(Chicago, Dec. 29, 2005) The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM^®) recently marked the 30th anniversary of its Accredited Residential Manager^® (ARM^®) certification program. Over the years, ARM certification has become one of the most respected and sought after credentials for specialists in residential real estate management whose responsibility is primarily at the site level.

According to IREM President Fred Prassas, CPM, IREM initially purchased the ARM program from another association in 1974 and inherited 67 ARM Members. "By the end of 1975, the first official year of the program at IREM, ARM membership totaled 92," Prassas said. "To date, the program has grown to more than 3,800 ARM Members worldwide, the highest number IREM has had in more than 15 years."

ARM Members manage conventional and subsidized apartments, homeowners' and condominium associations, single-family homes, mobile home parks and student housing. Key requirements to earn the credential include:

• Education - through IREM courses, through other organizations, through academic achievement
• Experience - at least one year of residential property management experience
• Ethics - commitment to abide by the ARM Code of Professional ethics
• Examination - show competency in key areas of residential real estate management by passing a certification exam.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT
The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM^®) has been the source for education, resources, information and membership for real estate management professionals for more than 70 years. An affiliate of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®, IREM is the only professional real estate management association serving both the multi-family and commercial real estate sectors.

With 81 U.S. chapters, seven international chapters and several other partnerships around the globe, IREM is an international organization that serves as an advocate on issues affecting the real estate management industry.

Membership includes approximately 17,000 individual members and 525 corporate members. IREM promotes ethical real estate management practices through its credentialed membership programs, including the Certified Property Manager^® (CPM^®) designation, the Accredited Residential Manager (ARM^®) certification, and the Accredited Management Organization (AMO^®) accreditation. These esteemed designations certify competence and professionalism for those engaged in real estate management. In addition, IREM offers Associate, Student, and Academic memberships.