A Certified Property Manager, or CPM, is a senior-level property management designation that is globally recognized. Created by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), the CPM program is offered in Canada through the Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC). Achieving this designation indicates an individual within the industry has mastered the analytical and leadership skills required to enhance the short- and long-term values of large real estate portfolios.

“Employers and clients are more likely to hire professionals that have a CPM designation behind their name,” says Bentall Kennedy’s Candace Le Roux, immediate past president of the REIC’s Board of Directors. “CPM is a preferred designation because employers understand how much work you’ve put in to obtaining that designation.  The program prepares you to manage a vast range of large-scale real estate portfolios.”

CPM members typically manage office, retail and commercial properties, as well as apartments, condominiums and mixed-use real estate.  There are also a significant number of CPMs managing government-assisted, public or social housing. Employers know that a CPM will utilize industry best practices and adhere to the highest standard of ethics.

To Le Roux, the CPM designation is also an excellent networking tool to meet like-minded people that have the same vision of advancing their careers and the profession.  CPMs in Canada typically hold property manager, property supervisor or executive-level positions.

Le Roux says that it’s important to have some experience in the industry to be accepted into the CPM program. The curriculum covers a wide variety of subjects, including finance, leadership, ethics, asset management and marketing, to name a few. Once the courses are complete, a candidate’s education culminates in a case study that tests everything that was learned, followed by a certification exam.

To become a CPM, Le Roux estimates that the process can take two years or longer because many are preparing for the designation while they are working. According to her, the length of time it takes to achieve the designation has to do with each individual’s enthusiasm, ability and time constraints.

“What’s great is at REIC, every single member has either achieved one or more designations or is in the process of earning a designation,” she says. “As a candidate member, you are connected to a vast network of REIC professionals who have gone through the program and can provide advice or guidance.”

Becoming a Certified Property Manager creates a host of exciting career possibilities for those committed to continuous improvement and performance excellence.  All that is required is a willingness to learn and the drive to succeed.

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