How to become a condo manager in Ontario: A comprehensive guide

What is a condo manager?

A condo manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration and operations of a condominium corporation. From managing vendor contracts and assisting boards in creating budgets to handling resident inquiries and facilitating compliance with Ontario regulations, condo managers are the link between board members, homeowners, and service providers. At FirstService Residential, we understand how essential this role is. Our condo managers are at the heart of every community, coordinating operations, supporting volunteer boards, protecting property values, and enhancing life for each resident.
 

How to become a condo manager in Ontario

Becoming a condo manager in Ontario requires formal education, supervised experience, and licensing through the Condo Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (CMRAO). Here’s how the process works:

1. Begin with a Limited Licence: Aspiring condo managers typically start out with a Limited Licence from the CMRAO. Limited Licensees must be employed by a licensed condominium management provider rather than a condominium corporation itself.
    
2. Complete mandatory education: The foundational training for condo managers includes regulatory compliance, financial management, and operational best practices.
    
3. Gain supervised work experience: Advancing to a General Licence requires at least two years of experience under the mentorship of a licensed condo manager.
    
4. Transition to a General Licence: Once you meet the education and experience requirements, you can apply for a General Licence, allowing you to work independently, manage financial decisions, and guide the condo corporation with minimal oversight.
    
5. Stay up to date with continuing education: Even after earning your General Licence, you’ll be required to renew it annually and track your Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits to stay compliant with evolving regulations.

From the start, working with a forward-thinking management company like FirstService Residential can help accelerate your growth. With in-house training, mentorship, and exposure to a diverse portfolio of communities, you’ll gain real-world experience and develop the skills you need for long-term success.
 

Education and licensing requirements for condo managers in Ontario

A university degree isn’t required to become a condo manager in Ontario, but specific education and experience criteria must be met:

• Limited Licence: To obtain your Limited Licence, you must complete Excellence in Condominium Management, an introductory program with virtual instructor-led sessions and a supervised exam. This licence is valid for up to two years while you gain practical experience and complete further education.
   
• General Licence: For a General Licence, you’ll need to complete the Condominium Management Certificate Program, a five-course curriculum covering condo law, relationship building, building operations and maintenance, financial management, and operational quality. Candidates must obtain at least two years of work experience (2,920 hours). Once granted, a General Licence must be renewed annually with continuing professional education requirements.

Certification requirements for condo managers in Ontario

While not required, professional certifications can strengthen your expertise and credibility as a condo manager. Earning a recognized designation demonstrates your commitment to the industry and can open doors to career advancement.

• Registered Condominium Manager (RCM): Offered by the Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario (ACMO), the RCM designation goes beyond regulatory requirements, setting a higher standard for condo management professionals. To earn it, candidates must complete ACMO-approved courses, gain at least two years of industry experience, and pass an exam covering condo law, financial management, maintenance planning, and daily operations.
   
• Certified Property Manager (CPM): Administered by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), the CPM is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in real estate operations, finance, and leadership. While not condo-specific, this designation is valuable for managers looking to expand their skill set and career opportunities in broader management roles.
   
• Accredited Residential Manager (ARM): Also awarded by IREM, the ARM focuses on managing residential properties, including condominiums. It covers essential areas such as budgeting, resident relations, and maintenance coordination. Earning this designation showcases a strong foundation in residential management and can enhance a condo manager’s ability to oversee diverse communities.

By pursuing professional certifications, condo managers can build their expertise, stand out in a competitive industry, and position themselves for long-term career growth. Stacey Kurck, Vice President of Client Engagement and Business Development explains:

"As an educator in condo management, I believe the key to success lies in fostering strong, transparent relationships and ensuring operational excellence. In the CMRAO Relationship Building course, I emphasize the importance of clear communication, empathy, and trust—fundamental pillars for effective interactions with owners, residents, and colleagues. Meanwhile, in the Operational Quality course, we focus on the Annual Building Plan, systems and strategies to develop efficient condo management, ensuring that operations run smoothly and align with the best practices. Together, these courses empower future condo managers to manage and lead with integrity, foresight, and a commitment to service excellence."

Stacey Kurck, Vice President of Client Engagement & Business Development

Benefits of becoming an Ontario condo manager

With more condo communities being built and existing ones requiring expert management, the demand for skilled condominium managers remains strong. Here’s why this career path is worth considering:

• Career opportunities: As more condominium developments emerge and resident expectations evolve, skilled managers are in high demand.
   
• Competitive earning potential: The right expertise opens doors to better compensation. Condo managers who develop their financial management, operations, and resident relations skills can grow into leadership roles and take on more complex communities. Earning advanced certifications and managing larger or high-end buildings can lead to even greater opportunities.
   
• Building your network: Condo managers work closely with board members, residents, vendors, and service providers daily. You’ll not only learn from recognized leaders in the field but also build valuable professional relationships that can open doors to career growth. Working with a leading condo management company like FirstService Residential means access to best-in-class training and guidance from experienced regional directors.
   
• Making a real impact: A well-managed condominium enhances property values, improves the resident experience, and supports financial and operational stability. Condo managers oversee everything from budgeting and maintenance to compliance and capital projects to help communities thrive. At FirstService Residential, we empower our managers to succeed by keeping portfolio sizes manageable, allowing managers to dedicate more time and attention to each community. With the right resources, expert support, and a service-first culture, our managers can focus on delivering exceptional service and fostering strong communities.

Whether you're just starting your career in condo management or looking to take the next step into a leadership role, working with a leading management company like FirstService Residential provides access to expert mentorship, hands-on training, and a network of professionals who can help you grow. 

Looking to start your journey as a condo manager in Ontario? Discover diverse work opportunities at FirstService Residential. 

To learn more about condo manager duties and understand how a professional management company like FirstService Residential can support your community, contact a member of our team.