Top 11 Apartment Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for apartment managers in the job market as they demonstrate that the individual is qualified and knowledgeable about the industry. Certifications show employers that the individual has taken their career seriously and has taken the necessary steps to become an expert in their field. They also provide a competitive edge when applying for jobs, as certifications signify to potential employers that they have specialized knowledge and skills related to apartment management. Additionally, certifications provide an opportunity to stay current on industry trends and best practices, which can be beneficial when managing apartments.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Apartment Managers, and explains how they can help to advance an apartment manager's career.

What are Apartment Manager Certifications?

Apartment manager certification is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of multi-family housing management. It is earned by successfully completing a comprehensive training program from an accredited institution. This certification can help apartment managers increase their earning potential, gain recognition in the industry, enhance their career opportunities, and improve their overall job performance.

The certification program includes topics such as tenant relations, marketing and leasing, maintenance operations, budgeting and financial management, property law and regulations, human resources management, customer service skills, conflict resolution strategies, and more. Upon completion of the program and passing the required exams, individuals are awarded with a certificate that verifies their competency in managing multifamily housing operations. This certificate can be used to demonstrate to employers that they possess the necessary skills to effectively manage apartment complexes.

In addition to improving job prospects and increasing earning potential, apartment manager certification also provides other benefits such as access to continuing education courses and networking opportunities with other certified professionals. By becoming certified in this field, individuals can stay up-to-date on industry trends and gain valuable insight into best practices for managing properties.

Pro Tip: Make sure that any apartment manager certification program you are considering is accredited by a reputable organization. This will ensure that the certification has been verified and is recognized as legitimate in the industry.

Related: What does an Apartment Manager do?

Top 11 Apartment Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Apartment Managers today.

1. Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)

Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) is a professional designation awarded by the National Apartment Association (NAA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the apartment industry. The CAM designation requires a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of managing an apartment community, including legal issues, marketing, budgeting, maintenance, and customer service.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete. Candidates must first apply for the program and pass a background check. Once accepted into the program, candidates must complete three online courses and two exams. The online courses cover topics such as leasing and marketing, property management fundamentals, and financial management. After completing the coursework and passing both exams with a score of 70% or higher, candidates will receive their CAM designation.

The cost of obtaining the CAM designation varies depending on whether you are already an NAA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $499 plus applicable taxes; for members it is $399 plus applicable taxes.

2. Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT)

Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) is a certification program designed to recognize apartment maintenance professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job duties safely, effectively, and efficiently. The CAMT certification is offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA), an organization that provides resources, education, and advocacy for the apartment industry.

The CAMT certification requires applicants to complete a comprehensive online course consisting of eight modules covering topics such as safety, electrical systems, plumbing systems, HVAC systems, appliance repair and maintenance, carpentry and painting, pest control, and customer service. Once the course is completed successfully, applicants must pass a proctored exam in order to receive their CAMT certification.

The cost of the CAMT certification program varies depending on whether you are an NAA member or non-member. For NAA members, the cost is $295 plus applicable taxes. For non-members, the cost is $395 plus applicable taxes. The entire process can take up to 8 weeks from start to finish once all requirements are met.

3. National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP)

National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) is a certification program designed to provide leasing agents, property managers, and other rental housing professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the industry. It is administered by the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI).

The NALP certification program consists of three courses: Principles of Fair Housing, Principles of Effective Leasing, and Principles of Property Management. Each course is offered online or in-person at local NAAEI chapters. The courses must be completed within two years to receive the NALP designation.

To get certified as a NALP, you must complete all three courses and pass the corresponding exams with a score of 70% or higher. You will also need to submit an application for certification along with proof that you have completed the required courses.

The cost for the NALP certification program varies depending on which format you choose to take the courses in. The online course costs $395 per course, while the in-person classes range from $495-$595 per course. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $50 when submitting your application for certification.

4. National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) Property Management Certification

The National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) Property Management Certification is a certification program for property managers. It is designed to provide property managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage rental properties. The certification consists of three courses: Basic Property Management, Advanced Property Management, and Professional Property Management.

The Basic Property Management course covers topics such as tenant screening, lease agreements, maintenance and repair, evictions, safety and security, and other related topics. The Advanced Property Management course covers topics such as budgeting and financial management, marketing strategies, tenant relations, legal issues, fair housing laws, and more. The Professional Property Management course covers topics such as customer service standards, problem solving techniques for difficult tenants, dispute resolution procedures, human resources management principles and practices, risk management strategies for landlords and tenants alike.

It typically takes about six months to complete all three courses in order to obtain the NAAEI Property Management Certification. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time in order to fulfill the requirements of the program.

In order to get certified by NAAEI you must first register online at their website or contact their office directly by phone or email. Once registered you will be provided with access to the online courses which can be completed at your own pace within a six month period from registration date. After completing all three courses you will need to pass an exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of obtaining the NAAEI Property Management Certification varies depending on whether you are a member of NAAEI or not; non-members pay $499 while members pay $399 for the entire program including exams fees and materials needed for each course.

5. Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS)

Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) is a certification program designed to help housing professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage HUD-assisted housing programs. The COS certification is offered by the National Center for Housing Management (NCHM).

The COS certification program consists of four courses that cover topics such as tenant eligibility, rent calculation, tenant selection, and lease enforcement. Each course must be completed within a specified time frame in order to receive the COS certification. The courses can be taken online or in person at an NCHM-approved training center.

The cost of the COS certification program varies depending on which courses are taken and where they are taken. Generally, it costs between $500-$1000 for all four courses.

In order to obtain the COS certification, individuals must complete all four courses within two years and pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher. After successfully completing the requirements, individuals will receive their official COS certificate from NCHM.

6. National Affordable Housing Professional (NAHP)

National Affordable Housing Professional (NAHP) is a professional designation awarded by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to affordable housing initiatives, both through their professional accomplishments and their dedication to the industry. The NAHP designation is available to anyone involved in the affordable housing industry, including developers, lenders, brokers, architects, planners and other professionals.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the NAHP designation. To become a NAHP, individuals must meet certain criteria such as having at least three years of experience in affordable housing or related fields. They must also demonstrate knowledge of affordable housing finance and policy through either an approved course or exam. Additionally, applicants must participate in community service activities related to affordable housing and submit letters of recommendation from two current or former employers.

The cost for obtaining the NAHP designation varies depending on the type of program chosen by the applicant. For example, some programs offer online courses that can be completed for a fee ranging from $300-$500 while others require participants to attend an in-person training seminar which may cost up to $2,000.

Overall, obtaining the NAHP designation is an excellent way for individuals involved in the affordable housing industry to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to this important field.

7. Certified Residential Property Manager (CRPM)

Certified Residential Property Manager (CRPM) is a professional designation for property managers who have achieved a higher level of expertise in the field. It is awarded by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). The CRPM designation recognizes individuals who demonstrate an advanced knowledge of residential property management and have met rigorous standards for experience, education, and ethical conduct.

To be eligible to obtain the CRPM designation, you must have at least two years of full-time experience in residential property management and must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in real estate or related field;
• Have completed NARPM’s Professional Management Development Program (PMDP); or
• Have obtained another approved professional real estate designation.

In addition, you must pass an exam administered by NARPM that covers topics such as ethics, fair housing laws, tenant relations, maintenance and repair practices, budgeting and financial reporting, marketing and leasing techniques. You will also need to submit three letters of recommendation from colleagues or clients attesting to your good character.

The process typically takes about six months to complete once all requirements are met. The cost for obtaining the CRPM designation varies depending on your membership status with NARPM and whether you choose to take the PMDP course. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$600 USD to become certified.

8. Accredited Residential Manager (ARM)

Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) is a professional designation for property managers who have demonstrated the knowledge and experience necessary to manage residential properties. It is an internationally recognized credential that is offered by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).

To obtain the ARM designation, applicants must complete a minimum of 30 hours of IREM-approved courses in topics such as financial management, legal compliance, leasing, marketing, maintenance and operations. The coursework can be completed online or through in-person classes. In addition to completing the coursework, applicants must also pass an examination administered by IREM.

The cost of obtaining the ARM designation varies depending on how many courses are taken and whether they are taken online or in person. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for all the required coursework and exam fees. It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all of the requirements for the ARM designation.

9. Certified Tax Credit Specialist (CTCS)

Certified Tax Credit Specialist (CTCS) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of tax credits. The CTCS designation is granted by the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP).

In order to become a Certified Tax Credit Specialist, an individual must complete a comprehensive training program and pass an exam. The training program consists of two parts: the CTCS course and the CTCS exam. The course covers topics such as tax credits, deductions, filing requirements, and other related topics. The exam tests an individual’s knowledge on these topics.

The CTCS program takes approximately six months to complete. During this time, individuals must attend at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and complete 10 hours of self-study material. Once these requirements are met, individuals can take the CTCS exam.

The cost for becoming a Certified Tax Credit Specialist is $495 for NATP members and $595 for non-members. This fee includes both the training program and the exam fee.

Once an individual has successfully completed all requirements for becoming a Certified Tax Credit Specialist, they will receive their certification from NATP and be eligible to use the designation on their business cards and other materials.

10. Real Estate License

A real estate license is a professional license that allows an individual to legally conduct real estate transactions in their state. To get a real estate license, an individual must meet the education and experience requirements set by their state’s real estate commission. The process of obtaining a license typically takes 3-6 months and involves completing pre-licensing courses, passing an exam, and submitting an application with the required fees.

The amount of time it takes to get a real estate license varies from state to state, but generally speaking it can take anywhere from 3-6 months from start to finish. In some states, the process may be shorter or longer depending on the complexity of the licensing requirements.

To get a real estate license, individuals must first complete pre-licensing courses that are approved by their state’s real estate commission. The number of hours required for these courses varies from state to state. After completing the pre-licensing courses, applicants must pass an exam administered by their state’s real estate commission in order to receive their license.

Once they have passed the exam, applicants must submit an application along with any applicable fees in order to obtain their license. The cost of obtaining a real estate license varies from state to state but typically ranges between $100-$500 depending on the type of license being sought and any additional fees associated with it.

In conclusion, obtaining a real estate license requires meeting certain educational and experience requirements as well as passing an exam administered by your state’s real estate commission. It usually takes 3-6 months from start to finish and costs between $100-$500 depending on the type of license being sought and any additional fees associated with it.

11. Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS).

Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS) is a professional certification offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA). It is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of experienced apartment portfolio supervisors. CAPS is an advanced certification that requires a minimum of three years of full-time experience in the apartment industry.

To obtain the CAPS certification, applicants must complete a series of courses and pass two exams. The courses cover topics such as budgeting, marketing, leasing, maintenance, customer service and legal issues. The exams are designed to assess an applicant’s understanding of these topics.

The cost for obtaining the CAPS certification varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in person. Online courses typically cost between $500-$700 while in-person courses can range from $1,000-$2,000. In addition to course fees, there are also exam fees which range from $100-$200 per exam.

It usually takes between six months to one year to complete all of the requirements for obtaining the CAPS certification. After successfully completing all requirements and passing both exams, applicants will receive their official CAPS certificate from NAA.

Do You Really Need a Apartment Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of job you are seeking. If you are looking for a position as an apartment manager, then yes, having an apartment manager certificate is beneficial and can be helpful in getting the job. An apartment manager certificate demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to manage an apartment complex. It also shows that you have taken the time to gain expertise in the field and can handle day-to-day operations, understand landlord/tenant laws, and provide effective customer service to tenants.

If you do not plan on becoming an apartment manager but still want to work in the real estate industry, then a certificate may not be necessary. Many other positions such as leasing agent or property maintenance specialist do not require a specific certification. However, having a certificate may give you an advantage over other applicants when applying for these jobs since it shows that you have taken the time to further your education and gain specialized knowledge in the field.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an apartment manager certificate comes down to what type of job you are seeking and what qualifications employers are looking for. Having a certificate may make your application stand out from others and increase your chances of being hired; however, it is not always required depending on the position.

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FAQs About Apartment Manager Certifications

1. What is an Apartment Manager Certification?

Answer: An Apartment Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a manager’s knowledge and skills in managing residential apartment complexes. It is awarded by the National Apartment Association (NAA) upon successful completion of their certification program.

2. How do I become certified as an Apartment Manager?

Answer: To become certified as an Apartment Manager, you must complete the NAA’s Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) program. This includes completing courses in property management, maintenance, leasing, and resident relations. You must also pass the CAM exam to earn your certification.

3. What are the benefits of obtaining an Apartment Manager Certification?

Answer: Obtaining an Apartment Manager Certification shows employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage residential apartment complexes. It can also lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities in the field of property management.

4. How much does it cost to get certified as an Apartment Manager?

Answer: The cost of getting certified as an Apartment Manager depends on which version of the CAM program you choose to take (online or in-person). Generally speaking, it costs around $400 - $500 for both versions combined (including books, exams, etc.).

5. How long does it take to obtain an Apartment Manager Certification?

Answer: It typically takes about 6 months to complete all requirements for obtaining an Apartment Manager Certification through the NAA’s CAM program. This includes taking courses, studying for exams, and passing all tests required by the NAA before receiving your certification.