To obtain the CMCA® certification, a candidate must demonstrate basic knowledge in many areas of community association management.
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%)
Study Tools
Congratulations on your decision to earn the CMCA credential. In doing so, you will join the ranks of over 9,000 other community association managers who have earned the CMCA since 1995. The CMCA represents professionalism in the field of community association management and a commitment to life-long learning.
To help you prepare for the CMCA examination, we developed this study guide from a content outline that is the basis for the CMCA examination. The study guide is designed to be used by individuals working alone; in small, self-directed learning groups; or in structured groups led by facilitators. This guide is intended to help you manage your preparation for the CMCA examination. It is important for you to become familiar with the content outline and the knowledge areas. The eight specific knowledge areas have been developed to assist you in studying and each area describes the responsibilities and associated tasks performed and the comprehension needed to successfully practice community association management.
Download the Study Guide (PDF, 563 KB).
The CMCA Study Kit includes the following materials:
- Drafting Rules: How Community Associations Maintain Peace & Harmony
- Bids & Contracts: How to Find the Right Community Association Professional
- Meetings & Elections: How Community Associations Exercise Democracy
- Reserve Funds: How & Why Community Associations Invest Assets
- Risk Management: How Community Associations Protect Themselves
- Insurance: How Community Associations Protect Themselves
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, 287 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 Retake Application and submit a fee. The fee is $250 for a LaserGrade CBT retest. You may download a retake application (PDF, 219 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, 287 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 Retake Application and submit a fee. The fee is $200 for a paper/pencil retest. You may download a retake application (PDF, 219 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, 287 KB) |
