How to Obtain Your Community Association Manager (CAM) License
The Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA®) is the only international certification program designed exclusively for managers of homeowner and condominium associations and cooperatives. The CMCA recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the fundamental knowledge required to manage community associations.
Association homeowners and board members as well as management companies seek qualified professionals to manage their communities. Obtaining the CMCA certification will give both you and your employer confidence that you have the specialized skills they need.
For a small investment in time and money, you can earn this certification and be recognized as a committed professional:
- The CMCA can be obtained with a minimal investment in time.
- With just a few days in the required prerequisite course, one day for the exam, and time in between to study, you can be on your way to receiving your certification.
- The CMCA can be obtained at a relatively low cost, yet it’s a great investment in your future.
- Earning the CMCA is the first step toward building your professional image and expertise. After earning the CMCA, you will be on your way to earning additional community management credentials, such as CAI’s Association Management Specialist® (AMS®) and Professional Community Association Manager® (PCAM®) designations. CAI’s Community Association Manager Compensation and Salary Survey shows that managers who obtained CMCA certification earn, on average, 18% more than non-credentialed community association managers.
How to obtain your Community Association Manager (CAM) license:
- Complete 20 hours of pre-license education. The M-100 Course (The Essentials of Community Association Management) satisfies this requirement. This course can be taken on-line or in a classroom setting. M-100 Course Information & Registration
- Pass the CMCA Exam. This exam is administered by CAM-ICB (Community Association Managers International Certification Board) and is approved by the State of Illinois as the State test for Manager Licensing. CMCA Exam Information & Registration For those who would like ADDITIONAL STUDY before taking the CMCA Exam, the Illinois Chapter offers a CMCA Review course. Please visit our events page for more details on the next class.
- Submit Application to the State – Complete the Community Association Manager Application for Licensure and Submit it, along with the associated fees, to the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation.
CMCA Recertification Information
CMCA recertification is every two years.
16 hours of approved continuing education coursework is required every two years. CAI Chapters are approved to offer continuing education credits. Business Partners may also be approved to provide continuing education credits. View list of approved providers.
$105 yearly fee
This is not for your Illinois Manager Licensing renewal.
Visit Legal Updates for notifications regarding changes to Manager Licensing.
State Contact Information
Department of Financial and Professional Regulation: Phone: 800-560-6420
