1. Education
   The CPM designation is built upon a foundation of knowledge and education. IREM is internationally renowned for courses and training that reflect today's management practices and new ideas. The knowledge you gain through the IREM educational experience can differentiate you from others within the profession. To achieve the CPM designation, you must complete the education requirement through one of these three options:

Option 1. IREM Courses
To maximize your understanding of the course content, it is recommended that you take the following seven required courses: (this is also the recommended order)

1. “Marketing and Leasing: Retail Properties” (MKL404) or “Marketing and Leasing: Multifamily Properties” (MKL405) or “Marketing and Leasing: Office Buildings” (MKL406)
2. “Human Resource Essentials for Real Estate Managers” (HRS402)
3. “Property Maintenance and Risk Management” (MNT402)
4. “Investment Real Estate: Financial Tools” (FIN402)
5. “Investment Real Estate Financing and Valuation – Part One” (ASM603)
6. “Investment Real Estate Financing and Valuation – Part Two” (ASM604)
7. “Investment Real Estate Financing and Valuation – Part Three” (ASM605)

Note: The courses listed in 1 through 3 can be taken in any combination and/or out of sequence if necessary or if scheduling is not convenient.

If you have completed other IREM courses prior to 2005 that are not specified above, view the CPM Course Equivalency Chart to see how these courses can earn credit toward the CPM education requirement.

Option 2. Other Designations
Hold any one of the following designations:

• CCIM – through the CCIM Institute
• CSM – through International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
• PCAM – through Community Associations Institute (CAI)
• RPA – through Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI)

Click here to learn about the CPM Course Libarary.

Option 3. College Education
Have an undergraduate or graduate degree in real estate or property management (e.g., major, minor, or concentration) from a regionally accredited college or university.

Click here to learn about the CPM Course Libarary.

Please note: All Candidates must also complete the remaining requirements as outlined below (II, III and IV) to receive the CPM Designation.

2. Management Plan: Meet one of two options:

   Option 1: Prepare and receive a passing evaluation on a management plan on an actual property of your own choice following detailed guidelines provided by IREM. Click here to download the Management Plan Handbook. Click here for more information.

   Option 2: Complete and receive a passing score on a management plan skills assessment (MPSA). The MPSA is an on-site written evaluation that requires written responses to management scenarios based on a property type of your choosing. Click here to download the Management Plan Handbook. Click here for more information.

3. Ethics
   Attend and pass the exam for Ethics for the Real Estate Manager (ETH800) and continue to adhere to the IREM Code of Professional Ethics.

   NOTE: The Ethics exam is NOT available through an independent proctor and must be taken in the classroom initially.

4. CPM Certification Exam
   Pass the CPM Certification Exam (CPMEXM), which covers these competency areas: financial operations and asset management, human resource management, legal and risk management, maintenance and operations, marketing and leasing.

   To ensure your best performance on the exam, register for the CPM Certification Exam Preparation Course (CPM001).

   Or, you can quickly and efficiently complete the final education requirements needed for the CPM designation by taking the CPM Capstone Series, which bundles the MPSA, CPM001, and the CPM Certification Exam in a one-week session.

   The CPM Certification Exam may also be taken with an independent proctor. For more information about taking the exam via a proctor, please download the following information: "Scheduling a Certification Exam".

For a full description of the CPM requirements and to apply for CPM candidacy online, click here.

For more information on Continuing Education, click here.