Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a category to see a list of frequently asked questions. Clicking on the question will display its answer.
The CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation is a professional designation awarded by the CCIM Institute. Currently, more than 9,000 individuals hold this designation and approximately 10,000 candidates are pursuing the 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.
The negotiation requirement is a prerequisite for CI 103. Candidates can choose one of two courses for completing this requirement:
- Preparing to Negotiate - This online, self-paced course takes approximately eight hours to complete.
- Advanced Negotiation Workshop - This two-day, in-class workshop provides comprehensive instruction on negotiations in a commercial real estate context.
| Earning elective credit | # of elective credits available |
| Courses - 1 credit | 1 credit per course |
| Courses - 0.5 credits | 0.5 credits per course |
| Transfer elective credits - Elective credits may be granted for certain graduate courses, professional certifications, or educational offerings. Download application (91 Kb, PDF). | varies |
| Continuous candidacy credit | One elective credit each year up to 3 credits |
Continuing education credit is currently available only for in class courses. Students cannot earn credit for executive or online courses, even if credit is offered for the equivalent in class course.
Continuing education credit is not retroactive. So if you took a hybrid or online course, you cannot retroactively earn CE credit once that format is approved.
Yes, members pay $20 ($30 for non-member) for CCIM to process your CE credit application.
Find a course you are interested in taking, and choose one of the upcoming course offerings. At the bottom of the page, you’ll see a “Continuing Education Credits” section. Select the state where you hold your license to see the available credits.
You can attend one of the Intro classes here. These offerings are specifically sponsored by the CCIM Diversity Program.
Intro courses are typically funded by a CCIM chapter whereas the Cultural Diversity Intro courses are funded by the CCIM Institute.
There is no deadline to apply in the Cultural Diversity Education Program (CDEP). There are diversity Intro classes offered through the year in various locations. Students apply to the program different times of the year based on what Intro class they are interested in attending. We take applications until each class is full. Many of our courses sell out. Apply early if you are interested in attending a particular location.
Under this program, a limited number of $150 discount vouchers can be used towards any Intro course, which is offered in more than 50 markets nationwide. The total cost of the course varies within each market. The discount voucher program is in effect through year-end 2010, or until all vouchers have been distributed.
This letter can be from a co-worker, boss, church or community contact. It does not have to be from someone in real estate. The letters can be character references.
You can apply to the CDEP and participate in our Tuition Discount Program which gives you discounts on our designation courses required to earn the CCIM designation.
You can apply to the CDEP and participate in our Tuition Discount Program which gives you discounts on our designation courses required to earn the CCIM designation.
You can apply to the CDEP and participate in our Tuition Discount Program which gives you discounts on our designation courses required to earn the CCIM designation.
You can attend any designation course in any location.
We cannot refund you for fees you have already paid towards classes with CCIM. We can only offer you discounts on future core courses.
The CDEP discounts are available for both in classroom designation courses and online designation courses.
Yes, you can apply for other scholarships. Many are available through the CCIM Education Foundation.
These diversity discounts cannot be combined with any other discounts.
Attendees include a cross-section of the commercial real estate industry: brokers, agents, corporate real estate officers, REIT investment executives, developers, asset managers, investment counselors, appraisers, property managers, mortgage bankers, attorneys, accountants, and other professionals in allied fields.
No. Students are required to attend each day of class. Courses run from two to five days with the final course examination given on the last afternoon of class.
Yes. The Introduction course is available on an interactive CD-ROM format or online. All CCIM core courses (CI 101 – CI 104) are available online in a self-paced format. Read more about the different options for taking a course.
CI Intro is two days, and CI 101 – 104 are five days longs. Classes typically run from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Results of your exam are emailed within two weeks of the exam date. A Certificate of Completion will be available to all students who pass the examination.
There are no prerequisites for CI Intro: Introduction to Commercial Investment Real Estate Analysis or CI 101: Financial Analysis.
Successful completion of CI 101 is a prerequisite for CI 102 – CI 104, which then may be taken in any order.
A Hewlett-Packard (HP) financial calculator is required for all CCIM courses. The HP-10bII is recommended because of its reasonable cost, and because CCIM course materials illustrate the calculator keystrokes of the HP-10bII.
However, the keystrokes are similar on other HP financial calculators. You can purchase a calculator at most office supply stores or through the HP website. Students should learn how to use their calculators before attending class.
A laptop computer with a CD-ROM drive and Excel is required or strongly recommended for most CCIM courses.
A laptop computer is now used on all designation courses and most one-day advanced education courses. Students who bring laptops to class and are familiar with Excel will receive the most benefit from the course material because Excel worksheets are distributed to help solve class activities and for use on the final exam.
To receive full course credit students are required to pass each course final examination by a score or 70% or higher. The examination is administered on the final afternoon of the course. Exams are given in all CCIM courses except one-day advanced education courses.
There are no prerequisites to take CI Intro or CI 101. Students are encouraged, but not required, to take the courses in sequence (ie, CI 101, 102, etc.).
Concepts from Preparing to Negotiate and the Negotiations Workshop are integrated into CI 103 and CI 104. Thus, students are strongly encouraged to complete either course prior to CI 103 and 104.
Students who enroll in in-class education will receive a bound copy of the course's manual on the first day of class. Students in online instructor-led courses will receive instructions on how to download a digital version of the course manual before the course begins. For $95, students may purchase a bound copy of a manual for a course in which they are enrolled.
To order a book, e-mail bookorder@ccim.com with the course title and your student or member ID number.
CCIM courses are continually revised and updated to reflect changes and new developments in commercial real estate. As a member benefit, current members may download updated course manuals and supplemental materials for CI Intro or CI 101 - 104. Candidates only have access to material for courses they've successfully completed.
In-Class Education
A multiple choice final exam will be administered online. It is designed to be completed in one sitting. The exam will be available starting at 5 p.m. central time on the last day of the course. The exam will remain open for seven days and close at 5 p.m. central time on the seventh day. You may use any course materials provided by the CCIM Institute, as well as your personal notes, in order to help you complete the exam. Students may retake the online exam ONCE after a failed course, with a fee of $50 assessed for the retake. Retakes must be taken within 30 days of receipt of grade; students may, however, extend the retake period by an additional 30 days for a $50 fee.
Online Instructor Led Course Exam
A multiple choice final exam will be administered online after your tenth and final online session and will be open for one week. This exam is designed to be completed in one sitting. You may use any course materials provided by the CCIM Institute, as well as your personal notes, in order to help you complete the exam. Students may retake an online exam ONCE after a failed course, with a fee of $50 assessed for the retake. Retakes must be taken within 30 days of receipt of grade; students may, however, extend the retake period by an additional 30 days for a $50 fee.
Online Self-Paced
The course exam is a multiple-choice test administered online and designed to be completed in one sitting. You may use any course materials provided by the CCIM Institute, as well as your personal notes, in order to help you complete the exam. Students may retake the online exam ONCE after a failed course, with a fee of $50 assessed for the retake. Retakes must be taken within 30 days of receipt of grade; students may, however, extend the retake period by an additional 30 days for a $50 fee.
Exam Retake Policy
- Timing – A retake must be requested within 90 days of the original course date.
- Fees – $50 for CI 101 - 104 and $25 for CI Intro.
- Location – Retakes may be administered at local board or state/provincial Realtor offices
Students may retake a course at the reduced rate of $550. For example, if you completed CI 102-Market Analysis in 1999, you may retake the current CI 102 course for only $550.
Students who fail the CI 101-Financial Analysis exam may retake the course once for only $100 within 24 months of the original course date.
CCIM courses fill up quickly, so students are encouraged to submit course registrations as soon as possible. Registrations for regular course offerings should be received at least two weeks in advance of the course and at least three weeks in advance of the 3-day Executive Course Offering. Registrations received after these timeframes will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Course confirmations will be sent to all registered students via email, mail or fax.
The CCIM Institute reserves the right to cancel any scheduled course at any time. Students enrolled in a course that is cancelled will be notified as far in advance as possible. Students have the option of getting a full refund or transferring into another course. Please note that the Institute is not responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses (lodging, airfare, etc.) students may incur when a course is cancelled.
Regular CCIM course offerings (5 days)
- 14 days or more before the start date - $75
- Less than 14 days before the start date - $150
- No refunds or transfers are given once the course begins.
- Students may transfer to another course one time for $75. After that, there is a $150 a withdrawal/transfer fee per course.
Executive Course Offerings (3 days)
- 14 days or more before the start date - $100
- Less than 14 days before the start date - $200
- No refunds or transfers are given once the course begins.
Online Designation Courses
- Cancellations or transfers prior to the start of the course are subject to a $150 fee.
- No refunds or transfers are given once the course begins
CCIM designees may take CCIM courses at a substantial discount through the Life After the Pin program. Through this special member benefit, designees may register for one designation course per year for only $225. Registrations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis and some licensed sponsors may assess additional fees.
To register for a course through Life After the Pin program, check the schedule and call customer service at 800-621-7027 for availability.
Students can take advantage of special hotel discounts for many CCIM courses. The course confirmation will include specific information (hotel location, cost, phone number, cut-off date, etc.) should discounted hotel rooms be available.
The CCIM Institute will accommodate disabled individuals in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students seeking such accommodations should contact the institute at 800-621-7027.
Most everything you need to know about this free Designee-only member benefit can be found at http://www.ccim.net.
If you want to get your mail on the web, http://mail.ccim.net.
If you're a brand new Designee, you'll receive information about your CCIM.NET email account within two weeks following your designation.
In general, you can reach CCIM's IT staff through an email to webmaster@cciminstitute.com. That's the address to use for questions about CCIM MailBridge, CCIM.NET email, login problems, broken web pages, etc. You can also call us at +1-312-321-4460 or 800-621-7027. We prefer email, because it gives us time to do a little research, if necessary, before getting back to you.
For help with Site To Do Business, other than logins, please contact STDB support via email at sasupport@stdbonline.com or +1-469-232-2615.
There are three main ways you get mail from the Institute:
1) Designee or Candidate mailing lists.
These lists are used to send the Tuesday Digest newsletter and other email from Institute staff or Leadership. We believe these messages have value to all members of the Institute. You can remove yourself from the lists, but you may miss important information about improvements in member benefits, meetings, and other CCIM news.
2) CCIM MailBridge property messages
These messages are sent by CCIM Designees. You can fine-tune what messages you get or choose to get none at all by logging on the MailBridge website.
3) Upcoming CCIM events and courses
These messages are sent to targeted demographics (e.g., students who have taken 101 but not 102) by our Marketing Department. If you wish to remove yourself from such marketing messages, please email membership_email@cciminstitute.com.
The short answer is: You don't.
CCIM MailBridge is a preference matching system. Let's assume you have a property in Illinois for sale. Within MailBridge, you'd create a US HAVE message and describe your property. On the list of states, you'd select "IL".
Why not select ALL the states? Because members who use MailBridge set preferences. Those interested in properties in Illinois will have selected IL as one of their preferences.
When you send your message having set IL as the state, it will go to everyone interested in properties in Illinois. If you checked all the states, it would go to members not interested in Illinois properties -- who would then regard your message as spam.
To learn more about CCIM MailBridge, read the user guide. To set your preferences for incoming mail or to send a CCIM MailBridge message, visit http://mailbridge.ccim.com.
Let your CCIM profile lead people to your Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages. Your CCIM Member profile now allows you to enter links to these sites, and we’ll display them on your Professional Resume.
The first thing is to gather the information.
- If you use Facebook, you'll need to create a username. This page has instructions on how to do that. Once you've created a username, your Facebook link will be http://www.facebook.com/username (for example, http://www.facebook.com/sdstern).
- If you use LinkedIn, edit your profile. Your URL appears next to "Your Public Profile". If one is not yet set, create it. Your Facebook like will be like http://www.linkedin.com/in/username (for example, http://www.linkedin.com/in/sdstern).
- If you use Twitter, your link is http://twitter.com/username (for example, http://twitter.com/sstern_at_ccim).
Now that you have these links, edit your CCIM member profile and click on Websites & Social Networks. Just fill in the fields like above.
After you click SAVE, the links will appear in your Professional Resume.
Your computer probably came with Internet Explorer (IE). It's the standard browser that ships with Windows.
The CCIM IT staff strongly recommends that you install Mozilla Firefox and use it as your default web browser. The evidence suggests that it's more secure. In addition, there are many, many add-ons and themes that allow you to customize it to work exactly as you like.
Professionals whose primary residence and workplace is out of the United States for nine or more months per year are eligible for international membership. Apply for international membership.
You may take a course either in class or online with a CCIM instructor. Designation courses are also available online self-paced format.
First, take a look at our schedule for a list of upcoming courses. If you find one that fits your schedule, contact the country administrator for the country where the course is being offered. Country administrators collect tuition and handle course logistics.
Tuition is set by each country. Please contact the appropriate country administrator for details.
The designation courses, CI 101 - 104, are available in an online self-paced format.
Less time is spent on U.S. tax concepts. Otherwise, international course syllabuses and rigor match those of U.S. courses.
All courses are taught in English. In some countries, they are interpreted into the local language. In those countries, the English version of the textbook is printed side-by-side with translated text.
International CCIM designees do not have access to STDBonline and receive only the digital edition of Commercial Investment Real Estate magazine. Otherwise, the membership benefits are the same.
International candidates do not have to complete the CCIM Ethics course and are exempt from the elective credit requirement. For more information about designation requirements, visit international designation.
E-mail us: international@ccim.com
Call us: +1-312-321-4460 or 1-800-621-7027 (U.S. & Canada only)
A candidate is a dues-paying member of the CCIM Institute working towards the CCIM designation.
Candidates enjoy an assortment of benefits including:
- Save more than $200 off the non-candidate tuition for the four CCIM Core Courses.
- Through the Site To Do Business, Candidates get complete access to the Institute’s online suite of business tools including demographic reports, custom mapping, aerial imaging and more.
- Free annual subscriptions to Commercial Investment Real Estate magazine, Candidate’s Corner newsletter, and RERC/CCIM Investment Trends Quarterly national market report
- Guidance from dedicated CCIM staff is available to help navigate the Designation process
- Elective credit towards the CCIM designation
- CCIM post-designation education programs
- Additional networking and referral opportunities
The annual candidacy and designation fees are $595 in 2011.
Appraisers with the MAI or SRPA designations can earn the designation through Fast Track membership, exempting them from the portfolio requirement.
Appraisers who don’t join as Fast Track members can still meet the portfolio requirement if you can document involvement in the transfer or financing of qualified developed commercial property where a complete appraisal report was prepared and compensation was received.
A property manager can qualify in two ways:
- If the person holds the CPM or RPA designation, he or she can apply through the Fast-Track Program.
- If the property manager can document significant involvement in the leasing of the property, or possibly the completion of a consulting report regarding the leasing or transfer of a qualifying property. The volume would be based on the gross amount of the lease or value of the transfer.
It counts as only one transaction and the deal volume is counted as the sale price or gross lease amount.
- Section 1221 - This asset is a property held primarily for long-term appreciation in value versus current income, such as a semi-rural site purchased and held for future appreciation as a community expands.
- Section 1231 - This asset is a property held primarily to produce income for use in a trade or business, such as a retail store, office building, apartment building, or warehouse held as a rental property or a user property.
The candidates can use the same transaction, however, they must write in their own words what took place in the activity and demonstrate their specific involvement and how it was different than the other candidate. Portfolios submitted from the same company are graded by the same grader to ensure that candidates are completing their own work.
The candidate should show a copy of a written lease or a copy of the owner's income tax return page (Schedule E) showing income, expenses and cost recovery taken on the investment. The candidate could also provide a notarized affidavit indicating the property was purchased and is being held as an investment.<
Get more information about the portfolio, or send an e-mail to designation@ccim.com.
No, to submit a streamlined portfolio you have to have worked in the commercial real estate industry for at least five years and meet the volume requirements.
No, only completed activities may be submitted even in the case of developments and consulting.
Have a CPA verify ownership of business and the potential volume in commercial activity. You can’t sign your own affidavit.
All transactions submitted with a traditional portfolio require settlement documentation. Streamlined portfolios don’t require settlement documentation.