What is a CCIM?

A CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) is a recognized expert in the commercial and investment real estate industry. The CCIM lapel pin is earned after successfully completing a designation process that ensures CCIMs are proficient not only in theory, but also in practice. This elite corps of CCIMs includes brokers, leasing professionals, investment counselors, asset managers, appraisers, corporate real estate executives, property managers, developers, institutional investors, commercial lenders, attorneys, bankers, and other allied professionals.

A CCIM is part of a global commercial real estate network with members across North America and more than 30 countries. This professional network has enabled CCIM members to close thousands of transactions annually, representing more than $200 billion in value. As a result, the experts who possess the CCIM designation are an invaluable resource for commercial real estate owners, investors, and users.

CCIMs have completed a designation curriculum that covers essential CCIM skill sets including ethics, interest-based negotiation, financial analysis, market analysis, user decision analysis, and investment analysis for commercial investment real estate. CCIMs have completed a portfolio demonstrating the depth of their commercial real estate experience. Finally, they have demonstrated their proficiency in the CCIM skill sets by successfully completing a comprehensive examination. Only then is a designation candidate awarded the coveted CCIM pin, joining the ranks of highly skilled commercial and investment real estate experts.

Over 15,000 commercial real estate professionals have earned the designation. Currently, 5,500 professionals are pursuing their CCIM designation.

How do I earn the CCIM designation?

There are currently two programs to earn the CCIM designation:

General Candidacy Program:

In order to gain the CCIM Designation under the general Candidacy program, individuals are required to:

• Become a candidate of the Institute.
• Successfully complete all four core courses (CI 101, CI 102, CI 103, and CI 104).
• Either the Preparing to Negotiate e-learning course or the two day Advanced Negotiations Skills workshop.
• Earn two electives.
• Prepare and submit the Portfolio of Qualifying Experience.
• Pass the Comprehensive Examination.

Fast Track Program:

This accelerated program is offered exclusively to professionals who have earned one of the industry’s other preeminent designations: AACI, CLO, CMB, CRF, CPM, CRE, FRI, MAI/SRPA, RPA, SIOR. Under these guidelines individuals are required to:

• Become a fast track candidate
• Complete the four core courses (CI 101-104)
• Pass the Comprehensive Exam.

Please note that you have 24 months to complete the Fast Track Program.