CIPS

CIPS stands for Certified International Property Specialist

CIPS is now an National Association of REALTORSÒ designation, prior to 2000, both FIABCI and National Association of REALTORSÒ recognized CIPS, as the only International designation given Worldwide. While ICREA was in the final formation stages FIABCI changed their designation to the FIABCI Certificate (Cert. FIABCI) although kept CIPS certification standards (prior to 2000), while CIPS designation stayed with the National Association of REALTORSÒ their certification standards changed. CIPS designations earned prior to 2000 may consider applying  for a FIABCI Certificate as all criteria should already have been met by virtue of a prior 2000 CIPS designation. In the United States of America  REALTORSÒ are the only individuals who can use a CIPS designation.

Criteria for CIPS and FIABCI Certificate listed below:

Criteria for CIPS

In addition to the CIPS courses, applicants must submit a designation application demonstrating experience in international real estate. Three closed international transactions are required involving other cultures or countries, including those occurring in your local market. Documentation is required, along with answering specific questions regarding the transactions.100 points of elective credit are required, earned from speaking other languages, current NAR designations, years in the real estate business, attendance at international conferences and education sessions, and much more.
Applications are due by October 1 in order to be reviewed for approval in that year, and can be submitted before your coursework is completed.

THE FIABCI CERTIFICATE
The mark of professional real estate excellence at an international level: the FIABCI Certificate (Cert. FIABCI)
This unique Certificate is awarded to members who have satisfied the most stringent standards of excellence in their field and have shown that they are active participants in the challenging new world of international real estate. The Certificate FIABCI is a concrete illustration of the FIABCI ideal of “providing society with the optimal solution to its property needs”. The Certificate is not a simple designation awarded against payment of a fee, but an exclusive recognition awarded only to those who have demonstrated the skills and experience needed to make things happen in real estate internationally: to earn the right to use the Cert. FIABCI title is therefore a considerable achievement and a coveted privilege.
Who may apply for the FIABCI International Real Estate Certificate (Cert. FIABCI)?
Any member in good standing of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) may apply.
Criteria for awarding FIABCI International Real Estate Certificate (Cert. FIABCI)
FIABCI  recognizes competence in international real estate by requiring applicants for the Certificate FIABCI to satisfy criteria based on education, business experience, and participation in FIABCI activities. Education: Candidates must complete a minimum of forty hours of classroom instruction focusing on contemporary issues and trends in international real estate and offered locally through the combined efforts of FIABCI National Chapters and leading academic institutions registered as Academic Members of FIABCI. International Business Experience: All candidates for the Certificate must provide a written report detailing a recent experience (no more than three years prior to their application date) as a principal or client in a real estate brokerage, management, appraisal, development, financing and/or counseling transaction involving either a foreign principal or client or a foreign property. The report will be assessed by the FIABCI University Committee. International experience through attendance at FIABCI events: As verified by the sponsoring National Chapter, the candidate must have attended at least two FIABCI World or Regional Congresses.