Top 11 Resident Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a resident manager in the job market because they help demonstrate to employers that a candidate has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job. Certifications also provide validation of a resident manager’s qualifications, which can enhance their credibility in the eyes of potential employers. Additionally, certifications can give a resident manager an edge over other applicants who may not have taken the time to pursue additional education or training. Finally, certifications can provide professional development opportunities, allowing managers to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Resident Managers and explain how they can help advance a resident manager's career.

What are Resident Manager Certifications?

Resident manager certification is a program designed to provide comprehensive training and certification for property managers. The program is designed to help property managers become more knowledgeable in the areas of tenant relations, leasing, management, maintenance, and legal compliance. It is aimed at ensuring that all property managers have the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage their properties.

The program covers topics such as marketing and advertising, tenant screening, rent collection and evictions, budgeting and financial reporting, maintenance and repair management, tenant rights and fair housing laws. In addition to providing instruction on these topics, the program also includes courses on professional development that can help prepare property managers for advancement opportunities within their organizations.

By becoming certified through this program, property managers can demonstrate that they possess the necessary skills to be successful in their role. This can lead to more job opportunities in the field as well as increased salary potential due to higher levels of competency. Additionally, having a resident manager certification can help validate an individual’s expertise in the field while also instilling greater confidence in clients by showing them that their rental property is being managed by someone with the necessary qualifications.

Pro Tip: If you are a resident manager seeking certification, make sure to get all of the necessary paperwork and training completed before taking the exam. Additionally, reach out to your local housing authority for any additional resources that may be available to help you prepare.

Related: What does a Resident Manager do?

Top 11 Resident Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)

Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA). It is designed to provide apartment managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage an apartment complex. The program covers topics such as leasing, marketing, maintenance, customer service, financial management, and legal issues.

The CAM program consists of three courses: Core Essentials, Property Management Operations and Leadership & Business Strategies. Each course must be completed in order to receive the certification. The courses can be taken online or in person at an NAA-approved provider. The total cost of the program ranges from $1,000-$1,500 depending on the provider.

The program takes approximately six months to complete. Once all three courses have been completed, applicants must pass a final exam in order to receive their CAM certification. This exam is administered by NAA and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CAM certificate and will be eligible for membership in the NAA's Certified Apartment Managers Network (CAMN).

2. National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) Certified Property Manager (CPM)

The National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) Certified Property Manager (CPM) is a professional designation that recognizes the highest level of expertise and knowledge in the field of property management. It is a voluntary certification program that requires applicants to demonstrate their proficiency in various aspects of property management, including legal compliance, financial analysis, marketing, leasing and tenant relations.

To become certified as a CPM, applicants must first complete an approved NAAEI course or program and pass an examination. The NAAEI offers several different courses and programs for those interested in becoming certified. These include the Certified Apartment Manager (CAM), the Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS), and the Residential Management Professional (RMP). Each program has its own set of requirements and costs associated with it.

The CPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as fair housing laws, finance, marketing, tenant relations, maintenance and repair operations, leasing procedures, budgeting and more. Candidates are given three hours to complete the exam.

In order to take the CPM exam, candidates must have at least two years of full-time experience in property management within the past five years or one year of full-time experience if they have completed an approved NAAEI course or program. Candidates must also submit proof of their experience to be eligible to take the exam.

The cost for taking the CPM exam varies depending on which approved NAAEI course or program you choose to take prior to taking the exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1000 for all materials needed to prepare for and take the CPM exam.

3. Accredited Residential Manager (ARM)

Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). The ARM designation is designed to recognize those individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of residential property management. The ARM designation is highly respected within the industry and can be used to demonstrate an individual’s expertise.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the ARM designation. To obtain the ARM designation, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as financial management, legal issues, tenant relations, marketing and leasing, maintenance and operations, risk management, and ethics. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also have at least three years of full-time residential property management experience or equivalent education/experience in related fields.

The cost for obtaining the ARM designation varies depending on whether you are an IREM member or non-member. For IREM members, there is a one-time fee of $495 USD which includes access to study materials and resources as well as access to online practice exams. For non-members, there is a one-time fee of $695 USD which includes all of the same benefits plus membership in IREM for one year.

4. Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS)

Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of affordable housing occupancy. COS certification is offered through the National Center for Housing Management (NCHM).

The COS certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a proctored exam. The online course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and covers topics such as tenant selection criteria, lease agreements, rent calculations, fair housing requirements, and more. Upon completion of the course, students must pass a proctored exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to become certified.

The cost for the COS certification program is $395 USD. This includes access to the online course materials, one attempt at the proctored exam, and a certificate upon successful completion of the program.

5. Certified Professional Apartment Manager (CPAM)

Certified Professional Apartment Manager (CPAM) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of experienced apartment managers. It is administered by the National Apartment Association (NAA), which is the largest trade association representing the rental housing industry. The CPAM designation is awarded to those who demonstrate mastery of essential property management principles, including financial management, legal compliance, marketing and leasing, maintenance operations, and resident relations.

In order to receive the CPAM designation, applicants must have a minimum of three years of verifiable experience in apartment management or related fields. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as budgeting and financial management; tenant relations; marketing and leasing; legal compliance; maintenance operations; and risk management.

The cost for taking the CPAM exam is $225 for NAA members and $325 for non-members. The exam can be taken online or in person at an NAA-approved testing center. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

Once candidates have met all requirements and passed the exam, they will receive their CPAM certification from NAA along with a certificate suitable for framing. They will also gain access to exclusive benefits such as discounts on educational events and materials, invitations to special networking events, access to career resources, and more.

6. Certified Leasing Professional (CLP)

The Certified Leasing Professional (CLP) is a designation that demonstrates a professional's knowledge and expertise in the field of leasing. It is awarded by the National Association of Equipment Leasing Professionals (NAELP) to those who have achieved a high level of proficiency and understanding in the leasing industry.

To obtain the CLP designation, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as financial analysis, legal issues, documentation, and customer service. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CLP exam, applicants must meet certain requirements such as having at least three years of experience in the equipment leasing industry or having completed an approved course of study from an accredited institution. Individuals may also qualify if they are currently employed by a NAELP member company or have been employed by one for at least two years.

The cost to take the CLP exam is $250 for members of NAELP and $350 for non-members. Once you have passed the exam, there is an additional fee of $150 to receive your official certification.

7. Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO)

Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO) is a certification program offered by the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF). The CPO certification program provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly operate and maintain swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and other aquatic facilities.

The CPO certification program consists of an 8-hour classroom session and a 2-hour online exam. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, participants will receive their CPO certification card. The cost of the CPO certification program varies depending on the location but typically ranges from $150-$200.

In order to become certified as a pool operator, individuals must complete the 8-hour classroom session which covers topics such as water chemistry, operation and maintenance of equipment, safety procedures, risk management, pool regulations, and more. After completing the classroom session, participants must take an online exam which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Participants must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly in order to pass the exam and receive their CPO certification card.

The NSPF offers recertification programs for those who wish to maintain their CPO certification status. Recertification programs are typically held every three years and require participants to attend a 4-hour refresher course and retake the online exam.

8. Fair Housing Certification

Fair Housing Certification is a program offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ensure that all people have equal access to housing opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status. The certification is designed to protect individuals from discrimination in housing and to promote fair housing practices.

The certification process typically takes about two weeks to complete and involves completing an application form and providing proof of completion of a HUD-approved fair housing training course. To get certified, applicants must submit their completed application along with the required documents and fees to HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO). The fee for the certification is $50 per person or $100 per organization.

Once approved, applicants receive a certificate from HUD that confirms their compliance with fair housing laws. This certificate must be displayed in a prominent place at each property where the applicant is involved in rental activities or sales transactions. Additionally, applicants must update their certification every three years by taking another HUD-approved fair housing training course and submitting an updated application form with the required documents and fees.

9. National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) Certified Occupancy Specialist

The National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) program is a professional certification designed to provide affordable housing professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and administer occupancy in affordable housing communities. This certification is essential for those who are responsible for maintaining compliance with HUD regulations, including eligibility determinations, tenant selection, rent calculations, and other related activities.

It typically takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete the COS program. The program consists of two courses: an online course and an in-person course. The online course covers topics such as HUD regulations, tenant selection criteria, rent calculations, and other related topics. The in-person course is a one-day class that focuses on practical application of the material covered in the online course.

To become certified as a NAHMA COS, you must pass both the online and in-person courses with a score of 70% or higher and have at least one year of experience working in affordable housing management. You must also submit an application form along with proof of your experience to NAHMA's Certification Department.

The cost of the NAHMA COS program varies depending on whether you take the online or in-person course. The cost for the online course is $295 for members and $395 for non-members; the cost for the in-person course is $125 for members and $195 for non-members.

10. National Affordable Housing Professional Certification

The National Affordable Housing Professional Certification (NAHP-C) is a professional certification program developed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of affordable housing. The NAHP-C is a comprehensive certification program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience.

To become certified, individuals must complete an approved training course, pass an exam, and demonstrate at least two years of experience in the affordable housing industry. The training course typically takes about four weeks to complete and covers topics such as financing, budgeting, development, management, and policy. After completing the coursework and passing the exam, applicants must submit proof of their experience in the form of letters from employers or other organizations verifying their involvement in affordable housing projects.

Once all requirements are met, applicants can apply for certification through NAHB’s website. The cost for certification is $400 for members of NAHB or $500 for non-members. Upon successful completion of the application process, individuals will receive their NAHP-C certificate and can use it to demonstrate their expertise in affordable housing to potential employers or clients.

11. National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) Professional Management Development Program

The National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) Professional Management Development Program (PMDP) is a comprehensive program designed to provide apartment professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in their roles. The PMDP consists of four core courses, each focusing on a specific area of apartment management: Property Management, Maintenance Management, Leasing Management, and Financial Management. Each course is delivered online and takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete.

To get the PMDP certification, you must first successfully complete all four core courses. After completing the courses, you will be required to take an assessment that tests your knowledge on the material covered in the courses. Upon passing this assessment, you will receive your PMDP certification from NAAEI.

The cost of the PMDP program varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NAAEI. If you are a member, the cost is $395; if you are not a member, it is $495. This fee covers all four core courses and the final assessment needed for certification.

Once certified as an NAAEI Professional Manager Development Program graduate, you will have access to exclusive resources and discounts available only to certified members. You will also gain recognition among employers as someone who has taken initiative to further their professional development in apartment management.

Do You Really Need a Resident Manager Certificate?

When deciding whether or not you need a Resident Manager Certificate, it is important to consider the type of property that you are managing and the applicable laws in your area. A Resident Manager Certificate may be necessary if you are managing rental units, as it is required by many local governments. In some areas, this certificate is also known as a Property Management License.

The purpose of a Resident Manager Certificate is to ensure that the manager of a rental unit has the skills and knowledge to properly manage the property. The certificate serves as proof that the manager has met certain educational requirements and passed an exam related to property management. It also helps protect tenants from potential abuses by landlords or managers who lack these qualifications.

In addition to providing protection for tenants, having a Resident Manager Certificate can help ensure that the landlord or manager follows applicable laws and regulations regarding rental properties. This includes ensuring that rental agreements are properly drafted, rent payments are collected on time, and all necessary repairs are completed in a timely manner.

In general, if you plan to manage rental units in your area, then obtaining a Resident Manager Certificate would be beneficial both for yourself and your tenants. However, it is important to research local laws in order to determine if such certification is actually required before making any decisions regarding this matter.

Related: Resident Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Resident Manager Certifications

1. What is a Resident Manager Certification?

Answer: A Resident Manager Certification is a professional certificate program designed to provide managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage residential properties. The certification covers topics such as property management, tenant relations, financial management, and legal issues related to managing residential properties.

2. How long does it take to complete a Resident Manager Certification Program?

Answer: Depending on the program you choose, most certification programs can be completed in 6-12 months of part-time study.

3. What are the prerequisites for taking the certification exam?

Answer: Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience in property management or related fields. Some programs may also require additional courses or certifications before taking the exam.

4. Do I need to renew my certification after completing the program?

Answer: Yes, most certifications must be renewed every two years by completing continuing education courses or attending seminars related to property management topics.

5. What types of jobs can I qualify for with a Resident Manager Certification?

Answer: With a Resident Manager Certification, you can qualify for positions such as property manager, assistant manager, leasing agent, maintenance supervisor and many other related roles within the real estate industry.