How to Become a CRS

Earn the CRS Designation

The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation is the professional Designation offered by the Council of Residential Specialists. The CRS Designation is the highest professional designation awarded to REALTORS® in the residential sales field. Fewer than 4 percent of all REALTORS® hold the CRS Designation.

For individuals residing in the United States, its insular possessions and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

1. Become a member of the Council of Residential Specialists by  joining online or completing the membership application if you have not already done so.
   
   
2. Submit your documentation satisfying all Designation Requirements.
   
   Council members who submit a Designation application with all required documentation will be awarded the CRS Designation within five business days.
   
   Managers Criteria: Individuals seeking to apply for the designation under the criteria for non-selling managers should submit this application.
   
   Individuals applying for membership and Designation simultaneously will receive a notice within 10 business days that all necessary documentation has been received and the applicant has been awarded the CRS Designation.
   
   If the documentation is incomplete, the notice will indicate the documents necessary to complete the Designation application process.
   
   
3. Maintain ongoing active membership in the Council of Residential Specialists and REALTOR® or REALTOR ASSOCIATE® membership in your local board or state association.