CCIM Institute
CCIM Institute is a nonprofit professional membership organization that delivers the CCIM Designation—the leading commercial real estate credential—through a four-course curriculum, comprehensive exam, and ongoing professional development, serving 13,000+ members across 59 chapters in 30+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1969
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What CCIM Institute does
CCIM Institute is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional membership organization founded in 1967 (per firmographics; a separate source cites 1969) and headquartered at 430 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. It delivers the CCIM Designation, described in its own materials as the leading credential in commercial real estate, through a standardized four-course core curriculum (CI 101–104), a comprehensive exam, a portfolio-of-qualifying-experience requirement, and continuing education. The organization serves approximately 9,000 active designees and 4,000 candidates, totaling more than 13,000 members across 59 chapters in 30+ countries; collectively, members transact an estimated $200+ billion in commercial real estate annually and designees average 22 years of industry experience.
The core product set extends beyond the designation to include the Robert L. Ward Center for Commercial Real Estate Studies (topical professional development, including a Development Specialty Track and negotiation training), the Site To Do Business (STDB) technology platform for market and financial analysis, the CCIM Connect members-only networking forum (powered by Higher Logic), and the CCIM Property Listing Service. Underlying technology is delivered through a MatrixLMS-based eCampus learning management system, the Higher Logic community platform, Google Vision for event badge photo verification, and PCI/DSS-compliant third-party payment processing. Member-facing sub-brands include the CCIM Pin credential, CCIM Connections magazine, CCIM Technologies, CCIM Connect, and The CCIM Foundation (an affiliated nonprofit for scholarships).
Revenue is generated through seven identified streams: membership dues (recurring), designation program fees (CI 101–104 courses at $1,299 member / $2,299 non-member plus exam and portfolio fees), professional development courses ($229–$389 member / $269–$429 non-member), events and conferences (Spring Forum, Fall Forum, trade shows), corporate partnership programs (Preferred Partnerships, Bulk Course Licensing with 10-course minimums, LMS Integration, Vouchers), sponsorships and advertising in CCIM Connections magazine, and the Membership Advantage Provider Program (vendor referral fees). Distribution spans online self-paced eCampus, online instructor-led courses, classroom delivery via 59 chapters, direct enterprise sales for corporate partnerships, and event-based engagement. Customer segments are horizontal across CRE brokers (47% of members), investors/developers, corporate real estate executives, lenders/appraisers/attorneys, and residential agents transitioning to commercial.
CCIM Institute firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CCIM Institute
- Legal name
- The CCIM Institute
- Website
- https://ccim.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1969
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- CCIM Institute is a nonprofit professional membership organization that delivers the CCIM Designation—the leading commercial real estate credential—through a four-course curriculum, comprehensive exam, and ongoing professional development, serving 13,000+ members across 59 chapters in 30+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CCIM Institute industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Commercial Real Estate Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Project, Program & Portfolio Management Certifications (EDAAANAB)
Keywords
Where CCIM Institute is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
CCIM Institute business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: Annual membership fees providing access to designation curriculum, professional development courses, technology tools (STDB, CCIM Connect), chapter networking, publications, and member benefits.
- Designation Program Fees: Fees associated with pursuing the CCIM Designation, including course registration (CI 101-104 core courses), comprehensive exam, and portfolio submission.
- Professional Development Courses: Revenue from topical courses offered through the Robert L. Ward Center for Commercial Real Estate Studies, including Real Estate Development track, Financial Investment Tools, Negotiations, and other specialty courses. Courses priced at $229-$389 for members and $269-$429 for non-members.
- Events and Conferences: Registration fees for Spring Forum, Fall Forum, trade shows, and leadership training events.
- Corporate Partnership Programs: Revenue from strategic partnerships, bulk course licensing, LMS integration, voucher programs, and preferred partnership arrangements with organizations.
- Sponsorship and Advertising: Advertising opportunities in CCIM Connections magazine, event sponsorships, and media kit placements reaching 13,000+ members.
- Membership Advantage Provider Program: Program fees from vendors and service providers offering discounts to CCIM members, including quarterly listings and portal access.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CI 101: Financial Analysis for Commercial Investment Real Estate |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Commercial Real Estate Negotiations |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Real Estate Development: Transportation and Accessibility |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Designation Bundles |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Bulk Course Licensing |
| Subscription | Annual | Membership Advantage Provider Program |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels9 records
CCIM Institute product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CCIM Institute is a nonprofit professional membership organization that provides the CCIM Designation, an industry-recognized certification for commercial real estate professionals. It delivers structured education courses (CI 100–400 series), the CCIM Designation Program, and supporting technology tools such as the Site To Do Business (STDB) analytics platform to commercial real estate brokers, investors, lenders, appraisers, and corporate real estate executives.
Product overview
The CCIM Institute offers a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on the CCIM Designation Program, which provides professional certification for commercial real estate professionals through coursework (CI 101-104 core curriculum), comprehensive examination, and continuing education. Education is delivered through the Robert L. Ward Center for Commercial Real Estate Studies, which offers topical professional development courses including real estate development specialty tracks (Transportation and Accessibility, Land Packaging, Market Studies and Marketing Strategies, Physical Improvements) and negotiation training. Technology offerings include Site To Do Business (STDB) platform for market analysis and valuations, CCIM Property Listing Service, and CCIM Connect members-only networking forum. Corporate partnership programs include Strategic Partnerships (Preferred Partnership, Bulk Licensing, LMS Integration, Vouchers) and Member Advantage Provider Program for member discounts.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CCIM Pin: The prestigious CCIM Designation pin awarded to professionals who complete advanced coursework in financial and market analysis
- CCIM Connect
- CCIM Connections (magazine)
- Robert L. Ward Center for Commercial Real Estate Studies
- CCIM Technologies
Products and services
- CCIM Designation Program
- CI 100–400 Series Education Courses
- Robert L. Ward Center for Commercial Real Estate Studies
- Site To Do Business (STDB)
- CCIM Property Listing Service
- CCIM Connect
- Corporate Partnership Program
- Member Advantage Provider Program
Quantifiable outcome
- 42% more transactions annually than typical brokerage specialists
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use CCIM Institute
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
CCIM Institute technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
AI capability2 records
Feature5 records
CCIM Institute partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.
- Higher LogiccoreThird-party vendor providing the professional networking platform (CCIM Connect) for members-only online forum and volunteer management. CCIM shares member personal information including name, contact details, bio, certifications, and professional information with Higher Logic for platform operation.
- CCIM FoundationcoreAffiliated foundation supporting the CCIM Institute mission through scholarships and educational programs. Listed on the website as a key affiliate.
- CCIM TechnologiescoreAffiliate providing technology infrastructure including Site To Do Business platform and other technology solutions for members.
- Real Estate Training Institute (Jamaica)strategicLandmark strategic partnership announced April 30, 2026 to deliver CCIM Designation courses and professional development programs in Jamaica.
- RE/MAX CommercialminorEducation partner logo displayed on website homepage, indicating co-marketing or referral relationship.
- Coldwell Banker Commercial (CBC)minorEducation partner logo displayed on website homepage, indicating co-marketing or referral relationship.
- Keller Williams CommercialminorEducation partner logo displayed on website homepage, indicating co-marketing or referral relationship.
- AREAA (Asian Real Estate Association of America)minorEducation partner logo displayed on website homepage, indicating co-marketing or referral relationship.
- Lee and AssociatesminorEducation partner logo displayed on website homepage, indicating co-marketing or referral relationship.
- Avison YoungminorEducation partner logo displayed on website homepage, indicating co-marketing or referral relationship.
- NAI GlobalminorEducation partner logo displayed on website homepage, indicating co-marketing or referral relationship.
- PargominorEducation partner logo displayed on website homepage, indicating co-marketing or referral relationship.
- Premiere Property GroupminorEducation partner logo displayed on website homepage, indicating co-marketing or referral relationship.
- CREA (Canadian Real Estate Association)minorEducation partner logo displayed on website homepage, indicating co-marketing or referral relationship.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
CCIM Institute competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Appraisal Institute: Leading global professional association for real estate appraisers offering the MAI and AI-GRS designations. Comparable as a designation-driven CRE professional society with coursework, chapter network, and member tools.
- Counselors of Real Estate (CRE): Invitation-only society of senior CRE advisors offering the CRE credential. Comparable as an elite, designation-based CRE professional society with a global network and member-only publications/exchanges.
- BOMA International (Building Owners and Managers Association): Trade association for commercial real estate building owners and managers offering credentials like RPA and BOMA 360. Comparable as a CRE professional society delivering designations, education, advocacy, and chapter programming.
- IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management): International association for real estate management professionals offering the CPM, ARM, and ACC credentials. Comparable as a designation-based CRE professional society with education, membership tiers, and chapter-based delivery.
- NAIOP (Commercial Real Estate Development Association): Leading trade association for CRE developers, owners, and investors. Comparable as a CRE membership organization with education programs, conferences, research, and a strong member network serving overlapping personas with CCIM.
- SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors): SIOR is the most direct comparable — a global professional designation society for office and industrial real estate specialists offering a similar designation-based membership model with chapter structure, coursework, and member-only deal network. Competes with CCIM for the same CRE broker persona.
Broad incumbents
- CoStar Group: Dominant CRE data, analytics, and marketplace platform. Comparable as a technology-enabled CRE intelligence and transactions platform (Loopnet, Apartments.com), overlapping with CCIM's STDB and Property Listing Service offerings but at vastly greater scale.
- RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors): Global professional body for property and real estate professionals offering the MRICS/FRICS chartered surveyor designation. Comparable as a more internationally entrenched, broader real estate designation, but its scope extends well beyond CRE investment.
- National Association of Realtors (NAR): Largest US trade association for real estate professionals, primarily residential. Overlaps with CCIM on residential-to-commercial career-changer segment and offers the CCIM-adjacent commercial-focused education through NAR's commercial resources.
Emerging players
- Crexi: CRE marketplace and data platform built for brokers, investors, and lenders. Comparable as a modern, tech-forward CRE intelligence and dealmaking platform competing with STDB and CCIM's Property Listing Service for member mindshare.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
CCIM Institute social profiles
Digital presenceCCIM Institute compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
CCIM Institute financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CCIM Institute leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
CCIM Institute subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
CCIM Institute funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CCIM Institute M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CCIM Institute
What does CCIM Institute do?
CCIM Institute is a nonprofit professional membership organization that provides the CCIM Designation, an industry-recognized certification for commercial real estate professionals. It delivers structured education courses (CI 100–400 series), the CCIM Designation Program, and supporting technology tools such as the Site To Do Business (STDB) analytics platform to commercial real estate brokers, investors, lenders, appraisers, and corporate real estate executives.
Is CCIM Institute a public or private company?
CCIM Institute is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was CCIM Institute founded?
CCIM Institute was founded in 1969. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is CCIM Institute based?
CCIM Institute is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does CCIM Institute make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are designation Program Fees, professional Development Courses, events and Conferences, corporate Partnership Programs, sponsorship and Advertising and membership Advantage Provider Program.
Who are CCIM Institute's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Appraisal Institute, Counselors of Real Estate (CRE), BOMA International (Building Owners and Managers Association), IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management), NAIOP (Commercial Real Estate Development Association) and SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors). Broad incumbents are CoStar Group, RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and National Association of Realtors (NAR). Crexi is listed as an emerging player.
Does CCIM Institute have an API?
No public API is recorded for CCIM Institute.
What industry is CCIM Institute in?
CCIM Institute's product category is Commercial Real Estate Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAANAB, Project, Program & Portfolio Management Certifications. Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.