Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)

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

The Certified International Property Specialist (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.

Benefits of Becoming a CIPS

Marketing Tools:

• Listing in the “Find a CIPS” online directory
• Customizable print postcards
• Customizable web banner ads
• Customizable press release

Tips and Techniques:

• Global Perspectives print newsletter

Networking:

• Access to CIPS member-only online communities
• Invitations to exclusive events at NAR meetings
• Referral contract form

How to Earn the CIPS Designation: For REALTORS® in the U.S.

Checklist for CIPS designation - REALTORS® in the U.S.pdf (PDF: 496 KB)

Education

• Complete two core courses:
  • Global Real Estate: Local Markets
  • Global Real Estate: Transaction Tools
• Complete three electives – choose from:
  • The Americas and International Real Estate
  • Europe and International Real Estate
  • Asia/Pacific and International Real Estate
  • Africa & International Real Estate
  • At Home With Diversity

See the CIPS course schedule.

Take the courses online.

Professional Affiliation

• Member in good standing of the National Association of REALTORS®

Exam

• For online courses only, pass the exam at the end of the each course with an 80% or better score. The exams are also required by some states for continuing education (CE) credit.

Application

• After completion of your core and elective courses, submit the U.S. CIPS application form.

Submit your U.S. CIPS application formpdf (PDF: 658 KB)

Cost

• Online courses:
  • $149 each
• Classroom courses:
  • Cost varies depending on format and sponsor
• Application fee:
  • $75
• Annual dues:
  • $220

How to Earn the CIPS Designation: For International REALTOR® Members

Checklist for CIPS designation - REALTORS® outside of the U.S. and Canadapdf (PDF: 498 KB)

Checklist for CIPS designation - REALTORS® in Canadapdf (PDF: 496 KB)

Education

• Complete two core courses:
  • Local Markets
  • The Business of U.S. Real Estate
• Complete three electives:
  • Americas
  • Europe
  • Asia/Pacific

See the CIPS course schedule.

Take the courses online.

Professional Affiliation

• If you reside in a country where NAR has a Cooperating Association, you must be a member of that Association in order to join the CIPS Network/NAR and earn the designation.

Exam

• There will be an exam at the end of each class.
• You must pass each exam with a 70% or better score.

Application

After completion of your core and elective courses, submit the appropriate Non-U.S. CIPS application form:

• International CIPS application (excluding Canada)pdf (PDF: 585 KB)
• CIPS application for Canadapdf (PDF: 693 KB)

Cost

• Online courses:
  • $149 each
• Classroom courses:
  • Cost varies depending on format and sponsor
• Application fee:
  • $75
• Annual dues:
  • $220

How to Earn the CIPS Designation: NAR Association Executives

Education

• Complete the one-day Global Programs for Associations course
• Complete two core courses
• Complete three electives

> See the CIPS course schedule.

> Take the courses online.

Professional Affiliation

• You must be the association executive of a state or local association affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS®.

Exam

• There will be an exam at the end of each class.
• You must pass each exam with a 70% or better score.

Application

• After completion of your core and elective courses, submit the Association Executives CIPS application form.

> Submit your Association Executives CIPS application formpdf (PDF: 560 KB).

Cost

• Online courses
  • $149 each
• Classroom courses
  • Cost varies depending on format and sponsor
• Application fee
  • $75
• Annual dues
  • $95

Reactivation Policy for CIPS Designees

If you earned the CIPS Designation and you haven’t paid membership in over 5 years you must:

• Take Global Real Estate: Transaction Tools
• One additional CIPS course (no substitutions of CRS, AHWD or CCIM course allowed)
• Resubmit the CIPS Designation Application
• Submit payment for the current quarter’s dues and the $75 application fee

If you earned the CIPS Designation and your membership has been inactive for a period of 1-4 years you must:

• Pay the current quarter’s dues
• Pay a $50 reactivation fee

See a list of frequently asked questions about the CIPS designation.

Find a CIPS Designee REALTOR®