Top 10 Estate Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an estate manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and experience that employers look for when hiring. Certifications show that the individual has taken the time to learn the necessary skills and is committed to the profession. Additionally, certifications provide recognition and credibility to potential employers, as well as potential clients. They can also help an estate manager stand out from other applicants, as certifications are proof of their dedication and commitment to their work. Finally, certifications can open doors for networking opportunities with other professionals in the industry, which can be invaluable in helping an estate manager advance their career.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Estate Managers and explain how they can benefit an estate manager's career.

What are Estate Manager Certifications?

Estate Manager Certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of estate management. It is awarded by the International Association of Estate Managers (IAEM) and is based on experience, formal education, and passing a rigorous examination. This certification demonstrates to employers, clients, and peers that an individual possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully manage their estates.

Estate Manager Certification can help individuals in a variety of ways. It enables them to demonstrate their expertise in estate management, stand out among other candidates for job opportunities, increase their earning potential through higher salaries or bonuses, gain access to exclusive resources such as IAEM's network of professionals and industry trends information, ensure they are up-to-date on current industry practices and regulations, and enhance their credibility with prospective employers or clients. Additionally, having this certification may allow individuals to obtain discounts on insurance premiums or other services related to estate management. Furthermore, it serves as an indicator that an individual has achieved a certain level of excellence in this field.

Pro Tip: When considering an estate manager certification, be sure to research the specific requirements of the program you are interested in. Many certifications require a certain amount of experience and knowledge in order to qualify, so make sure you understand what is required before committing to a program.

Related: What does an Estate Manager do?

Top 10 Estate Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Estate Manager (CEM)

Certified Estate Manager (CEM) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved the highest level of competency in the field of estate management. It is awarded by the Institute of Certified Estate Managers (ICEM), an international organization dedicated to promoting excellence in estate management.

To become a CEM, individuals must have at least five years of experience in estate management and complete a comprehensive training program offered by ICEM. The program consists of three courses: Fundamentals of Estate Management, Advanced Estate Management, and Professional Practice. Each course requires approximately 100 hours of study time and can be completed online or through traditional classroom instruction.

The cost for the CEM program varies depending on the type of instruction chosen, but typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 USD. Once all three courses have been successfully completed, applicants can take the CEM exam which has a fee of $500 USD. Upon passing the exam, applicants are awarded their CEM designation and receive a certificate from ICEM.

2. Certified Residential Property Manager (CRPM)

A Certified Residential Property Manager (CRPM) is a professional designation that recognizes the knowledge and expertise of property managers in the residential real estate industry. The CRPM designation is awarded by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM), an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in residential property management through education, networking, and advocacy.

To become a Certified Residential Property Manager (CRPM), applicants must meet certain requirements, including:

• Have at least two years of experience as a full-time property manager or have completed a minimum of 24 hours of NARPM approved education courses;
• Pass an examination that covers topics such as ethics, legal issues, tenant relations, maintenance, and financial management;
• Agree to abide by the NARPM Code of Ethics; and
• Pay an annual membership fee.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all requirements for the CRPM designation. However, applicants can complete their coursework more quickly if they choose to take online courses or attend live classes offered by NARPM. The cost for the CRPM designation varies depending on how many courses are taken and whether they are taken online or in person.

3. Certified Professional Property Manager (CPPM)

Certified Professional Property Manager (CPPM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). This certification is designed to recognize and promote excellence in property management. It is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of property management.

To become certified, applicants must complete an application process that includes submitting a resume and passing an exam. The exam covers topics such as financial management, legal issues, tenant relations, marketing and leasing, maintenance and operations, risk management, and more. Applicants must also have at least two years of full-time professional experience in real estate management or related fields.

The cost for the CPPM certification varies depending on the applicant’s membership status with IREM. Non-members will pay $495 for the application fee plus $395 for the exam fee; members will pay $295 for the application fee plus $295 for the exam fee.

It typically takes about three months to complete the certification process from start to finish. After submitting your application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CPPM certificate within 4-6 weeks.

4. Certified Real Estate Management Professional (CREM)

Certified Real Estate Management Professional (CREM) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). It is designed to recognize the highest level of real estate management expertise and professionalism.

To become a Certified Real Estate Management Professional, an individual must meet certain criteria and pass an exam administered by IREM. The criteria include having at least three years of experience in real estate management, completing a minimum of 30 hours of approved continuing education courses, and passing the CREM examination.

The CREM examination consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as legal issues, finance, marketing, operations and maintenance, budgeting, tenant relations, and ethics. The practical portion tests the candidate's ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

The cost for taking the CREM exam varies depending on whether you are an IREM member or not. For non-members, the fee is $595 USD; for members it is $395 USD. It typically takes between 6-8 weeks to receive your results after taking the exam.

5. Certified Property Manager (CPM)

Certified Property Manager (CPM) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). It is an internationally recognized credential that signifies expertise in all aspects of property management, including financial analysis, legal compliance, leasing and marketing.

The CPM program consists of three parts: Education, Experience and Examination. To become certified, candidates must complete a series of courses offered by IREM and have at least two years of experience in the real estate industry. They must also pass an exam administered by IREM.

The CPM program typically takes between one to two years to complete depending on the candidate's prior experience and education. The cost of the program varies depending on the number of courses taken and whether or not they are taken online or in person. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000 to $4,000 for all three parts combined.

6. Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)

Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) is a professional certification program designed to help apartment managers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully manage an apartment community. The CAM certification is administered by the National Apartment Association (NAA), a trade organization that provides education, resources, and advocacy for rental housing providers.

To become certified as a CAM, individuals must complete a series of courses and pass an exam. The courses cover topics such as leasing and marketing, resident relations, accounting and finance, legal compliance, maintenance operations, safety and security procedures, and more. The courses can be taken online or in-person at NAA-approved schools.

The total cost of the CAM program depends on the type of course you choose to take. Online courses typically cost around $1,000 while in-person classes can range from $2,500 to $4,000. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $125 for members of the NAA or $175 for non-members.

The length of time it takes to complete the CAM program varies depending on individual progress but typically takes between six months and one year to complete all requirements.

7. Accredited Residential Manager (ARM)

Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) is a professional designation that recognizes the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who manage residential properties. The ARM designation is awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), a professional association for real estate managers.

To become an ARM, you must have at least two years of full-time experience in residential property management, or one year of experience plus completion of the IREM Residential Property Management course. You must also pass a comprehensive exam administered by IREM. The exam covers topics such as budgeting and financial management, leasing and marketing, maintenance and operations, legal issues, fair housing laws, and tenant relations.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on whether you are an IREM member or not. For non-members it is $400; for members it is $250. It typically takes about six weeks to receive your results after taking the exam.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements for becoming an ARM, you will receive your certificate from IREM and be able to use the ARM designation after your name.

8. National Association of Residential Property Managers Certification (NARPM-C)

The National Association of Residential Property Managers Certification (NARPM-C) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). The NARPM-C is designed to recognize property managers who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the residential property management industry.

To obtain the NARPM-C, applicants must complete an online course that covers topics such as rental laws, tenant relations, marketing, accounting and finance, and technology. The course takes approximately 40 hours to complete and requires passing an exam at the end. Once the course is completed and the exam passed, applicants will receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining the NARPM-C certification varies depending on your membership status with NARPM. For members of NARPM, the cost is $250; for non-members, it’s $400.

In addition to completing the online course and passing the exam, applicants must also be members in good standing with NARPM for at least one year prior to applying for certification.

9. International Council of Shopping Centers Designation (ICSC-D)

The International Council of Shopping Centers Designation (ICSC-D) is a professional certification program that recognizes and rewards individuals with expertise in the shopping center industry. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of knowledge, experience, and leadership in the field.

The ICSC-D designation is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed an extensive course of study and passed a comprehensive examination. The program consists of four courses: Shopping Center Management, Shopping Center Development, Retail Real Estate Law, and Retail Marketing. Each course must be completed within two years to receive the designation.

To be eligible for the ICSC-D designation, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and have at least three years of relevant experience in the shopping center industry. Applicants must also submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of work experience.

The cost for the ICSC-D designation varies depending on which courses are taken and how many credits are earned. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $2,500 USD for all four courses. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam or applying for the designation itself.

10. National Apartment Association Education Institute Designation (NAAEI-D).

The National Apartment Association Education Institute Designation (NAAEI-D) is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s commitment to the multifamily housing industry. It is awarded after successful completion of a comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of apartment management, from leasing and marketing to operations and maintenance.

To receive the NAAEI-D, individuals must complete three core courses: Principles of Apartment Management (PAM), Advanced Principles of Apartment Management (APAM), and Fair Housing for Property Managers (FHPM). Each course consists of both online and in-person components, with the online portion taking approximately 8 hours to complete and the in-person portion lasting 2 days. The cost for each course varies depending on whether you are an NAA member or nonmember, but typically ranges from $400-$600 per course.

Once all three courses have been completed, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the NAAEI in order to obtain their NAAEI-D designation. This exam takes about 2 hours to complete and costs $150 for members and $200 for nonmembers.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, individuals will be issued their official NAAEI-D designation certificate as well as access to exclusive resources such as job postings, discounts on products and services, and networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.

Do You Really Need a Estate Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals and the industry you are interested in pursuing. If you are looking to work as an estate manager, then obtaining a certificate may be beneficial, as it can show employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job effectively. A certificate could also help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of being hired.

On the other hand, if you already have experience in estate management or another related field, then a certificate may not be necessary for you. In this case, your prior experience and qualifications may be enough to demonstrate your expertise in the field. However, if there is a particular area of estate management that you wish to specialize in (such as financial planning or legal compliance), then obtaining a certificate may be beneficial. It could help prove your level of expertise and give potential employers confidence that they are hiring someone who is capable of performing all aspects of estate management.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an estate manager certificate will depend on your personal circumstances and career goals. Consider what kind of job opportunities are available to you without one and determine whether having a certification would make a significant difference in terms of advancing your career prospects.

Related: Estate Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Estate Manager Certifications

1. What is an Estate Manager Certification?

Answer: An estate manager certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the principles, practices and policies related to managing residential and commercial estates. The certification is offered by the National Association of Estate Managers (NAEM) and is designed to help professionals in this field advance their careers.

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

Answer: To become certified as an Estate Manager, you must meet the eligibility requirements set forth by NAEM, which include having at least two years of experience in estate management or a related field, completing at least 25 hours of continuing education courses in the areas of estate management, and passing a comprehensive exam.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified demonstrates your commitment to excellence in estate management and provides you with valuable credentials that can open doors to new opportunities. It also allows you to command higher salaries and gain greater respect from colleagues and clients. Additionally, it gives you access to exclusive resources such as online forums and educational materials from NAEM.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time required for certification depends on your current knowledge and experience level in estate management. Generally speaking, it takes between one and two years for most people to complete all the necessary requirements for certification.

5. Is there an annual fee associated with maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, there is an annual fee associated with maintaining your certification status with NAEM. This fee covers membership dues as well as access to exclusive resources such as online forums, educational materials, discounts on products and services related to estate management, and more.