Top 11 Commercial Property Manager Certifications

Certifications for commercial property managers are important for a number of reasons. They demonstrate that the property manager has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a commercial property, which can give employers confidence in their abilities. Additionally, certifications provide recognition from industry organizations, which can help distinguish the individual from other applicants and give them an edge in the job market. Finally, certifications can also open up additional career opportunities by providing access to specialized fields or higher-level positions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Commercial Property Managers and explains how they can help propel a commercial property manager's career.

What are Commercial Property Manager Certifications?

Commercial property manager certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and expertise in the field of commercial property management. It is awarded by organizations such as the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). By obtaining this certification, commercial property managers demonstrate their proficiency in understanding property laws, financial management, landlord-tenant relationships, building maintenance and operations, tenant relations, and other aspects of managing commercial properties.

Property managers who are certified show potential employers that they have the skills needed to effectively manage any type of commercial real estate. Certification also shows that they understand best practices for dealing with tenants, ensuring compliance with local regulations, managing budgets and expenses, negotiating leases, identifying potential problems before they occur, and more. Furthermore, it can help them stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions in the field. Having this certification also can lead to higher salaries or better job opportunities since employers know that certified individuals have proven their knowledge and ability to manage their properties effectively.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the various commercial property manager certifications available and choose one that fits your specific needs and goals. Look for certifications that provide continuing education opportunities, as well as those that are recognized by employers in the industry. Additionally, make sure to take advantage of any free online resources or courses related to the certification you choose.

Related: What does a Commercial Property Manager do?

Top 11 Commercial Property Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Commercial 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). It is one of the most respected credentials in the real estate management industry, and it is recognized worldwide. The CPM certification demonstrates that an individual has achieved a high level of expertise in property management and has met stringent educational, experience, and ethical requirements.

In order to become a Certified Property Manager, you must meet certain qualifications. These include having at least five years of full-time experience in real estate management, completing IREM’s Core Course in Property Management or its equivalent, passing an examination administered by IREM, and agreeing to abide by IREM’s Code of Professional Ethics.

The process for becoming a CPM usually takes about six months to complete. During this time, individuals must complete the required coursework and pass the exam. Once all requirements have been met, applicants will be notified of their status as a Certified Property Manager.

The cost for becoming a CPM varies depending on whether you are already an IREM member or not. For non-members, the cost is $1,200; for members it is $800. This fee includes all course materials and exam fees.

2. Real Estate Broker License

A Real Estate Broker License is a professional license issued by the state in which you plan to practice real estate. It allows you to work as an independent broker, representing buyers and sellers in real estate transactions.

In order to obtain a Real Estate Broker License, you must meet certain qualifications and complete specific requirements set forth by the state in which you plan to practice. Generally, these requirements include completing a certain number of hours of pre-licensing education courses, passing an exam administered by the state’s licensing board, and submitting an application with all required documentation. The exact requirements vary from state to state.

The amount of time it takes to get a Real Estate Broker License depends on the individual's ability to complete the necessary coursework and pass the exam. On average, it can take anywhere from three months up to one year or more depending on how quickly you are able to fulfill all of the requirements.

In order to get a Real Estate Broker License, individuals must first complete their pre-licensing education courses. These courses provide instruction on topics such as real estate law, contracts, finance, ethics, marketing and other related topics. After completing the required courses and passing the exam administered by the state’s licensing board, individuals must then submit an application along with all required documents such as proof of identity and other documents proving their eligibility for licensure.

The cost of obtaining a Real Estate Broker License varies from state to state but generally ranges between $100-$500 depending on your location and any additional fees associated with processing your application.

3. Accredited Commercial Manager (ACoM)

Accredited Commercial Manager (ACoM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the expertise of commercial managers in the field of business. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a high level of knowledge and skill in the areas of commercial management, including sales, marketing, finance, operations, and strategy.

The ACoM certification program is offered by the International Association for Commercial Management (IACM). The program consists of three levels: Level 1 - Foundation Certification; Level 2 - Advanced Certification; and Level 3 - Professional Certification. Each level requires successful completion of an exam that covers topics related to commercial management.

The time it takes to get ACoM certification varies depending on the individual's experience and background. Generally, it takes between one and two years to complete all three levels of certification.

To get ACoM certification, individuals must first become members of IACM and then apply for the program through their website. Once accepted into the program, individuals must successfully complete all three levels within two years or less in order to receive their certification.

The cost to become certified depends on which level you are applying for. The fees range from $300-$1000 USD per level.

4. Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)

Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) is a professional designation awarded by the CCIM Institute, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. It is considered one of the most prestigious designations in commercial real estate and is recognized as a symbol of excellence in the industry.

The CCIM designation requires completion of a rigorous educational program, a portfolio demonstrating extensive experience and success in commercial real estate transactions, and successful completion of an examination. The educational program includes four core courses that cover topics such as investment analysis, market analysis, user decision analysis, and financial analysis.

It typically takes between two to five years to complete all the requirements for the CCIM designation. To get started on your path to becoming a CCIM, you must first become a member of the CCIM Institute. This can be done by completing an online application or contacting your local chapter for more information.

Once you are an active member, you can begin taking courses towards your designation. Each course costs $1,200-$2,000 depending on whether you take it online or in-person. After completing all four core courses and submitting your portfolio for review, you will need to take and pass the comprehensive exam before being awarded your CCIM designation.

In total, it can cost around $8,000-$10,000 to obtain your CCIM designation depending on how long it takes to complete all of the necessary requirements.

5. Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSCM)

Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSCM) is a professional certification program offered by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). It is designed to recognize and reward those who demonstrate excellence in shopping center management. The CSCM certification is the highest level of recognition available for shopping center managers, and it requires a comprehensive knowledge of the industry.

To become certified, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as tenant relations, leasing, marketing, operations, finance and legal issues. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. Candidates must also have at least three years of full-time experience in shopping center management or related fields.

The cost of the CSCM certification varies depending on where you take the exam. In the United States, it typically costs between $400 and $600 to register for the exam. This fee includes access to study materials and practice tests. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at certain locations or if you need to retake it.

Once you’ve passed the exam, you will receive your CSCM certificate within six weeks of completion. After that, you will be able to use your certification as proof of your expertise in shopping center management when applying for jobs or promotions.

6. Real Estate Management Professional (REMP)

Real Estate Management Professional (REMP) is a professional designation for individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of real estate management. It is awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in real estate management through education, certification, and professional development.

To become a REMP, one must first complete IREM’s Certified Property Manager (CPM) program. This program consists of three courses: Principles of Real Estate Management, Financial Analysis for Real Estate Decisions, and Property Management Operations. After completing the CPM program, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam to become certified as a CPM.

Once an individual has obtained their CPM certification, they can then apply to become a REMP. To do this they must have at least five years of experience in real estate management and submit letters of recommendation from industry professionals attesting to their knowledge and experience in the field. They must also submit evidence that they are actively involved in professional organizations related to real estate management such as IREM or other local associations.

The process of becoming a REMP typically takes between six months and one year depending on the individual’s experience level and how quickly they can obtain all required materials for submission. The cost for becoming a REMP varies depending on the individual’s current membership status with IREM but typically ranges from $300-$500 USD.

7. Certified Leasing and Property Management Professional (CLPMP)

Certified Leasing and Property Management Professional (CLPMP) is a professional designation for individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the field of property management. The CLPMP designation is awarded by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM).

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an examination. Applicants must have at least two years of experience in residential property management, including at least one year in a supervisory role. They must also complete an approved course in leasing or property management and pass an exam administered by NARPM.

The certification process typically takes between six months to one year to complete, depending on the individual’s experience level and how quickly they can complete the required courses and exams.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the individual’s location, but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD. This includes the cost of the courses, exam fees, and membership dues for NARPM.

8. Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)

Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA). The CAM designation is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in managing apartment communities. It is designed to validate the skills, experience, and commitment of those who manage apartments for a living.

The CAM program consists of three parts: an online course, an exam, and a portfolio review. The online course covers topics such as legal compliance, tenant relations, marketing and leasing, maintenance operations, financial management, and more. The exam tests your knowledge of the material covered in the course. And finally, you must submit a portfolio for review that showcases your experience in the industry.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete all three parts of the CAM program. However, this can vary depending on how quickly you complete each part and how much time you have available to dedicate to studying.

The cost of the CAM program varies depending on whether you are an NAA member or not. For non-members it costs $495 for access to the online course plus $150 for the exam fee. For members it costs $395 for access to the online course plus $150 for the exam fee. There is also a one-time portfolio review fee of $100 regardless of membership status.

9. Residential Property Manager Certification (RPMC)

Residential Property Manager Certification (RPMC) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). The program is designed to provide property managers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively manage residential properties.

The RPMC program consists of four courses: Fundamentals of Residential Property Management, Risk Management, Professionalism and Ethics, and Financial Management. Each course takes approximately 30 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of all four courses, students will receive their RPMC certification.

To get certified in the RPMC program, students must first register for the program through NARPM's website. Once registered, students can begin taking the courses online or in-person at an approved NARPM training center. After completing each course, students must pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to earn their certification.

The cost for the RPMC program varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in-person. Online courses typically cost around $400 per course while in-person classes may be more expensive due to additional fees associated with renting space and providing materials.

10. National Apartment Leasing Professional Certification (NALP)

The National Apartment Leasing Professional Certification (NALP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise and professionalism of apartment leasing professionals. The program is administered by the National Apartment Association (NAA) and provides a comprehensive education in all aspects of leasing, from understanding the rental market to marketing and customer service.

To become certified, applicants must complete an online course and pass an exam that covers topics such as fair housing, tenant screening, lease agreements, customer service, marketing, and more. The course typically takes about 20 hours to complete. Once completed, applicants must submit their application for certification along with a $100 fee.

Once certified, NALP holders are recognized as experts in the field of apartment leasing and have access to exclusive resources like job postings and continuing education opportunities. They also receive discounts on NAA events and products. Certification must be renewed every three years through continuing education credits or by retaking the exam.

11. Society of Industrial and Office Realtors Designation (SIOR).

The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) is a professional designation for commercial real estate brokers, agents, and advisors. It is the highest level of recognition available to those in the industry. The SIOR designation is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, production, and ethical standards in the field of industrial and office real estate.

To earn the SIOR designation, an individual must first become a member of the Society by meeting certain criteria. This includes having at least five years of full-time experience in industrial or office real estate brokerage or consulting; having completed at least three transactions involving industrial or office properties within the past year; and obtaining references from three current members of SIOR who can attest to their professional qualifications.

Once these criteria are met, an individual may apply for the SIOR designation through a formal application process. This includes submitting detailed information about their professional experience, education, and accomplishments as well as providing letters of recommendation from colleagues in the industry. Upon successful completion of this application process, applicants will be invited to take a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as market analysis, finance, ethics, legal issues, property management and other related topics.

The cost for membership in SIOR varies depending on what type of membership you choose (e.g., national vs local chapter). Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 per year for national membership. Additionally there is a one-time fee of $1,500 to apply for the SIOR designation itself which covers all associated costs such as exam fees and materials.

Once all requirements are met and an individual passes the exam they will be awarded with the SIOR designation – signifying that they have achieved excellence in their field and are recognized as one of the top professionals in industrial and office real estate brokerage or consulting.

Do You Really Need a Commercial Property Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a commercial property manager certificate to be successful in the field. However, having one can certainly give you an edge over other candidates when applying for a job or promotion and may even give you access to higher-level roles.

Having a commercial property manager certificate can demonstrate your commitment to the profession and your willingness to stay informed about current trends and industry best practices. It also shows potential employers that you have taken the time to gain specialized knowledge in the field.

The coursework required for a commercial property manager certificate covers topics such as legal regulations, accounting principles, tenant relations, building maintenance, and marketing strategies. Additionally, it provides hands-on experience with management software programs and other tools used by property managers.

In addition to providing valuable knowledge on how to manage a property effectively, having a commercial property manager certificate can provide networking opportunities with other professionals in the field. This will help you build relationships with people who may be able to provide advice or refer you for new job opportunities.

Overall, although not necessary to be successful in this career path, having a commercial property manager certificate can give you an advantage over non-certified candidates when looking for jobs or promotions. It also provides access to specialized knowledge and resources that will help you become more successful in the long run.

Related: Commercial Property Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Commercial Property Manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Commercial Property Manager Certification?

A1. A Commercial Property Manager Certification is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in managing commercial properties. The certification is awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and requires completion of coursework, passing an exam, and meeting certain experience requirements.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Commercial Property Manager?

A2. To become certified as a Commercial Property Manager, you must complete the IREM Certified Property Manager® (CPM®) program which includes completing eight courses, passing the CPM exam, and having two years of qualifying experience in property management or related fields. You must also adhere to IREM's Code of Professional Ethics throughout your career as a CPM designee.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Commercial Property Manager?

A3. Becoming certified as a Commercial Property Manager can help you demonstrate your commitment to professionalism and excellence in property management. It also provides recognition from peers and employers that you have achieved the highest level of training and experience in this field, making you more competitive in the job market. Additionally, it allows you access to exclusive educational opportunities through IREM such as conferences and online resources to further enhance your skillset and stay up-to-date on industry trends and regulations.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified as a Commercial Property Manager?

A4: It typically takes about one year for individuals to complete all eight required courses for certification, although this can vary depending on how much time an individual has available to dedicate towards studying for the courses/exam and meeting other requirements such as gaining two years of qualifying experience in property management or related fields prior to applying for certification with IREM .

Q5 Is there an age requirement for becoming certified as a Commercial Property Manager?

A5: No, there is no age requirement for becoming certified as a Commercial Property Manager; however, applicants must meet all other requirements set forth by IREM including having two years of qualifying experience in property management or related fields prior to applying for certification with IREM .