There’s nothing wrong with wanting to make more money, and if you choose the right career path, you can do just that. A CAM license in Florida, for instance, allows you to run your own community association management business, giving you the freedom to accept jobs from clients wherever you want.
It’s easy to get this license, but there are some things you need to know first, like the steps you need to take to become licensed. You’ll get all that information and more by reading the following article.
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Who Is a Community Association Manager?
A community association manager (CAM) typically manages the upkeep of a condominium or homeowner’s association. The responsibilities of a CAM can include accounting, budgeting, maintenance, insurance, and more. Each State governs CAM license requirements, but all states require some form of certification to obtain CAM status. With the license, you’ll be able to manage an HOA in Florida legally.
How Do You Become a Certified CAM in Florida?
Start by understanding who a CAM is, what they do, their responsibilities, and how to obtain your CAM license. Schools like Florida CAM school offer courses that cover everything from financial management and legal issues to the technical aspects of property management.
Here are the four easy steps to get your CAM license:
1. Enroll In a Pre-Licensing Course
The pre-license course is a 16-hour class covering content such as community association management’s legal aspects, financial procedures, contract law, and more. A passing score on this test will enable you to take the final exam to become licensed. This course can be taken online or in person at an approved center 12 months before the State examination.
2. Get Your Fingerprints Taken
To be issued a license, you need to get electronic fingerprints taken. Fingerprints can be taken at any law enforcement agency or by any employee of the sheriff’s department authorized by the sheriff to take fingerprints for this purpose. In addition, many other professions require fingerprints as part of their background checks, so make sure you’re aware if your profession requires them.
3. Submit Your CAM License Application
The first step to getting your license is to fill out an application. The application process can be done online, by mail, or in person. You will need information such as your Social Security Number, driver’s license number, and date of birth. You must also be 18 years old or older to apply for a CAM license.
Once approved, you will receive a notification in the mail with the following steps you need to take after receiving your certificate.
4. Schedule and Pass the State Exam
The State will approve your application in 7 to 14 days, then send an email with instructions for accessing the online exam if authorized. You can do the exam from home or at work. Once you’ve completed the exam and are notified that it has been successfully submitted, it is highly recommended that you print out a copy of your examination results for reference purposes.
In Conclusion
A community association manager license is an important credential to have in your professional arsenal. It’s not too difficult to obtain either. But, first, you must do the work and follow these easy steps and you’ll be on your way to a fruitful career.
