As the COVID-19 pandemic forced CAI to cancel in-person classroom education, it was essential to continue offering our world-class curriculum to our members, especially managers looking to learn and offer better guidance to boards while facing daily challenges of common area closures, enhanced cleaning protocols, and new ways of conducting business. Today, our virtual learning program includes new resources and offers even more solutions for a community’s pandemic response and recovery.

With most courses switching to an online format, we quickly realized that our industry was willing and able to meet the changing educational landscape. After testing more than 10 live, virtual courses, we turned our focus to the Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) Case Study. The PCAM, considered the world’s most prestigious and respected designation for community association managers, requires a comprehensive examination of a community association—combining classroom discussion and an extensive on-site community inspection.

Traditionally, the case study serves as a final two-day exam, where candidates visit a community association to review administrative procedures, legal documents, and communications; meet with the manager, board members, and key personnel; and learn about the local area. To complete the PCAM Case Study, candidates also must submit a final case review based on questions posed by the facilitator that incorporate the skills, education, and knowledge acquired and collected from the host community.

Taking an innovative approach to the traditional, in-person inspection, our education team successfully organized the first-ever virtual PCAM Case Study in early November featuring more than 50 candidates, 10 instructors, evaluators, and guest speakers. A second case study was offered in early December.

Now, a pre-recorded video showcasing the property is accompanied by live interviews with the host community manager, board members, and business partners. Major components of the case study experience remain the same. For example, participants still have 30 days to complete and submit their final case review.

“To assemble an education course of this magnitude involved hours of planning and preparation from CAI staff and volunteers,” says David M. Jennings, CAI’s vice president of education. “The idea that we could turn an on-site community evaluation into a live, virtual event further shows our organization’s dedication to professional education. We are proud of the high-performing professionals continuing to invest in CAI for the most authentic, highest-quality training and education to succeed in all aspects of community association governance and management.”

>>Learn more about the PCAM designation and determine your eligibility to register for the case study. The next virtual case study will be held Feb. 18–19.

  • Amy Repke

    Amy Repke brings over 20 years of experience to CAI serving as the organization's vice president of communications and marketing. Amy's communications career began in television news where she worked as a producer, writer, and assignment manager for both local and network news channels. In 2013, Amy launched a communications and marketing firm, consulting with clients representing political, financial services, trade associations, and nonprofit organizations. Amy has been nominated for four Washington Regional Emmy awards for writing and producing. Amy is a graduate of Old Dominion University and received a master's degree in Strategic Public Communications from American University.

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