UPDATE -March 5, 2020
As we progress into the next phase of the development of the program, we are asking professionals to take some time to complete our job analysis survey. This information will identify what knowledge, skills, and abilities are required to perform a real estate support role. The committee will then take this data and determine the core competencies of the job and develop the exam questions, on which individuals will be tested. Learn more about the survey sections.
Survey Formats
The association will be collecting this data both by an online survey as well as in-person, virtual interviews. The same questions will be asked in both formats.
Online
- The questions will be presented in a Jotform online survey tool. This user-friendly tool should allow you to get through the questions fairly easily.
- The questions are meant to define the profession. There are more than 60 questions in this survey. Some questions will take seconds to answer and some may take a few minutes. Please anticipate spending at least 15-30 minutes to complete this survey.
- We are looking for solid data. Please be as concise as possible in your answers. Shorter is better.
- As you prepare to take this survey, please take a look at our online instructions as it may help you better frame your answers.
- If you have any questions about the survey, please let us know right away.
In-Person Virtual Interviews
- We are also looking to take a deeper dive with individuals on this survey. If you would like to participate, please let us know by March 13 so that we may coordinate a date and time with you. Our goal is to complete interviews by March 31. As this will be a little more in-depth, please allow 45 minutes to an hour to complete the survey.
We can’t do it without you!
You command and deserve respect and should be viewed as a credible partner in the eyes of your agents. It is critical that we collect as much data as possible in order for us to build a program that is worthy of defining this for you. That being said, we are looking for a broad representation of responses. Please forward this email and information to anyone who fits into the definition of a real estate support professional (a professional who provides a service and specialized skillset to ensure the seamless management of real estate businesses).
Survey Deadline
The deadline to complete this survey is Tuesday, March 31.
The National Association of Real Estate Support Professionals (NARESP) is proud to announce our plan to launch the Certified Real Estate Support Professionals (CRESP) Certification Program.
Transforming the Real Estate Support Profession
NARESP is here to transform the real estate support profession and establish members as respected specialists who provide exceptional value to clients. In 2020, NARESP is embarking on a project to become the standard setting body for real estate support excellence. This will be achieved by offering a certification, the Certified Real Estate Support Professional (CRESP) credential. Credential holders will demonstrate that they have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform any job related to the real estate support field, particularly in the areas of transaction coordination, operations, and administration.
What Is the Purpose of Certification?
The purpose of certification is to recognize professionals who meet established knowledge, skills, and abilities in their career. Earning a certification requires a minimum combination of education and professional experience. You will need to pass an exam, demonstrating your proficiency in those skills, concepts, and theories. And, unlike traditional educational programs and certificate courses, a certification must be maintained through regular recertification so that current or future employers know you are fresh, up-to-date, and relevant, wherever you are in your professional journey.
Building Our Program
As certification is different from what you may find in the industry, we will be taking several steps to ensure we are offering a credential that will eventually be accredited by the NCCA, or National Commission of Certifying Agencies. This organization is the accrediting arm of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, or ICE, and will verify that the CRESP meets national and international credentialing industry standards for certification programs.
The Certification Program Process
NARESP will establish the first Certification Administration Committee (CAC), which will be an independent standing committee of the National Association of Real Estate Support Professionals. The CAC awards the Certified Real Estate Support Professional credential and is responsible the standards related to the CRESP Program.
Among other things, the CAC will be determining and overseeing. Qualifications of candidates to sit for the exam, including:
- Continuing education requirements
- Pricing
- Policies and procedures for application approval, test taking, and other program activities
- The Job task analysis project
When these core competencies are developed, NARESP will then get to work on developing or collaborating with industry partners to establish educational content that will satisfy the programs exam and recertification requirements.
While we are more than excited to offer this certification, we want to make sure that we are transparent in the process and everyone understands the time and effort it takes to offer a program like this. Hopefully, as we’ve communicated in this document, this is different from attending a session or completing a certificate course. You should always confirm that anything that says “certification” will truly demonstrate your overall professional value, and commitment to continuing education through recertification. Looking for programs that have oversight by an independent group of volunteers (who are ensuring the validity of the program) or that is accredited is a good place to start.
Here is the draft our timeline to launch the certification program:- December 2019 - Establish Certification Administration Committee
- February – Launch job task analysis project
- March – Establish Program Policies and Procedures
- March-June – Determine Program domains and sub-content for Each
- July-September – Write exam questions
- August-November - Launch application process
- January 2021 – Hold first exams
Of course, as with any new program, these time frames are dependent on resources and volunteer involvement. For example, things like receiving adequate responses on the Job Task Analysis or conducting the exams properly could play a huge role in how quickly we can get to next steps.
We will keep everyone regularly updated on our progress. As we move through the process, please note that this program may change, as it should, if we are to ensure that we are using the best testing methods, providing current and relevant content, and more. Your involvement is key, and we welcome any and all feedback, with the knowledge that CAC, who help maintain the program will be the keeps of the integrity of the certification, will address this feedback and align it with the purpose of the program.
Finally, We’re Changing the World
With this credential, NARESP is making a statement. That we are the organization who sets these standards for real estate support excellence, and that the professionals who are the credential holders, deserve and command respect for what they do. Get ready!