HOW TO APPLY
To achieve the CMCP certification, candidates first must qualify and apply. Candidates need to meet minimum relevant professional experience requirements. How much experience is required depends on an applicant’s educational background: Someone with a four-year degree needs one year of property management experience; a candidate with a two-year degree needs two years in the field; and an applicant with no degree needs four years of experience. CRECI reviews and validates applications using academic transcripts and employment verification.
Candidates also are required to have at least 30 hours of verifiable continuing education or training in commercial property management from any source. One great source is BOMA and BOMI’s new online CMCP Exam Prep Course. More on that in a moment.
Other sources of qualifying training could be: BOMA International’s Foundations of Real Estate Management, classes from BOMI International and those offered by BOMA local associations. Candidates also can look to real estate licensing courses; corporate training programs; and those offered by other associations in commercial real estate.
Once candidates meet the CMCP requirements and apply, they’ll receive approval to take the CMCP’s competency-based exam. After passing the exam, they’ll be able to use the CMCP certification after their name.
PREPARING FOR THE EXAM
The CMCP exam is based on rigorous standards and ongoing research. Exam questions reflect the aforementioned body of knowledge necessary for a successful career in commercial property management and the latest industry best practices. Questions fall into a number of competency domains:
- Business of the building, including accounting principles; financial management and reporting; and lease management and execution;
- Building operations and management, which involves building systems; contract strategies; property management; project and contract management; security; risk management; capital projects; regulatory and voluntary compliance; and ethical best practices;
- Building relationships with owners, occupants, staff, vendors and asset managers; as well as professional networking; civic involvement; and media relations; and
- Integrated competencies, including innovation, service orientation, organization and communication.
As previously mentioned, candidates must have at least 30 hours of commercial real estate training to qualify for the exam. One way to both fulfill this 30-hour requirement and prepare for the exam in one easy step is to take BOMA and BOMI’s CMCP Exam Prep Course. It’s a self-paced course conveniently offered online, complete with practice exams and quizzes to test knowledge both before and after the course. The digital course book is comprised of seven sections reflecting the domains of the CMCP exam and features functionality to allow students to search, highlight and create study aids, such as digital flash cards.
HOW DOES THE CMCP HELP YOU?
First and foremost, the CMCP provides property professionals with early-career recognition and independent validation of their skills and abilities. Having those four letters after their name instantly communicates a property professional’s ability to be an effective property manager with a strong understanding of the responsibilities of the role. It also increases their value to their companies, signaling to employers that they have the potential to advance and grow. And, it demonstrates their commitment and dedication to their profession.
But, it is current CMCPs who can best speak to the value of the certification. Mick Newell, CMCP, CPM, is a property manager for Washington Holdings in Seattle, who earned his certification in July. "The CMCP sets me apart from other property managers and gives me the confidence and knowledge to more effectively communicate with owners, tenants and prospective tenants at my building," he says.
Liliana Leon, CMCP, an assistant general manager with JLL in Chicago, agrees. "The CMCP gives my employer and clients the confidence of knowing they’re receiving the best managerial representation and expertise available. My hope is that this certification will bolster my résumé for years to come, provide confirmation of my industry knowledge and increase my earning potential."
WHY EMPLOYERS LIKE THE CMCP
Supervisors also are finding that the CMCP is a great tool to make sure their entire team excels and thrives. The CMCP can assist employers with onboarding new property managers and assessing both industry knowledge and career potential, uncovering areas where more training and experience may be needed. It also can help evaluate a property manager’s readiness for new responsibilities and career advancement, as well as identify employees who are serious about a career in commercial property management and may be candidates for additional investment in training and education.
Most important for an industry looking to attract and retain the best and brightest talent, the CMCP helps boost employee retention by identifying a career path in commercial property management and providing early recognition for achievement and knowledge.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
For early-career property professionals, the CMCP can serve as an important distinction in their careers and provide that extra advantage in the workforce. It’s an opportunity to show employers what you know and the skills you offer. If you want to add significant value as an employee and move your career forward, then earning the CMCP certification is a must.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, learn more about the CMCP certification at www.creci.org.
MAKING THE CMCP EASIER TO OBTAIN
For a limited time, you can take advantage of CRECI’s special introductory rate and save $100 on your CMCP application/exam fee. BOMA and BOMI also have discounted their CMCP Exam Prep Course by $50 for a limited time to help candidates get ready to apply.
And, just announced: The BOMA Foundation has created a new scholarship to fund individuals looking to pursue the CMCP certification. Up to eight scholarships will be awarded per quarter. Applicants may use the scholarship to cover either the CMCP application/exam fee or the CMCP Exam Prep Course. Learn more and apply to raise the bar on your career path.