Who is it for?
The CIPS designation is for REALTORS® from the United States and abroad, as well as association staff and volunteer leaders who wish to develop or grow their international real estate business. It will provide you with the knowledge, research, network, and tools to globalize your business.
What You Gain
- Marketing Tools:
- Listing in the “Find a CIPS” online directory
- Customizable print postcards
- Customizable web banner ads
- Customizable press release
- Technology Tools:
- CIPS App that provides translation, area and currency conversion, time zone calculation, and international holidays
- CIPS resource browser toolbar
- Tips and Techniques:
- Global Perspectives print newsletter
- Webinars
- Networking:
- Access to CIPS member-only online communities
- Invitations to exclusive events at NAR meetings
- Referral contract form
How to Earn It: U.S. Residents
Education
- Complete two core courses:
- Local Markets
- Transaction Tools
- Complete three electives – choose from:
- Americas
- Europe
- Asia/Pacific
- At Home With Diversity
Professional Affiliation
- Member in good standing of the National Association of REALTORS®
Exam
- There will be an exam at the end of each class.
- You must pass each exam with a 70% or better score.
Application
- After completion of your core and elective courses, submit the U.S. CIPS application form.
Submit your U.S. CIPS application form.
Cost
- Online courses:
- $149 each
- Classroom courses:
- Cost varies depending on format and sponsor
- Application fee:
- $75
- Annual dues:
- $220
How to Earn It: Non-U.S. Residents
Education
- Complete two core courses:
- Local Markets
- The Business of U.S. Real Estate
- Complete three electives:
- Americas
- Europe
- Asia/Pacific
Professional Affiliation
- If you reside in a country where NAR has a Cooperating Association, you must be a member of that Association in order to join the CIPS Network/NAR and earn the designation.
- If you reside in a country where NAR does not have a Cooperating Association, you must agree to abide by NAR's code of ethics and join the Cooperating Association if developed in the future.
Exam
- There will be an exam at the end of each class.
- You must pass each exam with a 70% or better score.
Application
After completion of your core and elective courses, submit the appropriate Non-U.S. CIPS application form:
- International CIPS application (excluding Canada) (PDF: 1.78 MB)
- CIPS application for Canada (PDF: 686 KB)
Cost
- Online courses:
- $149 each
- Classroom courses:
- Cost varies depending on format and sponsor
- Application fee:
- $75
- Annual dues:
- $220
How to Earn It: NAR Association Executives
Education
- Complete the one-day Global Programs for Associations course
- Complete two core courses
- Complete three electives
> See the CIPS course schedule.
Professional Affiliation
- You must be the association executive of a state or local association affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS®.
Exam
- There will be an exam at the end of each class.
- You must pass each exam with a 70% or better score.
Application
- After completion of your core and elective courses, submit the Association Executives CIPS application form.
> Submit your Association Executives CIPS application form.
Cost
- Online courses
- $149 each
- Classroom courses
- Cost varies depending on format and sponsor
- Application fee
- $75
- Annual dues
- $95
Reactivation Policy for CIPS Designees
If you earned the CIPS Designation and you haven’t paid membership in over 5 years you must:
- Take Global Real Estate: Transaction Tools
- One additional CIPS course (no substitutions of CRS, AHWD or CCIM course allowed)
- Resubmit the CIPS Designation Application
- Submit payment for the current quarter’s dues and the $75 application fee
If you earned the CIPS Designation and your membership has been inactive for a period of 1-4 years you must:
- Pay the current quarter’s dues
- Pay a $50 reactivation fee
See a list of frequently asked questions about the CIPS designation.