Top 11 Assistant Property Manager Certifications

Certifications for assistant property managers are important in the job market because they demonstrate a mastery of the material and knowledge required to manage rental properties. They show that an individual has taken the time to learn best practices and industry standards, as well as stay up-to-date with changes in the field. This can be especially important in competitive markets where employers are looking for candidates with strong credentials. Certifications also provide evidence of commitment, dedication, and responsibility; qualities which are all highly valued by hiring managers. Finally, certifications may even qualify an individual for higher salaries or better job opportunities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Assistant Property Managers and explains how they can help to advance an assistant property manager's career.

What are Assistant Property Manager Certifications?

Assistant property manager certification is a type of professional credentialing program designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in property management. This certification covers topics such as tenant relations, leasing and marketing, budgeting and financial management, maintenance and repair, customer service, legal compliance, and more. By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their aptitude for the field of property management and increase their chances of finding job opportunities. It also helps them stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and regulations so they can provide the best possible service to their clients. Additionally, it can help them build credibility in the field which can lead to better pay or promotion opportunities.

Pro Tip: Make sure to do your research when selecting an assistant property manager certification program. Look for programs that are accredited and recognized by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM), as these will ensure you receive a comprehensive education and the necessary credentials.

Related: What does an Assistant Property Manager do?

Top 11 Assistant Property Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Property Manager (CPM)

Certified Property Manager (CPM) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). The CPM designation recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of professionalism in property management. It demonstrates that the individual has achieved a comprehensive understanding and mastery of the principles and practices of real estate management.

To become a CPM, you must meet certain qualifications and pass an exam administered by IREM. To qualify, you must have at least five years of experience in real estate management, or three years with an advanced degree in real estate or business-related field. You must also complete a minimum number of courses offered through IREM’s education program.

The exam consists of four parts: financial analysis, operations and maintenance, human resources management, and legal/regulatory issues. It takes approximately three to four hours to complete the exam.

The cost for taking the CPM exam is $550 for members of IREM and $750 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with completing the required courses necessary to qualify for the exam.

2. 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 achieved a high level of professionalism in the apartment industry. The CAM program provides an opportunity for apartment professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in managing apartments, as well as their commitment to the industry.

The CAM program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical skills assessment. The written exam covers topics such as tenant relations, maintenance operations, leasing practices, legal requirements, and financial management. The practical skills assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to effectively manage an apartment community.

It typically takes about four months to complete the CAM program. During this time, applicants must complete both the written exam and the practical skills assessment. Applicants can also choose to take additional courses or seminars that are offered by NAA in order to further enhance their understanding of the apartment industry.

The cost of obtaining a CAM certification varies depending on which courses or seminars you choose to take. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1,000 for the entire program including both exams and any additional courses or seminars you may decide to take.

3. Real Estate Broker License

A real estate broker license is a professional license that allows individuals to act as a real estate agent or broker. In order to obtain a real estate broker license, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and pay any applicable fees.

It typically takes between three months and two years to get a real estate broker license, depending on the state in which you are applying. Generally, most states require applicants to complete pre-licensing education courses, pass an exam administered by the state's regulatory agency, and pay any associated fees.

In order to get a real estate broker license, applicants must first meet the educational requirements set forth by their state of residence. This typically includes completing at least 60 hours of pre-licensing education courses in topics such as finance, contracts, property management, and ethics. After completing the required coursework, applicants must then pass an exam administered by their state's regulatory agency. Once they have passed the exam and paid any applicable fees, they will be issued a real estate broker license.

The cost of obtaining a real estate broker license varies from state to state but generally ranges from $100-$500 depending on the licensing requirements in your area.

4. Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS)

A Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) is a professional designation granted by the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA). The COS certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of affordable housing occupancy and management.

The COS certification program consists of two components: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as fair housing, lease agreements, tenant screening, income calculations, rent collection, evictions, and more. The exam tests the student’s knowledge of these topics. To become certified, a student must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of the COS certification program varies depending on how you choose to take it. If you take the online course only, it will cost around $350. If you choose to take both the online course and the exam together, it will cost around $450.

It typically takes about four weeks to complete the COS certification program. However, some students may be able to complete it faster if they are able to dedicate more time to studying for the exam.

5. Certified Residential Property Manager (CRPM)

Certified Residential Property Manager (CRPM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). It is designed to recognize real estate professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the management of residential properties.

The CRPM certification requires applicants to meet certain educational and experience requirements, as well as pass an exam. To qualify for the CRPM designation, applicants must have at least three years of full-time property management experience and must have completed at least 30 hours of IREM-approved courses in property management.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as financial management, tenant relations, legal issues, marketing, and maintenance. The exam fee is $265 for IREM members and $325 for non-members.

It typically takes about six months to complete the application process and receive your CRPM certification.

6. National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) Certification

The National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) Certification is a professional designation that recognizes property managers who have achieved a high level of knowledge, experience, and professionalism in the residential property management industry. This certification is designed to help property managers increase their value to clients, employers, and the industry as a whole.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements including: having at least two years of full-time residential property management experience; completing an approved NARPM educational program; passing the NARPM Certification Exam; and agreeing to adhere to the NARPM Code of Ethics. The application process typically takes four to six weeks.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the educational program chosen by the applicant. Generally speaking, it costs between $500 and $1,000 for all materials required for certification. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $100 for members in good standing with NARPM.

Overall, obtaining NARPM Certification is an excellent way for property managers to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in their field and gain recognition from peers and clients alike.

7. Professional Housing Management Certification

Professional Housing Management Certification (PHMC) is a certification program developed by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in residential property management. The certification requires a commitment to ongoing education and training, as well as adherence to NARPM's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

To obtain the PHMC, applicants must first join NARPM and complete an online course that covers topics such as legal issues, tenant relations, financial management, marketing, maintenance, and more. Once the course has been completed, applicants must pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for the PHMC varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of NARPM. For members, the cost is $395; for non-members it is $495. The certification process typically takes between four and six weeks to complete.

8. Accredited Resident Manager (ARM)

Accredited Resident Manager (ARM) is a professional certification for property managers. It is a recognition of an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of property management, and it is administered by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM).

The ARM designation requires completion of educational courses, passing an exam, and meeting certain criteria such as having at least two years' experience in residential property management. To obtain the ARM designation, applicants must complete four required courses and pass an exam. The courses cover topics such as lease agreements, tenant relations, legal issues, accounting principles, marketing strategies, maintenance procedures and safety regulations.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete all of the coursework and pass the exam necessary to become certified as an Accredited Resident Manager.

The cost of obtaining the ARM designation varies depending on the provider offering the program. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more depending on the provider's fees for materials and instruction.

9. National Affordable Housing Professional Certification

National Affordable Housing Professional Certification (NAHPC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of affordable housing. The certification is administered by the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA).

The NAHPC program consists of two components: a comprehensive exam and an online course. The comprehensive exam tests applicants' knowledge of affordable housing regulations, policies, and procedures. The online course provides an overview of the industry and covers topics such as fair housing law, tenant rights, property management best practices, and budgeting for affordable housing.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the NAHPC program. To get certified, applicants must first register with NAHMA and pay a registration fee of $125. They must then complete the online course and pass the comprehensive exam with a score of 70% or higher. After passing the exam, applicants must submit proof that they have completed at least two years of full-time experience in affordable housing within the past five years. Once all requirements are met, applicants will be awarded their NAHPC certification.

10. Certified Leasing Consultant (CLC)

Certified Leasing Consultant (CLC) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the field of leasing. It is awarded by the National Apartment Association (NAA) and signifies that the recipient has demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in all areas related to leasing, including marketing, customer service, legal compliance, and financial management.

To become certified as a CLC, individuals must complete an NAA-approved training program and pass a comprehensive examination. The training program typically consists of 10-12 hours of online or classroom instruction, depending on the provider. The cost of the training varies depending on the provider but can range from $50-$300.

Once you have completed your training and passed the exam, you will be officially certified as a CLC. You will receive a certificate from NAA recognizing your achievement and you will also be listed in their online directory so potential employers can find you easily. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire CLCs because they know they have been properly trained and are knowledgeable about leasing regulations.

Overall, becoming a Certified Leasing Consultant is an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise in this field and increase your chances of getting hired for leasing positions.

11. Certified Tax Credit Specialist (CTCS).

Certified Tax Credit Specialist (CTCS) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the area of tax credits. The CTCS designation is awarded by the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP).

To become a Certified Tax Credit Specialist, an individual must complete a comprehensive course covering topics such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and other important tax credits. The course consists of six modules and takes approximately 10 hours to complete. After completing the course, individuals must pass an exam to earn their CTCS designation.

The cost for the CTCS program is $295 for NATP members and $345 for non-members. This fee includes access to all six modules, the exam, and one year of membership in NATP if you are not already a member.

Once you have earned your CTCS designation, you will be eligible to receive discounts on NATP products and services as well as continuing education credits from various organizations.

Do You Really Need a Assistant Property Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need an assistant property manager certificate depends on the job you are seeking and the requirements of the employer. Generally, employers look for candidates who have a certain level of knowledge and experience in the field of property management. If you do not have any prior experience in this field, then a certificate may be beneficial in helping to demonstrate your competence and commitment to the industry.

For those with no prior experience, an assistant property manager certificate can provide a foundation upon which further training and education can be built. It can also help you understand basic principles of property management, such as tenant screening, budgeting, marketing, and legal issues. Additionally, having a certificate may give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs that require certification.

On the other hand, if you already have experience in this field or if your current job does not require certification, then it may not be necessary to obtain an assistant property manager certificate. However, even if it is not needed for your current position or desired job role, obtaining a certificate could still be beneficial. Having a certificate will show potential employers that you are dedicated to developing your skillset and staying up-to-date on best practices in the industry. In addition to providing evidence of your proficiency in certain areas of property management, it could also demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an assistant property manager certificate depends on several factors including your existing level of knowledge and experience in this field as well as the requirements set forth by potential employers when hiring for specific positions. Ultimately though, having a certificate could still be beneficial regardless of its necessity due to its ability to show dedication to professional development and mastery of core concepts within property management.

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FAQs About Assistant Property Manager Certifications

1. What is an Assistant Property Manager Certification?

Answer: An Assistant Property Manager Certification is a professional certification program that provides training and education to individuals who are looking to become certified in the field of property management. The certification helps to demonstrate a mastery of the concepts, knowledge, and skills required for successful property management.

2. Who should pursue an Assistant Property Manager Certification?

Answer: Individuals who want to further their career in property management or those who are already working in the field but need additional education and training may consider pursuing an Assistant Property Manager Certification.

3. How long does it take to get an Assistant Property Manager Certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to obtain an Assistant Property Manager Certification depends on the individual’s existing experience and knowledge level. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year for completion depending on how much time one puts into studying and taking exams.

4. What topics are covered in an Assistant Property Manager Certification program?

Answer: Topics typically covered in an Assistant Property Manager Certification program include leasing and marketing strategies, legal considerations, budgeting and financial management, maintenance operations, tenant relations, customer service skills, risk management practices, safety protocols, and more.

5. How much does it cost to get an Assistant Property Manager Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining an Assistant Property Manager Certification varies based on the type of program selected as well as any additional fees associated with taking exams or attending seminars/workshops related to the certification program. Generally speaking, most programs will range from $500-$2,000 depending on what is included in the program fees.