A Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) is a recognized expert in the disciplines of commercial and investment real estate. A CCIM is an invaluable resource to the commercial real estate owner, investor, and user, and is among an elite corps of more than 6,000 professionals across North America who hold the CCIM designation -- the "Ph.D. of commercial real estate."

Recognized for its preeminence within the industry, the CCIM curriculum represents the core knowledge expected of commercial investment practitioners, regardless of the diversity of specializations within the industry. The CCIM curriculum consists of four core courses that incorporate the essential CCIM skill sets: financial analysis, market analysis, lease analysis, and investment analysis for commercial investment real estate. Additional curriculum requirements may be completed through CCIM elective courses, transfer credit for graduate education or professional recognition, and qualifying non-CCIM education. Following the course work, candidates must submit a resume of closed transactions and/or consultations showing a depth of experience in the commercial investment field. After fulfilling these requirements, candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive examination to earn the CCIM designation. This designation process ensures that CCIMs are proficient not only in theory, but also in practice.

With such a wide range of subjects to be mastered and in a dynamic business such as real estate, the educational process doesn't end once the designation is earned; there is a strong commitment among CCIMs to continuing education.

Only 5 percent of the estimated 125,000 commercial real estate practitioners nationwide hold the CCIM designation, which reflects not only the caliber of the program, but also why it is one of the most coveted and respected designations in the industry. The CCIM membership network mirrors the increasingly changing nature of the industry and 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. Through this business network and through enhanced communication with the CCIM electronic network, CCIMs successfully complete approximately 60,000 transactions annually, representing over $54 billion.

Certified Commercial Investment Members are in more marketplaces in North America -- 12 CCIM regions representing 1,000 cities -- than all major real estate companies combined. Regions and chapters provide designees and candidates the opportunities to promote business and educational goals through local and regional forums and meetings.

Conferred by the CCIM Institute, the CCIM designation was established in 1969. Courses leading to the designation are now offered throughout the world. For more information, call (800) 621-7027.