CMCA study guide
CMCA · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) is a professional credential for people who manage the day-to-day operations of homeowner and condominium associations - the managers CAI describes as those who "direct day-to-day operations and advise boards." It is aimed at working community managers and at candidates moving into association management, and it signals tested competence rather than membership in any organization. The exam is multiple choice and is organized into six content domains, each weighted between 16 and 17 percent: Governance, Board Operations, and Governing Documents; Legal and Ethical Conduct; Financial Management and Budgeting; Property Maintenance, Risk Management, and Reserves; Operations, Human Resources, and Contracting; and Communication, Community Leadership, and Resident Relations. The CMCA study guide has 6 sections and about 1,706 words.
01Governance, Board Operations, and Governing Documents
Most governance questions are answered by knowing which document controls. Learn the order of precedence: federal and state law, the recorded declaration (CC&Rs), the articles of incorporation, the bylaws, then rules and resolutions.
315 words, about 2 min02Legal and Ethical Conduct
Directors owe the association the duties of care, loyalty, and obedience to the governing documents and law. The business judgment rule protects informed, good-faith decisions made without conflicts, even if the outcome is poor.
292 words, about 1 min03Financial Management and Budgeting
Know the difference between the operating budget, funded by regular assessments, and the reserve budget, funded by reserve assessments. Follow the sequence: estimate expenses, project income, set assessments, adopt, monitor, and report variances monthly.
267 words, about 1 min04Property Maintenance, Risk Management, and Reserves
Distinguish routine, preventive, corrective, emergency, and deferred maintenance. A maintenance calendar and regular inspections move work from emergency to planned, which controls cost.
266 words, about 1 min05Operations, Human Resources, and Contracting
Boards set policy; managers implement it. A management agreement should define scope, authority, reporting, fees, insurance, and termination.
268 words, about 1 min06Communication, Community Leadership, and Resident Relations
Effective associations run on a communication plan: who communicates, through which channels (newsletter, website, portal, email, posted notices), how often, and how emergencies are handled. Transparency about decisions - with the reasoning, not just the outcome - reduces rumor and conflict.
298 words, about 1 min