Standards of Professional Conduct​

CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct

Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB) requires a Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) to adhere to a high standard of ethical conduct. CMCA certificants must comply with the Standards of Professional Conduct, which govern their professional activities.

A CMCA shall:

  • Be knowledgeable, act, and encourage clients to act in accordance with any and all federal, state, and local laws applicable to community association management and operations.
  • Be knowledgeable, comply and encourage clients to comply with the applicable governing documents, policies and procedures of the Client Association(s) to the extent permitted by that Client.
  • Not knowingly misrepresent materials facts, make inaccurate statements or act in any fraudulent manner while representing Client Association(s) or acting as a CMCA.
  • Not provide legal advice to Client Association(s) or any of its members, or otherwise engage in the unlicensed practice of law.
  • Promptly disclose to Client Association(s) any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may involve the manager.
  • Refuse to accept any form of gratuity or other remuneration from individuals or companies that could be viewed as an improper inducement to influence the manager.
  • Participate in continuing professional education and satisfy all requirements to maintain the CMCA.
  • Act in a manner consistent with his/her fiduciary duty.
  • Conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times when acting in the scope of their employment in accordance with the terms and conditions of their contractual agreement and in accordance with local, state and federal laws.
  • Recognize the original records, files and books held by the manager are the property of the Client Associations to be returned to the Client at the end of the manager's engagement and maintain the duty of confidentiality to all current and former clients.

A violation of any of these Standards of Professional Conduct may be grounds for administrative action and possible revocation of the CMCA certification by CAMICB.  

If you believe that a clear violation has occurred, a complaint may be filed.  Complaints filed against active CMCAs are taken seriously and managed through Enforcement Procedures for CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct approved by the CAMICB Board of Commissioners.

As a reminder, the key reporting relationship in a community association is the manager's reporting relationship with the volunteer Board.  The manager is hired by and reports directly to the elected Board of Directors.  CAMCIB will not become engaged in a matter in which that reporting relationship is in place: the manager is acting at the direction of and with the full knowledge of the elected Board of Directors.

Furthermore, if there is an underlying operational issue within the community or if the Board is acting in violation of law or regulation, that issue must be addressed with the appropriate regulatory body.  If the complaint is criminal in nature, the appropriate authorities should be notified.  In both cases, indicate on the complaint form that there is an ongoing investigation and supply supporting documentation.  Review of the complaint will be suspended until judgment has been issued by a court or regulatory body.

Complaint Flow Chart

Standards Flow Chart.JPG 

FAQ

Below is a list of answers to frequently asked questions. If you have further questions, please email info@camicb.org.

1. Does my complaint have merit?

For the complaint to have merit, you must identify a clear violation of one or more of the CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct.

2. Who can submit a complaint?

Anyone can submit a complaint against a professional holding an active CMCA.  The complaint must be in writing and signed by the individual bringing the complaint.  The name of the complainant will be kept confidential in the initial stages of complaint review, unless the Executive Director and CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct Compliance Committee agree to release it. If the complaint advances to hearing the CMCA will provided with the full complaint file, including the original complaint.  As a reminder, complainants must first seek a resolution with their association Board of Directors prior to filing a complaint with CAMICB.  Documentation of this process and the resolution must be provided with the complaint.

 3. Who reviews the complaint?

CAMICB staff do not determination whether allegations rise to the level of a violation of the CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct.  All complaints are reviewed by the CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct Compliance Committee.  The Committee is comprised of volunteers from the community association management profession.

4. What documentation or evidence is required?

Documentation of a violation of one or more of the CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct is required.  Supporting evidence may include witness affidavits, correspondence (written and electronic), photographs, contracts, administrative documents, etc.  Verbal statements without collaboration of a third party, in writing, will not be considered as evidence.   A lack of evidence could result in a rejection of the complaint.  Consideration of the complaint can only begin after the complaint and supporting evidence is received.   As a reminder, complainants must first seek a resolution with their association Board of Directors prior to filing a complaint with CAMICB.  Documentation of this process and the resolution must be provided with the complaint.

5. How long will the process take?

The complaint process can take up to 7 months.  Please refer to page 8 of the Enforcement Procedures for CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct for the official timeline.

6. Will my name be kept confidential?

The name of the complainant will be kept confidential, unless the Executive Director and CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct Compliance Committee agree to release it.  Furthermore, if the complaint advances to the Hearing Process as outlined on page 5 of Enforcement Procedures for CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct, the name of the complainant and the complaint documentation will be released to the CMCA for review and response.

7. What will happen if a CMCA is found to have violated one or more CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct?

Any of the following sanctions or combination thereof may be imposed:
-Public or private written reprimand,
-Suspension of the CMCA credential for a designated period; or
-Revocation of the CMCA credential for a designated period.

8. Can I file a complaint if my manager does not have a CMCA?

If your community association manager does not hold an active CMCA, CAMICB cannot accept a complaint.  Contact your state professional regulatory body.

9. What if my manager is using the CMCA credential but has never obtained the credential or has not maintained it?

Please report this to CAMICB by emailing us at info@camicb.org​.  Include any supporting documentation you may have.  CAMICB will follow up with a cease and desist order or pursue legal options if necessary.

Documents to Download

Clarification of the CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct

CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct 

Complaint Form

Procedures for Enforcement of the Standards of Professional Conduct.