Top 10 Regional Property Manager Certifications

Certifications for a regional property manager are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the candidate has achieved a certain level of knowledge, skill and expertise in the field. Certifications also provide potential employers with assurance that the individual is qualified for the job and will be able to perform necessary duties. Furthermore, certifications can give a regional property manager an advantage over other candidates who may not have obtained certification or may not have adequate experience. Additionally, certifications can help open up new opportunities and enable individuals to gain access to higher-level positions or roles within their organization. Finally, certifications can provide a sense of pride and accomplishment that can further motivate individuals to continue learning and developing their skillset.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Regional Property Managers and explains how they can contribute to a regional property manager's career.

What are Regional Property Manager Certifications?

Regional property manager certification is a program offered by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) to help residential property managers improve their skills and knowledge in the field. It is designed to give residential property managers the expertise and confidence they need to effectively manage their properties, while also helping them stand out as top professionals in their industry.

The certification consists of three levels: Certified Regional Property Manager (CRPM), Master Certified Regional Property Manager (MCRPM), and Expert Certified Regional Property Manager (ECRPM). Each level requires successful completion of an online course, which covers topics such as tenant relations, leasing, maintenance, legal compliance, marketing, and budgeting. In order to receive certification at each level, participants must pass a comprehensive exam that tests their knowledge and competency in these areas.

By earning regional property manager certification, property managers will gain recognition for having achieved a higher level of professionalism in the industry. This credential can be used to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and their ability to properly manage properties. It can also be used as leverage when negotiating higher salaries or applying for promotions within companies or organizations. Additionally, some states may require certain certifications in order for individuals to become licensed residential property managers. Thus, obtaining regional property manager certification may be necessary for those wishing to pursue a career in this field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the regional property manager certification requirements before submitting your application. Understanding the requirements will help you make sure that you have all of the necessary documentation, credentials, and experience needed to complete the certification process.

Related: What does a Regional Property Manager do?

Top 10 Regional Property Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Regional 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 is the highest level of professional recognition available to property managers. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved excellence in their field and demonstrate a commitment to the highest standards of professional practice.

To become a CPM, an individual must meet certain educational, experience, and ethical requirements set forth by IREM. To qualify for the CPM designation, an individual must have at least three years of full-time experience in real estate management and must successfully complete six core courses from IREM’s curriculum. Additionally, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as finance, legal issues, marketing and customer service.

The process typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete depending on the individual’s background. During this time period, individuals should plan on taking classes or studying independently to prepare for the exam.

The cost of becoming a CPM varies depending on which courses are taken and how they are taken (online or in person). Generally speaking, individuals can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000-$3,000 for tuition and fees associated with obtaining the designation. This does not include any additional costs associated with studying for the exam or other expenses related to earning the CPM designation.

2. Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)

Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) is a professional certification program that is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced apartment managers. The CAM program is administered by the National Apartment Association (NAA) and is recognized throughout the United States.

To become certified, an individual must have at least two years of full-time experience as an on-site or off-site apartment manager, or a combination of both. In addition, they must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as property management operations, tenant relations, fair housing laws, and accounting principles.

The certification process typically takes between four to six weeks to complete. To get started, individuals must first submit an application to the NAA and pay the associated fee ($395 for members; $495 for nonmembers). Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive study materials and instructions on how to prepare for the exam. After completing their studies, applicants can then register for a testing date at one of several locations across the country.

The cost of taking the CAM exam varies depending on whether you are an NAA member or not. For members, it costs $195; for nonmembers it costs $295. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with travel and lodging if you need to take your exam at a location away from home.

3. Accredited Residential Manager (ARM)

Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) is a professional designation for residential property managers. It is awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), a professional association for real estate managers. The ARM designation is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of residential property management.

To obtain the ARM designation, one must complete an application process that includes an online assessment, a written exam, and a portfolio review. The online assessment consists of multiple-choice questions related to topics such as tenant relations, financial management, legal issues, and maintenance operations. The written exam covers topics such as contracts, leases, fair housing laws, and marketing strategies. Finally, applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in the field of residential property management.

The entire process typically takes between four and six months to complete. Applicants must pay an application fee as well as fees for each component of the application process. The total cost typically ranges from $500-$1,000 depending on the components chosen by the applicant.

4. Real Estate Management Professional (REMP)

Real Estate Management Professional (REMP) is a professional designation for those who specialize in the management of real estate assets. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of real estate management.

To obtain the REMP designation, an individual must complete a series of courses offered by the Real Estate Management Professionals Institute (REMPro). These courses cover topics such as property management, financial analysis, marketing, and legal issues related to real estate. The courses are typically offered online or through a combination of classroom instruction and online components. Upon completion of the coursework, individuals must pass an exam administered by REMPro to receive their designation.

The cost for obtaining the REMP designation varies depending on which course package you choose. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD for all required course materials and exams. The time it takes to get your REMP designation depends on how quickly you complete the coursework and how quickly you pass the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two months to one year to complete all requirements for obtaining your REMP designation.

5. Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS)

Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) is a designation awarded by the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA). It is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in affordable housing management. This certification is designed to help property managers, owners, and other professionals in the affordable housing industry stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and compliance requirements.

The COS certification process involves completing a two-day training course, passing a written exam, and submitting a completed application. The course covers topics such as fair housing laws, tenant selection criteria, rent calculation methods, and other important aspects of affordable housing management.

The cost of the COS certification varies depending on whether you take the online or in-person course. The online course costs $495 while the in-person course costs $795. Both courses include all materials needed for the exam and application submission.

It typically takes about six weeks to complete the COS certification process from start to finish.

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

The National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) is a professional organization that provides resources and education to property managers across the United States. NARPM offers a certification program for residential property managers, which is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the field.

To obtain the NARPM Certification, an individual must meet certain criteria, including having at least two years of full-time experience as a residential property manager or three years of part-time experience. The candidate must also complete an approved course and pass an exam. The course covers topics such as tenant relations, legal issues, maintenance and repair, accounting principles, fair housing laws, and more. It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the coursework and prepare for the exam.

The cost for obtaining the NARPM Certification varies depending on whether you are already a member of NARPM or not. For non-members, there is an application fee of $50 plus the cost of the course ($595). For members, there is only an application fee ($50) plus any applicable state licensing fees.

Once certified by NARPM, individuals can use the designation “Certified Residential Property Manager” (CRPM) after their name to demonstrate their expertise in residential property management. This certification can help individuals stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions within the industry.

7. Certified Asset Manager (CAM)

Certified Asset Manager (CAM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of competency in asset management. The CAM credential is offered by the Institute of Asset Management (IAM), an international organization that promotes best practices in asset management.

The CAM program consists of two parts: an online self-study course and a certification exam. The self-study course covers topics such as asset life cycle management, risk assessment, financial analysis, and performance measurement. It takes approximately 20 hours to complete the self-study course. After completing the course, candidates must pass an exam to earn the CAM credential.

To become certified, candidates must have at least three years of experience working in asset management or related fields. Candidates must also submit proof of their education and work experience when applying for the certification.

The cost to become certified varies depending on where you live and how you choose to take the exam (online or in person). Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for all materials and fees associated with earning your CAM credential.

8. Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSCM)

Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSCM) is a professional certification program designed to help shopping center professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a successful retail property. The program is offered by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and provides comprehensive training in all aspects of retail real estate management.

The CSCM program consists of three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Each level requires different amounts of time and effort to complete, with Level 3 being the most difficult. To earn the CSCM designation, candidates must pass an exam at each level.

Level 1 includes a self-study course that takes approximately 4–6 weeks to complete. Candidates must also attend an ICSC-approved seminar or webinar in order to receive credit for this level.

Level 2 consists of two courses that take approximately 8–10 weeks to complete. Candidates must also attend an ICSC-approved seminar or webinar in order to receive credit for this level.

Level 3 is the most challenging level and consists of four courses that take approximately 12–14 weeks to complete. Candidates must also attend an ICSC-approved seminar or webinar in order to receive credit for this level.

The cost for the entire CSCM program varies depending on which courses you choose and where you take them; however, it typically ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD per person.

9. Certified Residential Property Manager (CRPM)

Certified Residential Property Manager (CRPM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in residential property management. The CRPM certification requires a commitment to ongoing professional development, and is intended to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in managing residential properties.

In order to become certified as a CRPM, an individual must meet certain requirements set forth by NARPM. These include having at least two years of experience in residential property management, completing specific educational courses, and passing an exam. The exam consists of both multiple-choice questions and essay questions related to the principles and practices of residential property management.

The process of becoming certified as a CRPM typically takes between six months and one year, depending on how quickly the individual can complete all required coursework and pass the exam.

The cost for becoming certified as a CRPM varies depending on the individual’s membership status with NARPM. For non-members, the cost is $395 plus any applicable taxes. For members, the cost is $295 plus any applicable taxes. In addition to these fees, there may be additional costs associated with taking courses or purchasing study materials for the exam.

10. Green Building Professional Certification

Green Building Professional Certification is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in green building practices. It is awarded by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), an independent, third-party organization that provides professional certifications for green building professionals.

The certification process typically takes between four to six months to complete. To become certified, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of green building principles and practices through a combination of online courses, exams, and in-person workshops. Applicants must also pass a final exam in order to be certified.

To get started, applicants must first register with GBCI and choose the appropriate certification track. Once registered, they can begin taking courses and exams online or attend in-person workshops offered by GBCI or its partners. After completing all coursework and exams, applicants must submit their application for review by GBCI’s board of directors. Upon approval, they will receive their Green Building Professional Certification certificate.

The cost for the certification depends on the track chosen but typically ranges from $250 - $1,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Regional Property Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Regional Property Manager Certificate depends on what type of property manager you want to be. If you want to manage a large portfolio of properties, such as apartment complexes, office buildings, or shopping centers, then it would be beneficial to have the certificate. The certificate provides training and education in specialized areas that are important for managing large properties and portfolios. Additionally, having the certification may make you more attractive to potential employers who specialize in this field.

On the other hand, if you just want to manage a few single-family homes or smaller rental units, then a Regional Property Manager Certificate may not be necessary. In fact, most states do not require any special certification or licensing to act as a residential property manager. However, having knowledge of relevant laws and regulations can still be beneficial for anyone who wants to pursue this career path.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Regional Property Manager Certificate depends on your career goals and ambitions in the property management field. If you plan on managing larger properties and portfolios with multiple tenants, then obtaining the certification could be helpful in expanding your skillset and making yourself more attractive to potential employers. On the other hand, if you only plan on managing one or two small rental units, then obtaining the certificate may not be necessary.

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FAQs About Regional Property Manager Certifications

1. What is the purpose of Regional Property Manager Certification?

Answer: The purpose of regional property manager certification is to demonstrate a high level of competency in the management and oversight of real estate portfolios. It is a way for property managers to show their knowledge and expertise, while also providing assurance to employers that they have the necessary skills and experience to manage their properties effectively.

2. How do I become a Certified Regional Property Manager?

Answer: To become certified, you must complete an accredited course and pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying body such as the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). You will also need to meet any other requirements set by your state or local jurisdiction.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Regional Property Manager?

Answer: Becoming certified can help you stand out from other property managers in your area, and may lead to increased job opportunities or higher salaries. It can also provide you with recognition within the industry, allowing you to network with other professionals more effectively.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified varies depending on your experience and the certifying body you choose to use. Generally, it takes between 6-12 months if you are starting from scratch.

5. Is there ongoing education required for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require continuing education credits or professional development activities in order to maintain your certification status over time.