The role of a Certified Chief Leasing Officer (CCLO) is crucial in driving the leasing performance, tenant mix strategy, and occupancy health of real estate portfolios across commercial, residential, retail, and mixed-use sectors. The Chief Leasing Officer is responsible for leading all leasing-related functions, including tenant acquisition, retention, negotiations, market positioning, and deal structuring—ensuring each asset reaches and sustains its income-generating potential. In an increasingly competitive and tenant-driven market, leasing leadership is vital to asset value, NOI growth, and brand positioning. The Certified Chief Leasing Officer (CCLO) certification is a globally respected credential that affirms a leader’s expertise in maximizing leasing outcomes, optimizing space utilization, and enhancing long-term tenant relationships.

The CCLO certification, awarded by the American Institute of Real Estate Management (AIREM), represents the highest standard of achievement in leasing strategy, occupancy planning, and revenue leadership. This credential validates a candidate’s ability to lead enterprise-wide leasing operations, negotiate complex leases, structure creative deals, and develop tenant-focused approaches that align with broader asset and investment goals. Certified professionals are trusted to shape the income profile of portfolios through market insight, proactive leasing, and relationship excellence.

Certification Program Objectives:

• Design and execute strategic leasing plans that optimize occupancy, rental income, and tenant mix across portfolios.
• Lead tenant sourcing, lease negotiation, renewals, and space planning aligned with asset performance goals.
• Analyze market trends, comps, and demographics to inform leasing velocity and pricing strategy.
• Oversee leasing team operations, broker partnerships, marketing campaigns, and tenant retention programs.
• Advise ownership and executive teams on lease structuring, incentives, absorption forecasts, and vacancy risk mitigation.

Certification Eligibility Criteria:

To be considered for this certification, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Possess a Master’s degree from a recognized institution.
• Have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience at a senior management level.

Note: Exceptional candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree with at least 15 years of senior management experience may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Certifying Assessment / Examination:

To earn the Certified Chief Leasing Officer (CCLO) certification, candidates must undergo a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation designed to assess their expertise in leasing strategy, tenant relations, and portfolio occupancy performance. This process ensures candidates are equipped to lead complex leasing operations across real estate sectors.

As part of this assessment, candidates may be required to deliver a 30-minute executive presentation incorporating tenant acquisition strategies, competitive market analysis, lease structuring, portfolio absorption plans, and retention forecasting. This will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session to evaluate negotiation acumen, leasing operations oversight, and deal execution strategy.

For candidates pursuing a C-Level Professional Certification, this assessment may be substituted with a comprehensive examination consisting of 80 multiple-choice questions to be completed within a 3-hour timeframe. This examination rigorously evaluates the candidate’s knowledge in leasing law, marketing, tenant mix optimization, rent roll forecasting, and strategic negotiations.

The assessment methodology ensures that the American Institute of Real Estate Management (AIREM) maintains the highest standards of professional certification, recognizing those who demonstrate leasing excellence and strategic portfolio leadership.

Certification Modules:

• Module 1: Strategic Leasing Management, Market Positioning, and Absorption Planning
• Module 2: Lease Structuring, Negotiation, Renewals, and Revenue Optimization
• Module 3: Tenant Mix Analysis, Space Planning, and Occupancy Strategy
• Module 4: Marketing Campaigns, Broker Partnerships, and Tenant Retention Programs
• Module 5: Executive Leadership in Portfolio Leasing, Deal Strategy, and Performance Reporting

* The modules of the certification are constantly updated and are subject to change.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The Certified Chief Leasing Officer (CCLO) certification is ideal for real estate professionals responsible for driving leasing strategy, tenant engagement, and occupancy performance across income-generating portfolios.

• Experienced Leasing Executives and Managers: Leasing directors and regional heads managing teams, brokers, and lease negotiations will benefit from advanced strategy frameworks and international recognition.
• Aspiring Leasing Leaders: Leasing agents, tenant representatives, and property marketing specialists preparing for executive responsibilities will gain key insights into performance forecasting and lease structuring.
• Property Owners and Portfolio Operators: Real estate entrepreneurs managing their own retail, residential, or commercial assets will benefit from strategic leasing insights that support NOI and tenant satisfaction.
• Institutional Leasing and Asset Teams: Professionals managing leasing in REITs, mixed-use developments, or multi-state portfolios will enhance their performance management and forecasting capabilities.
• Consultants and Advisors: Market advisors and leasing consultants providing tenant mix analysis, repositioning strategies, or marketing execution will benefit from advanced tools and credibility.
• Public Sector and Civic Leasing Officers: Government and non-profit professionals overseeing leasing in public real estate, housing programs, or municipal assets will gain commercially aligned best practices.

Earning the CCLO certification signifies your leadership in driving leasing performance, enhancing asset income, and strengthening tenant relationships through data, strategy, and negotiation. Whether managing complex lease portfolios, optimizing occupancy in dynamic markets, or leading high-performing leasing teams, this certification empowers you to shape real estate success through strategic leasing excellence.