Student Resources
CCIM Designation for Graduating Students
The Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation is one of the most respected credentials in commercial real estate, recognized around the world as a mark of expertise in investment analysis, market evaluation, and strategic financial decision-making. Earning the designation can open doors to career opportunities, expand your professional network, and set you apart in a competitive industry.
At the Leeds School of Business, graduates of the MBA real estate program within the past five years may qualify for the University Fast Track Graduate Membership. This pathway helps you move more quickly toward the CCIM designation by providing credit for select courses, waiving the CI 101 exam and elective credits, and giving you 48 months to complete the remaining requirements such as negotiations training, the ethics course, portfolio submission, and the comprehensive exam. The Klump Center for Real Estate is also working to secure the same fast-track option for Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) students.
Looking ahead, the Klump Center is preparing to extend eligibility for the University Fast Track Undergraduate Membership to graduates (within five years) of approved undergraduate real estate or finance programs. This path requires students to pass the CI 101 exam but waives elective credits and allows completion of CI 102, CI 103, and CI 104 as the core requirements. Graduates then have up to 72 months to finish the remaining steps, including negotiations training, the ethics course, portfolio submission, and the comprehensive exam.
IREM Designation for Graduating Students
The Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation, awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), is recognized globally as the premier credential for property and asset managers. Earning the CPM signals to employers, clients, and colleagues that you have mastered the specialized knowledge required to enhance value, optimize performance, and oversee operations across all property types.
Through IREM’s CPM Fast Track program, graduates of the Leeds School of Business with a Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) or an undergraduate real estate degree meet the educational requirements to apply for an accelerated path to the CPM designation. This fast track waives seven of the eight required CPM certification courses, granting candidates access to the course materials while preparing for the final step—the CPM Capstone examination.
Unlike the CCIM designation, no university curriculum review or pre-approval is required. Students and recent graduates apply directly through IREM to take advantage of this opportunity. By reducing the time and cost to certification, the CPM Fast Track provides Leeds graduates a clear pathway to one of the industry’s most respected professional designations, strengthening career prospects and professional credibility in property and asset management.