Top 11 Apartment Property Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for apartment property managers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge, skill and expertise. They also show potential employers that the property manager is dedicated to the profession and has taken the time to learn about best practices and industry standards. Certifications help employers distinguish between candidates who have an understanding of the industry and those who do not. Additionally, certifications can help property managers stand out from other applicants, as they provide evidence of additional qualifications that can make them more attractive to employers.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain the benefits of certifications for Apartment Property Managers, and how they can help advance their careers.

What are Apartment Property Manager Certifications?

Apartment property manager certification is a formal recognition of an individual’s expertise in the field of property management. This certification is offered by professional organizations, such as the National Apartment Association (NAA) and the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). To become certified, candidates must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an examination.

Achieving apartment property manager certification provides several benefits. It demonstrates to potential employers that a candidate has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage residential rental properties. Certification also allows managers to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, which can help them provide better service to tenants, landlords, and other stakeholders. Additionally, certified managers may earn higher salaries than those without certification due to their greater level of expertise. Finally, having a certified apartment property manager on staff can improve a company’s reputation for providing quality services in the industry.

Pro Tip: When pursuing an apartment property manager certification, make sure to research the requirements in your state or municipality. Different areas may have different educational and experience requirements for certification, so it's important to know what is required before beginning the process.

Related: What does an Apartment Property Manager do?

Top 11 Apartment Property Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)

Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA). The program is designed to provide apartment managers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage rental properties. It is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as leasing, marketing, maintenance, human resources, finance, legal compliance and risk management.

The CAM certification process typically takes about four months to complete. To get certified, you must first complete an online application and pay the associated fee of $195. Once your application is approved, you will be assigned an NAA-approved mentor who will guide you through the coursework and provide feedback on your progress. You must then pass a written exam in order to receive your CAM certification.

In addition to the application fee, there are also additional costs associated with obtaining the CAM certification. These include fees for textbooks, study materials and exam fees. The total cost of obtaining the CAM certification can range from $400-$800 depending on how much preparation time you need and what materials you choose to purchase.

2. Accredited Residential Manager (ARM)

Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) is a professional designation offered by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). The ARM designation is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in residential property management. It is an internationally recognized credential for those who manage single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and other rental properties.

To obtain the ARM designation, applicants must complete a minimum of 12 hours of IREM-approved courses in residential property management. These courses cover topics such as tenant relations, fair housing laws, marketing and leasing strategies, financial management, and legal issues related to residential property management. Applicants must also pass an exam after completing the coursework.

The cost of obtaining the ARM designation varies depending on the courses taken and other fees associated with taking the exam. Generally speaking, it may cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000 or more to obtain the ARM designation.

In terms of time commitment, it typically takes around four months to complete all requirements for obtaining the ARM designation. This includes completing the required courses and passing the exam.

3. Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS)

Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) is a professional certification program offered by the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA). The COS certification is designed to provide housing professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage HUD-assisted properties.

The COS certification program consists of four courses and one exam. The courses cover topics such as HUD regulations, occupancy requirements, tenant selection, fair housing, and more. The exam tests the student’s understanding of these topics. To become certified, students must pass all four courses and the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The entire certification process takes about six months to complete. Students can choose to take the courses online or in-person at an approved NAHMA training center. Online classes are self-paced and can be completed at any time; in-person classes require attendance at scheduled class times.

The cost for the COS certification program varies depending on whether you take the classes online or in-person. Online classes typically cost around $1,000 for all four courses; in-person classes range from $500-$800 per course. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $150 that must be paid before taking the exam.

4. National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP)

National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) is a professional certification program developed by the National Apartment Association (NAA). It is designed to recognize professionals in the apartment industry who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in leasing and marketing.

The NALP program consists of four courses: Leasing Basics, Advanced Leasing, Marketing & Advertising, and Fair Housing. To earn the NALP designation, you must complete all four courses within two years. Each course requires an average of 10-20 hours to complete.

To get started with the NALP program, you must first become a member of the National Apartment Association (NAA). After that, you can register for the NALP program online or through your local NAA chapter. Once registered, you will receive access to the course materials and be able to take each course at your own pace.

The cost for the NALP program varies depending on whether you are an individual or an organization. For individuals, it costs $175 per course or $700 for all four courses. Organizations can purchase packages that include multiple licenses for their employees at discounted rates.

Once you have completed all four courses and passed all exams with a score of 80% or higher, you will be awarded the NALP designation and receive your certificate from the NAA.

5. Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT)

Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) is a professional certification program designed to help apartment maintenance technicians demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field. The CAMT program is offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA) and provides a comprehensive set of standards for apartment maintenance technicians. It includes topics such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry, painting, appliance repair and more.

The CAMT program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and covers the basics of apartment maintenance technology. After completing the course, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of the material covered in the course. The exam is administered at NAA-approved testing centers throughout the country and costs $150 to take.

Once applicants have passed the exam, they will receive their Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) certificate from NAA. This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

6. Certified Property Manager (CPM)

Certified Property Manager (CPM) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). It is one of the most respected and recognized credentials in the real estate management industry. The CPM certification demonstrates that an individual has achieved a high level of expertise in managing residential, commercial, or industrial property.

To become a CPM, applicants must have at least five years of full-time experience in real estate management, including three years in a supervisory role. They must also complete IREM's CPM education program, which consists of eight courses and covers topics such as financial analysis, legal issues, marketing and leasing strategies, and risk management.

The cost to obtain the CPM credential varies depending on the number of courses taken and whether you are an IREM member or non-member. Generally speaking, it will cost around $3,000 - $4,000 for non-members to complete all eight courses required for certification.

It typically takes between six months to two years to obtain your CPM certification after completing all necessary coursework. Once you have completed all requirements and passed the final exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your official certificate from IREM.

7. Certified Real Estate Property Manager (CRPM)

Certified Real Estate Property Manager (CRPM) is a professional designation for property managers who have successfully completed an educational program that meets the standards of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). The CRPM certification is designed to provide real estate professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

It typically takes between six months and two years to complete the requirements for the CRPM certification. To become certified, you must first meet certain educational requirements and pass a comprehensive exam. You must also have at least three years of experience in property management or related fields.

To get started on your path to becoming a Certified Real Estate Property Manager, you should contact IREM directly or visit their website for more information about their certification program. There are also several online courses available that can help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of getting your CRPM certification varies depending on how you choose to pursue it. If you take an online course or attend a seminar, there may be additional fees associated with those activities. Additionally, there is an application fee when applying for the certification as well as a fee for taking the exam itself.

8. Institute of Real Estate Management’s (IREM) Accredited Management Organization (AMO) Certification

The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) Accredited Management Organization (AMO) Certification is a professional designation that recognizes real estate management firms that have met the highest standards of performance, ethics, and financial stability in the industry. The certification is awarded to companies that demonstrate a commitment to excellence and provide superior service to their clients.

The process for obtaining the AMO Certification typically takes six months or more, depending on the size of the organization and its complexity. To begin, an applicant must submit an application package that includes a detailed description of the company’s operations, financial statements, proof of insurance coverage, and other supporting documents. Once this information has been reviewed by IREM staff, an on-site visit will be scheduled to assess the company’s operations and management practices. After passing this inspection, applicants must pass a written exam before they can receive their AMO Certification.

The cost of obtaining an AMO Certification varies depending on the size of the company and its complexity. Generally speaking, fees range from $2,000-$5,000 for smaller organizations and up to $10,000 or more for larger organizations. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with preparing for and taking the written exam as well as any travel expenses incurred during the on-site visit.

9. National Affordable Housing Professional Certification Program

The National Affordable Housing Professional Certification Program (NAHP-CP) is a comprehensive certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of professionals in the affordable housing industry. The program was created by the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) to provide a standard for excellence in affordable housing management.

The NAHP-CP consists of four courses: Introduction to Affordable Housing, Regulatory Compliance, Asset Management, and Financial Management. Each course is offered online or in-person and takes approximately 20 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of all four courses, candidates must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified, candidates must first register for the NAHP-CP program through the NAHMA website. Once registered, they can choose to take the courses either online or in person at an approved training center. The cost of registration varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in person; however, it typically ranges from $400-$500 USD.

Once all four courses have been completed and passed with a score of 70% or higher, candidates will be eligible to take the final exam which is administered by Prometric testing centers across the US. The cost of taking this exam is usually around $150 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. Upon successful completion of this exam, candidates will receive their official NAHP-CP certificate from NAHMA and become certified as an Affordable Housing Professional.

10. Real Estate Broker License

A Real Estate Broker License is a professional license that allows an individual to legally act as a real estate broker or agent. This license is required in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

In order to obtain a Real Estate Broker License, applicants must first meet certain educational and experience requirements set by their state’s real estate commission. Generally, this includes completing at least 90 hours of approved real estate courses, passing an exam, and having at least two years of experience as a licensed real estate salesperson. Once these requirements are met, applicants can then apply for their broker license.

The amount of time it takes to get a Real Estate Broker License varies from state to state. In some states, the process can take several months while in others it may only take a few weeks. Additionally, the cost to obtain a Real Estate Broker License also varies depending on the state you live in. Generally speaking, fees range from $50-$500 depending on the state you live in and any additional services you may need such as background checks or fingerprinting.

Overall, obtaining a Real Estate Broker License is an important step for those looking to become successful real estate professionals. By meeting the educational and experience requirements set by your state’s real estate commission and paying the necessary fees, you can become licensed and begin working as a professional real estate broker or agent.

11. National Association of Residential Property Managers Designation

The National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) Designation is a professional designation that recognizes the expertise and knowledge of residential property managers. It is a voluntary certification program that requires property managers to demonstrate their commitment to ongoing education, ethical business practices, and industry standards. The designation is awarded by NARPM, an organization dedicated to enhancing the professionalism of residential property management.

To obtain the NARPM Designation, applicants must complete a comprehensive course of study consisting of four core courses and two elective courses. The core courses cover topics such as legal issues in residential property management, marketing and leasing strategies, tenant relations, financial management, and risk management. The elective courses focus on specific areas such as fair housing laws or condominium association management.

In addition to completing the coursework, applicants must also pass an exam administered by NARPM. Upon successful completion of all requirements, applicants will be awarded the NARPM Designation.

The cost for obtaining the NARPM Designation varies depending on the number of courses taken and whether or not you are already a member of NARPM. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,000 - $2,000 for non-members to obtain the designation. Membership with NARPM costs an additional $295/year and provides access to exclusive benefits such as discounts on conferences and educational materials.

Overall, obtaining the NARPM Designation typically takes between 3-6 months depending on how quickly you can complete each course and pass the exam.

Do You Really Need a Apartment Property Manager Certificate?

When it comes to becoming a successful apartment property manager, having an Apartment Property Manager Certificate is not essential. Although having a certificate may help you stand out from other applicants and show that you have the necessary knowledge and qualifications to manage an apartment building, there are many other ways to demonstrate your aptitude for the job.

To become an apartment property manager, you must have strong communication skills and be able to handle tenant issues in a professional manner. Additionally, you must understand the legal aspects of property management, such as tenant rights and landlord-tenant law. You should also be familiar with rental agreements, contracts, budgeting, maintenance procedures, and safety regulations.

You can gain the necessary skills by taking online courses or attending seminars on property management topics. You can also read books, articles, or blog posts related to the field. Alternatively, if you have prior experience in real estate or customer service jobs, that can also give you a leg up when applying for an apartment property manager position.

In addition to formal education and training programs, networking is another great way to gain insight into the world of apartment property management. Reach out to seasoned professionals in the industry who can provide valuable advice on how to land a job as well as tips on how best to succeed once hired.

Ultimately, having an Apartment Property Manager Certificate is not required for success in this field; however it can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs in this highly sought-after profession.

Related: Apartment Property Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Apartment Property Manager Certifications

1. What is an Apartment Property Manager Certification?

Answer: An Apartment Property Manager Certification is a professional designation given to individuals who have met the educational and experience requirements to manage rental properties. The certification recognizes the individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in areas such as tenant relations, maintenance and repair operations, budgeting and financial management.

2. Who can get an Apartment Property Manager Certification?

Answer: Anyone can pursue an Apartment Property Manager Certification as long as they meet the necessary requirements for education, experience, and training.

3. How do I obtain an Apartment Property Manager Certification?

Answer: To obtain an Apartment Property Manager Certification you must complete a certification program that includes coursework, exams, and other requirements such as supervised experience in rental property management.

4. What are the benefits of having an Apartment Property Management Certification?

Answer: Having an Apartment Property Management Certification demonstrates your expertise in managing rental properties which will help you stand out from other applicants when searching for jobs or seeking promotions. It also provides employers with assurance that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle their rental properties effectively.

5. How long does it take to get an Apartment Property Management Certification?

Answer: Depending on the program you choose, it can take anywhere from several months to a year or more to complete all of the required courses and exams needed for your certification.