Forester and ACF, both took a lot to earn and both seem to be worth it.

Some of my designations have a lot of value and are instantly recognized by people in all types of professions, industries and more throughout much of the world.

Other designations mean nothing or very little and may have only a very short time (couple of days) or by meeting simple qualifications.  People don't know what they are, even in the same industry / profession.

when I was actively listing real estate, I had 9 designations....the only one that was really worth it to me was the CRS.... 

I have a GRI and ePro.  Not as important as my brokers license.

Wayne and Jean Marie - I love learning, and take as many classes I can to stay current with anything real estate related. However, I do not believe in getting designations for the sake of getting designations, and I think that is why many agents get them.

There seem to be new designations popping up all the time, and I feel that it is just a way for many of these educators, or associations to make more money. Many of the designations require an annual fee, and for what?

I have CDPE but I no longer see the value in it anymore as we are moving away from shortsale. I did get PMC this year as I noticed there is an increased percentage of investors in my neck of the woods. 

I found the coursework required for the GRI to be very good and very informative. I think it was time and money well spent. I would recommend this course to everyone that works as a real estate agent or broker. I have many designations, because I like learning. It wasn't always about receiving the designation, though. I have a few REO and short sale designations, because that was the market for so many years not all that long ago. I spent a lot of time working in that end of the market, and I wanted to have the education to know what I was doing. 

I have a few from years ago and I do not believe they are worth anything except maybe a few bits and pieces you might learn in one of the classes.  I think it looks ridiculous on a business card.  As Susan Emo calls them, "alphabet soup".  No one but another Realtor knows what they mean.

I am very happy with my CRS, Green designations. I am glad I got the other education too but will not be retaining membership in any other chapters after this year. I don't see the value in them.