One of the most common question we get every day is “How do I get a community association manager (CAM) license in Florida?” Chapter 468 Part VIII (Florida Statutes) outlines the requirements for community association manager licensure in Florida. Specific requirements are detailed in the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) 61-20.001.
A Florida community association manager candidate may obtain his or her license as follows:
Step 1: Complete Your Education Requirements.
Take the 16-hour Florida community association manager prelicensure course. Gold Coast Schools currently offers the prelicensure course in a classroom format, at all six of its locations: Doral, North Miami-Dade, Tamarac, Boca Raton, Lantana and Orlando. Learn more about Gold Coast’s CAM course.
Once you receive your certificate for course completion, you must submit a copy to the state. The state will cross-reference this with a list of CAM prelicensure course graduates submitted by Gold Coast. Note that the certificate is only valid for one year. If you do not complete the application process and pass the exam within that period, you will be required to retake the prelicensure class.
The Regulatory Council of Community Association Managers (RCCAM) determines course content, upon which the examination is based. The Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR) publishes a minimum content outline, available online. Note that the RCCAM also determines the number of hours for the course. Because the course materials are wide-ranging, Gold Coast offers you the option of retaking the prelicensure course as many times as you wish, for up to one year after your initial class at no additional charge.
Step 2: Submit a DBPR Application
Complete and submit a DBPR application, along with the requisite fee. You may complete the application online at DBPR Website. If you prefer, you may print off the application or obtain a copy at any Gold Coast Schools location. Once you complete it, you must mail it to the DBPR.
You may submit the application either before or after the course completion, however we recommend filing out the application as soon as possible. The DBPR includes a background check, which may take some time to perform. Remember not to leave any blanks on the application; if a section does not apply to you, write “N/A.”. If you answer “yes” to any of the background questions, include sufficient additional information so that the state can make an informed decision regarding your application, without requesting additional materials.
Step 3: Get Your Fingerprints Taken
Get your electronic fingerprints taken. You may do so at all Gold Coast locations. Any vendor who takes the fingerprints will submit them directly to the DBPR for you. The current fingerprint fee at Gold Coast is $75.00. Note that, if you have previously had fingerprints taken for other reasons, you must still obtain a new set specifically for the CAM application. Additionally, if you do not pass the exam within one year from completion of the prelicensure class, you may need to have a new set of fingerprints taken.
Step 4: Study
Study, study, study. You should study the prelicensure text, answer all end-of-chapter questions, and take the prelicensure practice exams. While not required to take the CAM exam, we strongly recommend that students take the CAM CRAM class. It provides practice questions very similar to what you will find on the CAM exam, and gives you the opportunity to employ “best practices” test taking techniques.
Step 5: Schedule Your State Exam
Schedule a state examination through Pearson Vue, the state’s vendor for examinations, once you have received DBPR approval of your application.
Step 6: Take and pass the state exam.
The test consists of 100 questions, randomly selected from a pool of approximately 1,000 questions. You must receive a minimum score of 75% to pass. Usually, you will receive your license from the DBPR within about 10 working day after passing the examination.
Step 7: Seek Employment
Once you have passed the exam and received your license, you may now seek employment as a community association manager (CAM). Many community associations within Florida seek to employ CAMs, either through direct contracts or through a community association management firm. Feel free to visit our Job Board for CAM employment ads.
Unlike other professions, Florida does not have reciprocity with other states for community association managers. An applicant must follow the procedures outlined in F.S. 468.433 and F.A.C. 61-20.001. Individuals interested in applying should visit DBPR Website for full details on the application process.
It is often recommended that CAMs continue their education with specialized training in budgeting, meeting etiquette, use restriction enforcement, as well as the many areas of maintenance, to better prepare yourself for the responsibilities you will hold as a CAM. These can be achieved through seminars and continuing education courses.
If you have any questions regarding community association management careers, contact Gold Coast Schools and talk to a helpful Career Counselor at 1-800-732-9140.