Designations indicate Realtor knowledge, experience

An acronym behind a Realtor's name shows that she has gone beyond the basic licensing requirements. It means the Realtor is specializing in a particular area, said Sylvia Derks, executive assistant for the Greater Springfield Board of Realtors.

There's plenty to specialize in, too. In southwest Missouri, the GRI and the CRS designations are the most prevalent, said Wanda Peabody, chair of the Board of Realtors' education committee and an agent with Coldwell Banker Vanguard, Realtors.

However, those obtaining designations are few. It takes an investment of time, effort and money to achieve professional designations, and only a "tenacious, select group" pursue them, she said.

The following is a list of common professional designations and certifications in the real estate industry. The majority of these designations are available through affiliates of the National Association of Realtors.

ALC

The Accredited Land Consultant program of the Realtors Land Institute is designed to develop proficiency in land brokerage in five areas: 1. farms and ranches; 2. undeveloped tracts of land; 3. transitional and development land; 4. subdivision and wholesaling of lots; and 5. site selection and assemblage of land parcels.

CCIM

The Certified Commercial Investment Member designation is granted by the Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute and indicates extensive education in the analysis of financing, markets, leasing, and investment details relative to commercial real estate. In addition to course work, candidates must submit resums of closed transactions and complete a comprehensive examination.

CPM

The Certified Property Manager designation of the Institute of Real Estate Management focuses on real estate management skills in residential, commercial and industrial properties.

CRB

The Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manger program of the Real Estate Brokerage Managers Council educates brokerage owners and broker managers to the challenges of effective management of their business.

CRE

The Counselor of Real Estate designation is awarded to members of the Counselors of Real Estate organization. Membership is by invitation on either a self-initiated or sponsored basis.

CRS

The Certified Residential Specialist designation of the Council of Residential Specialists requires advanced study in residential listing and selling with components on pricing properties, alternative financing methods for buyers, and using Multiple Listing Services.

GRI

The Graduate, Realtor Institute program includes topics ranging from the listing and pricing of homes to the basics of residential rentals.

SIOR

The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors designation is for top producers in the areas of industrial and office real estate brokerage and includes mandatory recertification requirements.

Designations can also repay agents with clients. They increase self-confidence and provide a source of referrals, said Christine Maples, CCIM, vice president at Follman Properties/ONCOR International.