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Best realtor certifications
Realtor certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an realtor to employers. However, not all realtor certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a realtor are Graduate - Realtor Institute (GRI), Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI), and Certified Sales Professional (CSP).
Below is a list of the best realtor certifications. Obtaining an realtor certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
13 best certifications for realtors
13 best realtor certifications
1. 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?
2. 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)
3. 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)
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. 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. 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. Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE)
The Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) certification is for real estate professionals who want to sharpen their negotiation skills. The RENE certification program gives REALTORS the tips and tools they need to be skillful advocates for their clients.
- 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? No
- Renewal required? No
8. 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)
9. Accredited Business Communicator (ABC)
IABC's accreditation program is the global standard of professional achievement for business communicators. Accredited members practicing around the world apply the same strategic management process in all communication disciplines, across diverse cultures, and in for-profit and nonprofit organizations of all sizes. This peer-reviewed program challenges candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of strategic communication planning, implementation, measurement and ethics. Candidates who meet all requirements earn the designation Accredited Business Communicator (ABC).
- 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)
10. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
Experienced medical office professionals with exceptional administrative skills are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) exam. To attain CMOM certification, all candidates must demonstrate a high level of knowledge in financial management, managed care contracting, personnel, and time management. Risk management, medical record keeping and facility management issues should also be mastered.
- 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?
11. 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)
12. HP Sales Certified - Personal Systems [2013]
HP Sales Certified -Pesonal Systems [2013] certification validates partner sales representatives have a solid understanding of the Commercial Managed IT (CMIT) market, knowledge of associated personal systems products, and skills to build strong customer relationships. This certification is restricted to HP Partners and HP employees.
- 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?
13. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®) certification program is developed specifically for experienced information security managers and those who have information security management responsibilities. The CISM certification is for the individual who manages, designs, oversees and/or assesses an enterprise's information security (IS). The CISM certification promotes international practices and provides executive management with assurance that those earning the designation have the required experience and knowledge to provide effective security management and consulting services. Individuals earning the CISM certification become part of an elite peer network, attaining a one-of-a-kind credential. The CISM job practice also defines a global job description for the information security manager and a method to measure existing staff or compare prospective new hires.
- 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)
What is the best certification for a realtor?
The best realtor certification is Graduate - Realtor Institute (GRI). The Graduate - Realtor Institute (GRI) is awarded by the National Association of Realtors. 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 realtor certification:
- To become a certified Graduate - Realtor Institute (GRI), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What certifications can impact a realtor career and salary?
The Certified Sales Professional certification will help you to secure a sales associate position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A sales associate's average salary is $32,373 whereas realtors make an average salary of $38,290.
The most common combination of realtor certifications include: Graduate - Realtor Institute (GRI), Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI), and Certified Sales Professional (CSP).
Online courses for realtors to earn certifications
1. U.S. Residential Real Estate, Property & Mortgage Business
Property & Mortgage Underwriting Loan Processing Financial Analysis Mortgage Operations Origination...
2. Fundamentals of Residential Property Management
Understand the foundation of residential property management as a property manager or landlord...
3. Effectively Lease Commercial Real Estate Properties
Learn how to lease industrial, office, and retail properties with ease...
4. Property Management 101
Learn the basics of managing rental property and becoming a landlord...
5. Intro to Analyzing Rental Income Properties
Learn the fundamentals of investment analysis specifically for rental income property investments...
6. Intellectual Property Security Awareness
How to Use Social Media without Infringing on Trademarks, Copyrights, Trade Secrets and Patents...
7. 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...
8. The Step By Step Course For New Real Estate Agents
How To Close 1-3 Deals Every Month...
9. Fundamentals of Analyzing Real Estate Investments
Learn professional investment analysis techniques for real estate investing in residential and commercial properties...
10. Email Marketing. Increase Sales With Email Marketing!
A Hands-on Guide to Email Marketing for Beginners. Learn How to Boost Your Business With Email Marketing Strategy...
11. Real Estate Acquisitions 101
How To Identify Commercial Properties, Run Due Diligence, Raise Capital, and Close Commercial Real Estate Transactions...
12. Online Marketing: SEO & Social Media Marketing Strategy
2023 growth hacking with top web marketing and Internet marketing strategies: Social media marketing strategies + SEO...
13. Product Marketing for Technology Companies
Master your product marketing skills through practical examples and exercises...
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. Market Research: Dekker's Complete Marketing Research Course
Competitor Analysis, Market Research Analysis, Marketing Analytics, Consumer Analytics, Conversion Rate Optimization...
16. 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...
17. How to Analyze a Wholesale Deal in Real Estate
Learn the fundamentals of wholesale deal analysis with a custom built deal calculator for pitching to potential buyers...
18. Sales and Marketing For Online Businesses
A Beginners Guide To Sales & Marketing For Your Online Business And Ventures...
19. Facebook Marketing for Real Estate Agents
A proven STEP-BY-STEP course to utilize Facebook to promote your real estate business...
20. Social Media Marketing - Content Marketing Masterclass
Online Digital Marketing / Social Media Strategy For Beginners - Posts / Blogs / Podcasts / Video / Google Local SEO...