Professional Development

Designations & Certifications

Designations and certifications are distinctions awarded to Realtors® who pursue advanced training in a wide range of real estate skills and specializations. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) offers 24 distinct designations, including the prestigious Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), which is offered exclusively by Minnesota Realtors®.

Realtors® who achieve designations and certifications are more knowledgeable, provide better customer service, and win more long-term loyalty from customers than agents without accreditations. They also earn significantly more money.

Minnesota Realtors® offers classroom and online training for agents ready to take the next step in their career by earning designations. Offerings include the GRI and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS).

Be sure to check out the Center for Realtor® Development, which offers many online courses that count towards a designation or certification. NAR provides and its partners provide training for Realtors® to earn designations in 24 different areas of skills and knowledge. Learn more about each of these certifications by visiting Designations & Certifications on NAR's website.

List of Designations & Certifications

  • ABR - Accredited Buyer’s Representative
  • ALC - Accredited Land Consultant
  • CCIM - Certified Commercial Investment Member
  • CIPS - Certified International Property Specialist
  • CPM - Certified Property Manager
  • CRB - Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager
  • CRS - Certified Residential Specialist
  • CRE - Counselor of Real Estate
  • GAA - General Accredited Appraiser
  • GREEN - NAR’s Green Designation
  • GRI - Graduate, Realtor® Institute (administered exclusively by Minnesota Realtors in Minnesota)
  • PMN - Performance Management Network
  • RCE - Realtor® Association Certified Executive
  • RAA - Resident Accredited Appraiser
  • SRS - Seller Representative Specialist
  • SIOR - Society of Industrial and Office Realtors®
  • SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist
  • AHWD - At Home with Diversity
  • BPOR - Broker Price Opinion Resource
  • C-RETS - Certified Real Estate Team Specialist
  • DMSM - Digital Marketing: Social Media
  • e-PRO - Digital Marketing
  • MRP - Military Relocation Professional
  • PSA - Pricing Strategy Advisor
  • RENE - Real Estate Negotiation Expert
  • RSPS - Resort & Second Home Property Specialist
  • SFR - Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource
  • SMART - Smart Home 
Jim Camarata Headshot

A designation is a concerted, focused effort to learn more about your profession. It provides us with a competitive edge and makes us better Realtors®

Realtor® Jim Camarata, ABR, CRB, CRS, GRI, RFC, SRES
Wayzata