Certified Property Manager Education Requirements and Career Info

The Certified Property Manager (CPM) credential is a professional certification awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). CPMs maintain private and commercial real estate investments and ensure their appreciation. Training for CPM positions can be obtained on-the-job or through formal degree programs in business or real estate.

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Education Requirements for CPMs

The IREM sets the education requirements for the CPM designation and requires a person to hold a bachelor's or master's degree in real estate or property management or complete courses offered through the organization (www.irem.org). A real estate or property management program may cover topics ranging from real estate terminology to investment properties. You may also learn about valuation, financial reporting and property management.

Another option to meet education requirements is to complete seven IREM required courses. The seven IREM courses will cover topics including marketing, human resources, property maintenance and real estate investment.

Certification Information

The IREM has implemented a 3-step process for property managers to become certified. First, applicants must establish candidacy by submitting a completed CPM application and pledging to maintain the IREM code of ethics. Second, applicants must complete education requirements or show proof of other accepted certification. Lastly, candidates must pass management, ethics and certification examinations.

Career Information for Certified Property Managers

In May 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noted that 46% of property managers were self-employed (www.bls.gov). The rest work for a variety of organizations, ranging from property management companies to government agencies. Although these professionals typically work in an office environment, those who oversee multiple properties may need to travel frequently.

Duties

Property managers oversee the maintenance and financial performance of residential and commercial buildings. They handle tenant complaints and concerns, collect rents or association dues and ensure that service and repairs are completed. Additionally, they may be required to market properties to prospective tenants and negotiate lease agreements with contractors like janitorial service companies. Other duties may include managing payrolls and maintaining compliance with government regulations and city ordinances.

Career Outlook

According to the BLS, property managers with professional certification and a college degree have the best opportunities. Due to a rising elderly population, professionals with experience managing retirement homes and healthcare facilities may find additional job prospects. The bureau also indicates that in 2010, the average annual salary for jobs in this field was $62,400. Property managers in the state of New York earned the highest wages among all states with a mean annual salary of $101,110.

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