California has developed detailed and unique laws relating to community associations. Community association managers who practice in California must be familiar with a broad range of state-specific laws and regulations pertaining to community associations so they can serve their client associations effectively.
A person may perform the services as a community association manager and hold themselves out as a manager in the state without becoming certified; however, it is considered an unfair business practice for someone to hold themselves out as a "certified common interest development manager" (CCIDM) without complying with state code. California does not require attorneys and bookkeepers to obtain certification.
Click here for the definition of CCIDM.
Certification Requirements
California has additional education requirements for CCIDM certification. Applicants for CCIDM certification must successfully complete 30 hours of state-approved coursework. Areas included in this coursework are law that relates to the management of common interest developments and general management practices. Click here for a complete list of topics.
The Community Association Managers' International Certification Board (CAMICB) Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA®) certification program meets the requirements of California law. CAMICB created additional qualification requirements for California CMCA certificants in order to meet the additional educational requirements set in statute.
CAI endorses the CMCA. The CMCA credential is the only certification in the world accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) which means it complies with NCCA’s stringent standards for a professional certification program.
Recertification Process
The recertification period for the CMCA starts the day the initial certification has been approved. Click here to access CAMICB's CMCA Recertification Application. Take note to review and acknowledge the California-specific section of the Recertification Application.