Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) — Requirements, Cost & Value
Agents doing cross-border and foreign-national business. Issued by National Association of REALTORS®.
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Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) is a real estate credential issued by National Association of REALTORS®. Two core courses plus three electives (five days total, valid three years) and documented international transaction experience on the application. Atlanta's foreign-national buyer flow — Hartsfield-Jackson makes this a real revenue line, not a vanity credential.
Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) is one of the credentials a licensed agent can add to sharpen a specialty and win listings against less-qualified competition. This page covers who issues it, what it takes to earn it, what it costs and whether it is worth the time.
ONE Terminus is an independent Realty ONE Group brokerage in Greater Atlanta. We are not the issuing body for this credential; we publish this reference because designations only pay off when the brokerage behind them lets you keep the production they generate.
Who it is for
Agents doing cross-border and foreign-national business.
- Issuing body: National Association of REALTORS®
- Official site: https://www.nar.realtor/designations-and-certifications/cips-designation
How to earn it
Two core courses plus three electives (five days total, valid three years) and documented international transaction experience on the application.
What it costs and how it renews
Course tuition plus an application fee that varies for US and international applicants.
No annual designation dues; coursework must be current when you apply.
Verify pricing with the issuing body before you enroll — course tuition and application fees are updated regularly.
Is it worth it?
Atlanta's foreign-national buyer flow — Hartsfield-Jackson makes this a real revenue line, not a vanity credential.
A credential earns its keep when it changes what you can charge or who will hire you. At ONE Terminus you keep 100% of your commission on a flat membership, so the production a designation creates stays with the agent who earned it instead of funding a split.
Common Questions
Who issues the CIPS credential?
National Association of REALTORS®. Official site: https://www.nar.realtor/designations-and-certifications/cips-designation
What are the CIPS requirements?
Two core courses plus three electives (five days total, valid three years) and documented international transaction experience on the application.
How much does CIPS cost?
Course tuition plus an application fee that varies for US and international applicants. No annual designation dues; coursework must be current when you apply.
Is CIPS worth it for a Georgia agent?
Atlanta's foreign-national buyer flow — Hartsfield-Jackson makes this a real revenue line, not a vanity credential. ONE Terminus members in Greater Atlanta pursue credentials like this while keeping 100% of their commission on a flat monthly membership.
Dues, fees and course requirements change. Everything here is compiled from each organization's own published material and is provided for orientation only — confirm current numbers directly with the organization before you enroll or apply. Official source: https://www.nar.realtor/designations-and-certifications/cips-designation. ONE Terminus is an independent Realty ONE Group brokerage and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or speaking on behalf of Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS).
Talk to ONE Terminus
Licensed Georgia REALTORS: send your details and a ONE Terminus leader responds within one business day with membership options, fee math, and a transfer checklist.