Education & Credentialing
Education is a big part of what CAI does. Our courses and credentials are designed to help homeowner leaders, managers, and business partners gain practical skills that make a difference in their communities, careers, and businesses. Start by choosing your role below.
CAI Board Leader Certificate
An informed board is an effective board! If you live in a condominium, homeowners association, or housing cooperative, you know how important it is to have an effective governing board of directors. The CAI Board Leader Certificate provides a foundation for effective community association board leadership, whether you are an experienced board member or just thinking about getting involved.
- Association governance structure
- Board and officer responsibilities
- Rules and rule enforcement
- Risk management and insurance
- Financial reporting and budgets
- Reserve fund strategies
- Board meetings
Attendance in the chapter program qualifies you for the CAI Board Leader Certificate.
Check upcoming dates & register Download the flyer↑ Back to top
Your credential journey
CAI credentials mark each stage of a community management career. Most managers start with the CMCA certification, add the AMS designation as they gain experience, and work toward the PCAM, the highest professional recognition in the industry.
Earning your credentials
Our step-by-step guide walks you through the requirements, courses, and exams for each credential. The chapter also offers member programs to help you get there.
Maintaining your credentials
Already credentialed? Open your designation below for renewal steps and forms.
CMCA Recertification · every 2 years
- You are assigned to either an April 1st or October 1st cycle based on your original certification date.
- Complete at least 16 hours of continuing education coursework every 2 years.
- Submit the recertification application and meet all requirements.
- Pay the CMCA service fee.
- Adhere to the CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct.
AMS Redesignation · every 3 years
- Complete at least one CAI M200+ course plus 8 hours of other industry education every 3 years.
- Renew online through the My Designations section of your CAI account, or submit the AMS Redesignation Form with supporting documentation and payment.
- Follow the CAI Professional Manager Code of Ethics.
- AMS Redesignation Application
- Continuing Education for AMS
- Reinstatement Application (status must have expired within the past 5 years)
PCAM Redesignation · annual fee, education every 3 years
- Pay the annual maintenance fee by August 1 each year.
- Meet continuing education requirements every 3 years.
- Complete the online redesignation process in the My Designations section of your account, or submit the completed PCAM Redesignation Form with supporting documentation by August 1 of your redesignation year.
- Comply with the CAI Professional Manager Code of Ethics.
- PCAM Redesignation Application
- Reinstatement Application (status must have expired within the past 5 years)
Management Company Accreditation (AAMC)
The AAMC (Accredited Association Management Company) designation signals a company’s strong commitment to community associations by ensuring its staff has the skills, experience, and integrity to support successful communities. This accreditation builds trust with boards, gives your company a competitive edge, improves staff quality, and helps reduce turnover.
- Download the AAMC Application
- Requirements to obtain the AAMC
- How to maintain an AAMC
- Renewal Application
- Contact the CAI Education Department
Credentials for business partners
Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned specialist, these programs show boards and managers that you know how to work with community associations.
Business Partner Essentials (EBP)
A great orientation for new staff or companies wanting to learn more about doing business with community associations. Complete the class and pass the exam to earn the Educated Business Partner distinction.
Register for the online courseCIRMS Designation
The Community Insurance and Risk Management Specialist designation instills client confidence and helps grow your business.
Requirements
- Five years of experience in the community association insurance field.
- Satisfactory legal and ethical standing in the industry.
- Comply with the CIRMS Code of Ethics.
- Complete the CIRMS Application with sufficient points in each section, earned within the past seven years.
Reserve Specialist (RS)
Awarded to qualified reserve specialists who, through years of specialized experience, help associations prepare their reserve budgets as accurately as possible.
Requirements
- At least three years (36 months) of experience preparing reserve studies.
- At least 30 reserve studies based on visual on-site observations over the last three years, with a minimum of 20 being Level I or Level II.
- A bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, or engineering (or equivalent experience and education), or meet other requirement options.
- Comply with the Professional Reserve Specialist Code of Ethics.
College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL)
Become a CCAL fellow and join an elite group of top legal experts specializing in community association law. Admittance demonstrates a level of skill and accomplishment clients recognize as extremely valuable.
Learn about the application processResources, links & downloads
- How to access your CEUs
- Continuing Education Matrix
- Continuing Education Course Provider Overview
- Credentials and Designations blog
- Coaching to Credentials program (members only)
- PCAM Scholarship Program (GLAC members only)
- Directory of Credentialed Professionals
- Directory of CMCA Certified Managers