How to become a community association manager in Pennsylvania: Everything you need to know

What does a Pennsylvania community association manager do?

A Pennsylvania community association manager (CAM) oversees the day-to-day operations of condominiums, homeowners associations (HOAs), and other residential communities. Their role is to help board members manage vendors, budget expenses, plan capital improvements, and communicate effectively with homeowners.

Key responsibilities of a Pennsylvania community association manager include:

• Administrative support: Scheduling HOA 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, round-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.
 

CAM vs property manager

A property manager typically oversees leasing, tenant issues, and building operations for rental properties, while a community association manager supports the governance and operational needs of board-run communities like condos and HOAs.

In rental settings, property managers usually report to landlords or owners and deal primarily with tenants. By contrast, CAMs work closely with elected boards, navigate governing documents, and are responsible for enforcing community rules and managing shared amenities. While there is overlap between the two roles, especially in terms of maintenance and budgeting, the community association manager position requires a different mindset and skill set, including understanding the nuances of board dynamics and community expectations.
 

How to become a community association manager in Pennsylvania

1. Meet the basic education requirements

   To become a community association manager in Pennsylvania, you’ll generally need at least a high school diploma or GED. This is often the minimum requirement for most entry-level positions in community management. However, some employers may prefer candidates with a college degree, especially in business administration, real estate, finance, public administration, or a related field.
   
   A college degree is not legally required to become a CAM in Pennsylvania, but it can set you apart and may help you advance more quickly. If you’re already in school or considering further education, courses in budgeting, conflict resolution, and HOA laws can all be useful.
    

2. Gain relevant experience

   Most professionals who become CAMs in Pennsylvania start in related fields such as leasing, administrative support, or customer service. Assistant property manager roles, front desk positions in managed communities, or experience managing vendors in maintenance and landscaping can all be useful ways to gain exposure.
   
   Some CAMs begin by volunteering with their own HOA or condo board. This kind of involvement builds relevant knowledge and shows employers you understand what it’s like to work in a board-managed environment. Employers often look for candidates who can demonstrate experience with budgets, building operations, and customer-facing roles.
    

3. Learn Pennsylvania-specific laws and best practices

   While Pennsylvania does not currently require a license specifically for community association managers, familiarity with local regulations is still important. For example, understanding how the Pennsylvania Uniform Planned Community Act and the Pennsylvania Uniform Condominium Act impact board governance and resident rights can help you support your clients more effectively. Learning how to become a community association manager in Pennsylvania also includes understanding local tax rules, maintenance codes, and insurance considerations.
    

4. Build credibility with industry certifications

   Although certification is not mandatory in Pennsylvania, many employers prefer or require candidates to hold the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) credential offered by the Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB). The CMCA demonstrates foundational knowledge in areas like financial management, legal compliance, and maintenance.
   
   After gaining experience, you can pursue advanced certifications like the Association Management Specialist (AMS) or the Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM), both offered by the Community Associations Institute (CAI). These designations reflect a higher level of training and are recognized across the industry. If you’re serious about learning how to become a community association manager in Pennsylvania with a long-term focus on HOAs and condos, these credentials are excellent investments.
    

5. Apply for community association manager positions

   Once you’ve built up experience, you can begin applying for CAM positions in Pennsylvania. Job titles may include Community Association Manager, HOA Manager, Condo Manager, or Portfolio Manager, depending on the company. When applying, highlight your experience with budgeting, vendor coordination, board communication, and rule enforcement. These are core aspects of the CAM role. If you’ve volunteered with a board or earned your CMCA, that should be prominently featured on your resume. You’ll find CAM roles with property management companies, real estate firms, and occasionally with self-managed associations looking to transition to professional oversight.
    

6. Build your network and stay current

   Joining organizations like the CAI can help you stay connected with other professionals, attend events, and access training opportunities. Networking with peers and mentors is a key part of growing your career. Pennsylvania has a strong CAI chapter that offers legislative resources and networking events. If you want to deepen your knowledge and visibility, participating in these can help. Continuing education is also important: laws, technology, and resident expectations evolve, and staying current can make you more valuable to employers.

How FirstService Residential can help

At FirstService Residential, we support Pennsylvania community association managers with the resources 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 FirstService Residential today to learn how our local expertise and service-first approach can simplify life in your community.