In most states, property managers are required to hold a real estate broker’s license, or to be a licensed realtor employed by a broker. Apart from this, there are no formal property management licensure requirements; however, a variety of organizations offer membership, education, and, in some cases certification.

Property Management Organizations Offering Certifications

• Building Owners and Managers Association International(BOMA: Serving the commercial real estate industry, BOMA has more than 17,000 members and 92 chapters within the U.S. Through BOMI, the Independent Institute for Property and Facility Management Education, BOMA offers the Property Administrator Certificate (PAC), Property Management Financial Proficiency Certificate (PMFP), Facilities Management Certificate (FMC), and Building Systems Maintenance Certificate (SMC) programs, as well as the Real Property Administrator (RPA) and Facilities Management Administrator (FMA) designations.
• Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM): Affiliated with the National Association of Realtors, IREM boasts 80 chapters in the U.S. and 18,000 members worldwide. Dedicated to “maximizing the value of investment real estate,” this organization offers Certified Property Manager (CPM), Accredited Residential Manager (ARM), and Accredited Commercial Manager (ACoM) certification programs.
• National Apartment Association (NAA): NAA serves the multifamily housing industry, including apartment building owners, developers, and managers. Through the NAA Education Institute (NAAEI), the NAA offers the National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP), Certified Apartment Manager (CAM), Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS), Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT), and Certified Apartment Supplier (CAS) designations.
• National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM): An organization dedicated to supporting “the professional and ethical practices of rental home management,” NARPM was founded in the late 1980’s to serve managers of single family homes. With over 3,000 members nationwide, NARPM offers education and certification, including the Residential Management Professional (RPM), Master Property Manager (MPM), and Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designations.
• National Property Management Association (NPMA): NPMA is focused on continuous learning and the ongoing exchange of knowledge among property management professionals. Offering a variety of classes in both campus-based and online formats, NPMA also offers three levels of certification: Certified Professional Property Specialist (CPPS), Certified Professional Property Administrator (CPPA), and Certified Professional Property Manager (CPPM). You do not have to be a member to gain these certifications.

Property Management Requirements by State

Want more information about what the specific requirements are for property managers in your state? Visit our Property Management Requirements page.