Want to become a Georgia community association manager? Here are 7 questions and answers to consider

What is a community association manager?

A community association manager (CAM) works closely with HOAs and condo boards to help oversee day-to-day operations, including things like budgeting, vendor coordination, board meeting preparation, maintenance, resident communications, and compliance with community rules and Georgia community association laws. Their role is to keep the community running smoothly while helping board members focus on big-picture goals. At FirstService Residential, our community association managers are backed by a team with local expertise and an unmatched depth of resources to help simplify life for our clients and their residents.

This article is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Board members should consult their association’s attorney to discuss the legal implications of their decisions or actions prior to proceeding.
 

How to get a CAM license in Georgia

1. Meet basic licensing requirements

   In Georgia, CAMs must hold a license issued by the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC), which oversees the profession under the broader real estate licensing framework.
   
   To qualify for a Georgia CAM license, you must:
    
   • Be at least 18 years old
      
   • Be a Georgia resident, or satisfy the non‑resident licensing provisions
      
   • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
      
   • Pass a criminal background check
      
   • Work under an active Georgia real estate broker



2. Take the pre-license course

   The 25-hour pre-license course must be completed through a GREC-approved real estate school or provider. These courses are offered online and in person across the state. Topics typically include Georgia real estate law, community association structures, recordkeeping practices, and fiduciary duties. Some programs also offer exam prep as part of the curriculum.
   
   Alternatively, you may satisfy the education requirements by completing four quarter hours or two semester hours of approved college-level community management courses.
    

3. Pass the licensing exam

   Once you’ve completed your course, you’ll need to pass the state exam, which is administered through PSI Exams. The test includes both general real estate topics and content specific to managing associations. It's a good idea to take your exam soon after completing your coursework while the material is still fresh.
    

4. Submit your application

   After passing, you must submit your application to GREC within 12 months and pay applicable licensing and activation fees. Once approved, you’ll receive your Georgia CAM license, which must be renewed every four years. 36 hours of continuing education is also required to keep your license in good standing.

Frequently asked questions about Georgia CAM licenses

Is a specialized degree required?

CAMs aren’t required to hold a college degree, but having one is beneficial. Having a bachelor's degree can indicate to some management companies that a candidate can demonstrate the breadth of knowledge required for the job. Ophelia Casey, director of human resources for FirstService Residential, says bachelor's degrees are not required but strongly preferred.

"They don’t have to have a degree, but we do want them to have the equivalent job-related experience and financial acumen needed to read a balance sheet or income statement, for example. And, of course, previous experience in property management is always a plus!"

Ophelia Casey, director of human resources for FirstService Residential

What skills are necessary to be a successful CAM?

It takes more than just a core understanding of property management standards and processes to be a successful CAM. Since the job involves frequent interactions with residents, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders, CAMs need to be able to relate to and understand what the association and its residents need. They should also have strong interpersonal and communication skills, a strong work ethic, organizational aptitude, and empathy.

“Being able to work with people from all walks of life and relate to and understand different perspectives is invaluable in making sure that residents, board members and others within the community feel heard and respected,” said Casey.

"At FirstService, we aim to maximize property values and enhance residents’ lifestyles. Our CAMs accomplish this partly by understanding the motivations behind issues or problems and anticipating them before they happen. Understanding, combined with empathy, is more likely to lead to viable solutions that will benefit everyone involved."

Ophelia Casey, director of human resources for FirstService Residential

Is there room for growth?

Absolutely! CAMs have many growth opportunities, including managing a larger team in a more complex community or moving on to a senior leadership role. With the proper training and guidance, many CAMs advance into positions with greater responsibilities. To facilitate the transition at FirstService Residential, the company offers several development programs to prepare associates for future management positions. CAMtoRD, for instance, provides 6 months of leadership development for property managers aspiring to be regional directors. For its future leaders, the company also offers courses and programs such as Leadership Essentials and FirstLeader.
 

Is on-the-job training available?

Most property management companies provide on-the-job training, and FirstService is no exception. The company offers several on-site training workshops and resources to help CAMs succeed. For example, CAM Onboarding is a 4-stage program for new or newly promoted CAMs. It includes 4 days of instructor-led training in the first month, followed by 3 months of self-paced online learning. This training teaches associates the necessary skills to succeed in their positions.

At FirstService, we pride ourselves on the depth of resources and the support that we offer our team members. With years of experience in some of the world's best-known hotels and resorts, our team members are well-positioned to help new and existing CAMs succeed.
 

How much does a community association manager earn?

The salary of a CAM varies depending on the manager’s location and experience. It also depends on the type of property managed. For example, a manager of a luxury high-rise with 80 on-site associates and multiple departments would certainly make more money than a manager of a smaller property with fewer staff or responsibilities.

Earning a Georgia CAM license requires dedication, determination, and hard work. But if you’re looking for a rewarding career that offers variety, challenges, and opportunities for growth, you may discover that being a CAM is the right job for you. And a solid management company, like FirstService Residential, will provide you with a wealth of resources to help you succeed.

For information about this and other property management opportunities, contact FirstService Residential.