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Best real estate agent certifications
The best certifications for a real estate agent are Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI), Certified Sales Professional (CSP), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Real estate agent certifications demonstrate your competency as a real estate agent to employers. However, not all real estate agent certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best real estate agent certifications. Obtaining a real estate agent certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
13 best certifications for real estate agents
| Rank | Real estate agent certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI) | ASHI |
| 2 | Certified Sales Professional (CSP) | MRERF |
| 3 | Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | IMA |
| 4 | International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA) | ACAT |
| 5 | Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) | NBAA |
| 6 | Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) | NAR |
| 7 | Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) | AMA |
| 8 | Certified Food Manager (CFM) | IFSEA, MCFE |
| 9 | Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABA) | ACAT |
| 10 | Certified Journalism Educator (CJE) | JEA |
| 11 | Rich Media Communication with Adobe Flash Professional CS6 (Fl) | Adobe Systems... |
| 12 | Program Management Professional (PgMP) | PMI |
| 13 | Project Management Professional (PMP) | PMI |
13 best real estate agent certifications
1. Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI)
The NAHI Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI) program is a certification that is earned. The designation is given only to home inspectors who demonstrate their advanced knowledge of, and proficiency at, all aspects of a home inspection.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
2. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)
The Certified Sales Professional (CSP) program gives a thorough understanding of consultative selling. From business creation to improved time and territory management; goal-setting to prospecting, and everything in between, attendees return to the territory with a renewed enthusiasm for selling.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
3. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
4. International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA)
ACAT seeks to ensure that all accredited individuals possess both the theoretical knowledge and the practical knowledge necessary to be successful practitioners. For that reason, candidates for accreditation must satisfy an experience requirement before becoming fully credentialed: three years of related work experience, up to two of which may be satisfied through college credit. Related work experience includes verifiable experience in accounting, financial services, or other field requiring a practical and theoretical knowledge of the subject matter covered on the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for the International Accredited Business Accountant. Those who pass the exam but who have not met the experience requirement may market themselves as having passed the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for International Accredited Business Accountant, but are not entitled to use the IABA designation.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
5. Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)
NBAA's Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Program identifies qualified professionals to lead flight departments and companies that use business aircraft. Join the ranks of esteemed aviation professionals who have already been recognized as Certified Aviation Managers and apply for the CAM Exam today.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
6. Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR)
The Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®) designation is designed for real estate buyer agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
7. Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)
Being a top marketer means continually enhancing your skills as well as highlighting your accomplishments. The American Marketing Association's Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) program gives you a tangible, convenient way to do both. You can earn the PCM designation by passing a comprehensive exam covering the key areas of marketing. Developed with input from hundreds of marketing experts, the PCM program meets strict national professional certification criteria and standards for excellence in marketing.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
8. Certified Food Manager (CFM)
These certifications test beyond culinary skills, but rather, focus on the skills needed for the food service professional seeking a management and executive career. These certifications test your knowledge from basic cooking to menu design, management, human resources, accounting and marketing.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
9. Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABA)
Accreditation from ACAT has a positive impact on practitioners in a variety of ways. Whether you want to raise your salary, earn professional recognition or give yourself a competitive advantage, ACAT is ready to assist and support you in achieving your goals.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
10. Certified Journalism Educator (CJE)
The Journalism Education Association wants its CJE to be an effective way for you to demonstrate your knowledge of the basics in journalism and media advising. We want you to be able to speak to multiple aspects of this career, including journalistic writing and editing, graphics and design, legal and ethical considerations as an educator in a school journalism setting
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
11. Rich Media Communication with Adobe Flash Professional CS6 (Fl)
Adobe conducted research to identify the foundational skills students need to effectively communicate using digital media tools. Based on feedback from educators, design professionals, businesses, and educational institutions around the world, the objectives cover entry-level skill expectations for rich media communication.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
12. Program Management Professional (PgMP)
Project Management Institute's newest credential is specifically developed to acknowledge the qualifications of the professional who leads the coordinated management of multiple projects and ensures the ultimate success of a program. You will benefit from the many advantages of this new designation. Candidates earning this credential will be internationally recognized as professionals with the knowledge and experience to make and implement the important decisions and accomplish the strategic objectives that enhance business results.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
13. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have demonstrated a solid foundation of knowledge from which you can competently practice project management.To be eligible for a PMP Credential, you must first meet specific educational and project management experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step to becoming a PMP is passing a rigorous multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess and measure your ability to apply project management knowledge in the following six domains: initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, monitoring and controlling the project, closing the project, and professional and social responsibility. This computer-based examination is administered globally with translation aids in 10 languages.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
What is the best certification for a real estate agent?
The best real estate agent certification is Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI). The Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI) is awarded by the American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. this certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this real estate agent certification:
- To become a certified Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 1 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for real estate agents?
The most in-demand real estate agent certification is Project Management Professional based on all active job postings. Having this real estate agent certification will give you access to more real estate agent jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a real estate agent career and salary?
The Certified Sales Professional certification will help you to secure a owner/operator position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A owner/operator's average salary is $201,969 whereas real estate agents make an average salary of $91,788.
The most common combination of real estate agent certifications include: Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI), Certified Sales Professional (CSP), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Online courses for real estate agents to earn certifications
1. U.S. Residential Real Estate, Property & Mortgage Business
Property & Mortgage Underwriting Loan Processing Financial Analysis Mortgage Operations Origination...
2. Effectively Lease Commercial Real Estate Properties
Learn how to lease industrial, office, and retail properties with ease...
3. Fundamentals of Residential Property Management
Understand the foundation of residential property management as a property manager or landlord...
4. Property Management 101
Learn the basics of managing rental property and becoming a landlord...
5. Facebook Marketing for Real Estate Agents
A proven STEP-BY-STEP course to utilize Facebook to promote your real estate business...
6. Real Estate Asset Management 101
Real Estate Asset Management Training From Acquisition, To Ownership, Through Sale For Profitable Real Estate Investing...
7. Fundamentals of Analyzing Real Estate Investments
Learn professional investment analysis techniques for real estate investing in residential and commercial properties...
8. Real Estate Acquisitions 101
How To Identify Commercial Properties, Run Due Diligence, Raise Capital, and Close Commercial Real Estate Transactions...
9. Real Estate Investing: Strategies, Tools & Investing Mindset
Real Estate Investing: Property & market analysis, action plans, tips, negotiation & real estate investing strategies...
10. Real Estate Investing: Learn to Fix & Flip , Step by Step!
Real Estate Investing! Learn how to Fix and Flip your first Real Estate Investing deal with no experience...
11. Commercial Real Estate Investing 101
The Comprehensive Beginner's Guide to Apartment, Retail, Office, and Industrial Real Estate Investing...
12. Brief Intro to Commercial Real Estate
Learn the essential fundamentals of commercial real estate...
13. Wholesale Real Estate Contracts: Flip Houses Risk Free
Download A Full Package Of Strategically Developed Real Estate Contracts And Learn How To Leverage Them In Your Business...
14. Mastering Architecture and Real Estate Photography
Start a business photographing real estate photography jobs for architects, builders, and real estate agents...
15. Facebook Ads Copywriting & Facebook Ads for Real Estate 2023
Learn Facebook Ads Copywriting & Facebook Ads for Real Estate Fast & Fun! Enjoy Quizzes, Animations & Screen Recordings!...
16. Real Estate Photography Masterclass
A Guide to Equipment, Technique and Workflow for Real Estate Photography...
17. The Guide To Office & Industrial Real Estate Investing
How To Analyze Office and Industrial Real Estate Investments For Smarter Investing...
18. How to Become a Mobile Notary and Loan Signing Agent
Learn how to make over six figures as a Real Estate Loan Signing Agent and Mobile Notary...
19. Secret Strategy to Wholesale Real Estate for BIG Profit 2019
Step-by-Step Instructions to Making BIG Profits Wholesaling Real Estate, Without MONEY or CREDIT...
20. Intro to Analyzing Rental Income Properties
Learn the fundamentals of investment analysis specifically for rental income property investments...