How Do I Become a Community Association Manager?

A community association manager (CAM) is a paid manager of homeowner's or condominium associations. While details vary from state to state on how to obtain a license, the requirements for licensure are similar. CAMs can manage one HOA (homeowners association) or several. The scope or involvement of the CAM will depend on whether she is a broker and working independently, a licensed salesperson or CAM and working under a broker.

Things You'll Need

• Salesperson, CAM, or broker's license

Instructions

1. 

   Condo and townhome communities utilize CAMs as well.

   Find a local real estate school that offers prelicensing salesperson courses. To be a community association manager, you must have a salesperson license in the state where you will be practicing. Search for a school based on location, fees and class hours.

2. 

   As areas continue to grow, the demands for community association managers increases.

   Pass the prelicensing course. Most prelicensing courses are from four to nine weeks, depending upon the length of each class. Complete 75 hours to sit for the required state licensing test.

3. Take the state's community association manager licensing test. The fee for this test varies state to state, but it can be as much as $175 in some states. Therefore, prepare by studying and rereading material from your prelicensure classes.

4. Activate your license with an active broker who oversees the management of homeowners associations. This will require lots of research and leg work. Meet the brokers in person to establish a rapport and determine if it would be an advantageous working relationship. Also, inquire into the broker's fees, the number of HOAs and pay ratio. This knowledge will help to narrow down a decision.

5. Enjoy your job and become a master at your craft. Finding a mentor and constantly reading books on management will assist in preparing you for your new job and making you one of the best in your field. The better you are, the more accounts you will have in your charge. And that means greater financial rewards.

References

• National Board of Certification for Community Association Managers