Top 11 House Manager Certifications

Certifications for a house manager are important because they demonstrate that the individual is qualified and knowledgeable in the field. They also provide employers with assurance that the candidate is up-to-date on industry standards and best practices, which can help them make informed decisions about hiring. Certifications show potential employers that the candidate has taken the time to gain specific knowledge and expertise related to the job. In addition, certifications may be required by some organizations or employers in order to be considered for a position. Therefore, having certifications can give a house manager an edge over other candidates when it comes to getting hired.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for House Managers and explains how they can help to further a house manager's career.

What are House Manager Certifications?

House manager certification is a professional designation that provides recognition for individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to supervise and manage residential properties. It is intended to give house managers the credentials they need to be successful in their field. With this certification, house managers can demonstrate their commitment to learning and professionalism in the industry.

The certification process typically involves completing a course or program, passing an exam, and submitting documentation of experience in the field. The courses cover topics such as tenant rights and responsibilities, building maintenance and repair, legal issues related to rental agreements, budgeting and financial management, customer service, conflict resolution strategies, safety protocols, and more. Having this certification can help house managers stand out from other applicants when seeking a job or promotion. It also shows employers that they are knowledgeable about the industry standards and regulations associated with managing residential properties. Additionally, it can provide house managers with access to networking opportunities through professional organizations dedicated to property management.

Pro Tip: Obtaining a house manager certification can help you stand out in the competitive field of house management. Look for certifications that are accredited and recognized by professional organizations, such as the International Association of Professional House Managers. This will ensure that your certification is valid and respected by potential employers.

Related: What does a House Manager do?

Top 11 House Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional House Manager (CPHM)

Certified Professional House Manager (CPHM) is a professional certification for individuals who manage and oversee the operations of private residences. It is designed to recognize the expertise of house managers in areas such as budgeting, staffing, safety, security, maintenance, and hospitality. The CPHM certification is offered by the International Association of Professional House Managers (IAPHM).

To become certified as a CPHM, an individual must first complete an application process that includes submitting proof of education and experience in house management. Once approved, the individual must then pass a written exam that covers topics such as personnel management, finance and budgeting, legal issues, safety and security protocols, hospitality services, and maintenance. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

The cost of becoming certified as a CPHM varies depending on the individual’s educational background and experience. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 to become certified. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam or renewing your certification every three years.

Overall, becoming certified as a CPHM is an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in house management. It can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions in this field.

2. Certified Housekeeping Manager (CHM)

Certified Housekeeping Manager (CHM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of housekeeping managers. The program is offered by the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA). It provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of managing a successful housekeeping operation, from personnel management to budgeting and financial planning.

The CHM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge in areas such as safety, sanitation, customer service, inventory management, and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CHM certification, candidates must have at least two years of full-time work experience in the housekeeping industry or a related field. Candidates must also hold a high school diploma or equivalent.

The cost of the CHM certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam online or in person. The online exam costs $199 USD while the in-person exam costs $299 USD. Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee of $99 USD for those who wish to maintain their certification status.

3. Certified Hospitality Property Supervisor (CHPS)

Certified Hospitality Property Supervisor (CHPS) is a professional certification offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). This certification is designed to recognize hospitality supervisors who have demonstrated a high level of competency in areas such as customer service, operations, and management.

The CHPS certification requires applicants to pass an online exam that covers topics such as financial management, human resources, marketing and sales, operations, and safety and security. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. To qualify for the CHPS designation, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a supervisory role in the hospitality industry.

To get certified as a CHPS, applicants must first register online at AHLEI’s website. Once registered, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the exam. After successfully completing the exam, applicants will receive their official CHPS certificate from AHLEI.

The cost for registration is $299 USD. Applicants who are members of AHLEI may be eligible for discounted rates.

4. Certified Facility Manager (CFM)

Certified Facility Manager (CFM) is a professional certification program offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). The CFM certification demonstrates that an individual has achieved a level of competency in the field of facility management. It is designed to validate the knowledge and experience of facility managers, as well as to ensure that they are up-to-date on best practices and trends in the industry.

The CFM program consists of three components: an online exam, a work experience portfolio review, and continuing education requirements. The online exam tests a candidate's knowledge of facility management topics such as operations and maintenance, finance and business, human factors, leadership and strategy, project management, sustainability, and technology.

The work experience portfolio review requires candidates to submit evidence of their professional experience in facility management roles. Candidates must have at least three years of full-time professional experience in facilities management or related fields to be eligible for this component.

The continuing education requirement ensures that CFMs stay current with best practices and trends in the industry by requiring them to complete 30 hours of approved continuing education every three years.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all three components of the CFM program depending on how quickly you can complete the required coursework or gather necessary documentation for your portfolio review.

The cost for the CFM program varies depending on which type of membership you have with IFMA; however, it generally ranges from $650 – $1,000 USD.

5. Certified Residential Property Manager (CRPM)

Certified Residential Property Manager (CRPM) is a professional designation offered by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). It is designed to recognize property managers who have achieved a level of excellence in their field. The CRPM designation requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in residential property management.

In order to obtain the CRPM designation, candidates must meet certain requirements including: having at least two years of full-time experience managing residential properties; completing an approved course on residential property management; passing a comprehensive exam; and agreeing to abide by NARPM's Code of Ethics.

The process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. The cost for obtaining the CRPM designation varies depending on the type of training materials purchased. Generally, it costs around $1,000 for all required materials and fees associated with obtaining the certification.

6. Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)

Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) is a certification program offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA). This program is designed to provide apartment professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in the industry. The CAM certification is earned after completing a comprehensive course of study and passing an exam.

The CAM course consists of four modules: Property Management, Human Resources, Financial Management, and Legal Issues. Each module requires approximately 20 hours of study time. After completing all four modules, students must pass a final exam in order to earn their CAM certification.

In order to take the CAM exam, applicants must be members of the NAA and have at least two years of experience in the apartment management field. They must also complete an application form and pay an exam fee. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on membership level but typically ranges from $175-$225 USD.

Once certified, individuals will receive a certificate from NAA that can be used as proof of their professional credentials when applying for jobs or promotions in apartment management. The certification is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

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

The National Association of Residential Property Managers Certification (NARPM-C) is a professional certification program for residential property managers. It is designed to recognize and reward those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of residential property management.

The NARPM-C certification requires applicants to meet certain criteria, including having at least two years of experience in the field, completing an approved course of study, and passing an exam. The course of study consists of five modules covering topics such as tenant relations, financial management, legal issues, marketing and leasing, and maintenance and operations. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

To obtain the NARPM-C certification, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of their experience in the field, proof that they have completed the required coursework, and payment for the examination fee. The application fee is $150 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. Once approved, applicants can take the exam at any authorized testing center.

The entire process typically takes between four to six weeks from start to finish. However, it may take longer depending on individual circumstances such as availability of testing centers or other factors.

8. International Association of Home Staging Professionals Certification (IAHSP-C)

The International Association of Home Staging Professionals Certification (IAHSP-C) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved the highest level of excellence in the home staging industry. It is the only home staging certification recognized by the National Association of Realtors and other leading real estate organizations.

The IAHSP-C certification process takes approximately six weeks to complete and consists of a comprehensive online course, an online exam, and a final review by an IAHSP-Certified Professional. The course covers topics such as staging principles, marketing strategies, client relations, and business operations. Upon successful completion of all components, candidates are awarded their IAHSP-C certification.

To get certified, interested individuals must first register for the IAHSP-C Certification Program through the IAHSP website. After registering, they will receive access to the online course material and exam. Candidates must complete both components within six weeks in order to become certified.

The cost for the IAHSP-C Certification Program is $499 USD. This fee includes access to all course materials and exams, as well as ongoing support from IAHSP professionals throughout the entire process.

9. Institute of Real Estate Management Certification (IREM-C)

The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) Certified Property Manager (CPM) certification is the most widely recognized and respected professional credential in the real estate management industry. It is a comprehensive program that provides an in-depth understanding of all aspects of real estate management, including financial analysis, legal issues, marketing strategies, tenant relations, and risk management.

The IREM-C certification requires successful completion of five courses: Financial Analysis and Decision Making; Legal Aspects of Real Estate Management; Marketing and Leasing Strategies; Risk Management; and Tenant Relations. Each course must be completed within two years to qualify for the CPM designation.

To obtain the IREM-C certification, you must first become a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management by paying an annual fee. Once you are a member, you will need to complete all five courses within two years and pass a final exam with a score of at least 70%. You can take these courses online or in person at IREM-affiliated schools across the United States.

The cost for each course varies depending on whether you take it online or in person. The total cost for all five courses is approximately $2,000 - $3,000 USD.

10. National Association of Professional Organizers Certification (NAPO-C)

The National Association of Professional Organizers Certification (NAPO-C) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professional organizers. The NAPO-C is the only nationally recognized certification program for professional organizers in the United States.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements including having at least two years of documented experience as a professional organizer, passing an exam that covers topics such as organizing principles, client relations, and marketing strategies, and completing continuing education credits each year.

The process to become certified typically takes several months to complete. Applicants must first submit an application to NAPO along with proof of their experience. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then register for and pass the NAPO-C exam. After passing the exam, applicants are required to submit additional documentation verifying their continuing education credits before they can receive their certificate of completion.

The cost for becoming certified varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of NAPO. For members, there is an initial application fee of $50 plus a $150 fee for taking the exam. Non-members pay an additional $100 fee for membership when applying for certification. Additionally, there are annual fees associated with maintaining your certification status which range from $30-$50 depending on your membership status with NAPO.

11. National Apartment Association Education and Credentialing Program Certification (NAAE-C).

The National Apartment Association Education and Credentialing Program Certification (NAAE-C) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the multifamily housing industry. This certification is offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA), which is the largest trade association representing the apartment industry.

The NAAE-C certification requires applicants to demonstrate their expertise in areas such as leasing, marketing, management, maintenance, finance, legal issues, customer service, and technology. The certification process includes an online application and exam that covers topics such as fair housing laws, tenant relations, budgeting and financial management.

To become certified through the NAAE-C program, applicants must first submit an application and pay a $150 fee. Once approved for the program, applicants must then pass a three-hour online exam with at least 70% accuracy. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover various aspects of multifamily housing management.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam they will receive their NAAE-C certificate and be listed on the NAA’s website as a certified professional in multifamily housing management. The certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance and can be renewed by taking additional courses or attending conferences related to multifamily housing management.

Overall, obtaining NAAE-C certification provides individuals with recognition for their knowledge and expertise in multifamily housing management. It also serves as evidence of commitment to professional development within this field and demonstrates competence to employers or potential clients.

Do You Really Need a House Manager Certificate?

When it comes to deciding whether or not you need a house manager certificate, the answer depends on what your goals are. If you are looking to become a house manager for a large organization, then having a house manager certificate may be beneficial. A certificate can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a home or residence successfully. It can also show that you are up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

On the other hand, if you are looking to become an independent house manager, it is possible to do so without any formal training or certification. Many independent house managers have gained experience through hands-on work experience in residential settings. They understand how to manage properties effectively and can often learn on the job without any formal training.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a house manager certificate depends largely on your own individual goals and aspirations in this field. If working for an established organization is your goal, then obtaining a house manager certificate may be beneficial. However, if you prefer to pursue an independent career path as a house manager, then gaining experience through hands-on work is likely enough to get started.

Related: House Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About House Manager Certifications

1. What is a House Manager Certification?

A House Manager Certification is a professional credential awarded to individuals who have met the qualifications and standards set by the International Association of House Managers (IAHM). The certification demonstrates that a house manager has knowledge and skills in all aspects of managing a private residence, from budgeting and planning to personnel management.

2. How do I obtain a House Manager Certification?

To obtain a House Manager Certification, you must complete an accredited program offered by the International Association of House Managers or an approved educational institution. This typically includes courses in professional development, finance, personnel management, and other topics related to residential management.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a House Manager?

By earning your House Manager Certification, you gain recognition as an expert in residential management and demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence. This can help you stand out among potential employers and open up new job opportunities in this field. Additionally, certification may provide access to higher salaries and better job security.

4. How much does it cost to become certified as a House Manager?

The cost of becoming certified as a House Manager will vary depending on which program you choose and what type of credentials you pursue. Generally speaking, the cost for certification ranges from $200-$700 USD for IAHM programs, while other educational institutions may offer lower or higher costs depending on their offerings.

5. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining my certification?

Yes - once certified as a House Manager, you must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain your credential status with the International Association of House Managers (IAHM). This continuing education must be approved by IAHM and cover topics related to house management best practices or industry trends.