How to become a licensed community association manager in Tennessee

What is a community association manager?

A community association manager is a professional who works with homeowners associations (HOAs), condominium associations, and other common-interest communities to manage their day-to-day operations. In Tennessee, a licensed community association manager typically supports board members by helping oversee maintenance, enforce rules, manage budgets, and coordinate meetings.

Unlike general property managers who may focus on rental properties or commercial real estate, a licensed community association manager in Tennessee works closely with resident-led boards. Their responsibilities revolve around managing shared spaces, handling vendor contracts, and advising on community governance issues. This role requires a clear understanding of local statutes, association documents, and industry best practices.
 

Key duties of a community association manager

Key responsibilities of a community association manager include:

• Administrative support: Scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and meeting minutes, and maintaining records.
   
• Vendor coordination: Managing contracts, supervising vendor performance, and handling routine maintenance.
   
• Financial management: Assisting with annual 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 while complying with Tennessee condo and HOA laws, 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.

Do you need a license to become a community association manager?

Under Tennessee law, community association management that does not involve brokerage activities such as leasing, collecting rent, or negotiating leases may not require a broker license. This includes tasks like covenant enforcement, budgeting, and maintenance coordination. These are typically considered non-brokerage activities and fall outside the Tennessee Real Estate Commission’s licensing requirement.
 

How to become a community association manager

Boards and management companies often look for candidates with a strong mix of experience, professionalism, and relevant training. Here's a general roadmap to help you get started:
 

Gain relevant education or experience

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

Understand governing documents and HOA law

To be effective in this role, you’ll need to understand how to interpret governing documents such as bylaws, declarations, and rules. It’s also important to stay familiar with relevant state statutes like the Tennessee Nonprofit Corporation Act and any local ordinances that apply to your communities.
 

Consider professional certification

Even though it’s not required by the state, many CAMs pursue certification to stand out and build credibility. The Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) credential, issued by the Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB), is widely recognized. After earning your CMCA, you may also consider advanced designations like the Association Management Specialist (AMS) or Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) from the Community Associations Institute (CAI).
 

Apply to a property management company

Most community association managers in Tennessee work for professional management companies. Applying to a company like FirstService Residential gives you access to ongoing training, established systems, and a support network of experienced professionals. These companies often hire entry-level assistant managers or administrative staff and offer internal paths for advancement.
 

Keep growing your skills

Community association management in Tennessee requires staying sharp. Whether it's understanding new maintenance technologies, learning about legal updates, or navigating board dynamics, continuing education can make a difference. Attending industry events, CAI chapter meetings, or internal company workshops can help you grow in your role.

"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. 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 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 four-stage program for new or newly promoted CAMs. It includes four days of instructor-led training in the first month, followed by three months of self-paced online learning. This training teaches associates the necessary skills to succeed in their positions.
 

How much does a CAM 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 onsite associates and multiple departments would certainly make more money than a manager of a smaller property with fewer staff or responsibilities.

Becoming a successful community association manager 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 or visit our Careers page.