Professional Designations
Advancing commercial and mulitfamily professionals since 1974
Commercial
Why the RPA®?
The RPA® Designation program positions property managers for success by providing insight into and knowledge of operating a commercial building. You’ll gain a full understanding of the diverse aspects of property management involved in analyzing a building in its entirety. The RPA® program will teach you to maximize a building’s net income while minimizing risks, thereby enhancing your standing in the industry and positioning you for long-term success.
What Will I Learn?
In the RPA® program, you’ll learn how to enhance the value of the asset through proper and strategic decision making. Components of this program include design, operation, and maintenance of an office building. You will become fully versed in budgeting and accounting for commercial real estate, risk management, and best practices in bidding. This program also covers reviewing and selecting contract providers, marketing and leasing the building, and operating the asset from an owner’s perspective through a comprehensive asset management component.
Who Should Enroll?
Assistant property managers, property managers, and those who manage real estate assets.
Experience Requirement
You can begin pursuing your RPA® at any time during your career. Before you are awarded the RPA® Designation, you are required to demonstrate three years of verifiable property management experience. The criteria are outlined in the RPA® Designation Experience Form. This form may be submitted at any time following enrollment.
Course Requirement
Eight courses are required to complete your RPA Designation and can be taken in any order.
- Budgeting and Accounting
- Enviornmental Health and Safety Issues
- Ethics is Good Business Short Course
- Law and Risk Management
- Real Estate Investment and Finance
- Deisgn, Operation and Maintenance of Building System Part I
- Deisgn, Operation and Maintenance of Building System Part II
Elective Courses (choose one)
- Asset Management
- Leasing and Marketing for Property Managers
- Managing the Organization
Exam Requirement
View more information about the examination process here.
Why the FMA®?
The FMA® Designation program positions you as a key strategic contributor within your organization by helping you to create a productive work environment and handle tenant issues such as daily operations, maintenance, comfort, and safety.
What Will I Learn?
In the FMA® program, you’ll learn to manage facilities in a way that best supports tenants and staff, while meeting your organization’s overall objectives. This program covers everything from planning and project management to environmental health and worker safety. In addition, it provides the information needed to minimize maintenance costs and properly manage other timely issues.
Who Should Enroll?
Assistant facility managers, facility managers, and those responsible for daily operations and maintenance.
Experience Requirement
You can begin pursuing your FMA® at any time during your career. Before you are awarded your FMA® Designation, you are required to demonstrate three years of verifiable facilities management experience. The criteria are outlined in the FMA® Designation Experience Form. This form may be submitted an any time following enrollment.
Course Requirement
Eight courses are required to complete your RPA Designation and can be taken in any order.
- Facilities Planning and Project Management
- Enviornmental Health and Safety Issues
- Ethics is Good Business Short Course
- Fundamentals of Facilities Management
- Deisgn, Operation an dMaintenance of Building System Part I
- Deisgn, Operation an dMaintenance of Building System Part II
Elective Courses (choose two)
- Asset Management
- Real Estate Investment and Finance
- Managing the Organization
Exam Requirement
View more information about the examination process here.
Why the BOMI-HP®?
The BOMI-HP® Designation program provides learners with an in-depth understanding of how to define, initiate, pay for, complete, and obtain a return on investment for sustainable initiatives within all segments of a building or portfolio. This program meets the growing demand in the marketplace for comprehensive sustainability and energy-efficient programs.
What Will I Learn?
In the BOMI-HP® program, you will learn to create and apply sustainable initiatives to optimize current and future high-performance building operations. In addition to responsible environmental stewardship, you will learn to maximize cost-savings for your building or portfolio.
Who Should Enroll?
Industry professionals responsible for implementing sustainable initiatives.
Experience Requirement
None
Course Requirement
Three courses are required to complete your HP Designation.
- High-Performance Sustainable Building Investments
- High-Performance Sustainable Building Practices
- High-Performance Sustainable Building Principles
Exam Requirement
View more information about the examination process here.
Jump-start your career in commercial property management with the Certified Manager of Commercial Properties™ (CMCP™) certification – the first certification of its kind for early-career commercial property managers. CMCP demonstrates your ability to be an effective commercial property manager and validates foundational knowledge in key areas of property management.
The CMCP Advantage:
- CMCP™ is the only certification of its kind for early-career commercial property managers – you may qualify with as little as one year’s experience
- Instantly communicates your ability to be an effective commercial property manager with a strong understanding of the responsibilities of the role
- Offers recognition early in your career and increases your value to your company and the industry
- Signals to employers you have the potential to advance and grow in your career and can navigate the fast-changing world of commercial real estate
- Boosts confidence by validating your knowledge of fundamental commercial real estate operations and management principles
- May increase your chances for promotion and/or additional responsibilities and opportunities
All CMCP™ candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Four-year degree and 1 year of property management experience
--OR-- - Two-year degree and 2 years of property management experience
--OR-- - No degree and 4 years of property management experience
--AND-- - 30 hours of verifiable continuing education, training or professional development in commercial property management, such as an RPA/FMA course.
Why the SMA®?
The SMA® Designation program provides the tools to improve operations, create energy efficiencies, reduce costs, and enhance the value of an asset. An SMA® designation holder is responsible for the operations of the building, as well as management of the team of technicians assigned to the building.
What Will I Learn?
In the SMA® program, you will learn how to streamline the operations of your building so you can manage energy-efficient, environmentally sound, and cost-effective building systems. Building on the SMT® Designation program, you’ll gain knowledge and experience in administration, energy management, and environmental health and safety issues.
Who Should Enroll?
Maintenance technicians, SMT® Designation holders, those in charge of a team of technicians running the day-to-day building operation of a building, or those interested in a career in facilities management
Experience Requirement
You can begin pursuing your SMA® at any time during your career. Before you can be awarded your SMA® Designation, you are required to demonstrate three years of verifiable experience as a stationary engineer or equivalent. This experience must be performed for a minimum property portfolio of 40,000 square feet.
Course Requirement
Eight courses are required:
- Air Handling, Water Treatment, and Plumbing Systems
- Boilers, Heating Systems, & Applied Mathematics
- Building Design and Maintenance
- Electrical Systems and Illumination
- Energy Management and Controls
- Environmental Health and Safety Issues
- Managing the Organization
- Refrigeration Systems and Accessories
Exam Requirement
View more information about the examination process here.
Why the SMT®?
The SMT® Designation program provides today’s technicians with the skills that will help them stand out as top performers—those who can raise a building’s efficiency while reducing operating costs. The program covers every major building operating system, from HVAC and plumbing to electrical and overall control systems.
What Will I Learn?
In the SMT® program, you will learn the technologies and trends in the maintenance field, enabling you to maximize the efficiency and safety of your building systems. By the end of the program, you will understand the broad spectrum of the overall mechanical requirements in a commercial real estate asset.
Who Should Enroll?
Maintenance technicians and those involved in maintaining major building systems such as heating, refrigeration, electrical, and plumbing
Course Requirement
Six courses are required. Exams are required after every course.
- Air Handling, Water Treatment, and Plumbing Systems
- Boilers, Heating Systems, & Applied Mathematics
- Building Design and Maintenance
- Electrical Systems and Illumination
- Energy Management and Controls
- Refrigeration Systems and Accessories
Exam Requirement
View more information about the examination process here.
Why the PAC?
This certificate concentrates on the design and operation of the office building, as well as best practices in the area of accounting and financial controls. A PAC is the best way to kickstart your education in the commercial real estate field. From featured applications to real-time scenarios, this program will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to maximize the value, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of your portfolio.
Who Should Enroll?
This certificate is for new and experienced professionals who are responsible for a single office building or a portfolio of real estate assets.
Course Requirement
Three courses are required to complete your PAC Certificate and can be taken in any order.
- Budgeting and Accounting
- Deisgn, Operation and Maintenance of Building System Part I
- Deisgn, Operation and Maintenance of Building System Part II
Exam Requirement
View more information about the examination process here.
Why the PMFP?
Whether you are working directly for a building owner, or for a firm providing property management and financial analysis, the PMFP is the perfect certificate to achieve the knowledge and recognition necessary in this fast-paced career. From improving overall efficiency to making confident investment decisions, this program provides the knowledge you need to properly manage your assets, add value to your portfolio, and contribute to the profitability of your company.
Who Should Enroll?
This certificate is recommended for those responsible for analyzing, managing, and investing in real estate.
Course Requirement
Three courses are required to complete your RPA Designation and can be taken in any order.
- Budgeting and Accounting
- Asset Management
- Real Estate Investment and Finance
Exam Requirement
View more information about the examination process here.
Why the FMC?
The FMC program provides an overview of the information that is vital to running an efficient facility. Upon completion of this program, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to manage and maintain cost-effective facilities that operate at peak performance levels.
Who Should Enroll?
This certificate is for those who manage the ongoing operation and maintenance of facilities.
Course Requirement
Three courses are required to complete your RPA Designation and can be taken in any order.
- Fundamentals of Facilities Management
- Design, Operation and maintenance of Building System Part I
- Design, Operation and maintenance of Building System Part II
Exam Requirement
View more information about the examination process here.
Why the SMC?
The SMC program provides in-depth information on key building principles, including efficient energy management and water treatment. This program will also help you gain a better understanding of HVAC, plumbing, and other building systems that work together to provide a comfortable indoor environment.
Who Should Enroll?
This certificate is recommended for those who operate and maintain multiple building systems.
Course Requirement
Three courses are required:
- Air Handling, Water Treatment, and Plumbing Systems
- Energy Management and Controls
Elective course (choose one):
- Boilers, Heating Systems, & Applied Mathematics
- Refrigeration Systems and Accessories
Exam Requirement
View more information about the examination process here.
Recommended for those who operate and maintain multiple building systems.
Through the BEC program, practitioners in operational and system maintenance roles can learn foundational concepts that relate to reducing energy consumption from a technical perspective. This program teaches the necessary skills to enable the implementation of sustainability efforts in the built environment.
Course Requirement
Three courses are required. Exams required after every course.
- Air Handling, Water Treatment, and Plumbing Systems
- Electrical Systems and Illumination
- Energy Management and Controls
Exam Requirement
View more information about the examination process here.
Multifamily
Earning CALP, your first industry credential, signals to an employer your commitment to a career in residential property management.
YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
• Using technology to generate traffic
• Measuring and managing your community’s reputation
• Inspecting the leasing center, tour route, model units, and vacant apartments
• Researching the competition and building relationships with competitors
• Compiling a comprehensive community resource tool
• Creating effective marketing plans
• Relationship sales processes and evaluating your personal sales performance
• Evaluating a prospect’s commitment level and overcoming objections
• Preparing prospects for the next steps in the rental process
• Applying fair housing law and communicating rental criteria
• Qualifying prospective residents according to rental policy
• Preparing and reviewing leases with new residents
• Move-in processes
• Responding to resident issues and maintenance requests
• Building relationships with residents and creating a sense of community
• Reporting incidents, maintaining documentation, and taking corrective action
• Maximizing revenue and operational efficiency
• Securing and processing lease renewals
• Conducting a market survey
Requirements:
To obtain the CALP credential, candidates must complete the following:
- Minimum of six months of onsite property management experience in a leasing role (This can be obtained while taking the course; you will receive a provisional certificate until this requirement is met.)
- Successful completion of seven NALP courses
- Pass the examination within 12 months of declaring candidacy
Exam Requirements:
View more information about the examination process here.
Earning your CAM credential allows you to demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and ability to manage an apartment community and achieve owners’ investment goals.
YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
• Occupancy rates
• Comprehensive marketing plans
• Sales team management and product readiness
• Equitable treatment of current and potential residents
• Resident retention and maintaining a positive company image
• Communicating with residents
• Customer service and issue resolution
• Enforcing company policy and complying with laws and regulations
• Property inspections
• Preventive maintenance programs
• Service request process
• Apartment turnover
• Working with contractors and vendors
• Recruiting high-caliber employees
• Employee orientation and training
• Employee evaluation
• Employment regulations and record keeping
• Analyzing the property’s financial operations and taking corrective actions for underperformance
• Monitoring property performance to achieve the owner’s investment goals
• Accounting principles and practices
• Maximizing net operating income
• Reporting property performance accurately
Requirements:
To obtain the CAM credential, candidates must complete the following:
- Minimum of 12 months of onsite property management experience
- Successful completion of all CAM coursework (totaling 40 hours)
- Meet all examination standards within 12 months of declaring candidacy
Exam Requirements:
View more information about the examination process here.
Earning your CAPS takes you to the next level in property management. It fast-tracks your career advancement and your corresponding earning potential.
YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
• Achieving ethical excellence
• Understanding the management agreement and creating an owner’s report
• Stakeholder relations with residents, communities, and municipalities
• Mortgage financing
• Overseeing the budget process across a portfolio
• Measuring portfolio performance and property valuation
• Investigating and troubleshooting an underperforming property
• Property acquisition and due diligence
• Market analysis and property inspections
• Operational and financial analysis inspections
• Property development feasibility analysis
• Investment strategies, including renovation, disposition, and refinancing
• Key content for the owner/company due diligence report
• Talent development and management throughout the employee cycle
• Managing staff during property sales or purchase
• Contemporary issues, including occupancy, emotional support animals, hoarding, criminal background checks, RUBS, cybersecurity, and music licensing
Requirements:
To obtain the CAPS credential, candidates must complete the following:
- Minimum of 24 months employment as a multi-site supervisor or be either a CAM, ARM or RAM credential holder in good standing.
- Successful completion of all CAPS course work (totaling 40 hours)
- Meet all examination standards within 12 months of declaring candidacy
Exam Requirements:
View more information about the examination process here.
Earning your Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT) validates your knowledge, enhances your reputation and credibility, boosts your confidence and earns you respect.
The CAMT program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a private non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system.
YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
• Processing work orders efficiently and to residents’ satisfaction
• Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical, appliance, construction, and lock and key services and repairs
• Painting services
• Customer service
• Following company policy and procedures
• Minimizing personal and property damage
• Maintenance safety
• Fair housing regulatory compliance
• Environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance
• Documenting and reporting maintenance activities in compliance with company
policy and regulation
• Curb appeal, property inspection, and daily maintenance
• Maintaining recreational facilities and common areas
• Implementing a preventive maintenance schedule
• Product repair and replacement decisions
• Professional behavior, communication skills, and personal appearance
Requirements:
To obtain the CAMT credential, candidates must complete the following:
- Minimum of 12 months of apartment or rental housing maintenance experience. (This can be obtained while taking the course, you will receive a provisional certificate until this requirement is met.)
- Successful completion of all CAMT coursework (totaling 80 hours)
- Meet all examination standards within 12 months of declaring candidacy
Exam Requirements:
View more information about the examination process here.
Earning CAS allows you to network with your peers from other companies, learn about the benefits and activities your local apartment association offers and engage in apartment association meetings and events. The course is an opportunity for suppliers to hear the everyday challenges faced by apartment-manager customers.
YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
• Applicant screening, leasing contracts, and move-ins
• Rent collection, lease renewal, the moveout process, lease termination, and eviction
• Property management systems and their functions
• How community managers create a fair housing environment
• Minimizing risk through inspections, preventive maintenance, safety programs, and documentation
• Property hazards and crime
• Environmental hazards
• Analyzing property financial operations and underperformance
• Monitoring property performance to achieve the owner’s investment goals
• Maximizing net operating income
Requirements
To obtain the CAS credential, candidates must complete the following:
- Complete the Supplier Success Course
- Employment within the apartment industry in a supplier position
- Successful completion of all CAS coursework (totaling 26 hours)
- Meet all examination standards within 12 months of declaring candidacy
Exam Requirements:
View more information about the examination process here.
This course will be taken with the CAM Certification.
Register for These Upcoming Courses!
The Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) is a specialized designation for developers, property managers, asset managers and others working in the affordable housing industry through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.
Successful HCCPs understand how the LIHTC program provides safe, decent and affordable rental housing for so many American families. Property owners and developers turn to HCCP professionals when they need a more thorough understanding of the complex net of LIHTC regulations that keeps owners and managers in compliance.
View more information about earning and maintaining this credential here.
Attention Vendors
If you are interested in sponsoring a designation program or course, please reach out to Brandy White.