Contributed by Kasanda Serck, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
CAI’s Professional Community Association Manager designation is the highest professional recognition available to community association managers. For me, earning the PCAM designation is more than a personal milestone. It reflects my professional commitment to giving my best to the communities I serve, my peers, and the industry.
I currently manage a 27-story luxury high-rise condominium in Arlington, Va. Like many, I stumbled into the community association industry. Over more than 20 years, I served in roles from portfolio manager to executive leadership before returning to an on-site position.
As my career evolved, so did my focus on giving back and professional growth. Pursuing my PCAM was always part of the plan. If you’re thinking about working to achieving CAI’s PCAM designation, here’s what you need to know.
COURSEWORK TO CASE STUDY
To obtain the PCAM designation, managers must complete CAI’s M-200 series of courses related to facilities management, communications, leadership, governance, risk management, and financial management. In addition, they must complete a variety of industry-related education or service requirements.
The final step toward obtaining the PCAM designation is successful completion of a case study. The case study allows managers to participate in a guided discussion about a specific association. Participants interview the association staff, board leaders, and outside professionals and take a live or video tour of the association. Participants complete a comprehensive essay-based exam using information obtained during the offering and their review of association documents. The community host receives the top graded submissions afterward for review.
FOCUSED PREPARATION
Going into the process, I knew much of the groundwork I needed for completing my PCAM application was already in place.
- Complete and review your CAI coursework, volunteer service, and event attendance. Keep your course materials.
- Enroll in a PCAM prep course if offered by your local CAI chapter. It provided me with a helpful overview and practical guidance.
- Organize your documentation including certificates, committee service, and other professional achievements for the PCAM application.
Once your application is approved, decide whether you want to take the in-person or virtual case study.
I completed the virtual case study in June 2025 that focused on Park Lane Towers Condominium Association in Fort Collins, Colo. I opted for the virtual case study for flexibility and because it appealed to my preference for self-study.
WRITING THE REPORT
When you finish the case study, start working on the report immediately. You have 30 days to complete it. I underestimated the time required. A month seemed like plenty of time, but I ended up working on the report right up to the last day. Providing thoughtful responses involved extensive reading, a lot of editing, and a surprising physical challenge from sitting at the computer for long hours. I also was surprised by how much I revisited old course materials.
- Set a realistic timelines and pace yourself.
- Embrace discomfort. Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.
- Take consistent actions one step at a time.
- Be confident. It’s never too late to challenge yourself. You’ve got this!
Some early-career community managers move quickly from the Certified Manager of Community Associations credential, administered by Community Association Managers International Certification Board, to CAI’s Association Management Specialist designation to the PCAM designation.
Now that I’ve had a chance to reflect, I’m glad I took the PCAM Case Study with substantial experience under my belt. Years in the industry gave me many real-life examples that helped illustrate best practices in my responses.
The PCAM journey was deeply meaningful to me. Working on the case study helped me see how dynamic and multifaceted our industry is. It truly deepened my appreciation for the breadth of knowledge managers must possess.
The journey to achieving CAI’s PCAM designation is challenging, memorable, and absolutely worth it.
Kasanda Serck is general manager of The Pierce in Arlington, Va.
>>Read more about Kasanda’s journey to the PCAM and what it’s like to host a case study in “The Road to PCAM” in Common Ground July August 2026.
