Designations & Certifications

Earn a designation to add the expertise you need to advance your career and increase your proficiency in real estate's most important sectors. Designations and certifications acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded by NAR and each affiliated group upon completion of required courses.
Designations
TREC #33447 | Provider #0127 ABoR | 16 CE Hours
The ABR® Designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. The goal of this class is to set the foundation of training, skills, and resources to help real estate professionals succeed in the marketplace as buyer’s representatives. This class is a fundamental resource for understanding the duties that REALTORS® owe to clients, customers, the public and fellow REALTORS® as outlined in the NAR Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. In each class module you will examine a different topic; together they create a comprehensive guide to help you become an effective, efficient, and profitable buyer’s representative.
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. This designation also provides students with an At Home with Diversity® certification along with ABR® and CRS elective credits. You must complete five (5) CIPS® classes to be able to apply for the CIPS® designation.
Provider #0001 TR
Core CIPS® Classes (Required)
Global Real Estate: Local Markets
TREC #35821 | 8 CE Hours
This class introduces participants to the unique dimensions of international practice. The goal of this class is to make students aware of how the global economy impacts their local real estate markets and prepare them to serve foreign clients and customers.
Global Real Estate: Transaction Tools
TREC #35820 | 8 CE Hours
This class provides the tools and concepts real estate professionals need to serve clients and customers in the global real estate market. Students learn how to research markets, convert metric measures, monitor currency trends, alert clients to tax and visa matters, and follow a process for compiling transaction information.
Elective CIPS® Classes
The Americas and International Real Estate
TREC #35819 | 8 CE Hours
This class was developed by the CIPS® program specifically for those real estate practitioners that are interested in focusing on ownership and transaction principles of international real estate. This class will provide practical information for professionals who work with Caribbean, North, Central, and South American investors. Historical and cultural influences, regional relationship, and investment opportunities are covered along with a special focus on Mexico.
Europe and International Real Estate
TREC #35732 | 8 CE Hours
This class was developed by the CIPS® program specifically for those real estate practitioners that are interested in focusing on ownership and transaction principles of international real estate. Provides information on working with clients in Western and Central Europe. Covers the European Union and its impact on international real estate, along with economic and real estate trends, networking and relationships and marketing and selling practices.
Asia/Pacific and International Real Estate
TREC #35733 | 8 CE Hours
This class was developed by the CIPS® program specifically for those real estate practitioners that are interested in focusing on ownership and transaction principles of international real estate. Covers real estate practices in Asia and the Pacific with emphasis on cultural influences, economic trends, and investment opportunities.
You May Substitute ONE CIPS® Elective Class with:
At Home with Diversity Certification (AHWD)
TREC #30122 | 8 CE Hours
The AHWD certification teaches real estate professionals how they can increase their sensitivity and adaptability to all types of clients due to demographic shifts in the marketplace. This class will help the license holder learn about the people who make up their local market; gain an understanding of the values, customs and real estate needs of potential clients along with their expectation of real estate professionals; and help develop cross-cultural communication and business planning skills. Participants will learn how to effectively market in a culturally diverse marketplace, the proper application of Fair Housing guidelines, and other topics to help maximize their earning potential.
The Texas-specific GRI® designation is obtained by attending an intensive series of classes that totals 90 hours of classroom instruction. Earning the GRI® designation is a way to stand out to prospective homebuyers and sellers as a REALTOR® who has gained in-depth knowledge on technical subjects as well as the fundamentals of real estate. Texas REALTORS® who have earned their GRI® earn twice as much as non-designees.
Texas GRI® has been updated to keep pace with changing laws, technology, and best practices. This designation satisfies the 90-hour SAE requirement for new Texas REALTORS®.
Provider #0001 TR
GRI: Real Estate Brokerage (4-Day Class)
TREC #0779 | 30 CE Hours
Topics include professional standards, policies and procedures, brokerage and agency relationships, and business development.
GRI: Marketing, Business Skills (4-Day Class)
TREC #0556 | 30 CE Hours
Topics include seller services, buyer services, technology, and environment and green building.
GRI: Contracts to Closing (4-Day Class)
TREC #0420 | 30 CE Hours
Topics include lending essentials, residential contracts, appraisals, surveys, negotiations, Fair Housing, and diversity.
TREC #32071 | Provide4 #0127 ABoR | 16 CE Hours
The two-day SRS designation provides a comprehensive foundation of skill development, training and resources to help real estate professionals represent the interests of sellers in today’s marketplace. Students learn to:
- Increase listings and grow their business;
- Demonstrate and communicate their value package to seller clients;
- Understand and apply the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice;
- Understand and comply with state license laws when representing sellers; and
- Understand and apply methods, tools, and techniques to provide the support and services the sellers want and need.
TREC #31836 | Provider #0127 ABoR | 15 CE Hours
The SRES designation helps real estate professionals develop the business-building skills and resources for specialization in the 50+ real estate market by expanding knowledge of how life stages impact real estate choices. This class seeks to instill knowledge, understanding, and empathy for 55+ real estate clients and customers.
Certifications
TREC #30122 | Provider #0001 TR | 8 CE Hours
The AHWD® certification teaches real estate professionals how they can increase their sensitivity and adaptability to all types of clients due to demographic shifts in the marketplace. This class will help the license holder learn about the people who make up their local market; gain an understanding of the values, customs and real estate needs of potential clients along with their expectation of real estate professionals; and help develop cross-cultural communication and business planning skills. Participants will learn how to effectively market in a culturally diverse marketplace, the proper application of Fair Housing guidelines, and other topics to help maximize their earning potential. This class also serves as an elective course for the CIPS® designation.
Provider #10211
Building Your Real Estate Business Through New Home Sales
TREC #38327 | 2 CE Hours
Have you ever had a prospect call you to announce that they bought a new home over the weekend and will not be buying the re-sale home you thought they would? If so, learn from it, and do not shy away from selling new homes. Whether you are a new or experienced agent, we want to encourage you to become involved with the new home builders and sales representatives in your area.
Everything You Need to Know About New Home Construction
TREC #38403 | 2 CE Hours
Tackling a complex construction issue without understanding the basic process is like becoming a professional weightlifter, without training or ever lifting weights. An understanding of the construction process can benefit everyone from agents to the customer and the builder. Before decisions can be made and ground broken, everyone needs to work towards the same goal from the same understanding.
How to Recognize a Green Built New Home
TREC #38404 | 2 CE Hours
Green building is the hottest term in the new home construction today, but what is green building? The only supportable definition of green built home is a home that has been built, tested and certified to meet the requirements of a recognized green building program. If the sales agent cannot give you a positive response and provide documentation, then your client is not buying a “Green Built Home”.
How to Negotiate Successfully with a New Home Builder (NHSAC)
TREC #38326 | 2 CE Hours
Learn how to negotiate with a home builder for the best possible outcome including. One of the great truths about sales is the answer no until you ask. It is imperative that agents do their research, talk with a builder’s sales agent, set realistic expectations with clients and then go out and ask for the best deal possible.
Understanding New Home Builder Contracts and Addendums (NHSAC)
TREC #38405 | 2 CE Hours
Agents need to understand that builder contracts and addendums vary and are unique to the builder. That builder contracts and addendums will favor the builder and must be reviewed by the agent prior to a client signing the agreement. However, builder contracts and addendums are not to be feared but must be understood.
New Home Construction Blueprint Reading for Realtors (NHSAC)
TREC #38406 | 1 CE Hour
Blueprints are two-dimensional architectural design drawings that indicate the size of a planned home, the materials to be used in its construction, and the placement of its features. Architects and builders communicate to construction workers how the home is to be constructed.
TREC #33058 | Provider #0127 ABoR | 8 CE Hours
Select appropriate comparable and make accurate adjustments to them in developing home price options. Guide sellers and buyers through the details of CMAs and underlying pricing principles that inform them. Interact effectively with appraisers.
TREC #32213 | Provider #0127 | 16 CE Hours
This two-day interactive experience will help negotiators elevate their game. The RENE certification examines all types of negotiation formats and methods so that today’s negotiators can play the game to win. A full spectrum of tips, tools, techniques and advantages will be provided so that negotiators can provide effective results for their client.
The second day of the class focuses on real-world field scenarios to help negotiators apply the power tools, techniques, and tactics learned on the first day. Understanding the tactics and techniques is one thing but learning how to recognize them being done and using them effectively requires practice. These field scenarios provide the foundational experience and practice negotiators need to master so they can effectively advocate for their clients.
Provider #0001, TR
The TAHS certification equips you with the knowledge to help first-time and underserved homebuyers as well as increase sustainable homeownership in Texas. The certification offers 12 CE hours, including the mandatory four-hour United Texas: Housing Initiatives that Work class. Additional class electives will vary by association (the classes ABoR offers are below). Any combination of classes can be taken to achieve the certification, if those classes total at least 12 hours.
Required Class:
United Texas: Housing Initiatives that Work
TREC #36025 | 4 CE Hours
As a Texas REALTOR®, you can help more people realize the dream of homeownership. United Texas, the anchor of the TAHS certification, gives you the information you need to help your clients with low-cost financing, assistance programs, and a host of other options to make housing more affordable and available to all buyers. Partners for this class include the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, and the Texas Veterans Land Board.
Elective Classes:
Marketing to the Affordable Housing Buyer
TREC #35810 | 2 CE Hours
The affordable housing buyer is a growing market in today’s industry. Knowing the special circumstances of these clients and how to best promote yourself in this market is critical. This class will help you locate sources of qualified affordable housing buyers, assess their specific needs, identify Fair Housing issues, and understand and respond to the concerns of the affordable housing buyer. In short, you will gain tips for working with and counseling affordable housing buyers so that you can meet their needs.
FHA Lending for Workforce Housing
TREC #35808 | 4 CE Hours
This class will introduce REALTORS® to FHA and provide an overview of the FHA lending process. It will help REALTORS® understand FHA’s role and function in the home buying process and discuss how to best serve clients who are FHA eligible. The class addresses the history of FHA, regulations, guidelines, and products, as well as market conditions. FHA works in concert with HUD to meet housing needs in the community.
Fair Housing: Here’s Where We Are
TREC #38942 | 2 CE Hours
This class is an in-depth look at the Federal Fair Housing Act as its provisions pertain to the real estate professional. Whether engaged in listing, sales, leasing, or property management, the class explores the areas of law related to the Fair Housing Act applicable to the day-to-day encounters of the real estate agent and potential impact on real estate transactions
Help for Homebuyers
TREC #35809 | 2 CE Hours
This class aims to educate REALTORS® about workforce housing by identifying barriers to and suggesting solutions for housing affordability and maintainability in the Lone Star State. The class also encourages REALTORS® to educate consumers (particularly first-time homebuyers) about the homebuying process and responsible homeownership.
When looking for help in finding that perfect tenant or finding that perfect rental property to call home, landlords and tenants want the service of a real estate professional who understands their needs and can guide them through the process. Be in-the-know with how to provide real estate services that meet the needs of this market and win future referrals.
Provider #0001, TR
Agency Issues Impacting Property Managers and Leasing Agents
TREC #39652 | 3 CE Hours
The intent of this class is to aid real estate practitioners in the management and leasing of residential rental properties when they are establishing agency relationships. The licensee will learn more about the rules of representation as they relate to leasing and property management. Students will also be able to match the Code of Ethics to agency relationships. The licensee will learn how an agency is established and to distinguish between the various kinds of agency relationships. You will gain understanding on how to identify the duties associated with agency, how agency relationships are dissolved, and identify liability issues associated with agency.
Marketing and Leasing Residential Properties
TREC #39626 | 3 CE Hours
This class will educate the real estate professional on how to evaluate a residence for the rental market as well as develop appropriate marketing and advertising strategies. We will examine Fair Housing statutes as they pertain to the leasing and management of residential rentals and how to examine and use credit report information. We will also cover the need for a privacy policy for personal information. Licensees will obtain the core competencies they need in their role and responsibilities when functioning as property managers or leasing agents. They will also learn about legal boundaries to ensure the appropriate guidelines are being followed when performing property management duties.
The Essentials of Residential Leasing
TREC #39627 | 3 CE Hours
The state of the economy has led many real estate licensees to turn to property management as an income source. If you’re among that group, it’s important that you become knowledgeable about the laws and duties imposed on property managers and leasing agents. This class will analyze and interpret factors impacting local rents, define owner objectives and the development of effective owner communications. The class will also cover how to properly complete and present the TR Residential Lease application. You will learn the core competencies needed for your role and responsibilities as a property manager or leasing agent, and the legal boundaries that govern those duties.
The TR Residential Lease Agreement
TREC #PENDING | 3 CE Hours
The purpose of this class is to show the use and relevance of various TR lease forms along with other leasing and property management issues. The step-by-step class takes members through the Residential Lease Agreement and selected addenda so that they will develop competency in preparing each paragraph. With this competency members will develop skills allowing them to present the documents to tenants and to property owners. Real estate licensees learn how to be compliant and properly execute the fundamentals of leasing representation, property management, and their role in the process. Upon completing this class, the licensee will be able to provide informed assistance regarding property management and the leasing process.
As a follow-up to the Texas Residential Leasing Specialist (TRLS) certification, this Texas-specific certification show your commitment to your property management specialty. Gain knowledge on current business issues impacting property management, how to mediate tenant and owner relations, and the ins and outs of the TR Property Management Agreement.
Provider #0001, TR
TR Residential Property Management Agreement
TREC #35815 | 3 CE Hours
This class will cover the TR Residential Leasing and Property Management Agreement. Other TR property management forms will be thoroughly examined and explained as well. Agents will be trained to competently prepare each paragraph of this agreement. Upon completion of the class, real estate agents can confidently present the agreement and forms to property owners.
Residential Evictions
TREC #35814 | 3 CE Hours
In this class, real estate agents will gain a thorough comprehension of the nomenclature of residential evictions and be trained in the preparation of eviction forms to ensure a successful eviction. Eviction forms will be examined to acquaint the real estate professional with what they can and cannot do as the property owner’s representative when conducting an eviction.
Tenant and Owner Relations
TREC #35816 | 3 CE Hours
This class will examine those situations found in property management relationships between tenants and owners. The class will discuss conditions and interactions that may cause stress or failure of the tenant/owner relationship. Agents will be provided techniques useful to heal strained relationships and deliver the best outcome even if that means ending the relationship and doing it in a professional manner.
Property Maintenance and Habitability
TREC #35817 | 3 CE Hours
This class will discuss specific sections of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) that directly impact the habitability and maintenance of residential rentals. Agents will be able to recognize physical property issues affecting habitability of residential rentals and be able to assess if the property may fail IPMC inspection. Upon completion of the class attendees will be able to recognize IPMC violations which are the basis for local building code enforcement.
Statutory Acts & Contingency Planning
TREC #35818 | 3 CE Hours
This class will cover three distinct classes that contain information to those in the field of residential property management and leasing. The first part is an in-depth presentation of material on the Fair Housing Act, American with Disabilities Act, and similar Texas laws and their impact on residential leasing and property management. The second part will prepare attendees on how to handle natural disasters and develop a plan to handle these emergencies. Finally, the class will cover how to identify and handle personal safety risks while performing leasing and property management duties whether at the office or in the field.
Property Management Business Issues
TREC #35807 | 3 CE Hours
The purpose of this class is to provide property managers with systems and controls that can be implemented to control risks in four major management areas that property managers encounter daily during their routine operation of their property management business. These risks are found in trust accounting, insurance issues, key control systems, and carbon monoxide poisoning. The class provides the practitioner with in-depth knowledge in each of these areas so that systems and controls can be implemented to comply with state statutes and to reduce the chance of suffering a business loss from being named in a lawsuit. In particular, the chapters on key control and carbon monoxide will prepare the practitioner with solid plans that can result in providing a safer rental dwelling.
Application, designation, and certification fees may apply. To receive TREC credit, you must show valid photo ID at sign-in of each class session.