CAAM Certification Program

Professionalism, accountability, and education are of utmost importance to credibly and capably represent the tens of millions of dollars of real estate throughout Arizona. To that end, AACM developed its Certified Arizona Association Manager (CAAM) Certification Program.

CAAM and CAASP are Arizona-specific designations under the CAAM Certification Program signifying that a manager or community management industry professional is trained to address community association management issues specific to our climate and laws particular to our state. Additional course completion and testing requirements in the areas of essential management principles and ethical business practices round out the CAAM Certification Program curriculum, ensuring that community management professionals are comprehensively prepared to represent the values of Arizona’s communities and homes.

Continuing Education Units, or CEUs, support the CAAM and CAASP designations by enhancing the professional education of those professionals who have completed a designation under the CAAM Certification Program through elective courses developed by AACM and approved by our Professional Standards Committee.

CAAM Certification And Designation

In order to obtain the prestigious CAAM certification, an individual must meet at least one of the following qualifications:

E

Member management company employees who are community managers actively engaged in community management.

E

Member management company employees who are executives and are actively engaged in community management.

E

Community managers who are employed directly by a community association and have obtained Individual Membership in AACM.

E

Employees of a developer or builder who are employed as the HOA Coordinator for that company and have obtained Individual Membership in AACM.

A person who has earned a CAAM certification may continue to use the CAAM certification as long as they maintain their required Continuing Education Unit requirements and remain in good standing with AACM as a Management Company Member employee, a Affiliate Partner employee, or an Individual Member, restrictions apply, contact AACM Membership. A person who has earned their CAAM certification but is temporarily unemployed may continue to use the CAAM certification and take continuing education courses under their former Membership affiliation for up to six months from their last day of employment with the AACM Member Company, after which time they must apply for Individual Membership with AACM in order to maintain their CAAM certification.

CAAM certification requirements include:

E

Application form from C.E.R.T.S. completed with the following:

Supervising manager signature
3 CAAM Recommendation Forms
250 word essay describing your industry commitment. The caliber of Certified Arizona Association Managers is of utmost importance to AACM and its Members.

E

All membership dues and fees (if applicable), a registration fee, course fees, continuing education credits and fees, and any other applicable fees must be current at the time of CAAM certification and subsequent renewal.

E

Six months of performing all daily duties of a community manager (may complete courses concurrently with this six-month period).

E

Completion of the CAAM core course curriculum within three years from the date of initial CAAM Program Application, and

E

CAAM Continuing Education Units (CEUs):

First three-year certification period: 27 CEUs beginning the January 1 after initial certification date, including:

3 CEUs each year of mandatory Annual Law Update credits
3 CEUs of mandatory Effective Communication Tools for Community Managers (only required one time in first certification period)*

Subsequent three-year certification periods: 27 CEUs consisting of at least 18 Education CEUs including 3 CEUs each year of mandatory Annual Law Update credits, and up to 9 Participation CEUs (PCEU) for participation in AACM committees, activities and events.

*Exception: CAAM certified individuals with a certification date prior to January 1, 2007 may take their 3 required CEU’s of Effective Communication Tools for Community Managers within their second three-year CAAM certification period.

The courses required to receive CAAM designation may be taken in any order. A test is taken during each course, and each course must be passed with an average of at least 70%. The Ethics course also requires a signed AACM Code of Ethics to pass. For Member company employees, test scores and course completion certificates are mailed to the designated executive or CAAM Program Contact for each company, to be passed on to the individual who participated in the CAAM course.

CAASP DESIGNATION

The CAASP designation is available to those community management industry professionals who are employed by an AACM Member community management company in a support role, such as community management administrative assistants, community management accountants, compliance managers, and others who perform roles vital to the support of community managers but do not directly perform community management duties in their day-to-day activities or meet the CAAM certification requirements as stated above.

A person who has earned the CAASP designation may apply to AACM to convert their designation to a CAAM certification after directly performing the duties of a community manager for at least six (6) months.

A person who has earned the CAASP designation but is temporarily unemployed may continue to use the CAASP designation and take continuing education courses under their former Membership affiliation for up to six months from their last day of employment with an AACM Member company .

CAASP designation requirements include:

E

Application form from C.E.R.T.S. completed with the following:

Supervising manager signature
3 CAAM Recommendation Forms
250 word essay describing your industry commitment. The caliber of Certified Arizona Association Managers and Support Professionals is of utmost importance to AACM and its Members.

E

All membership dues and fees (if applicable), a registration fee, course fees, continuing education credits and fees, and any other applicable fees must be current at the time of CAASP designation and subsequent renewal.

E

Completion of the CAAM core course curriculum within three years from the date of initial CAAM Program Application, and

E

CAAM Continuing Education Units (CEUs):

First three-year certification period: 27 CEUs beginning the January 1 after initial certification date, including:

3 CEUs each year of mandatory Annual Law Update credits
3 CEUs of mandatory Effective Communication Tools for Community Managers (only required one time in first certification period)*

Subsequent three-year certification periods: 27 CEUs consisting of at least 18 Education CEUs including: 3 CEUs each year of mandatory Annual Law Update credits, and up to 9 Participation CEUs (PCEUs) for participation in AACM committees, activities and events.

*Exception: CAASP designated individuals with a certification date prior to January 1, 2007 may take their 3 required CEU’s of Effective Communication Tools for Community Managers within their second three-year CAAM certification period.

CAAM Certification Program courses taken for the CAASP designation may be taken in any order. A test is taken during each course, and each course must be passed with an average of at least 70%. The Ethics course also requires a signed AACM Code of Ethics to pass. Test scores and course completion certificates are mailed to the designated executive or CAAM Program Contact for each company, to be passed on to the individual who participated in the CAAM course.

CAAM Required Courses

Basics of Association Management (BAM)*

BAM is a 2-day course covering a comprehensive spectrum of topics vital to effective community management. This course is taught by seasoned community managers as well as legal and financial specialists. Legal aspects of HOAs, understanding association insurance, budgets, financial statements, reserves, industry terminology, board meetings, and member communication are all topics included in BAM.

AACM Ethics

This is a full-day course written and instructed by members of the AACM Board of Directors and Professional Standards Committee. It is designed to help managers understand the high ethical standards held by AACM Members and their associates, and employ said standards in their daily business. AACM’s organizational structure is explained, along with the Code of Ethics and Professional Standards that all AACM Members have committed to uphold. The AACM Code of Ethics is to be signed by all class attendees at the end of this course, indicating the individual’s agreement to commit to the ethics detailed in class.

Arizona Association Law

Navigating and understanding community association law and the legal issues that affect HOAs and community managers can be quite a challenge. Some of AACM’s Affiliate Partners who are legal professionals specializing in the HOA industry instruct this full-day course. Topics include community association documents, condominiums vs. planned community developments (PUDs), roles of the Board and the Manager, developer transitions, reserves, collections, restriction enforcement, board meetings, and insurance.

Arizona Association Finance*

Financial management is an integral part of the community manager’s duties. This course is designed to set forth minimum standards and recommended procedures for financial management of a community association. Financial experts, as well as seasoned community managers, instruct this course, including topics such as recordkeeping, accounting methods, financial statements, budget preparation, reserve studies, and taxes in the course curriculum.

*The BAM and Finance courses may be waived upon proof of current NBC-CAM CMCA Certification.

CAAM Initial Certification Costs

AACM Management Company Member or Individual Member Costs

E

$150.00 Registration Fee (includes CAAM binder for course materials)

E

$120.00 for each full-day CAAM course (x 3 courses)

E

$240.00 for 2-day CAAM BAM course

E

$750.00 total ($390.00 with proof of current NBC-CAM CMCA certification)

AACM – CMCA Recirprocity Policies

Effective January 1, 2011, these policies must be followed or CAAM certification may be subject to suspension or revocation.

CMCA-designated Individual Receiving CAAM Certification:

A community manager with a current CMCA designation and current AACM Membership status through either a Management Company Member or an Individual Membership may apply for the CAAM Certification Program.

Upon providing proof of current CMCA designation, the following course requirements for CAAM certification may be waived:

E

Basics of Association Management

E

Arizona Association Finance

The following requirements must be met to receive CAAM certification with a CMCA designation:

E

Attend and pass AACM Ethics course (in-class test and Code of Ethics Agreement)

E

Attend and pass Arizona Association Law (in-class test)

E

Current CAAM Program Registration Fee

E

All CAAM Program certification paperwork

Once CAAM certification has been awarded, all CAAM graduates will be required to earn CEU credits per current AACM policy.

Maintaining CAAM Certification While Working Out-of-State as a Community Manager:

CAAM certified managers who have relocated out of state may maintain active CAAM certification status with the following requirements:

E

Notify AACM of out-of-state relocation to request CAAM certification "hold" status

E

Provide AACM all updated contact information including office address, email addresses, home address, and phone numbers

E

Membership in AACM must be maintained either through employment with an AACM Member company or as an Individual Member in good standing

E

Provide proof of current CMCA designation within six months if individual does not hold CMCA designation upon leaving Arizona.

Once the above requirements have been met, the CAAM-CMCA certified individual may maintain certification “hold” status as long as they continue to provide proof of active or renewed CMCA designation while out of state. The individual’s current CAAM certification period will be placed on “hold” status beginning the first January 1 after notification of out-of-state move.

Resuming Active CAAM Status Upon Return to Arizona as a Community Manager:

If a CAAM-CMCA certified individual relocates back to Arizona, the following requirements must be met to maintain CAAM certification:

E

Notify AACM of the individual's return to Arizona within 30 days of return

E

Provide AACM all updated contact information including management company (if applicable), office address, email addresses, home address, and phone numbers

E

Maintain membership in AACM either through employment with an AACM Member company or as an Individual Member in good standing

After AACM has been notified of the CAAM-CMCA certified individual’s return to Arizona:

E

The individual's certification period and CEU requirements will resume beginning the January 1 after notification of their return to Arizona.

E

Individuals may continue to earn CEU credits after notification of return to Arizona and prior to resuming their certification period on the following January 1.

CAAM Changes And Certification Expiration/renewal

AACM will maintain records for each individual in the CAAM Certification Program. The AACM Member of record associated with the certified individual (either Management Company Member or Individual Member) will be notified approximately three months prior to a certification renewal date (3 calendar years from the January 1 following the original certification date, and January 1 every three calendar years thereafter). However, it is strongly recommended that each certified individual also maintain his or her own records. Records on certification requirements including paperwork and Continuing Education Units are available on the CERTS website (go to www.aacm.com and click on the orange button that says “C.E.R.T.S.”)

The AACM Member of record as described above must notify the AACM office of any name changes or employment changes by completing a CAAM Records Change Form as soon as possible after a change (either termination or hire) occurs.

There may be a recertification fee charged at the time of renewal (amount to be determined).

AACM – Requirements Penalty Policy

Mandatory course missed (i.e., Law Update or Effective Communication):

E

CAAM certification suspended immediately following the last offering of the mandatory course that year.

E

Approved CAAM Reinstatement Application and $325 reinstatement fee required for reinstatement of CAAM certification (see below).

E

Publication of name and suspension date on AACM website and in AACM newsletter.

Total CEU requirements not met (by end of certification period):

E

CAAM certification suspended January 1 of the following year.

E

Approved CAAM Reinstatement Application and $325 reinstatement fee required in time to complete the equivalent missed credits by June 30 (six months from suspension date).

E

Following reinstatement, must complete the equivalent missed credits by June 30; failure to do so will result in revocation of CAAM certification.

E

Equivalent missed credits from prior certification period will be required in addition to the three-year certification period CEU credit requirement.

E

Publication of name and suspension date on AACM website and in AACM newsletter.

Any CAAM certification remaining inactive or suspended for more than 6 months will be required to complete CAAM certification again at regular cost.

A letter explaining extenuating circumstances may be written prior to the end of the current certification period. AACM will make a determination on a case-by-case basis regarding possible exceptions and reinstatement conditions.

During any period of suspension or inactive CAAM status, any CAAM Certification Program designation (CAAM, CAASP , etc.) may not be used in any form of business marketing or correspondence, including but not limited to business cards, signatures, brochures, marketing materials, resumes, etc.

If any CAAM Certification Program Designation is used during any period of suspended, inactive, or revoked CAAM status, the Company and/or Participant may be subject to any/all of the following:

E

If inactive/suspended, revoke Participant's Certification and all associated credits.

E

Code of Ethics Complaint filed.

E

Publication of Company's and/or Participant's name and improper use of the CAAM Program designation on a Disciplinary Page on the AACM website and/or the AACM e-newsletter.

REQUIREMENTS FOR REINSTATEMENT TO ACTIVE CAAM CERTIFICATION STATUS

Resignation or Suspension from the CAAM Program (within six-month time period):

Should a CAAM/CAASP resign from the CAAM Certification Program, be suspended from the CAAM Certification Program, or not complete the continuing education requirements, the individual’s certification is suspended until such time as the individual:

E

1. Obtains AACM Membership either through employment by an AACM Member, or through AACM Individual Membership,

E

2. Completes a Request for Reinstatement of CAAM Certification and submits it to AACM and the PSC for review (subject to approval),

E

3. Take and successfully complete the Basics of Association Management (BAM), AZ Association Law (LAW) , AZ Association Finance (Finance), and AACM Ethics courses.

E

4. Pay a Reinstatement Registration Fee of $150.00 and

E

5. Is current with all other AACM financial obligations.

Resignation or Suspension from the CAAM Program (within six-month time period):

If a former CAAM wishes to reapply to the CAAM program after six months of being out of the program due to either resignation or suspension, the applicant will be required to:

E

1. Obtain AACM Membership either through employment by an AACM Member, or through AACM Individual Membership,

E

2. Complete a new online Application for the Certified Arizona Association Manager (CAAM) Certification, including three new recommendation forms,

E

3. Take and successfully complete the Basics of Association Management (BAM), CAAM Law, CAAM Finance, and CAAM Ethics courses.

E

4. Pay a Reinstatement and Penalty Fee of $325.00, and

E

5. Be current with all other AACM and CAAM financial obligations.

Please note that CAAM Reinstatement is at all times subject to approval by AACM and/or the PSC.

For more information, please contact the AACM Education Manager at CAAM@aacm.com, or the AACM office at (602)685-1111.

JOIN AACM!

AACM is designed specifically for the needs of Arizona

Click here to learn more