About Community Association Management

Whether you're exploring the profession or looking to deepen your expertise, we have the resources to guide you through every step of the journey.

The Role of a Community Manager

Community managers are professionals who oversee the daily operations of community associations. Their work combines financial management, urban planning, facility maintenance, community development, volunteer coordination, and project management. Successful community managers have strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that help support well-managed, thriving communities.

An Evolving and Expanding Profession

Community association management is a young and rapidly growing field. In 1970, about 10,000 community associations existed in the United States. By 2020, that number had increased to more than 350,000, representing homes for nearly 74 million residents. As common interest communities continue to grow as a leading segment of residential development, the demand for qualified community managers remains strong.

Community Association Living

Want to discover more about the profession? Download our comprehensive PDF to begin your journey in becoming a community manager.

Resources in Spanish

Access a growing collection of CAI resources in Spanish, tailored for community association managers. Find courses, guides, and practical tools to support your daily work.

Manager Credentials at a Glance

Review each credential's requirements, and click through for further details.

  • Background Requirements 
    Two years of direct community association management experience.   

    Application Fee
    Member: $170
    Nonmember: $405

    Course Requirements
    Pass at least two M-200 level courses (M-201 - M-206) + pass the CMCA exam. 

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  • Background Requirements 
    Five years of direct community association management experience. 

    Application Fee 
    Member: $225 
    Nonmember: $460  

    Course Requirements 
    Pass all six M-200 level courses + pass CMCA exam + pass the Case Study.
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  • Background Requirements 
    Hold an active PCAM + 10 years of community association management experience, including five years as a large-scale manager. 

    Application Fee  
    Member: $115 
    Nonmember: $340 

    Course Requirements  
    CAI Large-Scale Managers Workshop or M-340: Managing the Large-Scale Association.
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  • Background Requirements
    Three years of verified experience providing community association management services + a PCAM leader + credentialed staff.

    Application Fee
    Member: $320 
    Nonmember: $570 

    Course Requirements 
    Individual staff members must meet requirements according to their credentials.
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Additional Resources

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