CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct
The Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB) requires a Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) to comply with the Standards of Professional Conduct, which govern their professional activities.
A Certified Manager of Community Associations (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 credential 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 the Enforcement Procedures for the CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct.
As a reminder, the key reporting relationship in a community association is between the manager and the volunteer Board. The manager is hired by and reports directly to the elected Board of Directors. CAMICB 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 Process
You can learn more about the CMCA complaint process by downloading the Enforcement Procedures for the CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct.
Requirements to Submit a Complaint
Complaints may only be submitted to CAMICB against a manager who holds an active CMCA credential.
The individual bringing the complaint must complete and submit the
CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct Complaint Form. The complaint must indicate specifically which aspects of the Standards are in question. In addition, the complaint must include the following:
- A narrative summary of the circumstances and events leading to the alleged violation, an explanation of the evidence, and reference to the Standard(s) alleged to have been violated.
- Evidence (which may include written documentation, corroborating statements by other persons, or specific information as to persons who may be contacted to provide such corroboration) supporting the allegation(s). Note: Corroborating statements by additional Complainant(s) against the Certificant should be included as evidence in a single complaint. If multiple complaints are filed by Complainants corroborating against a Certificant, CAMICB may combine the complaints and investigate as a single complaint.
- A personal attestation that the complaint has been brought to the association Board and a statement of Board action. Complainants are required to attempt to resolve the conflict with their association Board of Directors prior to filing a complaint with CAMICB.
Complaints that are considered to be incomplete or not in compliance with these requirements will not be reviewed by the CMCA Professional Conduct and Enforcement Committee. If the complaint documentation is not in compliance with the requirements outlined here, CAMICB staff may return the complaint with instructions on compliance.
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 and provide evidence of the violation.
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 requirements to submit a complaint are listed above. 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 a statement of Board action must be provided with the complaint.
3. Who reviews the complaint?
CAMICB staff do not determine whether allegations rise to the level of a violation of the CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct. All complaints are reviewed by the CMCA Professional Conduct and Enforcement Committee. The Committee is comprised of volunteers from the community association management profession.
4. What documentation or evidence is required?
Evidence of a violation of one or more of the CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct is required for a complaint to be reviewed. Supporting evidence may include written documentation, corroborating statements by other persons, or specific information as to persons who may be contacted to provide such corroboration. Verbal statements without written corroboration from a third party 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 all components of the complaint form and documentation are 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 a statement of Board action must be provided with the complaint.
5. How long will the process take?
The complaint process can take up to 7 months. Timeframes for each step of the complaint process are delineated in the Enforcement Procedures for the CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct.
6. Will my name be kept confidential?
If the complaint advances to the Inquiry Process as outlined on pages 5-6 of the 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. Revocation is permanent.
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. Individuals that do not hold an active CMCA credential are not required to adhere to the CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct. 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 activity to CAMICB by emailing us at info@camicb.org with evidence of the trademark violation. 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
CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct Complaint Form
Enforcement Procedures for the CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct
