CAI Community Management Training & Certification Program
Learn more about pursuing a career in community association management. Leaders in the industry answer questions and provide insight into what it's like to work in this growing industry.
Career opportunities are available for entry level community association managers. You’re probably wondering: What is a community manager? Or, what is a community association? To help you get started, we’ve created a short list of FAQs.
What is a Community Association?
It’s OK. We get that question all the time. Community associations are planned communities—think of condominiums, homeowners associations, and housing cooperatives. For many homeowners in community associations, their homes represent the single biggest investment they will make in their lifetimes. That fact alone gives them a substantial vested interest in their community. Cool, right? We think so.
What is a Community Manager?
A community manager is a special person (and smart, just like yourself). The job of the manager is part financial management, urban planning, facility maintenance, community development, volunteer management, and project management. If you have excellent people skills, strong communication skills, and the ability to collaborate and solve problems, you have what it takes! Whoa, that sounds like a big job. Take a deep breath. CAI’s education and certification programs provide you with the training you need to build your resume and start a career in community association management.
Community Association Management: A Growth Industry
Community association management is a young industry that has experienced staggering growth since its beginning just over 40 years ago. According to U.S. government reports, in 1970, there were approximately 10,000 community associations. By 2020, that number has grown to more than 350,000 community associations, home to nearly 74 million people. Housing construction statistics show common interest developments are the fastest growing segment of residential home construction, and rapid growth is expected to continue. Wow, those numbers impress us every day, and we work here! Are you ready to get started?
A Career in Community Association Management
3 Simple Steps to Your New Career
Step #1
Enroll & Complete CAI’s M100 “The Essentials of Community Association Management” course.
This comprehensive community association management course provides a practical overview for new managers, an essential review for veteran managers and an advanced course for board members. Successful completion of the M-100 can be the first step toward earning the CMCA credential.
Step #2
Earn your CMCA Credential.
The Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA®) is the only international certification program designed exclusively for managers of homeowners and condominium associations and cooperatives. The CMCA recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the fundamental knowledge required to manage community associations.
*Separate application and fee required.
Step #3
Explore Networking Opportunities
Experience the CAI community and expand your network to professionals from around the country and the world. Networking opportunities are the key to success. Post your resume today, update your LinkedIn profile with CAI membership, join the CAI LinkedIn group, and watch your network expand. Visit CAI’s Service Directory for access to management company CEOs and send them your resume to let them know you are interested in a career.
Join Today and Save!
Purchase CAI's recent College Grad Package today for $374 ($240 savings!) Package includes:
Manager Membership discount for first year.
Registration for the M100 course.