Frequently Asked Questions: CIPS Designation

Courses can be taken in person, online, or a combination of both. We recommend taking the courses in person if possible since this is a great time to network with other future CIPS designees and also have the benefit of a live instructor.

Each course is designed to be a full-day (8 hours) course, however online courses are self-paced and can be started and stopped based on your preferences. Allow 6-8 hours of screen time. Once the course is purchased, students have one year to complete the coursework and pass the exam.

Each course is 8 hours long and will total 40 hours by the end of the five courses.

Access the online courses by going to learning.realtor.

At the end of each online class you will take a test covering the course content, for a total of five tests. Each test must be passed with 80% or more of the questions answered correctly. There are no additional tests required to earn your CIPS designation. Courses taken in the classroom are not required to pass an exam, however, the instructor may use the exam or questions from the exam as an assessment.

Any courses completed more than 3 years prior to the submission of your application must be retaken to receive credit towards the education requirement of the designation.

The one-time application fee is $75. Your application must be accompanied with payment for your application fee and membership dues (prorated depending on the quarter you apply). Payments are accepted in the form of an authorized credit card payment or check. Payments by credit card should be made through NAR’s Ecommerce System:

For US REALTORS®: www.nar.realtor/cipspaymentUS

For Canadian REALTORS®: www.nar.realtor/canadacipsapp

The one-time application fee is US$300. Your application must be accompanied with payment for your application fee. Payments are accepted in the form of an authorized credit card payment. Payments by credit card should be made through NAR E-commerce System: www.nar.realtor/intlcipsapp

Please see the “Dues” section below for more information.

Once you have provided payment, you may then submit your application to NAR. Please email your application to cips@nar.realtor or print and mail it to the address below. You will receive an email confirmation once your application is received.

CIPS, National Association of REALTORS®
430 N. Michigan Ave. 11th FL
Chicago, IL 60611

In addition to the required coursework you will need to accumulate 100 points on the application form. The application includes several categories measuring your international competency. Each option is given a specific number of points. While you are not required to complete each section, responses you provide must total 100 points.

There are many ways to earn the points. Points can be obtained by completing international transactions, having earned other NAR designations or certifications, being a member of your local or state global business council, being an approved instructor, having a college, associate or advanced degree, working or studying abroad, participating in a REALTOR Association sponsored Trade Mission, attending conferences outside of your country, being a published author of international content and many more. For the full list please see your CIPS application.

Please call CIPS customer service at 312.329.8369. You can also email photos of your application to cips@nar.realtor.

New CIPS designees are pinned twice per year; in May at the REALTOR® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo and at the REALTOR® Conference and Expo in November. Applications must be submitted no later than March 31 to be recognized at the REALTOR® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in May and September 30 to be recognized at the REALTOR® Conference and Expo in November.

Due to the volume of applications NAR receives, it can take 2 weeks for your application to be reviewed. If NAR requires any other information to approve your application, you will be notified by email as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience during the review process.

As a CIPS Designee you will be required to pay annual membership dues in the amount of $220 to keep your designation active. If renewals are received by December 31, you receive a 10% discount.

CIPS membership dues are paid annually. Dues renewal notices are sent starting in November. You must pay your dues to use the CIPS designation and receive your CIPS member benefits.

Dues are paid online by credit card through the NAR Ecommerce System: www.nar.realtor/cipsdues

Yes, you can reactivate your CIPS Designation. If you are in the U.S. or Canada and have earned the CIPS Designation and your membership has been inactive for a period of 1 to 4 years you must:

• Pay dues for the current quarter annual dues
• Pay a $50 reactivation fee
• Remain active by paying your CIPS dues every year

If you earned the CIPS Designation and you have not paid membership in over 5 years you must:

For U.S. REALTORS®

• Retake the CIPS Core Course - Global Real Estate: Transaction Tools
• Take one additional CIPS course (no substitutions of, AHWD, RSPS or PSA course allowed)
• Resubmit the CIPS designation application along with appropriate dues and application fee
• Remain active by paying your CIPS dues every year

Pay dues or application fee now

For Canada REALTORS®

• Retake the CIPS Core Course - The Business of US Real Estate
• Retake one additional CIPS course (no substitutions of RSPS or PSA course allowed)
• Resubmit the CIPS designation application along with appropriate dues and application fee
• Remain active by paying your CIPS dues every year

Pay dues or application fee now

See below for International REALTORS®.

For additional questions please contact us by email at cips@nar.realtor or call 312.329.8369.

As an international CIPS Designee, you pay a one time application fee of US$300. You remain an active CIPS designee in subsequent years by paying your International REALTOR® dues of $75.

Dues are paid online by credit card using the link provided in the email or through the NAR Ecommerce System: www.nar.realtor/cipsdues (renewals).

Yes, you can reactivate your CIPS designation. If you earned the designation and your membership has been inactive for a period of one to four years, you must:

• Pay your CIPS-IRM annual dues of US $75 for the current year
• Remain active by paying your IRM dues every year

If you earned the CIPS Designation and you have not paid membership dues in over 5 years you must:

• Retake the CIPS Core Course – The Business of US Real Estate
• Retake one additional CIPS course (no substitutions of RSPS or PSA course allowed)
• Resubmit the CIPS designation application with the application fee
• Remain active by paying your IRM dues every year

Pay dues or application fee now

For additional questions please contact us by email at cips@nar.realtor or call 312.329.8369.