CAAM® CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS (CEUs)

The role of a community manager is constantly evolving.  In order to remain proficient, a CAAM®-certified Manager must continue his or her education by participating in elective courses presented as the CEU arm of the CAAM® program.  CEU course requirements are based on a calendar year beginning the January following a manager’s CAAM® certification date.  For example, if a manager receives their CAAM® in October, the three-year CEU requirements would begin the following January.  

• A total of 27 CEUs must be completed within a three (3) year period. 
• In addition to the mandatory three units of Annual Law Update each year, it is highly recommended that each CAAM® obtain 6 units of elective courses for a total of 9 CEUs per year.
• CEU courses offered will change each year, and may not be available every year.
• CEU credits are available the first time a CAAM® attends that particular class (beginning the January following their certification date), but are only available one time. 
• CEU courses may be re-taken for no credit. For example, a CAAM® may take the Annual Meetings class for 3 credits, but that CAAM® may not receive 3 additional credits if he or she takes the Annual Meetings class again, or instructs the class.
• CEU classes may be taken during the remainder of the calendar year of initial CAAM® certification, but no CEU credits shall be earned for CEU classes taken until the January following a manager's CAAM® certification date.
  

2008 APPROVED CEU COURSES

Annual Law Update, Mandatory                                             3 credits per year

New legislation passed that will affect community management and homeowner associations.  This course is instructed by legal professionals in the HOA industry.

** This course is mandatory for all CAAM®s.  Failure to attend will result in suspension of CAAM® certification.**

Annual Meetings, Elective                                                          3 credits

Most community associations require an annual meeting.  This course helps managers to make their annual meetings run smoothly and follow legal and community document requirements.  Topics include notice, voting, quorum, agendas, nominations, elections, board members and terms, and practical annual meeting tips.  This course is instructed by experienced community managers and legal professionals experienced in HOA law.

Board Meetings, Elective                                                           3 credits

This course is designed to educate community managers regarding how to properly direct a board of directors in calling and holding regular board meetings. Managers will learn the statutory requirements regarding board meetings, and where to look within the community documents to determine the mandatory procedures and policies that must be following in holding and conducting board meetings.  Also included are suggestions for dealing with issues commonly faced in association board meetings.  This course is instructed by experienced community managers and legal professionals experienced in HOA law.

Community Security, Elective                                                   3 credits

This important topic covers methods and techniques to keep communities safe and secure while being aware of potential liabilities for the manager, the management company, the board, and the association.

Construction Defects, Elective                                                 3 credits

Construction defects are an unpleasant but unavoidable part of managing community associations – even the best construction companies make occasional mistakes which need to be rectified.  This course educates community managers in how to effectively communicate with boards and developers regarding construction defects, as well as introducing the concept of alternative dispute resolution. Related topics include fiduciary duty, proper procedure for developer turnover of common areas, developer and vendor liability, and warranties.

Developer Transitions, Elective                                                  3 credits

As new communities become occupied with homeowners, they reach a point where control of the association must transition from developer to homeowner control.  This course, instructed by community managers experienced in developer transitions, educates community managers regarding the transition process and the balance required between the management, the Developer, the Developer-controlled Board, and the Homeowners.  Public reports, community documents, contracts, developer liability, common area inspections/transfers, and property taxes are some of the highlighted topics.

Elements of Landscaping, Elective                                             3 credits

Most community associations are formed for the primary purpose of maintaining the common elements of the community, and landscaping is usually the largest of these.  This course, instructed by experienced community managers and landscaping professionals, includes information on forming a basic landscape service contract, as well as licensing requirements for the industry, irrigation water conservation, landscaping budgets, overseeding, information resources regarding plant material, and technical topics such as granite, lighting, erosion control, frost damage, and vandalism.

HOA Cash Management, Elective                                              3 credits

Financial statements, accounting methods, foreclosures, investments, bad debt, and collections are topics included in this in-depth elective course instructed by financial and legal professionals and experienced community managers.

HOA Insurance, Elective                                                            3 credits

Taught by experienced community managers and HOA insurance professionals, this course covers insurance recommendations and requirements that all community managers and HOA Boards should know. Curriculum includes assignment of responsibility, types of coverage to consider, and planned communities vs. condominium insurance requirements.

Preventative Maintenance, Elective                                  3 credits

The best way to manage the costs of maintaining an association’s common elements is to consistently perform preventative maintenance.  This course makes managers aware of the needs of various elements and their recommended maintenance methods and schedules.  Reserves, the bid process, project supervision, board education, and current vs. future cost are all visited in this course instructed by experienced community managers and preventative maintenance professionals.

Please check the calendar on www.aacmonline.org for updates to the scheduled CEU courses for the remainder of 2008!

CEU REQUIREMENTS

• 27 CEU’s in 3 years, beginning the January following the CAAM® certification date.
• MANDATORY Annual Law Update, 3 credits per year for a total of 9 credits
• 18 additional credit units per 3 years (recommended at 6 credit units per year) must be obtained through the CAAM® Continuing Education Unit courses.
• Only CAAM® courses and CAAM® CEU credits will be accepted toward CAAM® requirements.

CEU COSTS

·      For a 3-credit course:  $90.00  Member price
                                            $180.00 Non-member and Affiliate Partner price