CBC Blog: Value of CCIM Designation

The success and growth of CBC Worldwide is directly correlated to its people. That talent, dedication and expertise is contributed by more than 2,000 professionals at 200 companies throughout the U.S. and internationally. Currently,140 of the brand’s brokerage professionals have earned the prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation by the CCIM Institute including three recent inductees Michael Salik, Virginia “Ginny” Squire and Rob Thomas.

Dan Spiegel, the Managing Director of Coldwell Banker Commercial, said, ““Coldwell Banker Commercial’s dedication to service, integrity and education closely aligns with the CCIM philosophy and curriculum. We have more CCIM designees than any other commercial brokerage in the world.”

A CCIM designation is one of the most coveted and respected designations in the commercial real estate industry, as reflected in the fact that just 6 percent of the estimated 150,000 commercial real estate practitioners nationwide have achieved the CCIM designation. The CCIM designation, and accompanying CCIM pin, is awarded to CRE professionals upon successful completion of a graduate-level education curriculum and presentation of a portfolio of qualifying experience. 

The curriculum includes such areas as financial analysis, market analysis, user decision analysis, and investment analysis, the cornerstones of commercial investment real estate. CCIMs are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, asset management, valuation, and investment analysis.

So, why does CCIM really matter? How can CCIM designation impact one’s career? The CCIM Institute is one of the largest commercial real estate networks in the world with members in more than 30 global markets. CCIM Institute confers the Certified Commercial Investment Member designation, commercial real estate’s global standard for professional achievement. 

CCIM Institute is a global community of 13,000 members, more than 50 chapters, and 30 countries that educates and connects the world’s leading experts in investment strategy, financial analysis, and market analysis. A CCIM designation can provide incredible networking opportunities, establish credibility in the industry, and give members access to CCIM Institute’s global database.

What does it take to become a CCIM? If you’re considering earning a CCIM designation, here’s what is needed to do:

• Complete a four-course curriculum, an online ethics course, negotiation training, and elective courses from the Ward Center for Real Estate Studies
• Pass the Comprehensive Exam
• Submit a portfolio of qualifying activities, transactions, projects, or work products.
• Complete a membership application, and pay annual dues

Now that we have explored the different benefits of becoming a CCIM, this guide can be used as a tool to determine whether working towards a CCIM designation is right for you. The CCIM designation program was designed to help candidates take their time earning the CCIM designation. While students typically complete the program in one to three years, members have completed it anywhere from six months to 10 years. That pace gives those wishing to earn the CCIM pin the freedom to complete a designation when the time is right for them.