Designation & Certification Scholarship

The Designation or Certification Scholarship is based on the applicant’s indication of interest in pursuing a career in the real estate industry and letters of recommendation. All applicants must be a resident of the State of Illinois. Chicago Associations of REALTORS® Officers, Directors and employees, and Chicago Association of REALTORS® Foundation Officers and Trustees may not apply for this scholarship. We may contact references which you provide as well as your managing broker to notify them, if you are selected for a scholarship.

Scholarship applications will only be accepted if received prior to the completion of the course for which the scholarship is requested. Please note that all scholarships are applicable to classroom and self-study courses only.

Scholarship Requirements

  • Minimum one year’s experience within the real estate industry
  • Must be Chicago Association of REALTORS® member in good standing
  • Must have the recommendation of the managing broker, a Chicago Association of REALTORS® member, or Chicago Association of REALTORS® Foundation Board of Trustee
  • Classes or designation must be completed within six months of receiving scholarship
  • Must submit a completed application

Award Amount

  • Up to $500 for National Association of REALTORS® recognized Designation or Certification
  • Classes or designation must be completed within 1 year of receiving scholarship
  • Payment is reimbursed with successful attainment of the Designation or Certification

Questions may be directed to CARfoundation@chicagorealtor.com.

Please note, the quarterly deadlines to apply for the fiscal year are:

  • WINTER: November 1st
  • SPRING: April 1st
  • SUMMER: June 1st
  • FALL: August 1st

Accepted Designations Your Scholarship Can Be Used Towards

  • ABR – Accredited Buyer’s Representative
  • ALC – Accredited Land Consultant
  • AHWD – At Home With Diversity
  • C-RETS – Certified Real Estate Team Specialist
  • CCIM – Certified Commercial Investment Member
  • CIPS – Certified International Property Specialist
  • CPM – Certified Property Manager
  • CRB – Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager
  • CRE – The Counselors of Real Estate
  • CRS – Certified Residential Specialist
  • e-PRO
  • GAA – General Accredited Appraiser
  • NAR’s Green Designation/GREEN
  • GRI – Graduate, REALTOR Institute
  • PMN – Performance Management Network
  • PSA – Pricing Strategy Advisor
  • MRP – Military Relocation Professional
  • RAA – Residential Accredited Appraiser
  • RCE – REALTOR® Association Certified Executive
  • RENE – Real Estate Negotiation Expert
  • RSPS – Resort & Second- Home Property Specialist
  • SFR – Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource
  • SIOR – Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®
  • SRES – Seniors Real Estate Specialist
  • SRS – Seller Representative Specialist

Designation/Certification Form

    All Scholarship Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a Quarterly Trustee Meeting as part of the application process. You may only apply from six months of acceptance into the class and thirty days after attending the class.
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