Certified Residential Specialist logo

What Is a CRS Designation, and Who Is It For?

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the highest credential awarded to residential sales agents, managers and brokers.

Benefits of Becoming a CRS

  • Discounts of up to 50% on most education offered by the Residential Real Estate Council (RRC)
  • Access to the Council’s referral network
  • Listing in the Council’s online and print directories
  • Eligibility to join the Qualified Consumer Leads program
  • Attend RRC events at preferred member pricing
  • Free subscription to Inman Select News
  • Subscription to the Council’s magazine, the The Residential Specialist
  • Professionally branded materials like customizable sign riders, fact sheets, business cards, and the bi-monthly Your Home newsletter
  • Local Networking through your state RRC organization
  • Recognition of your expertise—the CRS designation is the highest credential awarded to residential sales agents, managers, and brokers
  • Discounts on insurance coverage through USI Affinity

How to Earn the CRS Designation

Education

There are two paths to the CRS designation:

60/30/30 Program

  • 30 hours of RRC education

Pro Program

  • 16 hours of RRC education

> Learn more about CRS course credits.

Volume Requirements

  • U.S. CRS Designees
    • 60/30/30 Program
      • 60 transactions or $30 million in volume in the past five years
    • Pro Program
      • 10+ years as a licensed real estate agent
      • 150 transactions total, or an average of $1 million per year with at least 40 transactions
  • Non-U.S. Designees

Exam

  • There is no exam for this designation, however individual courses may require an exam for credit.

Professional Affiliation

  • Member in good standing of the Residential Real Estate Council
  • Member in good standing of the National Association of REALTORS®

Application

Cost

  • Application fee
    • $99
  • Annual Dues
    • $195

How to Maintain the CRS Designation

  • Complete two hours of continued education every calendar year via any of the following options:
    • RRC classroom course
    • eLearning course
    • Elective course
    • Live or recorded RRC webinar
    • Attending an approved State RRC or Local Network event
    • Attending RRC's annual Sell-a-bration
    • Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for RRC
    • Write an article for The Residential Specialist (TRS)
    • Author a RRC course or being a course content contributor
    • Be a speaker or instructor for a RRC webinar, or at Sell-a-bration or any pre-approved RRC state or local networking group (LNG) event
  • Annual dues payment

For more information, visit the RRC website.

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