Management Designations – What does it mean?

CMCA: Certified Manager of Community Associations

Administered by the National Board of Certification for Community Association Managers (NBC-CAM). NBC-CAM has developed the only national certification program to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated the fundamental knowledge to manage community associations. To become a CMCA, a candidate must successfully complete a 16-hour course and pass the National Certification Examination. In addition, CMCA applicants must have a certain number of 'points' which can be obtained through attending CAI and other industry events, serving on a CAI – CT Committee, and participating on other levels. Managers Continuing must adhere to the CMCA standards of Professional Conduct and obtain continuing education credits to remain certified. Continuing education credits can be obtained by completing 16 hours of coursework every two years; self-study work and qualified teaching or writing may also satisfy this requirement.

AMS: Association Management Specialist

Administered by the Community Associations Institute. The AMS designation is the second tier of the pyramid of professionalism for community association managers. It builds upon the CMCA’s fundamental knowledge with requirements for added education and verified experience in the field. To become an AMS designee, a candidate must earn and maintain the CMCA certification, successfully complete 16 hours of course work in CAI’s Professional Management Development Program and demonstrate two years of professional management experience. An Association Management Specialist must maintain a professional level of membership in CAI, comply with the CAI Professional Code of Ethics and fulfill continuing education requirements by completing 24 hours of advanced-level courses every three years.

PCAM: Professional Community Association Manager

Administered by the Community Associations Institute. The Professional Community Association Manager designation is the pinnacle of professional achievement for managers with advanced-level skills and experience. About 1,000 managers nationwide have earned this top-level distinction. A PCAM designee must earn and maintain the CMCA certification, successfully complete the Professional Management Development Program and have at least five years of professional management experience. In addition, PCAM applicants must have a certain number of 'points' which can be obtained through attending CAI and other industry events, serving on a CAI - CT Committee, and participating on other levels. After satisfying other participation and service requirements, the PCAM designee must successfully complete a challenging case study analyzing a subject community association. A PCAM designee must comply with the CAI Professional Code of Ethics and complete a combination of advanced-level continuing education and service requirements every three years.