CMCA certification: California HOA manager qualifications 101

A proficient community manager can drastically impact the efficiency of your community. Yet, how can you ascertain their level of professionalism and expertise? 

There are several certifications that serve as benchmarks of a manager’s professionalism, including the CMCA certification. California community managers are encouraged to fulfill these certifications to help ensure a level of community management expertise that will enhance resident living experiences.  

This article will address common inquiries to help you navigate through the labyrinth of certifications and comprehend their significance. 
 

What is CMCA certification in California?

While California doesn't enforce a mandate for community managers to obtain certification, nor are there state-run certification programs available, it does require 30 hours of focused education for managers to earn the "certified" label. This particular education program offers a comprehensive curriculum that delivers extensive knowledge of California law.

What kinds of certifications can a community manager hold?

There are three levels of certification, as well as an additional designation, that a community manager can have:
 
Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA). Ensure your community manager possesses the essential and nationally recognized CMCA designation issued by the globally recognized Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB). This certification validates their proficiency and expertise in the field. In California, it is crucial that your manager has completed the state-mandated law program that is available as an added feature of the CMCA designation. This certification needs to be maintained by completing a 30-hour continuing education course every two years. 
 
Association Management Specialist (AMS). This more advanced designation is awarded by the Community Associations Institute (CAI), an affiliate of the CAMICB. A community manager must complete two of the following courses to receive this certification:

• Facilities Management
   
• Association Communications
   
• Community Leadership
   
• Community Governance
   
• Risk Management
   
• Financial Management

The AMS certification replaces the CMCA designation and must be renewed every three years.

Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM). Achieving the PCAM, the most advanced certification, requires managers to accomplish all the listed courses and the presentation of a unique written case study. This particular credential requires a renewal process every three years.
 
Large-Scale Manager (LSM). A PCAM with 10 years of experience, including experience managing a large-scale association, can also seek this additional certification by completing 16 hours of coursework or attending a CAI workshop.
 

What are the benefits of having a community manager with advanced certifications?

Securing varying certification levels requires community managers to accrue more years of experience. HOAs often discover that managers possessing unique expertise can better fulfil their specific requirements. For instance, if your community is expansive with over 1,000 units and an annual budget surpassing $2 million, an LSM certified community manager will serve you better. The diverse certifications symbolize that the community manager is associated with a firm that promotes continuous learning and is dedicated to delivering superior service to clients.
 

Can board members get any special education, too?

Your community management company can provide educational sessions for your HOA’s board of directors. In addition, here in California, CAI’s eight chapters offer the CAI course Board Leadership Development Workshop (also available online).

Credentials do matter. Learn more about finding a community manager with the right credentials for your community. Contact FirstService Residential, the leading community management company in California.