How to become a community association manager in Maryland: Key duties and requirements

What is a Maryland community association manager?

A Maryland community association manager (CAM) is a professional responsible for the daily operations, maintenance, and administrative support of residential communities such as homeowners associations (HOAs), condominium associations, and lifestyle communities. They act as a key partner to the board of directors, helping to implement policies, oversee vendor relationships, manage finances, and communicate with residents.

Key responsibilities of a Maryland community association manager include:

• Administrative support: Scheduling board meetings, preparing agendas and minutes, and maintaining records.
   
• Vendor coordination: Managing contracts, supervising vendor performance, and handling routine maintenance.
   
• Financial management: Assisting with budgeting, reviewing financial statements, and supporting dues collection.
   
• Resident communication: Addressing questions and concerns, sending updates, and acting as a liaison between residents and the board. At FirstService Residential, our 24/7 Customer Care team offers consistent, around-the-clock support to help residents get answers when they need them.
   
• Governance support: Helping enforce community rules, supporting architectural review processes, and advising board members on compliance matters.
   
• Technology: Leveraging tools that streamline communication and operations. Our FirstService Residential Connect™ platform gives residents and board members access to important documents, payments, updates, and service requests, all in one place.

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 become a community association manager in Maryland

To become a Maryland community association manager, most candidates follow a combination of education, on-the-job experience, and credentialing. While Maryland does not currently require a state-specific license to be a community association manager, many employers and boards prefer applicants who hold relevant certifications and can demonstrate knowledge of association management best practices.

Here are some common pathways to entering the business:

1. Start with hands-on experience

   Many community association managers start their careers in real estate, customer service, or administrative roles. Experience working with residents, managing maintenance requests, or coordinating contractors can help you build the skills that matter most in this role.
    

2. Consider a degree that supports your role

   Degrees in business administration, public administration, real estate, or similar fields can help build foundational knowledge. While not required, a degree can set a candidate apart and provide a deeper understanding of organizational management, communication, and financial principles.
    

3. Understand Maryland’s community association laws

   While community association managers in Maryland aren’t expected to act as legal experts, having a working knowledge of key state laws is essential to doing the job well. Understanding these laws can help you guide your board, recognize potential issues early, and support compliance in everyday decisions:
    
   • Maryland Condominium Act: This law governs how condominium communities are created and managed. It addresses board authority, record-keeping, owner rights, maintenance obligations, and rule enforcement. If you manage a condo association, this law will guide many day-to-day decisions.
      
   • Maryland Homeowners Association Act: This act outlines requirements for HOAs, including how board elections are held, how meetings are conducted, and the disclosures required when homes are bought or sold.
      
   • Maryland nonprofit corporation law: Many community associations in Maryland are set up as nonprofit, nonstock corporations. That means boards have certain legal responsibilities, like filing annual reports and acting in the best interest of the community. As a manager, you’re often the one helping make that happen by organizing meetings, preparing documents, and keeping everything on track behind the scenes.
      
   • Fair housing laws (federal and state): These laws protect residents from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, gender identity, and sexual orientation, with Maryland adding protections for marital status and source of income. Managers should be especially thoughtful when it comes to accommodation requests, enforcement practices, and rule writing.



4. Explore professional credentials

   Certifications aren’t required by Maryland law but are often requested by management companies and boards. These credentials can show your commitment and provide advanced training.
   
   Popular certifications for Maryland community association managers include:
    
   • Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA®): An entry-level credential offered by the Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB), often the first step for those starting out in the field.
      
   • Association Management Specialist (AMS®): A mid-level designation from the Community Associations Institute (CAI), typically pursued by managers with a bit more experience under their belt.
      
   • Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM®): Also from CAI, this is considered the top credential in the industry for seasoned professionals who’ve made community management their specialty.



5. Apply for positions

   Many companies that provide community association management services, such as FirstService Residential Maryland, look for managers with a strong blend of people skills, organization, and professionalism. Entry-level roles like assistant community manager or administrative coordinator can be a good starting point.
    

6. Stay up to date on evolving regulations

   Laws impacting Maryland associations can evolve, especially around fair housing, community collections, and board governance. Successful community association managers often stay engaged with local CAI chapters or attend ongoing professional development workshops.

Frequently asked questions about community association managers in Maryland

What the difference between a community association manager and a property manager?

A community association manager focuses on managing the operations of residential associations, working closely with elected boards to manage finances, enforce rules, and maintain shared spaces. A property manager typically oversees individual rental units or commercial properties on behalf of owners.

While the two roles share some administrative and maintenance responsibilities, a Maryland community association manager is generally more involved in governance and board relations, whereas a property manager is focused on maximizing rental income and tenant retention.
 

Do I need a license to be a community association manager in MD?

Maryland does not currently require a license to be a community association manager. However, industry certifications like the CMCA, AMS, or PCAM are widely recognized and often preferred by employers. These certifications signal a manager's commitment to professionalism and knowledge of best practices.
 

How much does a community association manager make in Maryland?

Salaries for Maryland community association managers vary based on experience, certifications, and the type of communities they manage. CAMs working with large or luxury communities often earn more because of the added complexity. Managers employed by national firms may also receive benefits like bonuses, healthcare, and training. While pay ranges differ, professionals with certifications and strong skills in budgeting, vendor oversight, and board support tend to qualify for higher-paying roles.
 

What is the best degree for a community association manager?

Many managers find that degrees in business, public administration, real estate, or hospitality make it easier to navigate the daily responsibilities of the role. That said, a degree isn’t always required. What matters is your ability to communicate well, stay organized, and support your community with professionalism and care. Plenty of successful Maryland community association managers start in other industries and build their skills through on-the-job experience and professional certifications.
 

How FirstService Residential can help

At FirstService Residential, we support Maryland community association managers with the resources, training, and partnerships they need to succeed. Whether you're just starting out or advancing your career, you'll find opportunities to grow and make a difference with us. Explore career opportunities on our Careers page.

If you're a board member looking for a trusted partner, contact us today to learn how our local expertise and service-first approach can support your goals.