Property, real estate or community association manager: experience first, a state license in many states
Entry-level positions typically need a high school diploma and several years of related work experience; employers may prefer college graduates for commercial roles. In most states property managers need a property management or real estate broker's license.
For: Organised problem-solvers who like dealing with tenants, owners and contractors, and can handle money and contracts.
Route 1: Related work → onsite manager → property manager Typical
For example, real estate agents show commercial properties and customer service representatives deal with many types of people.
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Start here
High school diploma or equivalent
GED or HiSETBLS
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Experience
Several years in a related occupation
BLS
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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License
State license, where required
In most states property managers need a property management license or a real estate broker's license; managers who buy or sell property need a real estate license.
Real estate license stepsBLS
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Training
Formal training through real estate associations
Employers typically require it; with experience and an exam it may lead to a professional designation.
BLS
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Property manager
Start as an onsite or assistant manager, then manage more and larger properties.
BLS
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Degree → commercial property management Finance and contracts
Employers may prefer college graduates for commercial management positions that oversee a property's finances or contracts.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Degree
Bachelor's or master's
Business administration, accounting, finance, real estate or public administration.
BLS
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Commercial property manager
Experienced managers may open their own property management firms.
BLS
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Licenses, registrations and certifications
Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.
- Property management or real estate broker's license
State licensing agency · State license - Required in most states.
BLS
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Association designations
Professional and trade real estate associations · Voluntary - Training programs plus a written exam can lead to a professional designation.
BLS
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
State rules
Many states require professional credentials or licensure, and requirements vary; in some states community association managers also need a real estate license. Managers of federally subsidized public housing must hold certifications. BLS
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Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.