CCIM vs SIOR: Top Commercial Real Estate Designations

You may have seen a realtor’s name followed by the designation CCIM or SIOR (or both). But what do these designations mean? Do they really matter when it comes to hiring commercial real estate professionals?

In regards to commercial real estate designations, these letters behind a name can actually tell you a lot about a broker’s experience, professionalism, knowledge, and real estate success. Let’s find out what each of the following specialty designations means, and how you can use this information to find the most competent realtor for your search.

What is CCIM?

CCIM stands for Certified Commercial Investment Member. CCIM designations are awarded by the CCIM Institute, which has been around for more than 50 years. This institute is committed to equipping commercial realtors, and is an international network that exists in more than 30 countries.

While more than half of the members of the CCIM Institute are brokers, other members in the organization include investors, consultants, property managers, tenant reps, lenders/bankers, and more.

Because of the high-level, rigorous curriculum that is involved in receiving this designation, those who hold the CCIM title show that they are industry leaders and are experts in the field of commercial real estate. CCIM members arguably hold the most prestigious designation in the industry—the gold standard, if you will—showing that they are highly committed to providing the best possible experience for potential clients.

The CCIM curriculum can be completed in as little as one year, but for many, it takes closer to three years to finish. Amazingly, less than 10% of commercial real estate brokers are CCIM designees. These holders who have completed such a comprehensive curriculum and exam rightly earn this professional symbol of the highest level of knowledge.

Find out more about the requirements for becoming a CCIM and the benefits of working with a CCIM.

What is SIOR?

SIOR stands for Society of Industrial and Office Realtors. According to SIOR.com, “SIORs are the most capable and experienced industrial and office brokerage practitioners in any market.” The designation is a symbol of the highest standard in office and industrial spheres.

The SIOR Foundation consists of 3,900 members in 49 countries and has been representing professionals in the commercial real estate industry for 80 years.

The prestigious SIOR designation comes with stringent requirements, and represents agents who have extensive experience and have proven that they are successful and qualified as an industry expert.

There are six specialist categories within SIOR designees:

1. Industrial Specialist
2. Office Specialist
3. Industrial & Office Dual Specialist
4. Advisory Sales Specialist
5. Sales Management Specialist
6. Executive Specialist

SIOR designees prove that they are successful commercial real estate brokerage specialists, making them an invaluable resource to buyers who are involved in industrial and office commercial real estate transactions. Before awarding this designation, the SIOR Foundation judges professionals based on experience, volume, endorsements, ethics, and education.

Find out more about the SIOR designation requirements and why you should hire an SIOR realtor.

What’s the Difference Between CCIM and SIOR?

CCIM and SIOR both show the highest levels of expertise and professional achievement for commercial real estate agents. Neither one is necessarily “better” than the other – they simply show different professional experience and real-world education pertaining to different aspects of commercial real estate.

Those with the CCIM pin show that they’ve completed education requirements and coursework pertaining to financial analysis and market analysis.

On the other hand, SIOR designees prove specialization in their specific field and become a recognized expert as they complete not only education requirements, but also prove themselves based on experience, ethics, and more.

Is CCIM or SIOR better?

Neither one of these designations is necessarily better in general – they are simply different. If you can find a local broker who has one or both of these top commercial real estate designations, you’ll be ahead of the game when it comes to finding or selling your next commercial property.

When you work with a broker who has one or both of these designations, you know that they have a strong history of successful sales, and are serious about their professional development in the commercial real estate industry.

What Does It Take to Become CCIM or SIOR Certified?

What are the requirements for becoming certified in these designations?

Let’s take a look.

CCIM Requirements

In order to qualify for the CCIM designation, real estate professionals must prove that they have substantial experience in the commercial real estate industry.

The requirements for the program are broken up into three main categories. These are:

1. Rigorous educational requirements, including four required courses as well as an in-depth, all day comprehensive exam.
2. Proven extensive experience, including transactions, work products, a portfolio of activities, and other projects.
3. Proven commitment to a high level of ethical standards.

CCIM also offers continuing educational programs and courses for CRE professionals, including courses in investment analysis, financing trends, market analysis for commercial real estate investment, user decision analysis, and more.

SIOR Requirements

SIOR designees specialize in a specific area of expertise within the field of commercial real estate.

Everyone who applies must demonstrate experience, success, ethics, and education in the industry.

Besides membership fees, members must be able to show:

• A minimum of five years of active engagement as a real estate broker
• A minimum Gross Fee Income (GFI) for the past three years out of four (which is $400,000 in North Carolina)
• Endorsements from two SIOR designees
• A high standard of ethics as well as a commitment to SIOR’s Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice
• Completion of SIOR’s comprehensive educational resources and requirements, showing professional knowledge in the industrial or office real estate market

Should You Look for a CCIM/SIOR Commercial Real Estate Agent?

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, rent, or lease, finding a broker with either one of these professional designations is a good clue that you’ll be getting plenty of practical advice and invaluable real estate insights that come along with a high level of experience and expertise in the field. These brokers are known to be up-to-date on current developments and committed to keeping up with the emerging needs of industry professionals.

If you can find a real estate broker with both of these designations, that’s even better!

More Tips for Finding the Right Commercial Realtor for Your

While these designations are a really good indication that you’re on the right track in choosing a realtor, it’s not always possible to find one near you. Here are some other qualifications you want to look for when you’re choosing a commercial realtor.

1. Competence. Special designations, like CCIM and SIOR, are excellent ways to quickly find out the competence level of a realtor. As you talk to a potential realtor, try to assess whether they seem knowledgeable and driven. Ask about their experience, such as how many deals they’ve closed (usually, this is a more valuable insight than how long they’ve been in the industry). Assess whether they seem to go the extra mile for their clients.
2. Relationships. No matter how competent someone is, it doesn’t matter if they’re not responsive and don’t care about their customers. If you’re an individual or smaller company, look for a smaller commercial brokerage firm that will have the time to take your needs seriously. Look for someone who responds promptly and seems to care about your needs and goals.
3. Responsiveness. The world of real estate moves quickly, so you need someone who will not only care about you, but also respond to your needs and questions quickly. In general, realtors who work full time tend to be more responsive and committed than part-time brokers.
4. Integrity. You need someone that you can trust. Realtors with CCIM and SIOR designations represent a proven track record of integrity and ethics. But with or without these qualifications, it’s important to assess the integrity of your potential broker. Do they have good relationships with others in the industry? Do other people in the community like them? How are their reviews online (Google reviews are a great place to start)?

Want to know more about finding the right realtor for you? Check out these additional tips for choosing the best commercial realtor, including 5 things to look for and 5 things to avoid in a broker.