CRP and GMS and GMS-T…oh my! The story behind relocation certifications.

Choosing the right corporate relocation company can be confusing. An important part of the process is assessing the qualifications and credentials of each firm’s relocation professionals.

While conducting due diligence, you will find that some relocation company employees have a series of letters following their names. These represent professional certifications they have earned from Worldwide ERC®, the recognized industry authority in managing and servicing a mobile workforce.

If you are an HR or other professional not associated with Worldwide ERC®, these designations might be Greek to you. This primer will briefly describe the three major certifications awarded by Worldwide ERC®.

Certified Relocation Professional (CRP)

Professionals with this designation are experts in U.S. domestic employee mobility, including corporate policies and programs, real estate, transferee counseling and other services. This designation has been awarded for 25 years, introduced to professionalize the profession and codify a core body of knowledge for those in the field. Currently, there are more than 3,500 CRPs worldwide.

To earn the certification, candidates must have industry experience and sit for a challenging, three-hour exam. To retain the designation, CRPs must earn 30 recertification credit hours every three years to remain current on evolving industry trends. (An elite group of professionals has been awarded the SCRP or Senior Certified Relocation Professional designation. In addition to earning and maintaining the CRP designation, the SCRPs have contributed substantial time and expertise for the benefit of the employee mobility industry.)

Global Mobility Specialist (GMS)

Those three letters signify that the relocation professional has specialized knowledge of global workforce mobility and is committed to growing his or her expertise in the field. Professionals with the GMS designation have an in-depth understanding of the various options for international assignments, issues surrounding spouses and families, visa and immigration considerations, tax consequences and much more.

To acquire the GMS designation, candidates complete three training modules and then must pass a comprehensive exam on the fundamentals of global workforce mobility and intercultural management skills. Once the GMS designation is awarded, professionals are required to update and expand on their knowledge of trends, best practices and standards in the field of global mobility by completing 15 continuing education credits in international management/global workforce mobility every three years.

Global Mobility Specialist-Talent (GMS-T)

In today’s integrated global economy, employers must compete for the best and brightest talent worldwide to maximize their company’s potential. In fact, talent management has moved to a front and center position at many companies, and mobility is a critical part of a comprehensive talent management strategy. Recognizing this, Worldwide ERC® introduced a Strategic Talent Mobility course that builds on the core GMS certification. The modules focus on the role of talent mobility in an effective talent management program. Candidates complete three training modules and an exam to earn the additional Talent accreditation.

TRC Global Mobility is proud of our continuing education and training and the relocation designations our professionals have earned. We work hard to stay in front of issues and trends in the mobility field, sharing this information with our clients to support their business goals.

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