Choosing the right corporate relocation company can be overwhelming. A crucial aspect of this decision-making process is evaluating the qualifications and credentials of each firm’s relocation professionals, particularly the level of relocation certification they hold.
During your research, you may notice that some relocation company employees have a series of letters following their names. These letters indicate professional relocation certifications they have earned from Worldwide ERC® (WERC), the recognized industry authority in managing and servicing a global mobility workforce.
These designations might seem confusing if you are new to relocation or unfamiliar with WERC. This guide will provide a brief overview of the two major certifications awarded by Worldwide ERC® and their variations, helping you understand what they signify and why they matter.
Relocation Certification #1: Certified Relocation Professional (CRP)
The Worldwide ERC® Certified Relocation Professional (CRP®) designation is the premier credential recognizing professionals with extensive expertise in managing employee mobility within the United States. CRPs are acknowledged for their in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of U.S. employee relocation across all facets of the industry and their commitment to continuous education in this specialized field.
To earn the CRP designation, candidates must possess relevant industry experience and pass a rigorous three-hour exam covering policy development and administration, home sale programs, U.S. tax and legal compliance issues, relocation appraising, and industry trends. To maintain the designation, CRPs must accumulate at least 30 recertification credit hours every three years to stay current with evolving industry standards.
The SCRP Designation
An elite group of professionals has been awarded the SCRP or Senior Certified Relocation Professional designation. In addition to maintaining the CRP designation, to attain the SCRP® designation, candidates will need to earn WERC’s Distinguished Service Award through leadership contributions to WERC. Such contributions include serving as a panelist or speaker at a WERC meeting or program, writing published Mobility magazine articles, and serving on special or standing committees. Those earning four Distinguished Service Awards are inducted into WERC’s Hall of Leaders, the most elite relocation group.
Relocation Certification #2: Global Mobility Specialist, Talent (GMS-T)
The GMS-T® certification signifies that designees specialize in global workforce and talent mobility and are dedicated to ongoing industry education to enhance their expertise. This certification distinguishes mobility professionals as skilled in the global mobility field, demonstrating proven competency and knowledge. Achieving the GMS-T® recognizes industry professionals as leaders and knowledgeable contributors within the mobility arena.
The GMS-T® program comprises six modules, each with a corresponding quiz. Upon completing all six modules and their quizzes, candidates must pass a timed, 100-question online examination designed to reinforce the material learned in each module.
To retain the GMS-T® designation, professionals must complete 30 continuing education credits in international management and global workforce mobility every three years.
The SGMS-T Designation
GMS-T® designees who complete additional training in global mobility can earn the Senior Global Mobility Specialist (SGMS-T®) designation.
At TRC Global Mobility, we take pride in our employee-owners’ continuing education and training and the relocation designations they have earned. We work diligently to stay ahead of issues and trends in the mobility field, sharing this valuable information with our clients to support their business goals.
For more information on selecting a relocation management company, this ebook outlines the steps in a typical relocation procurement process, including: assessing your needs and the level of relocation support you need; issuing an RFIs and RFPs; and evaluating potential relocation service partners and pricing proposals. Download the eBook.
