To obtain the CMCA® certification, a candidate must demonstrate basic knowledge in many areas of community association management. After taking CAI’s PMDP course, The Essentials of Community Association Management (M-100), a candidate can apply to take the CMCA Examination.
Exam Content
The CMCA Examination is a three-hour, 120-question multiple choice exam that tests candidates in:
- Meetings (11%)
- Governance and Legal Issues (22%)
- Budgets, Reserves, Investments, and Assessments (15%)
- Financial Controls (12%)
- Risk Management and Insurance (10%)
- Property Maintenance (8%)
- Contracting (14%)
- Human Resource Management (8%)
For more information and assistance on exam content, read the Study Guide (MS Word, 143 KB).
Exam Formats
There are two convenient ways to take the CMCA Examination—computer-based or pencil and paper.
Computer-based exam
The computer-based exam offers more exam dates and locations and gives instant test results to candidates. It is administered by LaserGrade Computer Testing, Inc., an international computer based testing company with proctored testing centers worldwide.
To take the CMCA Examination via computer, please sign up for the exam by checking CBT on the CMCA application (PDF, 176 KB).
Minimal computer experience is required. When you are ready to take the exam, test officials will put you at ease with step-by-step instructions.
Immediately after you complete the exam, LaserGrade will score your test and you will be given instant results. Results include feedback showing the approximate percentage of items answered correctly. Only pass/fail information is provided.
Fees for the computer-based exam:
The cost of the computer-based exam is $300 (standard fee of $250 plus a $50 electronic service fee) which covers the application fee, exam, your first year of certification, and quarterly issues of Upward Directions, the CMCA newsletter.
If a candidate does not pass the exam they are given the opportunity to re-take the exam on the next exam date. Candidates must complete and submit the Retest Application and submit a fee. The fee is $250 for a LaserGrade CBT retest. You may download a retest application (PDF, 126 KB) here or call our office at (703) 836-6902 or email us at info@nbccam.org and we will send you one. Retake application is valid for five years.
Forms and applications:
CMCA Application (PDF, 176 KB)
LaserGrade.com
Pencil and Paper exam
You may choose to take the exam via the standard pencil/paper format.
To take the CMCA Examination via pencil/paper, please sign up for the exam by selecting paper/pencil on the CMCA application.
Candidates will receive pencil/paper test results within four to six weeks after taking the exam. Results include a feedback sheet showing the approximate percentage of items answered correctly. Only pass/fail information is provided.
Fees for the pencil/paper exam:
The cost of the pencil/paper exam is $250 which covers the application fee, exam, your first year of certification, and quarterly issues of Upward Directions, the CMCA newsletter.
If a candidate does not pass the exam they are given the opportunity to re-take the exam on the next exam date. Candidates must complete and submit the Retest Application and submit a fee. The fee is $200 for a paper/pencil retest. You may download a retest application (PDF, 126 KB) here or call our office at (703) 836-6902 or email us at info@nbccam.org and we will send you one. Retake application is valid for five years.
Forms and applications:
CMCA Application (PDF, 176 KB) |
