REALTOR® Designations
The Mark of Expertise and Service
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has a variety of affiliates that provide designations acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors.
NAR also offers designations and certification programs to its members, including the ABR® and GRI designations, and the e-PRO® certification program. Classes for many of these designations are offered by WRA. Click here for more information.
Accredited Buyer’s Representative/ABR®
ABR® education provides REALTORS® with what they need to stay competitive in today’s market. The ABR designation is earned through the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) and identifies those real estate agents who have demonstrated a serious commitment to the practice of buyer agency. Agents with the ABR designation have received professional training above and beyond the minimum requirements for licensing and are committed to providing top-level service. Member benefits such as marketing tools, a referral network and other resources, help to promote their business. Courses for the designation are available both in person and online. The WRA’s 2-day Buyer Agency course will provide you with specialized knowledge and different solutions to effectively service this niche market. To earn the ABR designation, you must complete the 2-day course plus one elective course plus verify completion of five (5) transactions in which you acted as a buyer representative.
At Home With Diversity/AHWD®
A ground-breaking professional education initiative designed to provide America’s real estate professionals with training and tools to expand their business as well as home ownership opportunities for more Americans. AHWD certification relays to the public that those certified have been professionally trained in and are sensitive to a wide range of cultural issues inviting a wider volume of business from a greater variety of cultures.
Certified Residential Specialist®/CRS®
The Council of Residential Specialists is known for giving residential real estate professionals the tools they need to be successful in any market. CRS delivers the education, resources and connections agents need to achieve their goals. Beyond the referral network, the high-caliber online and classroom courses and the benefits of membership, earning the CRS Designation is really about learning proven methods for making more money. CRS training gives you in-depth knowledge about business planning, making listing presentations, negotiating and closing smoother transactions, working in the buyers’ and sellers’ best interest and building a referral business. CRS designees receive the added member benefit of the recognition that comes from receiving this designation plus…a strong referral network of more than 38,000 CRS members; timely and timeless news and information found in the bimonthly magazine The Residential Specialist, and networking opportunities locally through the Wisconsin CRS Chapter and nationally at events such as Sell-a-brations®, the Council’s annual education conference and the National Committee Meetings held twice yearly.
Graduate REALTOR® Institute/GRI
The GRI designation acknowledges REALTORS® who have completed a comprehensive education program that provides practical real estate training. To earn a GRI, REALTORS® must complete three, 4-day courses and pass an exam on each course. The WRA’s GRI program includes CRS courses as part of the content of the GRI courses, so while you’re working on your GRI, you’re also completing coursework for the Certified Residential Specialist designation.
Green Designation
This designation is the only NAR-recognized real estate designation designed for residential, commercial and property management professionals looking to learn about issues of energy efficiency and sustainability in the various facets of real estate. As consumer demand for knowledge in these areas increases, the GREEN designation is the answer.
REALTOR e-PRO®
e-PRO® certification indicates that a REALTOR® has been trained on Internet business principles and the technologies required throughout the real estate transaction.
Resort & Second-Home Specialist/RSPS
This certification shows buyers, sellers and your peers that you are dedicated to continuing education in lifestyle real estate.
Short Sales & Foreclosures Resource/SFR
This certification offers the tools to help the agent maneuver sellers through the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities.
Seniors Real Estate Specialist/SRES®
This certification is one of the largest and fastest growing national designations and part of the most comprehensive seniors’ program in the industry. This course was developed by the SRES Council specifically for those real estate practitioners who are interested in focusing on 50+ real estate clients and consumers.
Other Certifications:
- ABRM – Accredited Buyer Representative Manager
- ALC – Accredited Land Consultant
- CCIM – Certified Commercial Investment Member
- CIPS – Certified International Property Specialist
- CPM – Certified Property Manager
- CRB – Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager
- CRE – Counselor of Real Estate