Managers
Community managers and management companies are the professional backbone of the communities they serve, providing the skills and expertise that are essential to the successful management of associations.
Education
CAI offers many online and virtual learning opportunities for community managers (listed below) that lead to professional credentials.
Continuing Education Course Matrix
Credentials for Community Managers
We help you stay at the top of your game. The most important action you can take to increase your earning potential, accelerate your career, and grow your business in this booming industry is to obtain credentials that keep you sharp and competitive.
CAI's Professional Management Development Program and credentialing program can help you achieve these goals. Click the name of the credential below to view more information, obtain an application, or access a redesignation form.
Manager Credentials at a Glance*
| Credential |
Background Requirements |
Course Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Association Management Specialist (AMS)* |
Two (2) years of direct community association management experience |
At least two (2) M-200 level courses (M-201--M206) + pass CMCA exam*** |
| Professional Association Manager (PCAM)* |
Five (5) years of direct community association management experience |
All six (6) M-200 level courses + pass CMCA exam*** + pass the Case Study |
| Large-Scale Manager (LSM)* |
Active PCAM + 10 years of community association management experience. Five (5) must be as a large-scale manager. Please see the related page for more information. |
CAI Large-Scale Managers Workshop or M-340 |
*overview of credential requirements only; click on each of the credentials for further details.
***The Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) exam is provided by the Community Association Managers International Board (CAMICB). More information can be found at their website.
Other Resources
Health and Wellness - The 2021 Community Association Managers Council has made manager wellness a priority this year, organizing three task forces specifically designed to help community managers and board members achieve a mutual goal of mental and physical wellness. This can be accomplished by finding healthy, functional approaches to both your personal and professional life using simple steps.
Scholarship Opportunities - CAI provides an online resource to Community Managers who may be seeking financial assistance to further their professional development through CAI's educational course work. Various Chapters throughout the country offer scholarships and details on each of these is located in the Learning Center Menu–PMDP Scholarship Opportunities.
Promote Your Credential - This resource provides tools for promoting your credentials, including literature and methods for management companies, executives and managers. Promoting your credentials or your credentialed managers may increase your company profile or your value as a manager in the market.
Education Catalog - The annual brochure of continuing education classes available to Community Managers.
Member Discounted Salary Survey - The most comprehensive manager salary surveys for the Community Association Management industry available for a discounted rate. Stop guessing what to offer a new employee or what to ask an employer and get your salary survey today!
Industry Statistics - Looking for statistics to share with your community association? CAI offers the latest comprehensive global, national and state data on community associations and their value. CAI’s website also provides information on how we're advocating for communities and residents, and includes resident data.
Sample Forms and Templates - Stop re-inventing the wheel! From meetings to maintenance, find forms, and templates to save you time and money.
The Directory of Credentialed Professionals lists those who have earned one of our credentials for managers, business partners, or management companies.