Understand the steps to global success.
The way you earn your CIPS Designation depends on where you live. If you are a REALTOR® in the United States, follow the steps below. If you are a practitioner outside of the United States, please reference
How to Earn the CIPS Designation: For Non-U.S. Professionals.
To earn your CIPS Designation, you will need to complete the following steps.
Join the CIPS Network as soon as you complete the "Global Real Estate: Local Markets" course, and start globalizing your business as you work to attain your designation.
Step 1: Education
You must successfully complete the 2 core courses and 3 out of 5 elective courses (outlined below), and pass the multiple-choice examination given at the end of each course. To pass an exam, you must earn a 70% or better. Calculators are required for all courses.
- Core Course: Global Real Estate: Local Markets (1 day) is a required prerequisite to the other courses.
- Global Real Estate: Transaction Tools (1 day) is a required course.
- Europe & International Real Estate (1 day)
- Asia/Pacific & International Real Estate (1 day)
- The Americas & International Real Estate (1 day)
- The Middle East and Africa & International Real Estate (1 day)
- At Home With Diversity (1 day)
Read the
overview of CIPS classes, or to find a course taking place in your area, check out our
course schedule.
Step 2: Designation Application
In addition to completing 5 CIPS courses, you must submit a designation application demonstrating your experience in international real estate. This application requires that you earn 100 points in elective credits. Elective credits can be earned by speaking other languages, possessing additional NAR designations, attending international conferences and education sessions, and international transactions in which you will be asked to answer specific questions regarding the sales of each transaction. Transactions must involve other cultures or countries, and can include sales in your local market.
Applications can be submitted throughout the year; however they are due by October 1 to be recognized (and pinned) at the REALTORS® Conference & Expo in November. They can be submitted before your coursework is completed. A one-time only processing fee of US$225 is required when you submit your designation application. Once approved, you must maintain your designation dues annually in order to use the CIPS Designation. Annual CIPS Designation dues are US$110 until October 1, 2010 through NAR's Right Tools, Right Now program.
Download the CIPS Application >
If you are having trouble signing the .pdf, go to Advanced > Security Settings. Click on Digital IDs in the left menu. Examine the Intended Usage and select the certificate that includes Sign transaction, Sign document, and Client Authorization. Go to Usage Options and select Use for Signing. Then go back to the document and click Sign, but select Certify with Visible Signature. This should sign the document.
Did you know Association Executives and staff can also earn the CIPS Designation?
Visit the AE section for more information.