Becoming a Certified Property Manager Candidate

The first step in becoming a Certified Property Manager is to become a CPM Candidate. Being a Candidate and a member of IREM connects you with the IREM organization, including a local IREM chapter, and guarantees that you stay informed about your progress toward fulfilling the requirements for the CPM designation.

Here's all you need to do to become a CPM Candidate:

• Complete the CPM Candidate application and send it to IREM Headquarters with the non-refundable application fee, which is $150 in 2005.
• Either hold a real estate license or validate that you are not required to have one.
• Adhere to the CPM Code of Professional Ethics.
• Be confirmed by the local IREM chapter.

Vendors, suppliers and service providers to the real estate management industry are not eligible for CPM candidacy.

Apply Today!

To request an application via regular mail or if you have additional questions, contact Customer Service at (800) 837-0706 x4650 or custserv@irem.org.

Becoming a CPM

Once you are approved as a Candidate, there are multiple options available to fulfill the CPM requirements.

Education

Meet one of three education options:

• Option 1: IREM Courses. Complete eight required courses - available in classroom, online, and home study. Click here for full details. If you have taken IREM courses prior to 2005, click here to see how these courses can earn credit toward the CPM education requirements.
• Option 2: College Degree. Have an undergraduate or graduate degree (e.g., major, minor, or concentration) in real estate or property management from a regionally accredited college or university and complete "Property Management Plans: The IREM Model" (BDM602).
• Option 3: Other Designations. Hold one of the following designations: RPA, CCIM, CSM or PCAM and complete "Property Management Plans: The IREM Model" (BDM602).

Experience

Have three years (36 months) of real estate management experience meeting the established minimum portfolios and performing a minimum number of functions on those portfolios as outlined by IREM.

For detailed information on the CPM experience requirements,click here.

CPM Certification Exam

Pass the Certification Exam (CPMEXM), which covers these competency areas: financial operations and asset management, human resource management, legal and risk management, maintenance and operations, marketing and leasing.

For more information about the CPM Certification Exam, download the CPM Exam Prep Guide.

Management Plan

Pass the management plan requirement by meeting one of two options.

• Option 1. Prepare and receive a passing evaluation on a management plan on an actual property of your choice following detailed guidelines provided by IREM.
• Option 2. Complete and receive a passing score on a management plan skills assessment (MPSA). The MPSA is an on-site, two-day written evaluation that requires written responses to management scenarios based on a property type of your choosing. To learn more about the MPSA, click here.

Ethics

Attend and pass the exam for Ethics for the Real Estate Manager (ETH800) and continue to adhere to the CPM Code of Professional Ethics.

Other Criteria

• Be a CPM Candidate for at least one year.
• Submit a CPM application with the application fee, which is $200 in 2005.
• Submit three Confidential Letters of Recommendation.
• Have a real estate license or proof that one is not required for your position.
• Attend two chapter meetings or events within the immediately preceding 12 months prior to CPM approval.
• Be interviewed and recommended for approval by the chapter.
• Be current with CPM Candidate dues, including chapter dues where applicable.