National Designation Courses

NAAEI LogoNational Designation Courses

Earning an industry designation demonstrates your commitment to your career and gives you a competitive edge. From leasing professional to industry vendor, from maintenance technician to property manager, we have a class for you. These courses provide valuable insights and real-world skills you can use on the job.

This program’s curriculum emphasizes recruiting, retaining and engaging high-performing employees. You’ll also learn how to analyze and report property and portfolio financial results, conduct due diligence and community takeovers and oversee management agreements.

Earning your CAPS takes you to the next level in property management. It fast-tracks your career advancement and your corresponding earning potential.

You'll learn about: achieving ethical excellence; talent development and management throughout the employee cycle; stakeholder relations with residents, communities, and municipalities; investigating and troubleshooting an under-performing property; overseeing the budget process across a portfolio/key content for the owner/company due diligence report  performance objectives; property acquisition and due diligence; mortgage financing/property development feasibility analysis; investment strategies, including renovation, disposition, and refinancing; managing risk through inspections, follow-up procedures, and incident reporting compliance; managing staff during property sales or purchase; contemporary issues, including occupancy, emotional support animals, hoarding, criminal background checks, RUBS, cybersecurity, and music licensing; market analysis and property inspections/operational and financial analysis inspections; measuring portfolio performance and property valuation; understanding the management agreement and creating an owner's report. 

Topics Include
  •  CAPS Training Online Orientation
  • Client Services & Investment Management
  • Improving Asset Performance & Evaluation
  • Talent Management & Contemporary Issues
  • CAPS Review
  • Candidates are allowed 6 months from the date of application to meet all program requirements.
  • If the requirements are not met in the time allotted, an extension fee of $75 must be paid to the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) to extend candidacy for 6 months. Candidates may only extend their credential candidacy twice.
  • Minimum of 24 months of employment as a multi-site supervisor or be a CAM, ARM, or RAM credential holder in good standing.
  • Successful completion of the CAPS coursework, complete all CAPS courses.
  • Receiving a passing grade on the CAPS online comprehensive exam within six months of declaring candidacy.
  • Note: This course requires the use of an eBook, which is included in the cost of the training. Attendees will have the option to print their eBooks themselves or purchase a hardcopy through Viatech and have it mailed to their address. More information about NAA eBooks can be found by clicking here.

About the Exam:

  • The CAPS exam is a 1-part exam delivered via Live Online Proctoring (LOP) which can be done from the comfort of your home or office.
  • LOP requires a webcam and audio capability for your computer, and must be scheduled four (4) days in advance according to proctor availability.
  • The CAPS exam is 4 hours in total and is 160 questions.
  • If you do not pass the exam on the first try, there will be a retake fee of $100 paid to NAA. For additional information regarding NAA exams you can click here. 

Maintaining the CAPS Credential:

  • The CAPS credential requires annual renewal.
  • Submission of both annual CAPS dues of $100 and documentation of eight hours of continuing education credit should be submitted to complete the annual CAPS renewal.

Whether you are a property manager or new to property management, this course provides in-depth training and expertise just for you! Earning CAM credentials gives you the skills to increase your community's net operating income; the knowledge to effectively manage an apartment community; and most importantly, the ability to achieve your property owners’ investment goals.

The CAM (Certified Apartment Manager) credential program curriculum is ideal for community managers and experienced assistant managers, who are a vital link to residents, owners, and investors. The course is designed to enhance the skills of the on-site property management professional and provides the highest standard of training, which can result in improved resident retention, increased employee productivity, and a better managed and more profitable asset.

The CAM credential positions you well for career opportunities and advancement. In this course, you will gain knowledge and insight while acquiring a better understanding of the challenges you face day-to-day. And at the same time, obtain opportunities to share your experiences as a multifamily industry professional with other dedicated peers establishing valuable relationships and contacts.

Earning your CAM Credential allows you to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and ability to manage an apartment community and achieve the owner's investment goals.

CAM Credential Modules:

  • Industry Essentials
  • Property Maintenance
  • Risk/Legal Responsibilities
  • Markerting
  • Managing Teams
  • Leading People
  • Investment Management

Participants Will Learn About: occupancy rates; comprehensive marketing plans; sales team management and product readiness; equitable treatment of current and potential residents; resident retention and maintaining a positive company image; communicating with residents; customer service and issue resolution; enforcing company policy and complying with laws and regulations; property inspections; preventive maintenance programs; service request process; apartment turnover; working with contractors and vendors; recruiting high-caliber employees; employee orientation and training; employee evaluation; employment regulations and record-keeping; analyzing the property’s financial operations and taking corrective actions for under-performance; monitoring property performance to achieve the owner’s investment goals; accounting principles and practices; maximizing net operating income; reporting property performance. 

  • Candidates must complete the coursework and exam within 6 months of declaring candidacy.
  • If the requirements are not met in the time allotted, an extension fee of $75 must be paid to the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) to extend candidacy for 6 months. Candidates may only extend their credential candidacy twice.
  • Minimum of 12 months of onsite property management experience (can be obtained during the candidacy period for CAM).
  • Successful completion of CAM coursework, eight modules (40 hours).
  • Receiving a passing grade on the CAM online comprehensive exam. 
  • Note: This course requires the use of an eBook, which is included in the cost of the training. Attendees will have the option to print their eBooks themselves or purchase a hardcopy through Viatech and have it mailed to their address. More information about NAA eBooks can be found by clicking here.

CAM Exam Details:

  • A proctored, closed-book, online exam is conducted at the conclusion of the coursework; the online exam can be taken with a Live Online Proctor (LOP). LOP requires a webcam and audio capability for your computer, and must be scheduled four (4) days in advance according to proctor availability.  
  • The CAM comprehensive online exam has 185 questions and is 4 hours.
  • The cost to retake exam (a failed exam) is $100.
Maintaining the CAM Credential:
  • The CAM credential requires annual renewal.
  • Submission of both annual CAM dues of $100 and documentation of eight hours of continuing education credit should be submitted to complete the annual CAM renewal.

Leasing professionals are the first people prospective residents meet and are responsible for generating traffic, conducting leasing demonstrations, overcoming objections and qualifying prospective residents. This program teaches all these skills and more.

Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming CALP 2025 credential program!  

Leasing professionals are the first people prospective residents meet and are responsible for generating traffic, conducting leasing demonstrations, overcoming objections, and qualifying prospective residents. The Certified Apartment Leasing Professional (CALP) program is designed to teach leasing skills to multifamily residential management professionals.

Earning CALP, your first industry credential, signals to an employer your commitment to a career in residential property management, signals to an employer your commitment to a career in residential property management.

You'll learn the following: using technology to generate traffic; measuring and managing your community’s reputation; inspecting the leasing center, tour route, model units, and vacant apartments; researching the competition while building relationships with competitors; compiling a comprehensive community resource tool; creating effective marketing plans; relationship sales process and evaluating personal sales performance; evaluating a prospect’s commitment level and overcoming objections; preparing prospects for the next steps in the rental process; applying fair housing laws and communicating rental criteria; qualifying prospective residents according to the rental policy; preparing and reviewing leases with new residents; the move-in process; responding to resident issues and maintenance requests with appropriate follow-up; building relationships with residents and creating a sense of community; reporting incidents, maintaining documentation, and taking corrective action; maximizing revenue and operational efficiency; securing and processing lease renewals; and much more! 

Credential Modules Include:

  • Bringing in New Residents
  • Marketing and Maintaining your Community
  • Why Your Competition Matters
  • Relevant Laws and How to Apply Them
  • The Sales Process and Building Relationships
  • Effectively Meeting the Needs of Current Residents

  • Market Analysis for Leasing Professionals

CALP Course Candidate Requirements:

To obtain the CALP credential, candidates must complete the following:

  • Minimum of six months of onsite property management experience in a leasing role (This can be obtained while taking the course; you will receive a provisional certificate until this requirement is met.)
  • Successful completion of seven CALP modules.
  • Pass the examination within six (6) months of declaring candidacy.
  • Candidates are allowed 6 months from the date of application to meet all program requirements.
  • If the requirements are not met in the time allotted, an extension fee of $75 must be paid to the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) to extend candidacy for 6 months. Candidates may only extend their credential candidacy twice.
  • Note: This course requires the use of an eBook, which is included in the cost of the training. Attendees will have the option to print their eBooks themselves or purchase a hardcopy through Viatech and have it mailed to their address. More information about NAA eBooks can be found by clicking here.

CALP Online Exam Details:

  • A proctored, closed-book, online exam is conducted at the conclusion of the coursework; the online exam can be taken with a Live Online Proctor (LOP).
  • The CALP comprehensive online exam has 120 questions and is 2 hours.
  • The cost to retake exam (a failed exam) is $60.

Maintaining the CALP Credential:

  • The CALP credential requires annual renewal.
  • Submission of both annual CALP dues of $50 and documentation of five hours of continuing education credit should be submitted to complete the annual CALP renewal.

Maintenance expenses are the single largest controllable element in any operating budget. This course acts as an introduction for new maintenance professionals or as a refresher for the veteran employee, teaching what it takes to run a cost-effective maintenance program.

This program is designed both as an introduction for new maintenance professionals and as a refresher for the veteran employee, to give these professionals the knowledge and tools necessary to run an effective maintenance program. Maintenance expenses are the single largest controllable element in any operating budget. The CAMT program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a private non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system.

Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT) includes:
The non-technical Soft Skills course consists of online learning, including practice scenarios. Five technical courses consist of hands-on classroom training followed by online practice scenarios.

Technical Modules:
  • Electrical Maintenance and Repair
  • Plumbing Maintenance and Repair
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Maintenance and Repair
  • Appliance Maintenance and Repair
  • Interior and Exterior Maintenance and Repair
Non-Technical Online Course Modules:
  • Welcome to the Industry
  • Customer Service
  • Teamwork
  • Time & Project Management
  • Money Matters
  • Documentation & Paperwork
  • Maintenance & Emergencies
  • Safety First
  • Compliance

Programs may be taken as standalone seminars or in full to earn the industry credential.

CAMT Requirements:

  • Candidates must complete coursework and exam within 12 months of declaring candidacy.
  • Minimum of 12 months of apartment or rental housing maintenance experience. (This requirement may be met after completion of coursework and exam. During that period, a candidate holds a Provisional CAMT).
  • Successful completion of CAMT coursework, six courses plus the online Soft Skills Training: A Day in the Life of a Maintenance Technician.
  • Passing online Live Online Proctored CAMT exam.
CAMT Exam:
  • The CAMT exam is a computerized Live Online Proctored (LOP) exam done at home or in your office.
  • It is 2.5 hours long with 100 multiple-choice questions.
  • It is a timed test, where you can skip questions and come back later. You can also check your answers before the clock stops.
  • You will need a computer that has a webcam (or have a webcam that can plug in) and sound capabilities. 

Maintaining the CAMT Credential:

  • The CAMT credential is accredited by ANSI. It does not require renewal and is good for life.
INTERESTED IN A DESIGNATION? CHECK OUT OUR UPCOMING OFFERINGS!

NJAA offers most NAAEI credentials twice per year (once in the spring and once in the fall). 

We are also constantly adding courses that will fulfill your continuing education requirements should you fulfill your designation training. 

To learn more about what is being offered and when, please click the button below to be redirected to our upcoming education calendar. 

Click Here To Enroll! 

RESOURCES FOR NAA CREDENTIAL HOLDERS

Take Your Exam

Credential Candidate Resources

Continuing Education Credits

Renew Your Credential

PACE Log-In

PACE Frequently Asked Questions