Real Estate Designations. What real estate designations do you need to be successful?  Over the years there are many new real estate designations that have been introduced, and I personally think a lot of them were overkill.  Some aren't.  For one thing if you are licensed to sell real estate by the state there are no higher levels of recognition under state law than being actively licensed.  I do make exceptions for several NAR designations such as the Certified Residential Specialist CRS, because performance is built into the designation.  I really prefer to give out referrals only to agents that have a CRS designation.  I also feel that an Accredited Buyers Representative ABR is most helpful in that it focuses on performance and responsibilities in working and representing our buyer clients.  E-Pros raised the level of expected technological proficiency of agents in best representing their clients in a growing technology laden age.  It does help us do our jobs better.  So what about the newer designations?  Are they necessary, or just a ploy to create other streams of income?  Do I really need a designation to work with seniors?  Do I have to be a specialist to work with a senior?  What about resort properties, and second homes?  Do you really need a designation to be considered capable and proficient?  If so where will it end?  Will we need designations for staging, minorities, listing properties, doing CMA's, and selling or listing luxury homes?  Will other areas at sometime require you have to have a designation to offer your services?  Would it suffice that past experiences on closed homes and sales works, or is it a must that you possess a certificate that gives you that ability based upon a certificate?  I am a big believer in doers!  Those that can, do!  What are your thoughts?  What REALTOR designations do you possess?