CAI Designations—for new and experienced community managers
Community associations and management companies are looking for qualified, dedicated professionals to manage their communities—do you make the grade? Do you want to gain a competitive advantage, earn more money, and obtain valuable experience?
Community Association Institute's Professional Management Development Program (PMDP) and designations program can help you achieve these goals. As a novice or experienced manager, you can learn something new, increase your earning potential, and further your career goals.
Manager Certifications and Designations
CMCA®—Certified Manager of Community Associations®
AMS®—Association Management Specialist®
PCAM®—Professional Community Association Manager®
LSM®—Large-Scale Manager®
Professional Manager Code of Ethics (MS Word)
Code of Ethics Enforcement Procedures (MS Word)
Code of Ethics Complaint Form (MS Word)
Designations Frame Order Form (PDF)
CMCA—Certified Manager of Community Associations
Your first step in gaining the fundamental knowledge you need to manage any type of community association.
The CMCA certification, administered by CAI's affiliate organization, National Board of Certification for Community Association Managers (NBC-CAM), is recommended for all community association managers. It can elevate your credibility and your community association's confidence in you.
How do you earn the CMCA certification?
- First, enroll in CAI's Professional Management Development Program (PMDP) M-100 course, The Essentials of Community Association Management. To find a course near you or to get information on home study options, call CAI Direct at (703) 548-8600 or visit www.caisecure.net/pmdp.mv.
- Complete and submit the CMCA application (PDF).
- After you have successfully completed the course, you will be given materials to sign up for the CMCA Examination.
For further information on NBC-CAM or requirements for CMCA certification, call (703) 836-6902 or visit www.nbccam.org.
AMS—Association Management Specialist
The second level in CAI's career development track for community association managers.
The AMS designation demonstrates a higher level of commitment to your career and the community association industry. An AMS designation is recommended for managers who want to enhance their career opportunities by increasing their knowledge and expertise.
How do you earn the AMS designation?
Fees:
AMS application fee—CAI individual manager member $150; non-member $250
Annual maintenance fee—CAI individual manager member $75; non-member $175
Forms: (You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the PDF files)
AMS Application
AMS Redesignation Form
AMS Reinstatement Form
PCAM—Professional Community Association Manager
The pinnacle of community association management. The PCAM designation is the highest professional recognition available nationwide to managers who specialize in community association management. Earn your PCAM and join the elite—the select—the best.
Recommended for experienced managers who want to demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge and who wish to be recognized as one of the best and most experienced managers in the nation.
How do you earn the PCAM designation?
- Earn and maintain the CMCA certification
- Earn the AMS designation
- Successfully pass all six 200-level courses in CAI's PMDP curriculum, plus a Case Study
- Complete five or more years of community association management experience
- Comply with the CAI Professional Manager Code of Ethics (MS Word)
- Complete and submit the PCAM application (PDF), including completion of service requirements
- Redesignate every three years
- Pay annual maintenance fees (due August of each year)
- Meet continuing education requirements
Fees:
PCAM application fee—CAI individual manager member $195; non-member $295
Annual maintenance fee—CAI individual manager member $150; non-member $250
Forms: (You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the PDF files)
PCAM Application (PDF)
PCAM Redesignation Form (PDF)
PCAM Reinstatement Form (PDF)
LSM—Large-Scale Manager
This specialist designation is designed to allow PCAM members to specialize within their profession. CAI acknowledges the unique aspects of being a large-scale community manager and is providing an opportunity for recognition and continuing education in order for you to expand your career opportunities.
How do you earn the LSM specialist designation?
- This specialist designation is available only to experienced large-scale managers who hold an active PCAM designation.
- A LSM candidate must earn points by participating in various activities related to industry-specific education and leadership.
- A LSM candidate must be a manager of a large-scale community. For the purpose of this program, the definition of a large-scale community is a single, contiguous community association with an on-site, full time manager; a minimum of 1,200 units; a minimum of 1,000 acres; and a minimum annual operating budget of 1.5 million dollars.
Fees:
LSM application fee—CAI individual manager member $95; non-member $195
Annual maintenance fee—CAI individual manager member $45; non-member $145
Forms: (You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the PDF files)
LSM Application (PDF)
LSM Redesignation Form (PDF)
For AMS, LSM, AAMC, or PCAM designation applications, or for PMDP course descriptions, locations, and schedules, follow the links above or call CAI Direct at 703-548-8600 (M-F, 9-6:30 ET).
Facts from the Foundation for Community Association Research's recent salary survey:
- Managers who had obtained their PCAM designation earned, on average, $31,000 more than managers who held no designations.
- 92% of the survey respondents indicated that their employers paid for some or all of their training and education.
Disclaimer
CAI designations and accreditation programs are trademarks of CAI. Misuse of CAI trademarks, designations, or other copyrighted materials without proper authorization is a violation of CAI policy and federal law.
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