The Debate: Should Managers Be State Licensed?

I hold a certification of RAM (Registered Apartment Manager), which is an education based title that I obtained from NAHB back in 2004. This class and subsequent testing and continuing education was/is taken by choice as I feel that it would be not only helpful to my company, but also to me and my future in this profession. There are other certifications out there in the wild as well. Some managers hold the title of a CPM (Certified Property Manager). To me, they're all the same. We electively take courses to further our knowledge in the real estate world and that is a benefit to our clients. Although here in New York it's elective, in other parts of the country it is a state-licensed certification. In the past I have began the process of a CAM licensure in the state of Florida (Community Association Manager) and it is quite intensive and time-consuming.

My question to you is this: Should New York property managers be state-licensed? Sure, a property management firm that collects rent for a third party must be a licensed real estate brokerage, but individual managers are off on their own. It's not uncommon for brokers in a downturn economy to come onto the other side and parlay their contacts in their business to management of a building (or many.) If it is a state license, there would be a greater deal of conformity with the education, greater oversight of the ethics and ideals and much more paperwork. I'm not personally sure where I stand on this issue, but if you're taking a side, I'd love to hear it.

About Mr. Manager: Mr. Manager is actually Mark Levine, R.A.M., the Vice President of Business Development of Excel Bradshaw Management Group, LLC, a residential property management firm. You can e-mail him or leave a comment below.