teaches you how to conduct your
business with sensitivity to all client profiles and build a business plan to
successfully serve them.
CERTIFICATION APPPLICATION DUES:
: (unless there is a special being offered)
Certification Fees: NAR® Certifications have a one-time application fee. Certification holders can place
the certification initials behind their name if they complete all of the requirements, pay the one-time
application fee, and remain an active member of NAR® Requirements may change and an updated list
may be found on www.realtor.org
At Home with Diversity® (AHWD) $75.00
Additional benefits:
Course may qualify as an elective for ABR and SRS.
Course may offer the opportunity to earn 3 MD CE elective hours – #111-1875
Attendees must be in full compliance of CE policies to earn CE hours.
e-PRO
NAR’s e-PRO® certification program helps REALTORS® master the advanced
digital marketing techniques of today. With the e-PRO® certification,
REALTORS® increase their ability to reach customers, expand their capabilities,
and build trust by safeguarding client information.
CERTIFICATION APPPLICATION DUES:
Certification Fees: NAR® Certifications have a one-time application fee. Certification holders can place
the certification initials behind their name if they complete all of the requirements, pay the one-time
application fee, and remain an active member of NAR® Requirements may change and an updated list
may be found on http://www.realtor.org/
e-PRO $149.00
Additional benefits:
Course may qualify as an elective for ABR and SRS.
Course may offer the opportunity to earn 4.5 MD CE elective hours #108-1875
Attendees must be in full compliance of CE policies to earn CE hours.
Certified Real Estate Team Specialist
The Certified Real Estate Team Specialist (C-RETS) certification is designed to
improve team development, individual leadership skills, and financial
performance. C-RETS courses provide the tools, strategies, and knowledge that
are required of today’s real estate professionals who are either considering or
currently operating in a team environment. It is for team leaders, team members,
those looking to start a team, and those who simply want to sharpen their
management skills.
To earn the C-RETS certification you must successfully complete 2 of the 4
C-RETS courses within 4 years of the date of the first C-RETS class attended and
complete the application process .
CERTIFICATION APPPLICATION DUES:
(unless there is a special being offered)
Certification Fees: REBI/ NAR® Certifications have a one-time application fee. Certification holders can
place the certification initials behind their name if they complete all of the requirements, pay the one-time
application fee, and remain an active member of NAR® Requirements may change and an updated list
may be found on www.rebisntitute.com
Certified Real Estate Team Specialist (C-RETS) $159.00
Additional benefits:
Course may qualify as an elective for SRS.
Course may offer the opportunity to earn MD CE elective hours – approval pending
Attendees must be in full compliance of CE policies to earn CE hours
Military Relocation Professional
Military Relocation Professional certification focuses on educating real estate
professionals about working with current and former military service members
to find housing solutions that best suit their needs and take full advantage of
military benefits and support
CERTIFICATION APPPLICATION DUES:
(unless there is a special being offered)
Certification Fees: REBI/ NAR® Certifications have a one-time application fee. Certification holders can
place the certification initials behind their name if they complete all of the requirements, pay the one-time
application fee, and remain an active member of NAR® Requirements may change and an updated list
may be found on www.rebisntitute.com
Military Relocation Professional (MRP) $195.00
Additional benefits:
Course may qualify as an elective for ABR and SRS.
Course may offer the opportunity to earn 6 MD CE elective hours #131-1875
Attendees must be in full compliance of CE policies to earn CE hours.
Pricing Strategy Advisor
Enhance your skills in pricing properties, creating CMAs, working with appraisers,
and guiding clients through the anxieties and misperceptions they often have
about home values with NAR’s PSA (Pricing Strategy Advisor) certification.
CERTIFICATION APPPLICATION DUES:
(unless there is a special being offered)
Certification Fees: REBI/ NAR® Certifications have a one-time application fee. Certification holders can
place the certification initials behind their name if they complete all of the requirements, pay the one-time
application fee, and remain an active member of NAR® Requirements may change and an updated list
may be found on www.rebisntitute.com
Pricing Strategy Advisor Certification (PSA) $179.00
Additional benefits:
Course may qualify as an elective for ABR and SRS.
Course may offer the opportunity to earn 6 MD CE elective hours #089-1875
Attendees must be in full compliance of CE policies to earn CE hours.
Real Estate Investing
The Real Estate Investing (REI) certification program is for REALTORS® who want
to master the ins and outs of working with investors and those who are
establishing themselves as real estate investors.
Additional benefits:
Course may qualify as an elective for ABR and SRS.
Course may offer the opportunity to earn 4.5 MD CE elective hours #112-1875
Attendees must be in full compliance of CE policies to earn CE hours.
Real Estate Negotiation Expert
The Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) certification is for real estate
professionals who want to sharpen their negotiation and client advocacy skills.
CERTIFICATION APPPLICATION DUES:
: (unless there is a special being offered)
Certification Fees: REBI/NAR® Certifications have a one-time application fee. Certification holders can
place the certification initials behind their name if they complete all of the requirements, pay the one-time application fee, and remain an active member of NAR® Requirements may change and an updated list
may be found on www.rebinstitute.com
Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) $159.00
Additional benefits:
Course may qualify as an elective for ABR and SRS.
Course may offer the opportunity to earn 4.5 MD CE elective hours #091-1875
Attendees must be in full compliance of CE policies to earn CE hours.
Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist
This certification is designed for REALTORS® who facilitate the buying, selling, or
management of properties for investment, development, retirement, or second
homes in a resort, recreational and/or vacation destination are involved in this
market niche.
CERTIFICATION APPPLICATION DUES:
: (unless there is a special being offered)
Certification Fees: REBI/NAR® Certifications have a one-time application fee. Certification holders can
place the certification initials behind their name if they complete all of the requirements, pay the one-time application fee, and remain an active member of NAR® Requirements may change and an updated list
may be found on http://www.realtor.org/
Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) $194.50
Additional benefits:
Course may qualify as an elective for ABR and SRS.
Course may offer the opportunity to earn 3 MD CE elective hours #110-1875
Attendees must be in full compliance of CE policies to earn CE hours.
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
The SRES® Designation program educates REALTORS® on how to profitably and
ethically serve the real estate needs of the fastest growing market in real estate,
clients age 50+. By earning the SRES® designation, you gain access to valuable
member benefits, useful resources, and networking opportunities across the U.S.
and Canada to help you in your business.
To earn the SRES designation:
you must successfully attend the course, complete the
application process, remain a member of NAR and stay current on your dues.
Designations are specialized credentials for REALTORS®. Designations offer extensive
benefits that are continually improved upon and expanded. For this reason, maintaining a
designation requires annual dues and continued membership in NAR. Requirement may
change and an updated set of requirements can be found on www.realtor.org
Designation Dues:
1st year free. $99 every year thereafter.
Additional benefits:
Course may qualify as an elective for ABR and SRS.
Course may offer the opportunity to earn 6 MD CE elective hours #106-1875
Attendees must be in full compliance of CE policies to earn CE hours.
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
professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential for seller
advocacy. SRS designees represent a global community of REALTORS® who use
their advanced training and expertise to go above and beyond their client’s
expectations.
To earn the SRES designation:
you must successfully attend the course, complete the
application process, remain a member of NAR and stay current on your dues.
Application must be submitted to receive the designation that includes the following:
3) Proof of completing an elective such as
ABR, AHWD, C-RETS, e-Pro, GRI. MRP, PSA, RENE, RSPS, SRES, SFR
4) Proof of 3 closed transactions where you exclusively provided owner representation
(one can be landlord representation)
There is no time limit for completion of the application at this time.
Designations are specialized credentials for REALTORS®. Designations offer extensive
benefits that are continually improved upon and expanded. For this reason, maintaining a
designation requires annual dues and continued membership in NAR. Requirement may
change and an updated set of requirements can be found on www.rebinstitute.com
Designation Dues:
1st year free. $99 every year thereafter.
Additional benefits:
Course may qualify as an elective for ABR and SRS.
Course may offer the opportunity to earn 6 MD CE elective hours #090-1875
Attendees must be in full compliance of CE policies to earn CE hours.
Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource
The SFR® certification teaches real estate professionals to work with distressed
sellers and the finance, tax, and legal professionals who can help them, qualify
sellers for short sales, develop a short sale package, negotiate with lenders,
safeguard your commission, limit risk, and protect buyers.
CERTIFICATION APPPLICATION DUES:
: (unless there is a special being offered)
Certification Fees: REBI/NAR® Certifications have a one-time application fee. Certification holders can
place the certification initials behind their name if they complete all of the requirements, pay the one-time application fee, and remain an active member of NAR® Requirements may change and an updated list
may be found on http://www.realtor.org/
Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource (SFR) $175.00
Additional benefits:
Course may qualify as an elective for ABR and SRS.
Course may offer the opportunity to earn 6 MD CE electives hours #115-1875
Attendees must be in full compliance of CE policies to earn CE hours.
Frequently Asked ?s
for Designation / Certifications
They are both settings that provide a wonderful opportunity to improve your approach to real
estate. A designation such as ABR or SRS have annual fees and provide good support materials.
Some of the designations have additional criteria for a completed application such as taking an
elective class and providing proof of related transactions. A certification such as MRP or PSA
may offer a lesser amount of support materials and will only require a one-time certification fee
paid at time of application. Most allow you to add credentials to your brand once you have
successfully completed your application. Both may also offer an online referral directory
Some of the designations require attendance of an additional course to be completed with your
application. ABR and SRS both require an elective course to be completed and submitted with
application. Each of the courses we offer has an explanation on our designation/certification
page which includes a list of electives when that is part of the requirements. C-RETS requires 2
of the 4 courses offered to be completed prior to your application.
You are not allowed to add any credentials to your marketing efforts until your application has
been successfully completed. If it is a designation you will need to also stay current with your
annual fees to continue receiving the benefits. You will need to remain a member of NAR to
continue with those benefits as well. Many of the courses provide support materials and some
have an online directory that could mean ease for referring business.
To earn a designation or certification, attendance of the complete course will be required. If you
miss no more than 15 minutes each day, you could still qualify for complete attendance but will not
earn any MD CE hours if applicable. If you miss more than 15 minutes daily from the course,
whether you can make up hours in another future offering of that course will be decided by the
NAR, REBAC or REBI education policies. Additional payment may be needed to attend a make-up
class if allowed.
Missing a portion of the scheduled class does not qualify for a refund. You can request a class credit to
attend the class during one of the future offerings.
If an exam is administered during the class, passing the exam will not be a requirement for earning
the designation or certification. It is possible that the CIPS course requires an exam, but our school
does not offer this course.
No, the slides do not belong to Plan2Pass. They are proprietary and belong to NAR, REBAC or
REBI. Your student manual has all the information shown on slides and more! The graphics
look different but there is WAY more content in the manual you are provided than the slides
used as a presentation. The manual might also have a worthwhile appendix and should be
considered a reference material for ongoing use
Most of the courses do not have a completion deadline. It would be worthwhile to attempt
your application for completion even if some time has gone by since attending the course. The
rare course that does require you to complete within a set period usually offers a generous
amount of time such as 3 years. Our school cannot offer you the assistance you need once we
submit the class roster to NAR, REBAC or REBI. Processes of applications are outside of our
control. You will need to reach out to NAR or REBI to ask if you can still apply. Contact info
shown below. Consider auditing a class that you have not attended for a while.
Yes, that is a great idea since the course barely fits into the course. If you want to sit through
the course another time down the road, ask to AUDIT the class, which means you already
earned the hours and just want to sit in but do not have to attend all hours. It should also
mean you are offered a much lower price to audit.
I usually send a “sharing email” to anyone who provides me an email for that purpose. The
sharing email just has some examples but none of them are ready-to-use, they would need
improvement and customizing prior to use. Just wanting agents to benefit from attendance.
If I provide a sharing email it does not clear a path for continued emails for the sake of
guidance. I get into trouble when agents reach out to me instead of their broker, manager or
team leader. I cannot discuss real transactions with a licensee that I am not supervising, and I
am no longer a manager, so I do not offer guidance for actual transactions. I refer you back to
your brokerage firm or to MD REALTORS hotline.
I would say place a reminder on your calendar for 2-3 weeks after completing the course since
that will give enough time to process your attendance. You could then work on your
application and then look to see what type of support materials are provided. Set up your
online profile within the online referral database if that option exists. When there are area
conventions, look to see if there is a networking group for that designation or certification –
good idea to really work the referral opportunities. There could be online and fb networking
groups for the course as well. I will sometimes do a bonus session that I like to call a
“brainstorming session” to revisit some of the best ideas discussed. I also offer group coaching
that will often tie into recent topics taught.
REBAC – Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council rebac@nar.realtor 800 648-6224
REBI – Real Estate Business Institute rebac@nar.realtor 800 621-8738
NAR designations & certifications
Training4re | Your resource for real estate educations
NAR designations & certifications
www.nar.realtor/education/designations-and-certifications
here2help@plan2pass.com
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