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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

RCE CAE Application Process

REALTOR® association employment requirements are the same as RCE eligibility requirements. In addition, you must:

  1. Be a current CAE designee
  2. Submit the RCE Applicant Data Form and provide current year documentation of your CAE designation

Applicants can apply for the designation if they are full- or part-time employees of a local or state association of REALTORS®, a business which is directly or indirectly, wholly-owned by one or more REALTOR® association(s), a regional multiple listing service owned by a REALTOR® association(s), or an employee of NAR.

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 – Association Management and Business Operations
    • Module II – Legal and Policy
    • Module III – REALTOR® Organization and Real Estate Industry
  • 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: $425
  • One-time RCE certification fee: $225
  • Annual RCE Dues: $115
  • RCE Recertification fee (every four years): $155
  • RCE Exam module re-take fee: $60 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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