For the first time since the Resort and Second Home Property Specialist (RSPS) Certification was launched in January 2006, a new path to earning the certification has been created and the list of electives applicants can choose from has been expanded. Applicants must still complete the two required core courses.

The RSPS Workgroup has approved the addition of the ABR® designation, the e-PRO® certification and all of the CIPS courses to the list of electives. This increases the list of electives from 11 to 18. In addition to the expanded list of electives, another path to earning the certification has been created. The CIPS (Certified International Property Specialists), CPM® (Certified Property Manager), and CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designations are now accepted in place of the two elective courses. Members of the RSPS Workgroup decided that because the CIPS, CPM® and CRS designees have completed such extensive education and training, REALTORS® with these designations have already fulfilled the elective requirement needed to earn the RSPS Certification.

The new requirements will help foster networking and referral opportunities between members of IREM, CRS, REBAC, and NAR's Resort and International Groups. NAR's Resort and Second Home Markets course will count as an elective for the CRS designation. The course is already an elective for the ABR® designation.

For more on the new requirements, please visit http://www.realtor.org/resorts/resorts/rsps_new_electives.