Registered Condominium Manager (RCM)
What is the RCM Designation?
ACMO established the Registered Condominium Manager (RCM) designation back in 1983 as a way for condominium managers to pursue a higher standard and set themselves apart within the condo industry. Since its inception, the RCM has become widely recognized as the gold standard in condominium management and the mark of a dedicated professional and expert in the field.
What is the difference between an RCM and a General Licence?
In 2017, the Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (CMRAO) came into being and required those managing condominiums to obtain a General Licence. While the education and experience requirements for the General Licence are similar to the requirements of the RCM designation, they are NOT the same, nor as vigorous.
To achieve a General Licence a manager must have 2 years (at 30 hours/week = 2920 hours) of experience, but no requirement that they have primary responsibility for managing a condo and complete specific tasks. By contrast, to achieve an RCM, a condominium manager must have 2 years of full-time work experience (i.e. 3,500 - 4,000 hours) with primary/direct responsibility for a condominium corporation while having performed specific tasks such as: preparing and presenting board reports and financials at 8 board meetings; enforcing condo documents and procedures; supervising corporation staff, trades and contractors; running an AGM; and preparing and presenting 2 annual budgets to a board. Managers must also achieve at least 75% on the comprehensive RCM exam under the original RCM pathway pre-2023, or have 3 years of specific work experience and complete five ACMO Advanced Certificate courses under the new RCM pathway launched in 2023.
Why Become an RCM?
RCMs are a proud group that love their profession and have a desire to be the best they can be. The majority of our RCM’s achieved the designation long before mandatory licensing came into being, and it is this attitude and commitment to higher standards that separates them from the rest.
RCMs enjoy a distinct competitive advantage in the marketplace and are preferred and sought after by both management firms and condominium corporations. Unlike those with only a General Licence, RCMs become part of ACMO’s professional condominium management community and actively build on their knowledge and expertise through our continuing education seminars, robust resources and networking opportunities that allow RCM’s to expand their professional network, knowledge, and professional brand.
In addition, ACMO stands behind our RCMs by promoting and raising awareness of the importance of the designation while actively lobbying the government to advocate for our industry and influence legislation impacting our profession.
Take your condominium management career to the next level and join our elite community of RCMs!
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“It’s a career with limitless possibilities and having the RCM designation provides me with the professional authority needed for Ontario’s higher standards.”
Craig McMillan, RCM
“Having the initials ‘RCM’ after my name lets the industry know I am reliable, accountable, honest, and ethical - the label implies a lot.”
Anne Burgoon, RCM
“Attaining and keeping the RCM designation means additional work and education requirements, but it also demonstrates that I am voluntarily achieving a higher standard for my owners and other stakeholders in the constantly evolving condominium industry.”
Mark E.Daye, RCM
“Being an RCM helped me advance from a property manager, to a senior manager, then a district manager, and gave me the confidence to own a business. An RCM designation gives you recognition, qualifications, and boosts your confidence.”
Laura Lee, RCM
