Certifications and Designations

The Chicagoland Apartment Association offers the following nationally-recognized designation programs designed specifically for:

Earn Recognition as an Industry Professional!

Increase your effectiveness by enhancing your knowledge of the multifamily industry. The CAM curriculum is designed to maximize the experience of the on-site professional and clear a path for growth and recognition. Your enrollment will enhance and advance your own career by

demonstrating your commitment to education and higher standards of excellence.

Requirements for obtaining a CAM designation include:

ALL CAM candidates must complete the following requirements to earn the CAM credential. Candidates must complete the coursework and exam within 6 months for all of declaring candidacy.

Minimum of 12 months of onsite property management experience
Successful completion of CAM coursework, (eight modules)
Passing CAM exam

“Getting my CAM was a huge sense of accomplishment for me! The class was a perfect way to validate my career choice and reinforce and strengthen my skills. It was also a wonderful way to meet and learn from other industry professionals. Finally, the class reminded me of what a valuable contribution we make in people’s lives. I highly recommend that anyone who is looking to grow in this field take the class. It is definitely worth it!"

- Jennifer Jackson, Director of Training, Leasing, & Marketing, TLC Management Co.

Offered twice a year. In the Spring and Fall. View the Education Calendar for current offerings.

Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT)

CAMT has been rewritten and updated so that maintenance professionals will receive the most current program of study available along with more emphasis on hands-on technical training. The new CAMT offers a “blended learning” approach, integrating three modules of online coursework with six of classroom and hands-on study.Courses/topics of the CAMT program include:

Inside the Apartment Business
People, Projects and Profits
Interior and Exterior Maintenance
Appliances Maintenance and Repair
HVAC Maintenance and Repair
Plumbing Maintenance and Repair
Electrical Maintenance and Repair

The Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT) was accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a private non‐profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. CAMT is the only apartment industry certificate program to earn ANSI accreditation.

Requirements for obtaining a CAMT designation include:

Minimum of 12 months of apartment or rental housing maintenance experience. (This can be obtained while taking the course, you will receive a provisional certificate until this requirement is met.)
Successful completion of all CAMT coursework (totaling 80 hours)
Meet all examination standards within 6 months of declaring candidacy

Offered once a year. View the Education Calendar for current offerings.

Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS)

Courses/topics of the CAPS program include:

Legal Responsibilities and Risk Management
Financial Management
Property Performance Management
Property Evaluation and Due Diligence
Effective Leadership

Requirements for obtaining a CAPS designation include:

Minimum of 24 months employment as a multi-site supervisor or be either a CAM, ARM or RAM credential holder in good standing.
Successful completion of all CAPS course work (totaling 40 hours)
Meet all examination standards within six (6) months of declaring candidacy

CAA is not currently offering CAPS, but it is available online.

Certified Apartment Leasing Professional (CALP)

This course was developed to provide affordable, convenient, self-paced training for both new
and experienced leasing consultants. The CALP curriculum is focused on the needs of the property leasing consultant and the contribution this professional makes to a successful property. In class, you will gain a new understanding of the many roles you serve to support the management function at your property. At the same time, you will have a new opportunity to share your experiences with other dedicated peers, establishing valuable contacts for the future and increasing your own experience level.

Take advantage of Certified Apartment Leasing Professional (CALP) training that improves these critical skills:

Leasing presentation
Application of Fair Housing Laws
Ability to overcome objections
Closing Ratio
Resident Retention
Using Technology to Generate Traffic

CALP Modules:

Bringing in New Residents: Be Prepared
Marketing and Maintaining Your Community
Why Your Competition Matters
Relevant Laws and How to Apply Them
The Sales Process and Building Relationships
Effectively Meeting the Needs of Current Residents
Market Analysis for Leasing Professionals

Requirements for obtaining a CALP designation include:

Minimum of six months of onsite property management experience in a leasing role (This can be obtained while taking the course; you will receive a provisional certificate until this requirement is met.)
Successful completion of seven CALP courses
Pass the examination within six (6) months of declaring candidacy

CAA is not currently offering CALP, but it is available online.