The premier property management certification worldwide
IREM’s prestigious certifications symbolize best practices, ethical leadership, and well-managed properties worldwide.
Where will you go as an IREM® CPM®? Anywhere you want.
Owners, investors, and employers know that if you hold an IREM Certified Property Manager designation, you have the knowledge to maximize the value of any property in any asset class. With the CPM designation, property managers have the potential to earn more than the average property manager’s salary. As a CPM, you’ll know more, do more, and earn more, anywhere you manage.
Benefits of a CPM designation
Go farther in your career. Over half of CPMs hold senior-level management positions.
Expand your network. Generate business referrals. Meet future employees or employers. And consult with other experts.
Your annual IREM membership and all the benefits that come with it are included when you enroll.
Showcase your credibility with a digital badge to add to your email, social media profiles, website, and more.
Make more money. The average base property manager salary in the U.S. is $62,850. For CPMs, the average is $139,506.
Who should enroll?
Experienced property managers* who manage any asset class and want to learn how to maximize the value of their properties.
Those who want to add advanced financial and asset management capabilities to their day-to-day operational abilities.
Those who need knowledge that transcends asset class and serves their entire portfolio – whether commercial, residential, and/or mixed-use.
Those needing to learn how to speak the languages of owners, tenants, residents, and investors.
Recognized University Degree (Property Studies / Property Sciences / Construction Management / Quantity Surveying / Property Valuations or similar)
A total of three years (36 months) of experience is needed to earn the CPM
Must have managed a portfolio that meets minimum size standards (residential or commercial)
You must have performed at least 19 of 36 real estate management functions over that experience
Your experience for any given month qualifies if, during that month, you were in a real estate management position, managed a minimum portfolio, and performed a minimum number of functions.
Size requirements
Click here
Minimum Size Standards
Category
Asset Types
Minimum Portfolio Requirement (sqm)
Sites
Residential
Apartments, apartments, HOAs, mobile homes & parks, single-family homes, hotels, motels
Combination of residential, commercial and/or industrial
Any combination totaling 100% of minimums
Multiple
functional requirements
Click here
Functions Requirement
IREM defines the activities performed by real estate managers according to 36 functions. In addition to managing a minimum size portfolio, you must perform at least 19 of the 36 functions in order for any period of real estate management experience to qualify for credit toward the CPM designation.
Human resources management
Hire, manage, and evaluate site personnel and/or off-site management staff or contracted management firms, directly or through others.
Identify staffing requirements and develop, or approve, job descriptions and/or develop and monitor, or approve, human resource policies, training and development plans, and diversity outreach initiatives.
Maintenance and operations
Identify, implement, and monitor, or approve, sustainable practices; including but not limited to energy use/conservation programs for the property.
Determine which items or services are to be purchased for the property, prepare specifications, solicit and evaluate bids for contract services, negotiate or approve contracts, and monitor contracts.
Oversee operation of building systems, supervise employees or monitor contractors who perform routine maintenance and repair work, and/or oversee planning and construction of tenant improvements and interior design.
Design, implement, and monitor or approve, routine and preventive maintenance programs for the property.
Establish or maintain and enforce the property’s operating policies and procedures and occupancy/usage guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and monitor adherence to, or approve, the property’s record keeping system.
Identify, analyze, and implement, or approve, capital improvement or replacement programs, including but not limited to maintenance or remodeling programs, resident/tenant improvements, and amenity enhancements.
Perform regular property inspections and take appropriate action in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Marketing and leasing
Design and implement, or approve, resident/tenant retention, orientation, and property familiarization programs.
Communicate routinely with occupants of the property concerning level of service and other management matters and/or investigate and resolve resident/tenant complaints.
Administer the leasing and lease renewal process and/or negotiate or approve leases, including assessing the financial impact of the lease.
Prepare, market, and show leasable space.
Develop, implement, and monitor, a marketing plan and/or leasing plan for the property.
Analyze market conditions and recommend or approve the property’s rental rates.
Legal and risk management
Design, implement, or approve life-safety and emergency preparedness programs for the property.
Develop, implement, or approve a risk management program for the property to mitigate the property’s insurable risk and/or identify the property’s insurable risks and recommend, secure and monitor insurance coverages.
Recommend and/or initiate legal actions for violations of leases, contracts or governing documents, including but not limited to evictions and filing of liens.
Ensure the property’s compliance with government and environmental regulations.
Financial operations and asset management
Process, and/or monitor, or approve property payables.
Supervise property collections, including the handling of property receipts, journal entries, records of account, bank deposits, and delinquent accounts.
Prepare, present, and implement annual property budgets, including capital expenditure budgets, or review, authorize, and monitor such budgets prepared by others.
Prepare, analyze, and/or approve the property’s financial and operating statements and variance reports.
Approve major deviations from the budget, exclusive of emergencies.
Identify and analyze the property’s financial requirements and financing options, and/or replacement reserve requirements, and recommend funding sources to the owner.
Estimate and monitor the market value of the property and assess the implications that estimates of value have on the owner; determine the reasonableness of assessed value.
Identify, analyze alternate uses of the property and implement or approve a plan to change the property’s use (e.g. converting a residential building to commercial use).
Identify, analyze, and propose property improvements relative to the future value and return on investment.
Establish or maintain management controls and analyze the property’s performance.
Determine the goals and objectives of the property owner.
Evaluate real estate tax assessments and recommend an appeal strategy to the owner when appropriate.
Prepare a management plan for the property.
Identify and recommend, or approve other sources of income for the property and implement programs accordingly.
Client services
Acquire new clients, and/or establish and maintain client relationship(s).
Fulfill the company’s contractual obligations; including, recommending, implementing, and managing modifications for management contracts and/or governing documents.
The Process: 5 Steps to Your CPM*
Learn more about earning the CPM, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process.
1. Enroll
Complete the enrollment form. Submit application below to get started today.
2. Complete courses
Take the 8 CPM certification courses (ethics, budgeting, leasing, team leadership, maintenance, finance, performance, asset analysis).
3. Take the Capstone / Exams
Pass the CPM Capstone assessment and exams
4. Meet experience & event requirements
Accumulate the required 36 months of experience.
Attend at least two IREM chapter events within 12 months before graduation
5. Graduate
Submit proof of experience and completed requirements to IREM for approval
Enroll Now
Enrollment Process
1.Download the application.
2.Complete the form and sign. Electronic signatures suffice.
3.Submit the application form and supporting documents via the “Submit Application” Form.
4. Ensure you have read minimum requirements. Submit all documentation in order to minimize delays.
The eight CPM courses cover core competencies for managing property and maximizing its value. They prepare managers for the day to-day, and the one-of-a-kind, from solving the latest tenant crisis to analyzing market conditions.
Professional standards and ethical conduct for property managers
Price: $85 (approx. R1,392) Format: Self-directed
Master balance sheet, cash flow, and NOI with core accounting concepts
Total Investment: $2,555 USD(approx. R41,827) *MPSA course requires enrollment by October 13, 2025. Participation all four days required. Subject to minimum 7 participants.
Wondering if the CPM (Certified Property Manager) designation is for you? We explain the qualifications, experience, and process around earning property management’s premier certification. Watch this video to learn whether the CPM is the right step for your career!
Leading Africa and Advancing ethical leadership
Proudly the first IREM Chapter on the African continent
