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What Is an RCE Designation, and Who Is It For?

The REALTOR® Association Certified Executive (RCE) is the only professional designation designed specifically for REALTOR® association executives. The RCE designation exemplifies goal-oriented association executives with drive, experience and commitment to professional growth.

Benefits of Becoming an RCE

  • Formal recognition at the annual Association Executives Institute (AEI)
  • An RCE plaque and an RCE pin 
  • Enhanced skills in every aspect of REALTOR® association management
  • Networking with other association executive leaders
  • Mentoring opportunities

How to Earn the RCE Designation

  • You must be employed in one of the following ways:
    • Full- or part-time employee of a local or state association of REALTORS®
    • Full- or part-time employee of a regional multiple listing service owned by a REALTOR® association(s) 
    • Full- or part-time employee of a business which is, directly or indirectly, wholly-owned by one or more REALTOR® association(s)
    • Full- or part-time  employee of NAR

CAE Plus OPTION

  • Current CAE designees can earn the RCE designation through the CAE Plus process!
  • REALTOR® association employment requirements are the same as RCE eligibility requirements.  In addition, you must have:
    • A current CAE designation
    • Three years of full time OR five years of part time REALTOR® association OR real estate management experience

Education

  • Candidates earn the designation by accumulating a minimum of 350 points through
    • Professional development activities
    • Professional achievements
    • Education
  • Points are recorded using the online Applicant Data Form
  • Current CAE designees are eligible for the RCE designation through a streamlined process.

Exam

  • The RCE exam consists of three modules
    • Module I: Manage the Association and Its Business Operations
    • Module II:
      A. Understand the Structure of the REALTOR® Organization
      B. Foster Effective Interpersonal Relationships
    • Module III:
      A. Understand Real Estate Issues and Trends
      B. Acquire and Communicate Valuable Information
  • After submitting your ADF you have two years to pass all three modules of the RCE exam
  • Candidates must take one or more modules on the same day during an exam cycle
  • You must score 75% or better on each module to pass the exam
  • RCE exams are only offered locally online in April and October annually with an RCE proctor

Application

Recertification

  • RCE designees must complete and submit a Recertification Form every four years after earning the designation

Fees

  • RCE Applicant Data Form (ADF) application fee
    • $395
  • One-time RCE certification fee (after passing all three modules of the RCE exam)
    • $205
  • Annual RCE Dues
    • $95
  • RCE Recertification fee (every four years)
    • $135
  • RCE Exam module re-take fee
    • $55 per module

NOTE: The Judith Lindenau RCE Scholarship of up to $600 is available to cover the expense of submitting the RCE Applicant Data Form (ADF) and the one-time certification fee.

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