Get a GRI as your SAE

 NAR doesn't use the term "lifetime designations" as an official category, but in practice, the GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) is widely recognized as NAR's true "lifetime" designation. 

Register for classes through the MetroTex education calendar.

Here's the full breakdown:

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NAR Designations vs. Certifications — Maintenance Requirements

🏅 Designations — Require Annual Dues + Active NAR Membership

Most NAR designations must be maintained with annual dues paid to the awarding institute/council:

·         ABR® – Accredited Buyer's Representative

·         CIPS – Certified International Property Specialist

·         CRS – Certified Residential Specialist

·         GREEN – NAR Green Designation

·         RCE – REALTOR® Association Certified Executive

·         SIOR® – Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®

·         ALC – Accredited Land Consultant

·         CPM® – Certified Property Manager

·         CRE® – Counselors of Real Estate

·         RAA – Residential Accredited Appraiser

·         GAA – General Accredited Appraiser

·         PMN – Performance Management Network

·         SRS – Seller Representative Specialist

·         SRES® – Seniors Real Estate Specialist

·         CCIM – Certified Commercial Investment Member

·         CRB – Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager

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🎓 GRI — The "Lifetime" Designation

The GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) is the one designation widely considered permanent/lifetime — once earned, you keep it as long as you remain an active NAR member in good standing. There are no separate annual dues required specifically for the GRI itself.
The SAE requirement can be fulfilled with the GRI in Texas. 

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📋 Certifications — No Annual Dues (Just Active NAR Membership)

NAR certifications function similarly to a lifetime designation in that they require no annual renewal fees — only continued NAR membership in good standing:

·         AHWD – At Home With Diversity®

·         e-PRO® – Digital Technology Certification

·         LuxuryHomes

·         REI – Real Estate Investing

·         SFR® – Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource

·         C-RETS – Certified Real Estate Team Specialist

·         HFR – Home Finance Resource

·         MRP – Military Relocation Professional

·         RENE – Real Estate Negotiation Expert

·         Smart Home

·         Digital Marketing: Social Media

·         ISA – Inside Sales Agent

·         PSA – Pricing Strategy Advisor

·         RSPS – Resort & Second Home Property Specialist

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Bottom line: The GRI is the designation most recognized as "lifetime." NAR certifications as a group also carry no annual fees beyond NAR membership. All other designations require paying annual dues to their respective institute or council to maintain active status.