New Elective Options for the RSPS Certification

For the first time since the Resort and Second Home Property Specialist (RSPS) Certification was launched in January 2006, a new path to earning the certification has been created and the list of electives applicants can choose from has been expanded. Applicants must still complete the two required core courses.

The RSPS Workgroup has approved the addition of the e-PRO® certification and all of the CIPS courses to the list of electives. This increases the list of electives from 11 to 17. In addition to the expanded list of electives, another path to earning the certification has been created. The ABR® (Accredited Buyer's Representative), CIPS (Certified International Property Specialists), CPM® (Certified Property Manager), and CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designations are now accepted in place of the two elective courses. Members of the RSPS Workgroup decided that because the ABR®, CIPS, CPM® and CRS designees have completed such extensive education and training, REALTORS® with these designations have already fulfilled the elective requirement needed to earn the RSPS Certification.

The new requirements will help foster networking and referral opportunities between members of the Real Estate BUYER'S AGENT Council (REBAC), the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), the Council of Residential Specialists (CRS) and NAR’s Resort and International Groups. NAR’s Resort and Second Home Markets course counts as an elective for the ABR® and the CRS designations.

The two required core courses for the RSPS have not changed. All applicants must successfully complete NAR’s Resort and Second Home Markets Course. US applicants must complete RLI’s Tax-Deferred (1031) Exchange Course. Non-US applicants must take the CIPS Investment and Financial Analysis for International Real Estate Course.

To review the new options, download the RSPS Certification Application (PDF: 288K) or see below. 

The requirements for the Resort and Second Home Property Specialist are:

Part 1: Core Courses - Must complete both required core courses.

Required Core Course 1
1. NAR Resort & Second Home Markets Course – 2 Days or Online

Required Core Course 2
2. US Applicants: RLI Tax-Deferred (1031) Exchange Course – 2 Days or Online
2. Non-US Applicants: CIPS Investment and Financial Analysis for International Real Estate Course - 2 Days

Part 2: Electives - Choose either Option 1 or Option 2

Option 1: Elective Courses
A total of two elective courses are needed. Choose from the following:

1. Any CIPS course (Completing two courses fulfills option 1)
2. CCIM Introduction to Commercial Investment Real Estate Analysis - 2 Day or Home Study CD-ROM
3. CRB Generational Marketing - Home Study CD Only
4. CRS 204 Creating Wealth Through Residential Real Estate Investments – 2 Days
5. e-PRO® Certification
6. IREM 101 Introduction to Managing Residential Properties (course is no longer offered)
7. IREM 102 Introduction to Managing Small Business Properties (course is no longer offered)
8. IREM01 Introduction to Real Estate Management - Online
9. REBAC e-Buyer Course – 1 Day or Online
10. SRES® Senior Real Estate Specialist Course
11. WCR Networking and Referral Systems Course - 1 Day
12. Attendance at an NAR Resort Symposium – 2 Days (Attendance at two Symposiums fulfills Option 1))

Option 2: Designations
Hold one of the following designations:

1. Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®) Designation
2. Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)
3. Certified Property Manager® (CPM®)
4. Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

Please visit http://www.realtor.org/resorts/resorts/rspscertificationfaq for more information on the RSPS Certification or call 312-329-8393.