Deepen your knowledge. Develop a specialty. Strengthen the service you provide.
Specialized education can help you expand your skills, deepen your knowledge, and serve clients with greater confidence. Explore professional credentials through the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), its affiliated organizations, and the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.).
Choose a program that supports the clients you serve and the direction you want to take your business.
NAR and its affiliated Institutes, Societies, and Councils offer credentials across many real estate specialties. These programs support professional development through focused education and, where applicable, experience and other requirements.
Explore areas such as buyer and seller representation, residential and commercial real estate, international property, sustainability, negotiation, and working with diverse clients.
Find a format that fits: Depending on the program and provider, learning may be available in person, live online, or on demand. Review the official program requirements before enrolling.
California-focused training can help you develop practical expertise for the transactions, responsibilities, and client needs you encounter in this market.
C.A.R.’s education offerings include specialty certifications in areas such as probate and trust transactions, transaction coordination, property management, investment property, and negotiation. Its directory also connects members with selected NAR programs.
Plan for ongoing learning: C.A.R. currently states that its Education certifications expire two years after they are awarded. Renewal requires the original coursework or an available renewal course; check the requirements for your selected certification.
Designations generally offer broader education in a specialty. Requirements vary and may include coursework, exams, documented experience or production, membership, applications, and ongoing dues.
Certifications generally focus on specific skills or practice areas. Course completion, exams, applications, fees, and renewal requirements differ by program. A course certificate is not always the same as earning a professional credential.
1. Identify your goal. Consider the skills that would most benefit your clients and your business.
2. Review the complete requirements. Check eligibility, coursework, experience, application steps, costs, and renewal obligations directly with the issuing organization.
3. Confirm training details. Review the delivery format and schedule. If you need California continuing-education credit, confirm approval for that specific course offering.
4. Complete the credential process. Follow the provider’s instructions for documenting completion and using the designation or certification.
Use the official directories to compare programs and find current enrollment information. Credential requirements, prices, schedules, and CE approval can change.
Information adapted from MAR’s original page and checked against the NAR and C.A.R. directories on November 3, 2026.
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