What do all those letters behind a real estate agent's name mean?

Have you ever noticed that behind a real estate agent's name will be the letters GRI, CRES, ABR, and more? These designations mean that the agent that you are working with is one that has gone the distance and is someone that you can be certain is fully trained in the areas designated.

Graduate, REALTOR Institute (GRI):
Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designees have made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services to their clients.Any person awarded the GRI designation must be a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. A REALTOR® who possesses the GRI designation has not only completed a course of study required by the program, but also subscribes to the association's "Code of Ethics"

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS):
Less than 5% of all Realtors hold this designation. To receive this honor, every CRS has undergone a rigorous, specialized course of detailed training, aimed at making residential transactions as smooth and worry free as possible. CRS designees are recognized for advanced study in listing, selling, investment, taxes, and a proven record of experience in applied residential marketing. 

Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR):
Awarded by the National Association of Realtors, the ABR designation requires a comprehensive course in buyer representation, a written examination on legal and practical aspects of client representation, and documented experience in buyer representation in real estate transactions.

Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES):
The unique lifestyle housing issues and needs of our maturing
population are serviced by this group of real estate specialists.
They have received special training, regular up-dates and are
prepared to offer the options and information needed in making life
changing decisions. 

Green (GREEN):
The National Association of REALTORS® created NAR’s Green Designation to provide ongoing education, resources and tools so that real estate practitioners can successfully seek out, understand, and market properties with green features. The course curriculum requires completion of a Core Course and an Elective Course in either residential, commercial, or property management. NAR’s Green Designation gives designees the tools to become a community leader and resource in sustainable issues.

e-PRO®
e-PRO® is a designation presented to real estate professionals who have completed an exhaustive internet training program.. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is the first major trade group to offer certification for online professionalism.