A commercial real estate license is not required in all states; in some, only a general real estate license is necessary. Other states specifically require commercial real estate certification. Even when not required, a commercial property license can give you an advantage over your competition, establishing you as a professional and possibly attracting more clients.

As with other industries, specialization can help you command higher fees, so investing in commercial real estate training could be an effective way to boost your income. Commercial real estate license education and training options include:

1. Enrolling in a commercial real estate school
2. Taking online commercial real estate classes
3. Receiving commercial property management certification
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find commercial real estate schools in your area

You can take a commercial real estate course at a commercial real estate school, or at some colleges and universities. Many of these programs are short-term, and some can be completed while you continue working full-time.

I recommend: The Commercial Real Estate Institute in Phoenix offers intermediate to advanced commercial real estate classes, including commercial real estate certification in sales, leasing and lending. The CCIM Institute offers short-term commercial real estate classes across the country.

Take an online commercial real estate course

Online commercial real estate classes offer more flexibility, but still cover the same material as courses offered at a brick-and-mortar school. Many online schools offer the same variety, depth and opportunity for specialization as in a traditional setting.

I recommend: The National Association of REALTORS' REALTOR University offers online courses ranging from basic to advanced commercial real estate topics. Allied Real Estate School offers online licensing classes for all states.

Consider commercial property management training

In addition to selling property, many commercial real estate professionals also manage property. Receiving certification or licensure in this field can greatly expand your career opportunities, because not all real estate investors have the time or expertise needed to oversee the property--and so must hire a third party.

I recommend: The Institute of Real Estate Management offers several options for property management training, including webinars, home study courses, online classes and private training. You can also receive online commercial property management training through Ashworth College.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you choose an online commercial real estate school, make sure it is accredited in the state in which you plan to work.
• •  If you need financial assistance for your commercial real estate training, you may be able to receive scholarships and grants through organizations for commercial real estate professional. Also, some commercial real estate firms may offer financial assistance for current employees, or for prospective employees in exchange for working for the company for a specified amount of time.

If you are a realtor, or thinking of becoming one, a commercial real estate license can be a great specialization in your field. Commercial real estate certification will enable you to assist in the sales of commercial properties.

Not all states require that real estate agents have a commercial real estate license to sell commercial real estate. However, even if it is not required in your state, having the license or becoming specialized in the field can enhance your career by giving you an edge over the competition. Here are things to consider before attending commercial real estate school:

1. Online commercial real estate classes are a convenient way to learn and work around your schedule. Make sure the school you choose is accredited in your state.

2. Look for real estate schools that offer a variety of classes in commercial real estate training to meet your state's requirements.

3. Search out a commercial real estate school that will allow you to earn certain designations in commercial real estate, such as a broker or an agent.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out the requirements for commercial real estate licensing in your state

Requirements for a commercial property license vary from state to state. You should research your state to find out what kind of commercial real estate courses you will need to take to earn your license.

I recommend: The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) has links to each state's real estate licensing board. These boards will tell you what kind of classes and licensing you need for your state. Go to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and download the "CE Requirements by State" Excel file.

Find an online school to obtain your commercial real estate license

Online schools are a great way for you to earn commercial real estate certification. You can fit the classes around your schedule and you don't have to drive anywhere. Just make sure the school you choose is also accredited in your state.

I recommend: Performance Realty Solutions has a variety of classes including commercial property management training. The Learning Library and the CCIM Institute also offer a commercial real estate course.

Get involved in a commercial real estate association

By getting involved in a national commercial real estate association, you will be able to stay on top of the latest news and get some of the best training available.

I recommend: The AIR Commercial Real Estate Association has a multiple listing service exclusively for its members. The Association of Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) offers continuing education courses as does the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP).

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many realtors who seek their commercial real estate license also have commercial property management certification. By both selling and managing the properties, many realtors have diversified their business.

Commercial real estate licenses are the key requirement for performing any real estate transaction. All states have their own requirements for qualifying and renewal of the license. Specialized education for the respective licenses is mandatory for all real estate professionals.

In this guide, we will cover some key terms related to commercial real estate licenses, such as real estate agent, real estate broker, E and O insurance, realtor and real estate appraiser.

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Real estate agent

A real estate agent is an individual who is licensed in a particular state to sell property for a commission.

I recommend: You can get the definition of a real estate agent at RealEstateAgent.com.

Real estate broker

A real estate broker is an individual that passes the broker's exam after practicing as an agent for a few years.

I recommend: To understand the meaning of the term real estate broker, read through the glossary by Guidance Corporate Realty Advisors. Additionally, you can refer to wiseGEEK for information regarding real estate brokers.

Realtor

A realtor is a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and local real estate boards. Realtors are usually governed by a code of professional ethics.

I recommend: Real Estate Webmasters, an online resource for professionals in the real estate industry, offers information about realtors.

Real estate appraiser

The task of a real estate appraiser is to determine the market value of property or land. Today, in most states, a real estate appraiser must be licensed or certified.

I recommend: To learn more about real estate appraisers and their license requirements, you can refer to Online Education.

CE (Continuing Education)

Continuing education is extremely important for maintaining an active real estate license and renewing the license. All of the states have different CE requirements for the license and renewal of commercial real estate licenses.

I recommend: NAR (National Association of Realtors) provides detailed information about CE.

Errors and Omissions insurance (E and O insurance)

Errors and omissions insurance is a professional liability insurance that provides coverage to professionals against the risks of litigation over the course of their professional duties. This insurance is mandatory for the license application and renewal.

I recommend: The Ohio Referral Association Agency, Inc. (ORA) provides information about E and O insurance and the professionals who qualify for the coverage.

Commercial real estate license laws and regulations are in place to ensure that individuals who sell commercial real estate have adequate education and knowledge to do so. According to commercial real estate licensing laws, you don’t need a commercial property license if you own the commercial real estate you are selling. However, if you don’t own the property, you must obtain a commercial property license in accordance with your state laws.

While state laws will vary, individuals who possess a residential property license will typically need to attend additional courses or pass a commercial real estate certification exam prior to be authorized to sell commercial property. The following tips will help you learn more about commercial real estate license laws and regulations.

1. Find out about state laws on commercial real estate school credits.

2. Learn about using your commercial real estate license in a multiple states.

3. Familiarize yourself with state-specific commercial real estate license laws.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check your state's commercial real estate license educational requirements

States regulate how long it should take to complete commercial real estate classes and earn a commercial property management certification. State law typically requires students to complete between 30 and 90 commercial real estate course credit hours before earning a commercial real estate certification. States also require professionals to renew their commercial real estate license every one to two years. State law also requires professionals to earn continuing education credits from an approved school or state-approved commercial property training course.

I recommend: Read more about state commercial property licensing laws at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections. Learn more about educational requirements for earning a commercial property license at the Tri-County Board of Realtors.

Gain knowledge about commercial real estate license reciprocity laws

Several states have commercial property management certification laws that allow them to recognize and grant licenses to professionals who received commercial real estate training and licenses in a different state. These regulations vary by state - some states have reciprocity contracts with multiple states while others may only partner with neighboring states.

I recommend: Read more about commercial real estate licensing reciprocity at the National Association of Realtors. You may also find out about this growing trend in commercial real estate license laws by checking out the Professional Development Institute.

Stay compliant with your state commercial real estate regulations

Commercial real estate licensing laws are changing at a rapid pace. Licensing requirements are established by the state in which you plan to sell commercial property. To ensure you are abiding by all commercial real estate license laws, you will need to regularly consult with your local real estate commission.

I recommend: To find your state’s real estate licensing commission, visit the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials. You can also obtain a list of state real estate commissions at FREA.