Earn the CRU Designation

The Certified Residential Underwriter (CRU) is a recognized international designation for professionals who assess and underwrite real estate investments. This is ideal for lending professionals, investment analysts, financial institutions, and anyone responsible for evaluating the viability and risk profile of real estate projects.

APPLY FOR THE CRU DESIGNATION

Designation Requirements

Experience

To be eligible to apply for the CRU Program you have:

• 5-7 years direct industry experience (mortgaging, residential lending, mortgage loan refinancing, insurance underwriting)

​OR

• 7+ years indirect industry experience (brokerage admin, credit analyst, loan officer, real estate finance, compliance analyst)

OR

• 9+ years adjacent industry experience (property or asset management, portfolio management, reserve fund planning)

Application

What do I need to Apply?

You will need:

• ​Proof of your Accounting Designation (if applicable), Accounting Diploma/Degree,or Finance Diploma/Degree
• A copy of your Mortgage Broker Licence, if applicable.
• 2 professional reference letters
• 1 recommendation letter
• Resume and CV
• Application fee
• REIC Verified™ (includes background check)

$475 plus tax

Program Acceptance

Program Candidacy
Once approved into the program:

• Pay Candidate dues $350 annually
• 5 years to complete the program from your acceptance date
• Sign attestation agreement
• Agree to the REIC Code of Professional Standards

$350 plus tax

UBC Education

Step 1: Foundational CPD Courses
​While it is recommended that these foundational CPD courses be completed before beginning the BUSI courses, they are not a formal prerequisite.​

• CPD 130 - Residential Appraisal Basics - 10 hrs. $175 plus tax
• CPD 133 - Valuing Condos/Stratas - 7 hrs. $145 plus tax

 Step 2: Core BUSI
​BUSI 121 is a prerequisite for BUSI 221 and must be successfully completed prior to enrolling in BUSI 221. Both BUSI 121 and BUSI 330 are pre-requirements for BUSI 331 and must be successfully completed prior to enrolling in BUSI 331.​

• BUSI 121 - Foundations of Real Estate Mathmatics - 100 hrs. $795 plus tax
• BUSI 221 - Real Estate Finance in a Canadian Context - 100 hrs. $795 plus tax
• BUSI 330 - Foundations of Real Estate Appraisal - 100 hrs. $795 plus tax
• BUSI 331 - Real Estate Investment Analysis and Advanced Income Appraisal - 100 hrs. $795 plus tax

$3500 plus tax

REIC Education

Core
These courses can be taken at anytime during your studies

• REIC2351 - Elements of Mortgage Management - 40 hrs. $2395 plus tax
• ASM603 - Financing and Loan Analysis for Investment Real Estate - 30 hrs. $1195
• REIC2600: Ethics in Business Practice - 30hrs. $1495 plus tax

$5085 plus tax

Certification

Once you have completed all of the required education from UBC and REIC, you will be required to take the CRU Certification Exam.

$275 plus tax

Maintenance

To maintain your CRU Designation, you will be required to:

• Maintain a good standing with REIC by paying annual REIC dues. $595 plus tax
• Renew your REIC Verified™ annually
• Provide proof of insurance - maintain a minimum $1million in PL Insurance or E&O equivalent, based on province
• Every 2 years, submit 20 hours of professional development

At a Glance

Delivered online unless options are stated

CPD: Self‑paced, open enrolment (start anytime)

BUSI: Scheduled, term‑based (Sept, Jan, May)

REIC: Scheduled

CPD: Complete within 1 year

BUSI: 3-4 month courses

REIC: 2-4 day courses

9 courses total (CPD, BUSI & REIC)

CRU Certification Exam

Must be completed within 5 years

~ $9,685 plus tax

APPLY FOR THE CRU PROGRAM

The CRU Roadmap

Take the steps to earning the CRU (Certified Residential Underwriter) designation

GET STARTED

Prior to applying, you must meet CRU admission experience. We also strongly recommend attending an REIC Information Session where we will guide you through what you need, the process, and answer any questions you have. 

Meet admissions requirements?
Find and register for an upcoming Info Session.

APPLY

Complete the application package to apply for the Designation Program. Once your application is approved and you have accepted the REIC Code of Professional Standards, you will become an REIC Candidate and begin your journey to designation.

EDUCATION REQUIRED

Register for all UBC Courses through UBC Sauder School of Business and here for REIC Courses. You must complete and pass all required UBC courses, REIC courses, and the CRU Certification Exam.

ACHIEVE DESIGNATION​

You will receive your designation certificate, digtial badging, CRU pin, and full REIC Membership after all program requirements have been met. ​

I'M READY TO APPLY

Why CRU Matters

Sharper risk insight -  CRU‑trained professionals assess residential real estate investments with a clear, structured approach to valuation, finance, and underwriting.​

Better investment decisions - The designation supports confident evaluation of project viability, helping reduce risk and support sound lending and investment outcomes.​

Recognised expertise - CRU signals specialised, advanced training for professionals responsible for analysing residential and income‑producing real estate.​

Find a CRU Near You

​You can search for a CRU professional in your area using the Member directory.

START YOUR SEARCH