The Certified Residential Specialist designation, conferred by the Council of Residential Specialists, recognizes real estate agents for proven experience in marketing residential property and significant volume of real estate transactions. To earn the designation, agents must complete a program of advanced study covering areas such as investment real estate and real estate-related taxes. Designees have a strong focus on technology and its applications. The Council of Residential Specialists is an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®. Less than 5 % of all REALTORS® hold the CRS® designation.