Whether it is a blue checkmark affixed to an Instagram handle or a golden badge on a LinkedIn profile, everyone seeks the opportunity to earn official recognition and validation within their fields as possessing the qualities, skills, and knowledge necessary to thrive.
For property managers (PMs) in multifamily real estate, it takes more than a social media symbol to let the world know you have been appropriately educated and trained.
The Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) designation is one of a handful of industry-wide certifications that authenticate property managers’ expertise.
CERTIFIED APARTMENT MANAGER (CAM) DEFINED
In multifamily real estate, property managers ensure their apartment communities aim to generate adequate cash flow through resident satisfaction, collecting rent, marketing the property, handling property income and expenses, understanding landlord and resident laws and regulations, overseeing evictions, and scheduling and conducting inspections.
Since a property manager’s responsibilities vary by property type, owner/operator, and state, it is essential to demonstrate a commitment to the profession through a trusted source in the multifamily industry, such as the National Apartment Association (NAA).
According to the NAA, a CAM credential means demonstrating “your skills, knowledge, and ability to manage an apartment community and achieve owners’ investment goals.” [1] Some of the learning objectives provided by the NAA for this certification include:
- OCCUPANCY RATES
- COMPREHENSIVE MARKETING PLANS
- POSITIVE RESIDENT SERVICE
- PROPERTY INSPECTIONS
- PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
- SYSTEMATIC EMPLOYEE EVALUATION
- MAXIMIZING NET OPERATING INCOME
- REPORTING PROPERTY PERFORMANCE HONESTLY AND ACCURATELY [1]
As mentioned above, property managers can obtain various certifications and licenses. Still, the CAM designation is often sought after because it focuses specifically on managing apartment communities, covers multiple skill sets, and is one of the most recognized certifications within the industry.
COST & REQUIREMENTS
As of 2025, NAA members who earn the CAM certification online must pay $900 for the entire course, or they can pay per module at a rate of $120. Non-members must pay $1,125 for the whole course or pay $150 per module.
Eight modules are divided into two parts, followed by a comprehensive exam that is scored pass/fail. To obtain their certification, testers are required to complete all modules and successfully pass the exam.
If necessary, retaking the exam incurs fees: $80 for one part and $100 for both parts.
If choosing to earn the CAM certification in person, testers must find a qualifying credential course in their area and subsequently find a hosting affiliate near them using the NAA’s “find a local course” generator and register.
To be eligible for the CAM certification, testers must complete the following course requirements:
- INDUSTRY ESSENTIALS (2 hrs)
- FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (2 hrs)
- HUMAN RESOURCES (2 hrs)
- MARKETING (2.5 hrs)
- PROPERTY MAINTENANCE (2 hrs)
- LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES (2 hrs)
- RISK MANAGEMENT (2 hrs)
- RESIDENT EXPERIENCE (2 hrs) [2]
Property managers must have at least one calendar year of on-site PM experience to secure their CAM credentials. However, candidates may complete their courses and take the exam to receive a provisional certificate while fulfilling their 12 months of service. [2]
SALARY & BENEFITS
Since a property manager’s responsibilities vary by property type, owner/operator, and state, there is no universal salary structure for a PM with this designation. Unlike some other certifications available to property managers, the CAM certificate is a site-level certification, meaning the overall role and responsibilities of the property manager remain unchanged based on this credential. Therefore, the salary could stay the same unless owners/operators incentivize it at the property level.
Continuing your education can lead to career advancement, networking opportunities, and credibility among your peers. A CAM designation can fast-track you to other licenses and certifications that require a college degree or more hours served as a property manager. CAMs can also use their continued education status to negotiate a raise or other benefits on their property. [3]
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Testers are not allowed to bring reference materials to the exam or use electronic devices, including cell phones. Therefore, many choose to adopt rigorous study habits to perform well. Part of those habits includes taking practice tests and memorizing key terms. The National Apartment Association offers a robust catalog of study materials on its website. Here are a few of the items/questions listed:
1. Define a lease.
2. Describe in great detail each step of the move-out inspection process.
3. Who should complete a rental application?
- Prospective resident
- Property manager
- Minor occupant
- Leasing professional
4. Which term is BEST defined as a legally enforceable contract that grants a resident the rights and responsibilities of possession and use of an apartment for a specified period of time?
- Lease
- Offer
- Amendment
- Exclusion clause
5. What are frequent property inspections designed to reduce MOST?
- Cost of repairs
- Number of work orders
- Number of residents making service requests
- Amount of work the maintenance team performs
The practice exam also gives scenarios in which you must make end-of-year calculations, determine the total square footage of a property, measure gross and net closing ratios, and identify costs per lease. [3][4]
ONLINE PRACTICE TEST
The CAM practice exam provided by the National Apartment Association (the industry administrator) will likely be the most reliable practice test available, as it is the official source/entity determining the exam’s accuracy.
You may find third-party testing sites helpful in diversifying your practice; however, it is key to assess the website’s reviews and ensure the questions are updated.
GUIDANCE
As with any exam, testers may find it helpful to dedicate twice as much time to studying their materials as learning them. For example, if one of the courses you take in preparation for the exam is 120 minutes long, consider spending 240 minutes studying and exploring the course material further.
It is also essential to take your time and carefully review each question and its range of answers. Allowing yourself to be placed in each scenario and recalling your lived experiences as a property manager can go a long way.
CONNECT WITH AN INSTITUTIONAL REAL ESTATE OWNER/OPERATOR
BAM Management is the property management arm of The BAM Companies, an institutional multifamily real estate owner/operator. It strives to hire the most professional and knowledgeable staff to help ensure a satisfying resident experience. The BAM Management team’s direct involvement with the day-to-day management of its properties and residents aims to provide the necessary levers for potential income growth and cost control.
The BAM Companies invests in its people. Property managers under the BAM Management umbrella are encouraged to continue their education and become certified in their respective fields, whether it is a maintenance team member seeking their certificate for apartment maintenance technicians (CAMT) or a leasing consultant interested in becoming a national apartment leasing professional (NALP), The BAM Companies advocates for professional development and cultivating skilled PMs in the industry.
Review BAM Management career opportunities here or visit The BAM Companies website to learn more.
Disclaimer: All investments carry risk, including potential loss of capital. This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or investment advice, nor an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security. Consult an independent advisor for personalized guidance and contact BAM Capital for details on current offerings. BAM Capital and its representatives are not fiduciaries or investment advisors. The information provided is general and may not reflect individual financial goals. Any financial terms, projections, or forward-looking statements contained herein are hypothetical in nature and should not be interpreted as guarantees of future performance or safety. Such statements reflect BAM Capital’s opinion and are subject to market fluctuations, economic conditions, and investment risks. Past performance does not predict future results. BAM Capital and its affiliates do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. BAM Capital offers investment opportunities under Rule 506(c) of Regulation D exclusively for accredited investors as defined by the SEC. Verification of accredited investor status is required prior to participating in any investment.
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SOURCES:
[1]: National Apartment Association. (n.d.). “Certified Apartment Manager.” https://www.naahq.org/cam
[2]: Visto. (n.d.). “Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) | Course Description.” https://store.gowithvisto.org/collections/credentials/products/cam-online
[3]: HelloData. (n.d.). “What is CAM Certification in Property Management?” https://www.hellodata.ai/help-articles/what-is-cam-certification-in-property-management
[4]: National Apartment Association Education Institute. (2023). “Practice Test – Certified Apartment Manager (CAM).” https://www.naahq.org/sites/default/files/2023-05/CAM%20Practice%20Test%202023.pdf
