With the rapid growth of residential communities in Florida, there is a high demand for qualified managers who can oversee day-to-day operations, maintain property values, and ensure the satisfaction of residents.
As a Community Association Manager, you will have the opportunity to interact with residents, board members, and vendors, and make a positive impact on the community you serve. But, with great responsibility comes great preparation, and the road to becoming a licensed Community Association Manager in Florida can be a challenging one.
In this article, we’ll explore the necessary steps to become a Florida Community Association Manager, from obtaining the required education, to passing the state exam, and obtaining your license. So, if you’re ready to take on this rewarding career, read on!
Page Contents:
Who Is a Community Association Manager (CAM)?
A Community Association Managerr is liable for dealing with each day’s operation of an affiliation, which includes an owner affiliation (HOA) or an apartment affiliation. CAMs are liable for:
- Keeping the network’s amenities
- Imposing the affiliation’s rules and regulations
- Dealing with accounting and budgets
- Coordinating with providers and contractors.
How to Become a Florida Community Association Manager (CAM)
To become a Florida CAM, you must meet specific requirements of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Here are the eligibility requirements you need to tobtain your license:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- You must pass a background check.
- You must complete a 16-hour, pre-licensure course approved by the DBPR.
- You must have at least one year of experience working for a community association or related field.
Take and Pass the CAM Exam
Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you must take and pass the CAM exam. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE, a testing company authorized by the DBPR. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 3 hours.
The exam covers a wide range of topics related to community association management, including:
- Governing documents and community association structure
- Budgets and financial reporting
- Maintenance and repair
- Risk management and insurance
- Human resources and personnel management
- Ethics and professional conduct
To pass the exam, you must score at least 75%. If you fail the exam, you can retake it as often as necessary within one year of completing the pre-licensure course.
Apply for Your CAM License
After passing the CAM exam, you must apply through the DBPR’s online licensing portal for your CAM license. You must provide proof of completing the pre-licensure course, your work experience, and your passing exam scores.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your CAM license in the mail. Your license is valid for two years, and you’ll need to renew it every two years by completing continuing education courses and submitting a renewal application.
Can You Get the License Online?
The whole CAM license application process can be completed online except for the fingerprint check. Online access is offered for the pre-licensing training, application, and state exam.
In Conclusion
Becoming a community association manager in Florida can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path. However, it requires meeting specific eligibility requirements, passing an exam, and obtaining a license from the DBPR.
With the proper training and experience, you can become a licensed CAM and make a positive impact on the communities you serve.
