Will Real Estate Private Equity Certification Help Me Land A Job?

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One of the questions we often get is whether there is a real estate private equity certification that will help applicants stand out from the crowd. There are a few certifications available, but they validate the experience a person already has. Put another way, most certifications require documented relevant experience in order to receive certification. If you already had experience, you would already stand out in the real estate private equity interview process!

Don’t let that deter you, however. Continuing education and certification can be a benefit to you long term, both in terms of skill development and in growing your professional network. There are a few options to consider.

Certified Commercial Investment Manager (CCIM)


The CCIM Institute is a global leader in real estate education, and is sometimes referred to as “the PhD of real estate.” There are over 10,000 CCIMs worldwide in more than 35 countries. Coursework includes financial analysis, investment analysis, user decision analysis, market analysis, ethics, and negotiation. The CCIM designation is awarded to those who successfully complete the coursework, submit a portfolio of relevant transactional experience, and pass the comprehensive exam. CCIMs enjoy shared resources and networking opportunities.

Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)


The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association is the global authority in alternative investment education. The CAIA designation is an internationally recognized finance credential with a network of more than 10,000 alternative investment leaders in more than 95 countries. Coursework is self-study and requires roughly 200 hours of study in preparation for each of the two qualifying exams. Passing the exams and documenting relevant industry experience are required to achieve the CAIA Charter.

While alternative investments spans more than just real estate (it also includes commodities, tangible assets, hedge funds, venture capital, and so on), this designation has a place in real estate private equity. Selling the various funds that a firm offers to investors can be enhanced by understanding the full scope of alternative assets that are available.

University Certificate Programs


Many universities offer certificates in real estate, usually as part of an MBA program. These courses can be helpful in building your resume and general vocabulary, but lack the “real world” experience of online REPE courses built by industry professionals. University certificates (and MBAs) also cost a small fortune.

Don’t Sweat The Letters


Now that you know that the real estate private equity certificates that put letters behind your name are reserved for industry veterans, don’t worry about over-credentialing yourself. The key to landing that first REPE job is understanding and nailing the real estate private equity interview process (check out helpful articles here and here). Keep reading, keep practicing, and good luck!

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