For professionals looking to manage issues related to employee mobility across the country, the Worldwide ERC Certified Relocation Professional (CRP®) designation is a necessary qualification.
Those not familiar with Worldwide ERC might find this foreign. But in truth, this is a highly-regarded program in the mobility industry.
What is a CRP Certification?
The Worldwide ERC (Worldwide Employee Relocation Council), is a recognized organization that has been around since 1964. The CRP certification program was launched in 1990. Its primary objective is ensuring a well-established and universal understanding of employee relocation practices. It also offers support and guidelines to relocation professionals.
The organization aims to empower relocation professionals with the knowledge and latest insights about talent mobility. The CRP examination review board comprises veteran industry professionals. The board updates the program every year to heighten the competence of the mobility community.
In fact, it is the only credential respected across the industry for managing and planning employee mobility programs across the United States. The CRP certificate program is recognized across multiple industries, including health, insurance, real estate, and relocation management.
For CRP certification, it is necessary for candidates to qualify for the examination conducted by the ERC once every year. To register for the examination, the candidates need to acquire the necessary work experience and a body of knowledge.
ERC also provides a Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) certification for candidates looking to expand their expertise in the field. Such certified relocation professionals have the in-depth knowledge required to manage international relocation assignments.
Beyond that, there is the special Senior Certified Relocation Professional (SCRP) certification for industry veterans. These are senior professionals who have made significant contributions to the betterment of the relocation and mobility industry.
There are multiple advantages of being a CRP-certified relocation specialist. Here are a few of them.
- This certification is one of the best ways to highlight your knowledge and expertise to employers.
- The recertification structure allows the candidates to stay updated on industry trends and changes. This way, the candidates can keep updating their knowledge.
- The certification helps relocation specialists to advance their careers and ensure professional growth by raising professional standards.
How to Get a CRP Certification
For the current year, the examination window will remain open between November 14, 2022, and December 9. The examination is offered in the internet-based testing (IBT) format and candidates can choose from the list of worldwide testing centers. In addition, they can also choose an online examination session.
Candidates need to submit their applications for the examination along with the requisite amount of fees. In 2022, the last date for submitting the application is the 28th of October. The required eligibility criteria for the candidates are listed below.
- The first option is for a candidate to be a member of the Worldwide ERC for at least 12 months. This period should be within 18 months prior to the examination window.
- The second option is for the candidate to have at least a tear of “corporate relocation-related experience”. In addition, they should secure an attestation from a CRP or SCRP designee who is a Worldwide ERC member. The candidate also needs to become a member of the Worldwide ERC after registering for the exam and remain a member throughout the examination window.
The examination is based on 125 multiple-choice questions out of which 110 are scored. The remaining 15 questions are marked as potential future questions. Candidates are given 3 hours to complete the examinations.
The questions are based on ERC educational programs and research publications dealing with a wide range of relocation issues. After registering for the exam, candidates can purchase these study materials.
Note, to retain the CRP certification, candidates need to go through a 3-year recertification cycle. This involves the accumulation of 30 CE credit hours within this period and maintaining membership in Worldwide ERC. In addition, one has to pay the recertification renewal fee at the end of the 3-year cycle.
What Does a Certified Relocation Professional Do?
A relocation specialist with a CRP relocation certification has an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices related to relocation. So, their fundamental role is to streamline the employee relocation process and remove any obstacles in the way.
The role also involves developing the best plans for the process and managing cost-control issues related to relocation packages.
The support of a certified relocation specialist greatly benefits the relocating employees. They get the best services and a hassle-free experience from the relocation company.
When to Hire a CRP
Planning a relocation is not an easy task for a team unfamiliar with the intricacies of the process and lacking the expertise of a professional with a CRP certification.
We can help. To ensure a smooth relocation process for your employees, we work with our partners to develop and execute relocation policies that best fit their organizations. With our team of experienced and professional relocation planners, ARC remains an industry leader offering the best relocation services to its clients. If interested in a no-obligation strategy session and our recommendations for your organization, contact us today.