CIPS Education

The Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) course curriculum is the educational foundation of the CIPS Network. It distinguishes CIPS designees as individuals who have both hands-on experience in international real estate transactions, as well as successfully completed an intensive seven-day program of study focusing on critical aspects of transnational transactions, including currency and exchange rate issues and cross-cultural relationships, regional market conditions, investment performance, tax issues and more. A more detailed description of the six courses is provided below.

U.S. REALTORS® must complete the two-day "International Real Estate for Local Markets" (formerly Essentials) before joining the CIPS Network. Non-U.S. practitioners are also encouraged to take this course, but it is not currently a requirement. Whether or not a practitioner intends to work toward the CIPS designation, this course is ideal for anyone who may encounter opportunities in their local market to assist in an international transaction, e.g., assisting an immigrant or foreign investor, or helping a U.S. resident purchase property abroad.


Course Descriptions
Six courses (five of which are required - only three of the four one-day regional courses are necessary) comprise the education program of the CIPS Network. The prerequisite "International Real Estate for Local Markets" course is required for CIPS membership and the remaining courses must be completed within two years of declaring candidacy for CIPS Network members. Following is a description of each course and a current course schedule.

CIPS I: International Real Estate for Local Markets (formerly Essentials) - is the two-day prerequisite introductory course to the CIPS international real estate courses. The course is an analysis of the international real estate business environment, including capital flow, currencies, government regulations and cultures. The practical aspects of international brokerage, networking, marketing and selling are discussed. Students must take this course before taking any of the other CIPS courses. Students will receive At Home with Diversity Certification (except when taking the online course which does not give AHWD credit) in addition to ABR, RSPS, and CRS elective credit with successful completion of this revised course.

CIPS Institutes concentrate four international CIPS courses into a one week format, allowing students to save travel costs and complete the education program quickly. Three of the four regional courses are required (Europe, Asia, Americas, and Middle East/Africa). Many Institutes include a variety of special events in addition to the required classroom time. Property tours, networking events with local businesses, panel discussions and social functions may be incorporated into the week's program to provide a well-rounded and exciting learning experience. These courses also may be offered individually.

1. Europe and International Real Estate (1 day) – Provides information on working with clients in Western and Central Europe. The European Union and its impact on international real estate are covered, along with economic and real estate trends, networking and relationship building, plus marketing and selling practices.

2. Asia/Pacific and International Real Estate (1 day) – Covers real estate practices in Asia and the Pacific with emphasis on cultural influences, economic trends and assessment of investment opportunities. A special chapter on working with the Japanese is included.

3. The Americas and International Real Estate (1 day) – Practical information for professionals who work with Caribbean, North, Central, and South American investors. Historical and cultural influences, regional relationship, and investment opportunities are covered along with a special focus on Mexico.

4. Middle East/Africa and International Real Estate (1 day) - Learn the logistics of how to conduct real estate transactions with clients from the Middle East and Africa at the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Network’s new one-day designation course. The course will introduce attendees to cultural differences you need to know when working with clients from the Middle East and Africa.

5. Investment and Financial Analysis (2 days) – Provides the tools needed to present investment information to international clients--in their currency and area. You will learn how to measure investment performance, prepare financial projections, and understand the effects of taxes and exchange rates on investment. This course is waived for students who have passed the CCIM Intro, CCIM 101, or CRS 204 courses. An HP-10BII calculator is REQUIRED for this course. Attached is a special calculator guide designed to familiarize you with this calculator.

Download CIPS 10BII Keystroke Brochure (255K PDF file) >>

Click Here for information on ordering this calculator.


ICREA's Transnational Referral Certification Program
Learn how to make and receive compensated referrals across borders with this new course by the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations. Click here for more information on TRC.

Worldwide ERC®'s Global Mobility Specialist Professional Training
CIPS Candidates can earn points on the CIPS designation application by completing courses toward the Worldwide ERC®’s Global Mobility Specialist Professional Training. CIPS Designees and Candidates receive a discount on this training program. Click here for registration information.

Taking International Real Estate for Local Markets (formerly Essentials) Online
In addition to the many live classroom offerings throughout the year, the "International Real Estate for Local Markets" (formerly Essentials) prerequisite course is available online through NAR's REALTOR® University. Internet-based, the course is instructor-led, but allows students to move at their own pace and "attend class" any time or place of their choosing during the month the student is registered. E-mail and threaded discussions allow students to network – just like in a real classroom. Register for CIPS Online "International Real Estate for Local Markets".

Expand Your Market Training Kit – Revised and Updated!
This popular education program training kit has been completely overhauled and can be offered by any experienced international real estate practitioner at a local REALTOR® association, company sales meeting, state association convention, etc. For more information including on-line and phone ordering, click on image below.

Other REALTOR® Organization Education Offerings
The National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliated Institutes, Societies and Councils offer a wide range of real estate education. For more information about these programs and course schedules, go to NAR's Education Center or visit the Education Matrix by clicking in the logo below.