Your knowledge and skills as a property manager may be required at various times for various reasons including being required to work in a high-risk housing environment, serving as a tenant representative for a landlord, being hired as a part-time employee for a business that has been recently established, or simply being a college student looking to move into the field. There are many types of certification programs available today, and they range from general to specific to include everything from a specific type of building, to a particular type of rental property.
General property management certification allows you to work as a property manager in several different types of businesses such as apartment buildings and condominiums, hotels, motels, senior homes, mobile home parks, industrial parks, and schools. These types of businesses often require property managers who are certified in order to help their tenants find apartments, condos, or even campsites.
Specific property management certification focuses on one type of business and will give you the necessary skills and knowledge to run an entire operation in that business. You will be responsible for property management in such businesses as retirement homes, medical facilities, and shopping centers.
Are you thinking about starting your own business? If so, becoming a property manager may be right for you. There are many businesses these days that have a need for property managers. Whether it is a small business that needs help in the management of a large building, or a larger business that needs help managing a large group of properties, this career choice is perfect for you.
Another benefit of obtaining property management certification is that you may qualify for higher pay. This is important, especially when you are just starting out. You may only have experience and you want to climb your way up the ranks until you are ready to go to work as a manager for a larger property or business.
In addition, you may want to know how your training is going to help you in your future positions. As your experience increases, you may want to go up one or two levels and you may find that you will have to attend one or more seminars or courses to continue your education.
A certified property manager is important not only to the property owner but also to other owners in that area. The property owner may be looking for a property manager to provide them with the training needed to properly care for their properties.
The good news is that there are many online resources available to help you locate a local property management certification. Many of these online sources also offer you the opportunity to take the course at your own pace. This can be a very convenient way to learn if you are not able to make time to attend class in the traditional classroom setting.
As you work toward becoming a certified property manager, you will find that the benefits will outweigh the financial investment. over the long run. You will have more job security, more money, and a better sense of accomplishment.
The course consists of a written exam, hands-on practice exams, and one or more real world scenarios. You will have to pass the tests in order to become a certified property manager and will have the opportunity to earn both state and national property management certification.
Once you complete the course, the National Association of Home Building Inspectors (NHAI) and the National Association of Home Services (NAS) will certify you. The NHAI also conducts a continuing education program for every five years, so you will be able to keep your certifications current.