you get nothing, the public really does not understand designations, it's a good training and information for the agent.

This is a frequent question here on AR Q&A, my response is always: I get certified based on the training I want or need for my career path. In 17 years of being a Realtor, I've never been asked about my certifications by anyone but other Realtors and I don't even get asked "how long have you been in the business?" much. The training is why I do it, the rest is perks.

Yes, a lighter wallet.

See Dennis, that's why I don't participate by sending $. Is it for furthering our education or keep somone in the bucks?

I actually don't think that clients care. In fact, many years ago I asked & they didn't know what they meant & didn't think they made me do my job any better. 

I don't even know what CMCA is & why would I care as a consumer?

Got something out of all of them but none are on my business card.

Knowledge is great, but the dues are outrageous!

Wish these designations did not have annual dues, but have quite a few.  Think the public gains from the knowledge we gain.

Good morning Dennis. When I was a Realtor, I had every designation that was available at the time, one day I took then out of my office, as the the public they don't mean crap.

 Good morning Dennis. I have heard that professional designations do absolutely nothing. Real estate agents know what they are, the general public doesn't.

It is a waste, learn out in the field.

Dennis Swartz we can go for as many as we want. The one I have is --- PNP, Pretty Nice Person! And that works!

You get the privilege of sending NAR a big check every year to re-up each one.  But this doesn't mean that I don't think that education and learning our craft isn't important.  It's just that I've never gotten all that much out of a designation course.

The value is in the education, networking, referrals and communicating to consumers what is means for the. I can't say there is a specific number - it depends

If there are more that will give you knowledge to advance your career, then you don't have enough.  If you're looking to impress the clients, you have five too many, at least in my view.

I enjoyed the classes, but I haven't kept the dues up on them.  It doesn't matter to the consumer and I got out of them what I wanted to get.

Dennis,

No one that I know among successful agents has even been asked about their designations.  I am laughing at your needing a part time job to pay for all thsoe fees.  

I have three and as far as I can tell they have never really helped me.

I have never had anyone ask for mine so I don't think I need any although I do have them

You can have as many as you want.  Just to get them to get the initials is a waste of time and money.  If you are doing it for your own knowledge, go for as many as you want.  I don't know if there is a positive ROI or not.

Dennis Swartz I need professional designations. Good question!

For the education is great but not sure if they get me much business

I don't know and really don't go after them.  I have not been impressed with those that have them.

I think that what you get out of them has little to do with the designation and a lot to do with what you become while earning them.

Designations are not necessary.

My CPM designation was probably the most valuable.

My Juris Doctor degree proved to be much more valuable than any of the real estate designations.

The designations are only as good as the knowledge you get from the classes. They mean nothing to the public.  All the consumers care about is what you can do for them.  Zero designations can be enough if you are getting your useful education in other ways.  

I have dropped a few over the years cuz why pay for nothing

I have earned about 10 and the education is the only thing of value with some better than others.

I have a bunch. I've learned a lot. I really "sell" them with prospective clients so they understand how these set me apart.

I have just one little word after my name..RESULTS..It has worked all my life

parked and reading

1 is to many, consumers just dont know what means what which gets you zero return

Dennis Swartz I get a lot out of my Broker designation.

First, I don't have any of the designations.   I'm not sure how many is "enough" - I guess it depends on the individual.  

I have stopped taking designation courses because of the dues. I have a BS and do not have to pay annually but have to pay for CRS,ABR,SRES, . I do not pay for GRI and CDPe. I think it is enough.Consumers do not know what these stand for.

I suppose it matters how they are used. i would say pick your favorite 2 or 3 and that should be enough.

As long as they help us do our job better and we gain information from learning we are always ahead.

I don't know if there is a limit. Like anything else, the real estate business is always changing and there are new things to be learned.  If the result is earning a certification or designation, so be it although I don't think you need to get every single one.