
5 Valuable Property Management Courses, Workshops, and Certifications
Continuing education is vitally important for property managers, but with such a wide variety of online property management courses available, how can you know which are worthwhile? There are plenty of online courses and certifications worth pursuing, and we've outlined some of the best here. These are courses that provide opportunities—sometimes for free—to network, stay ahead of the curve, develop specific skillsets, and learn about vendor products that can help your business grow. Certified Property Manager designation "CPM" is an accreditation overseen by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) that stands for Certified Property Manager. You may have noticed that many consultants and broker/owners of large companies carry the CPM designation. IREM's CPM course is a large undertaking, but it’s a well-renowned, highly respected designation in the industry. There are eight courses required to earn your certification, and the full process takes between 12-18 months according to IREM. The course list features sessions covering everything from real estate law, maintenance, and risk management to being an effective leader. Courses focus on real-world application and skillset development rather than theory, and many property managers have cited both the lessons and networking opportunities as tools that have advanced their career. Learn more about the CPM Becoming a Residential Management Professional Another popular certification is Residential Management Professional (RMP), a designation managed by NARPM. RMP is the most accessible of NARPM's designations, designed for newer members. The primary requirement to be eligible for an RMP designation is to manage at least 100 doors for a two year period or longer. If you're eligible, you can start the process of obtaining your RMP by taking a set of courses focused on helping you grow your business. From there, there are a few events to attend before you select your path to course completion. The whole process can be completed in a year, and you must complete all requirements within a three-year window. The process of earning the designation is valuable itself, and shouldn't be seen as simply a means to an end. There are valuable teachings, networking opportunities, and takeaways throughout. Learn more about the RPM The Master Property Manager designation Property managers who have already completed NARPM’s RMP designation have the opportunity to continue their learning and development through the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation. PMs are eligible if they’ve managed over 500 doors for at least a five-year period. The MPM is an advanced designation that is not for the faint of heart. It's designed for true experts in the field, and is the highest level designation that NARPM offers. Master Property Manager is a simple concept... this is a professional with years of experience and commitment to the industry. This person is one who can be trusted to provide quality service and care to you and your valuable asset. - Andrea Caldwell MPM, RMP, former NARPM President Learn more about the MPM Second Nature's RBP Workshop For property managers looking to grow their profit per door, a Resident Benefits Package can be an incredible tool. Second Nature hosts a monthly workshop for property managers in all stages of managing an RBP. At an RBP workshop, you’ll learn how an RBP creates value and grows profit per door while positively affecting turnover rates, along with what’s included and how to manage a rollout. More importantly, you’ll hear from real property managers that have successfully rolled out an RBP and seen the results, so you can better understand whether it's the right path for you. The best part is that it’s completely free. The Certified Apartment Manager accreditation For multifamily property managers, the CAM, or Certified Apartment Manager, is an industry credential used to demonstrate high levels of competency and expertise in multifamily property management. Offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA), CAM courses cover everything from inspections and maintenance to employment regulations and accounting practices. Once you've completed the course, you must sit for the CAM exam, which is a four-hour timed exam taken in a proctored setting. NAA offers free practice tests online, so property management professionals who are curious about the exam can get a feel for it before committing to the coursework. In 2025, NAA released a refreshed version of the CAM course, proving their commitment to serving an evolving industry. With both online and in-person options, CAM a very accessible program for property managers who want to demonstrate their expertise. Learn more about the CAM
June 3, 2025
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