Education · 1 of 4
The path
Start in a building, get licensed where your province requires it, then grow your portfolio.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Job Bank says secondary school is required in every province except BC, where a language test and a minimum age of 19 apply instead.
- 2
Diploma or first job
0 to 2 years
Some take a 1 to 2 year business or real estate diploma. Many start directly as a leasing agent, property administrator or assistant manager. Job Bank says several years of administrative experience are usually expected.
- 3
Provincial licence, where required
A few months
BC (strata and rental managers, through the BC Financial Services Authority), Alberta (property and condo managers, through RECA, the Real Estate Council of Alberta), Manitoba (through the Manitoba Securities Commission) and Ontario (condo managers only, through the Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario). Each involves a course and an exam.
- 4
Property manager
2 to 4 years
Your own building or small portfolio. In Ontario, condo managers hold a limited licence and work under supervision for about 2 years before qualifying for a general licence.
- 5
Designation (optional)
1 to 3 years, part time
The CPM (Certified Property Manager) or ARM (Accredited Residential Manager) from the Real Estate Institute of Canada, or the RCM (Registered Condominium Manager) from ACMO (Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario).