CCIM stands for Certified Commercial Investment Member.  The CCIM designation, also known as the equivalent to a Masters degree in commercial / investment real estate analysis and marketing, is revered by property owners and investors alike. It’s a designation that inspires confidence because the core knowledge that one learns as a CCIM is the knowledge EXPECTED of commercial real estate experts.  The CCIM lapel pin is earned after successfully completing a designation process that ensures CCIMs are proficient not only in theory, but also in practice. This elite corps of CCIMs 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.

CCIM made its debut in 1969.  According to the CCIM website, www.ccim.com, over 225,000 professionals have take CCIM courses and of that, over 15,000 have earned the CCIM designation.  Currently, over 9,000 hold the designation in over 30 countries, including over 1,000 cities in the United States.

Of the estimated 150,000 brokers work in the field of commercial real estate, only 6% hold the prestigious CCIM designation.
The current core curriculum consists of 4 week long classes with 3 hour exams that must be passed to gain credit for the course.

• CI-101 is Financial Analysis which focuses on the valuation of property with emphasis on the properties income.
• CI-102 is Market Analysis and focuses on using cutting edge technology to understand the current market and how to present investment options to clients.
• CI-103 is User Decision Analysis and jumps into the world of leasing.
• CI-104 is Investment Analysis.  This pulls it all together so that the CCIM can assist their client in making sound investment decisions throughout the entire process including acquisition, ownership and finally disposition of the property.  It also helps the CCIM explain the benefits of leverage and taxes and how to maximize investments using different strategies.
• Approximately 40 hours of elective courses and mandatory courses such as CCIM's Preparing to Negotiate are also necessary.

After completion of the required courses and required electives, a portfolio of qualifying transactions must be submitted to the institute for grading. A minimum of five years of experience is required.

The final task to complete is the final exam which is offered by the CCIM institute twice per year.  The final exam program consists of a two day crash review course followed by a heavily monitored, six hour exam.
 
A CCIM is part of a global commercial real estate network with members across North America and more than 30 countries. This professional network has enabled CCIM members to close thousands of transactions annually, representing more than $200 billion in value. As a result, the experts who possess the CCIM designation are an invaluable resource for commercial real estate owners, investors, and users.

Over 15,000 commercial real estate professionals have earned the designation. Currently, 5,500 professionals are pursuing their CCIM designation.

So why become a CCIM?  For my own growth and development is the main reason, but I also to be the best Broker I can be for my clients as well.  I am very happy with my decision to become a CCIM designee.  The education itself has played a major role in commercial real estate business.  By utilizing the cash flow analysis formulas and tables, the CCIM Technology and techniques, the networking events and Chapters, I have been able to give buyers the information they require to make an educated decision whether to buy, sell and what to do with the proceeds.