frequently asked questions
Why should I earn the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) Designation?
The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) Designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria.
What are the ABR® Designation requirements?
The following requirements must be met to attain and use the ABR® Designation:
Step 1: Successful completion of the official two-day ABR® Designation Course.
- Available online through the Center for REALTOR® Development. For the online course only, an exam is required with a passing score of 80% or better.
- Available in a live classroom setting through CRD-licensed course providers (includes live virtual).
- After you complete the ABR® course you become an ABR® Candidate until you complete the other ABR® designation requirements. Your first year of candidacy is free. If you need additional time to complete the requirements, you may renew your candidacy for up to two (2) additional years for $110 per year. You have three (3) years from when you complete the course to fulfill the other ABR® designation requirements. Renewals continue for $110 per year throughout your designation.
Step 2: Successful completion of one of the ABR® elective courses.
- This course may be taken prior to completing the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) Designation Course.
Step 3: Five (5) completed transactions in which the ABR® Candidate acted as a buyer’s representative
- This can include up to two leases
- These transactions do not need to fall within a specific period of time.
Step 4: Submit your ABR® Designation application
- If you have completed all of the designation requirements, it’s time to submit your application!
- Please note that you may not promote yourself as an ABR® Designee until you are notified via email that you have been awarded the designation.
Step 5: Membership in good standing with the National Association of REALTORS®.
Please Note: All requirements must be completed within three (3) years of completing the ABR® Designation Course.
What is an ABR® Candidate?
By completing the ABR® Designation Course, you will become an ABR® Candidate and receive limited access to ABR® credential resources.
You can become an ABR® Designee by completing the designation requirements and submitting an application.
Which credential resources do ABR® Candidates receive?
- Today’s Buyer’s Rep (Digital edition)
Which courses meet the ABR® designation elective course requirement?
More than a dozen different courses qualify as elective options. View all elective options, many of which also count towards other designation requirements.
When can I begin using the ABR® Designation/logo in my advertisements and my representations to the public?
Only REALTORS® who have met all the ABR® Designation requirements and have been awarded the ABR® Designation are permitted to call themselves an ABR® Designee and use the ABR® logo.
Please note: If your designation lapses, you will no longer be able to use the ABR® logo in your marketing material and will lose access to your exclusive credential resources.
Do I have to be a member of NAR to have the ABR® Designation?
Yes, you must be an active member of the National Association of REALTORS® to earn and maintain the ABR® Designation. Failure to maintain ABR® status for five (5) consecutive years or longer will result in having to retake the ABR® Designation Course. After you retake the course, reach out to abr@nar.realtor. Exceptions for certain situations will be considered if we are notified prior to your absence and it is noted in your record.
What credential resources do ABR® Designees receive?
In addition to candidate credential resources designees receive:
- Printed designation certificate and pin (US Members)
- Use of ABR® logo and name
- Listing in the ABR® directory & differentiation on nar.realtor and realtor.com®
- Press release template announcing your new designation
- Personalizable marketing materials such as brochures, client one-sheets, social media marketing and more!
- Access to the ABR® networking & referral Facebook group
- Access to the ABR® Print Shop
What is the annual cost of the ABR® Designation?
The ABR® Designation is $110 per year.
Your first year is free when you complete the ABR® Designation Course. The free year begins on the date you successfully complete the course—not when you apply. It is a one-time benefit and cannot be reset by retaking the course.
You can renew your ABR® Designation through our Payment Portal.
*Renewal payments are nonrefundable*
For International REALTOR® Members, see International designation information.
What if I am late with my ABR® renewals payment?
If your ABR® renewal payments should lapse for two (2) months, a $50 reactivation fee will be assessed in addition to the current year’s renewals.
How do I print my renewals receipt?
Log into the Payment Portal and click on the tab called ‘My Orders’. Navigate to the ‘Paid Orders’ section and click the link for the renewals order you’d like to print.