SEAM launches the AP credential: empowering real estate to champion people-centered practices
SEAM, Inc. has unveiled the SEAM Accredited Professionals (AP) program — a certification initiative that enables professionals worldwide to guide developers, property owners, and occupiers through SEAM's comprehensive certification framework, promoting dignity, community well-being, and economic opportunity in real estate projects.
Why the AP credential matters
Co-founded in 2018 by Rainey Shane and Alex Demestihas — both former leaders at the global real estate firm JLL — SEAM emerged from a vision to address social inequities through commercial real estate practices. Shane's prior involvement with child rescue organizations combating sex trafficking and forced labor highlighted the necessity of addressing forced labor in construction supply chains.
"There is a need for a people-focused framework that embeds equity into real estate using clear principles rather than relying on proxy metrics," the organization states. SEAM's approach aligns business objectives with meaningful community benefits throughout real estate development and broader supply chains.
How the program works
The AP program features a self-paced online curriculum and credential examination, with course content developed in partnership with Raccoon Gang. The exam was designed by Caveon's secure exam development team and administered through the Scorpion platform, ensuring accessibility for professionals globally.
The credential signals mastery of the SEAM Standard and qualifies practitioners to lead certification projects across all four pillars: Social Impact, Social Responsibility, Social Justice, and Social Accountability.
What it means for the industry
The AP program establishes a professional class of practitioners who can translate the Standard into measurable outcomes on real projects. For developers and owners, it means access to qualified professionals who understand how to integrate social equity into every phase of a project — from design and procurement through ongoing operations.
Professionals interested in the credential can learn more about eligibility, preparation, and the exam process on the AP Credential page.