Commercial Services Accreditation

Beginning in 2022, the Commercial Services Accreditation program will transition to a new application process and rating system. The application will be on an annual basis and will open in July.

NAR’s Commercial Services Accreditation is designed to assist your association to develop commercial services and recruit and retain commercial members in your market. The program, consisting of benchmarks centered on services, was first pioneered in 2008 in collaboration with NAR’s commercial boards & structures. NAR strives to acknowledge local and state REALTOR® associations like yours for a commitment to providing commercial services and engaging commercial members.

The updated process for the Commercial Services Accreditation is the product of the Commercial Services Accreditation Work Group’s hard work in conjunction with commercial members and association staff to improve and modernize the accreditation process. Some of the changes as of 2022:

Replacing the five-starred tiering system of recognition with three levels: Gold, Platinum and Diamond.
Establishing an annual recertification period as opposed to a two-year reapplication cycle. (Note: associations accredited in 2021 will be grandfathered in and maintain their accreditation for 2022.)
Increasing awareness of the Commercial Services Accreditation Program within the REALTOR® community.
Modernizing and enhancing the current mandatory and non-mandatory benchmarks.

The submission form for the Commercial Services Accreditation is now closed. Every year, the application window opens back up in July - please check back here to submit your association when the form opens again.

Our goal is to have every association with commercial members apply for accreditation, and we are here to help with any questions or concerns along the way. Please reach out to Dan Doepke at ddoepke@nar.realtor with any questions.

Previously Accredited Associations

NAR honors the associations who have earned the Commercial Services Accreditation.

View Previously Accredited Associations

How This Helps Our Association

Fundamentally, this program can assist to identify the existing level of commercial member-centric services and engagement at your association. By simply starting with assessing how many of the benchmarks you currently achieve, you can develop a course of action to not only increase services, but bring in new commercial members. The accreditation program also serves as a visual recognition to practitioners in your market, signifying the quality of services they can expect from your association which have a positive impact on their business and increase recruitment opportunities for your membership.

What are Benchmarks?

Benchmarks represent key commercial services and member engagement activities, many of which are aligned with Core Standard requirements. The benchmarks were derived from best practices at commercial overlay boards and commercial structures around the country as services proven to increase commercial member engagement.

Download the Commercial Services Benchmarks (PDF) document as a resource!

How are Associations Recognized?

To earn the Commercial Services Accreditation, your association must achieve the minimum twenty (20) required benchmarks. Each benchmark earns the association at least one point. Once you meet the required benchmarks, your association will be recognized with Gold level Accreditation Award after meeting an additional 16 optional benchmarks. Associations earning additional benchmarks will achieve higher level awards. You may apply once a year during the application period in July to achieve a higher level. All levels of accreditation are in addition to the 20 minimum required benchmarks.

Gold Level: 16-35 benchmarks
Platinum Level: 36-40 benchmarks
Diamond Level: 41+ benchmarks

What Does My Association Receive for Earning the Accreditation?

Your association will receive recognition as a Commercial Services Accredited Association and be presented with a certificate to display at your association office. Awards will be presented for associations achieving higher level award levels. Associations who receive a Diamond-level accreditation will receive a $1,000 grant from NAR.

When and How Do I Apply for Accreditation?

Your association can apply once per year during the application review period in July. Once your application is complete, press submit, and you will receive feedback when your application is under review. If your application is approved your association will be recognized at the next major NAR event.

What If I Need Help?

NAR is ready and available to assist your association in assessing how you are currently serving and engaging commercial members. Staff will walk you through the benchmarks, provide examples of how other associations are meeting them, and help you develop a strategy for implementing new services. Contact 800-874-6500.