Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Best real estate sales associate certifications
The best certifications for a real estate sales associate are Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI), Certified Sales Professional (CSP), and Graduate - Realtor Institute (GRI).
Real estate sales associate certifications demonstrate your competency as a real estate sales associate to employers. However, not all real estate sales associate certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best real estate sales associate certifications. Obtaining a real estate sales associate certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
6 best certifications for real estate sales associates
| Rank | Real estate sales associate certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI) | ASHI |
| 2 | Certified Sales Professional (CSP) | MRERF |
| 3 | Graduate - Realtor Institute (GRI) | NAR |
| 4 | Certified Sales Associate (CSA) | AGS |
| 5 | Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) | AMA |
| 6 | Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) | CCIM |
6 best real estate sales associate 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. Graduate - Realtor Institute (GRI)
Earning the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation is a way to stand out to prospective home buyers and sellers as a REALTOR® who has gained in-depth knowledge on technical subjects as well as the fundamentals of real estate.
- 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?
4. Certified Sales Associate (CSA)
A salesperson with this designation behind his or her name has passed the Graduate Sales Associate course and The AGS Professional module. This assures you that the salesperson is knowledgeable about the diamonds and gemstones they are selling.
- 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 1 year(s)
5. 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)
6. Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)
A CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) is a recognized expert in the commercial and investment real estate industry. The CCIM lapel pin is earned after successfully completing a designation process that ensures CCIMs are proficient not only in theory, but also in practice. This elite corps of CCIMs includes brokers, leasing professionals, investment counselors, asset managers, appraisers, corporate real estate executives, property managers, developers, institutional investors, commercial lenders, attorneys, bankers, and other allied professionals.
- 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?
What is the best certification for a real estate sales associate?
The best real estate sales associate 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 sales associate 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 sales associates?
The most in-demand real estate sales associate certification is Certified Commercial Investment Member based on all active job postings. Having this real estate sales associate certification will give you access to more real estate sales associate jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of real estate sales associate certifications include: Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI), Certified Sales Professional (CSP), and Graduate - Realtor Institute (GRI).
Online courses for real estate sales associates to earn certifications
1. U.S. Residential Real Estate, Property & Mortgage Business
Property & Mortgage Underwriting Loan Processing Financial Analysis Mortgage Operations Origination...
2. Real Estate Asset Management 101
Real Estate Asset Management Training From Acquisition, To Ownership, Through Sale For Profitable Real Estate Investing...
3. Effectively Lease Commercial Real Estate Properties
Learn how to lease industrial, office, and retail properties with ease...
4. Real Estate Acquisitions 101
How To Identify Commercial Properties, Run Due Diligence, Raise Capital, and Close Commercial Real Estate Transactions...
5. The Advanced Real Estate Financial Modeling Bootcamp
The Complete Guide To Advanced Real Estate Financial Modeling For Real Estate Investment Professionals...
6. The Real Estate Financial Modeling Bootcamp
The Complete A to Z Guide to Modeling Real Estate Transactions in Microsoft Excel For Smarter Real Estate Investing...
7. The Real Estate Financial Modeling Interview Exam Guide
How To Ace Your Real Estate Financial Modeling Interview Exam For Real Estate Investing Careers...
8. Fundamentals of Analyzing Real Estate Investments
Learn professional investment analysis techniques for real estate investing in residential and commercial properties...
9. The Commercial Real Estate Lease Modeling Master Class
The Complete Step-By-Step Guide To Building Dynamic Commercial Real Estate Lease Models in Microsoft Excel...
10. Brief Intro to Commercial Real Estate
Learn the essential fundamentals of commercial real estate...
11. Real Estate Investing: Strategies, Tools & Investing Mindset
Real Estate Investing: Property & market analysis, action plans, tips, negotiation & real estate investing strategies...
12. The Guide To Office & Industrial Real Estate Investing
How To Analyze Office and Industrial Real Estate Investments For Smarter Investing...
13. Commercial Real Estate Investing 101
The Comprehensive Beginner's Guide to Apartment, Retail, Office, and Industrial Real Estate Investing...
14. 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!...
15. How To Build A Cash Buyers List For Wholesale Real Estate
Helping You Create A Real Estate Cash Buyers List For Profitable Wholesale Real Estate Deals...
16. Intro to Real Estate Development
Learn professional techniques and use investment-grade models to analyze real estate development deals...
17. Real Estate Photography Masterclass
A Guide to Equipment, Technique and Workflow for Real Estate Photography...
18. Creative Real Estate Investing & Flipping Houses
What most people will never know about investing in real estate creatively (without cash or credit) and flipping houses...
19. 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...
20. The Real Estate Development Modeling Master Class
The Complete Guide To Building Real Estate Development Pro Forma Models From Scratch For Smarter Real Estate Investing...