LIBOR Celebrates Global Education Milestone as First Cohort in India Earns CRS Designation

Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR) is proud to highlight a significant achievement in global real estate education: the successful launch of the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation in India, where the country’s first cohort of REALTORS® officially earned their credential this past week. This marks a major advancement in international professional development and reflects the strong leadership of LIBOR member and NAR Global Ambassador to India, Thailand, and Myanmar, Ayres DCunha.

More than 74 NAR-India executives and members completed the CRS program through a live, interactive Zoom course that began in July. While CRS training is available in a pre-recorded format, the overwhelming decision by India’s practitioners to participate together in a live cohort underscores the growing demand for elevated real estate education across global markets.

NAR-India, a bilateral partner of National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), collaborated closely with NAR and Residential Real Estate Council (RRC) to bring the course to life. Central to this effort was DCunha, whose vision and advocacy opened the door for this milestone. He was formally recognized for this accomplishment during NAR’s recent annual conference in Houston, Texas.

In reflecting on this achievement, Dcunha said, “For the past decade, I have been a strong driving force in advancing real estate education, both locally and across global markets.
In my role as Global Ambassador to India, Thailand, and Myanmar, I have worked closely with national associations and industry leaders to expand professional development opportunities and elevate global standards.

Our accomplishments in India have been especially significant. With the successful launch of the CRS designation, 78 REALTORS® have already graduated, and another 50 are preparing to join the second cohort soon. This momentum continues as we now move forward with the CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) designation — a vital credential that will further strengthen India’s global real estate capabilities. And this is only the beginning.

In Thailand, we have successfully delivered both the CIPS and SRES courses, contributing to a strong foundation of international and senior-focused real estate education. We are on track to return in early 2026 to once again offer the CIPS designation and continue building on this success. Across all three countries, our goal remains consistent: to empower real estate professionals with world-class education, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and build long-term global engagement. This journey is well underway, and the opportunities ahead are extraordinary.”

The CRS designation, recognized worldwide for its rigorous curriculum and high standards — equips practitioners with advanced skills in business planning, negotiation, marketing, and client service. Instructors tailor the content to align with each country’s cultural context, ensuring the coursework is both relevant and globally aligned.

LIBOR President Mark Donnelly emphasized the significance of this accomplishment, stating, “As a CRS designee myself, I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous value this certification brings to our profession. This milestone reflects the power of global collaboration and the impact REALTORS® can have when we share knowledge across borders. Ayres’ leadership exemplifies LIBOR’s commitment to elevating professional standards worldwide. We are proud to support initiatives that expand educational opportunities, strengthen international relationships, and enhance the value of the REALTOR® brand on a global scale.”

Through these efforts, LIBOR remains committed to strengthening international partnerships and advancing professional excellence across global real estate markets.