Homeowner Education

CAI Board Leader Certificate Course

• How to Earn the CAI Board Leader Certificate

  1. Complete the CAI Board Leader Certificate Course (also known as the Board Leader Development Workshop). This course is offered in two formats: classroom instruction through CAI chapters, or an online, self-study course. 

  2. Acknowledge that you have read and understand three key documents:

  1) Model Code of Ethics for Community Association Board Members
  2) Community Association Governance Guidelines
  3) Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities

• Course Materials

  With your course registration you will receive a complete toolbox of resources containing:

  • The Board Member To​ol Kit
  • The Board Member Tool Kit Workbook
  • CAI Board Leader Certificate Handout Packet
  • Community Association Leadership: A Guide for Volunteers
  • Managing & Governing: How Community Associations Function, by Clifford J. Treese
  • ​Common Ground magazine​

• Course Outline

  Whether you live in a condominium, homeowners association (HOA) or other type of community, the CAI Board Leader Certificate Course highlights what every board member needs to know to serve effectively. The course consists of five modules:

  • Module 1: Governing Documents and Roles & Responsibilities. To start you on the right path, Module 1 helps you understand the legal authority for your association. It also clarifies the duties and responsibilities of each board member and the professionals who are available to assist the board.
  • Module 2: Communications, Meetings and Volunteerism. Module 2 helps you learn how to maximize volunteer involvement in your community association by improving board communications, conducting effective meetings and building community spirit.
  • Module 3: Fundamentals of Financial Management. Module 3 introduces the fundamentals of association financial management, including guidelines for protecting your association’s assets, preparing a budget, planning for the future and collecting assessments.
  • Module 4: Professional Advisors and Service Providers. Because putting together the right team to support your association can be challenging, Module 4 provides practical tips on finding, evaluating and hiring qualified professional advisors and service providers.
  • Module 5: Association Rules and Conflict Resolution. Module 5 explores guidelines for making reasonable association rules, enforcing rules fairly and resolving conflict effectively.

• Registration & Tuition

  The CAI Board Leader Certificate is an excellent investment for your community association! Associations should consider budgeting association funds to cover registration fees.

  Register for the online program: CAI members: $99 | Nonmembers: $199

  Tuition for the classroom course varies by CAI chapter. Visit here for details.