For those who manage to make a difference.™
2019 CPM® Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
U.S. Members
January 2020
2 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Contents Summary of Results 3
Respondent Profile 6
Introduction to IREM 11
Reasons for Paying Dues 12
Satisfaction with Benefits and Services 17
Average Importance and Satisfaction Ratings 22
Satisfaction with Chapter Benefits and Services 24
Overall Satisfaction with Benefits and Services 25
IREM Dues 26
Value of CPM Designation in Hiring Process 27
Support for Employee Professional Development 28
Value of CPM Candidacy 30
Change in Perceived Value of CPM Designation 35
Competing Organizations 36
Recommending IREM 38
Satisfaction with Recent IREM Service 39
Member Satisfaction with IREM 40
Suggestions for Improving Value of CPM Designation 43
Business Challenges 45
Additional Comments 47
3 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Summary of Results
Respondent Profile • Since 2002, at least 37% of CPM candidates indicated they are property
managers/supervisors. • In 2019, the highest percentage of respondents, 28%, said that apartments constitute the
largest share of their management portfolio. • Since 2012, the mean age of candidates has hovered between 44 and 45. • Since 2004, 56%-67% of respondents have been female.
Introduction to IREM • About three fourths (74%-79%) of CPM candidates first learned about IREM through a
colleague or employer/supervisor. Between 6%-8% do not recall how they first learned about IREM.
Reasons for Paying Dues • In 2019, CPM candidates were asked to rate the importance of various aspects on their
decision to pay their dues. In prior years, they were asked for the reasons they maintain their membership.
• As expected, the overwhelming majority of CPM candidates (94%) said that earning the CPM designation is an important factor in their decision to pay their dues.
• In each survey year, at least 82% of respondents indicated the following are important in their decision to maintain their candidacy: access to ongoing learning, respect associated with the CPM designation and access to industry information.
Satisfaction with Benefits and Services • Respondents were also asked to indicate how satisfied they are with IREM’s performance in
delivering benefits and services to them in each of the same areas. • In 2019, job opportunities and business referrals had the lowest average satisfaction scores.
These two aspects, however, are also among the least important factors in respondents’ decision to pay their dues.
• When comparing the mean importance ratings to the mean satisfaction ratings, we can highlight areas where IREM is doing well or could improve. When comparing 2019 results to prior years, most of the negative gaps shrunk or turned positive. The three aspects with the largest negative gaps include “respect associated with the CPM designation,” “access to ongoing learning and professional development,” and “access to industry information that is timely, technical, accurate, and relevant.”
o All of these gaps improved, however, from 2017 to 2019.
4 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Satisfaction with Chapter Benefits and Services • Respondents were asked to indicate their level of satisfaction with benefits and services
provided by their chapter along five areas. • The aspect with the lowest level of satisfaction was opportunities to volunteer and serve in
leadership positions. About 54% of respondents were satisfied with this aspect. • 68% of respondents said they were satisfied access to industry information.
Overall Satisfaction with Benefits and Services • Since 2008, at least 65% of members in each year said they were satisfied overall with the
benefits and services provided by IREM.
IREM Dues • In 2019, 63% of respondents said their employers paid all of their IREM dues.
Support for Employee Professional Development • Most respondents are likely to support their employees’ engagement with IREM for
professional development. • Between 85%-86% of respondents in 2017 and 2019 said they are likely to require or
encourage their employees to pursue an IREM certification. • Another 74% of 2019 respondents and 83% of 2017 respondents said they are likely to pay
for their employee’s IREM dues or encourage their company to pay for their employees’ dues.
Value of CPM Candidacy • Respondents consistently report an advantage of being a CPM candidate when it comes to
securing business, changing employment, promotions, pay increases, and maintaining current employment.
Change in Perceived Value of CPM Designation
• Respondents were asked whether their perceived value of the designation has increased, decreased, or remained the same since they became a CPM candidate.
• In 2019, the highest percentage of respondents (52%) say the value has increased.
Competing Organizations • In each survey year, the highest percentage of respondents said they are members of the
Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and/or the National Apartment Association (NAA).
5 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Recommending IREM • In 2019, respondents were asked to indicate their likelihood of recommending IREM for
continued learning, earning a certification, local networking, and industry news. The majority of CPM candidates are likely to recommend IREM for each of those areas.
• 90% of respondents recommend IREM for earning a certification. • 91% recommend IREM for continued learning • 75% recommend IREM for local networking • 80% recommend IREM for industry news
Member Satisfaction with IREM • From 2006 to 2019, more than half (53%-67%) of respondents agreed that IREM cares about
having them as members. • In each year, between 71%-78% said the time and commitment to earn the designation are
worth the value they will receive from it. • In 2019, 82% of respondents said they recommend the CPM, ARM, or ACoM certifications to
others.
6 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Respondent Profile
Number of Responses
Year # of Responses
Confidence Interval
Sampling Error
2002 247 95% +/- 6.0%
2004 95 90% +/- 8.3%
2006 232 95% +/- 6.2%
2008 330 95% +/-5.1%
2012 375 95% +/-4.7%
2014 359 95% +/-4.9%
2015 236 95% +/-6.1%
2017 113 95% +/-9.0%
2019 120 95% +/-8.7% In 2019, only one reminder was sent after the initial survey distribution. In prior years, two reminders were sent.
7 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Position in Company
Position 2008 2010 2012 2015 2017 2019
Property manager/supervisor 53.2% 50.0% 47.7% 40.7% 43.9% 36.7%
Regional/District manager 18.0% 18.5% 16.9% 14.0% 13.3% 21.7%
Officer/Director/VP 8.9% 9.7% 10.3% 10.0% 11.2% 13.3%
Asset/Portfolio manager --- --- 6.0% 9.5% 10.2% 10.0%
Owner/Partner 12.5% 12.4% 13.4% 9.5% 8.2% 5.0%
Community manager --- --- --- --- 3.1% 2.5%
President/CEO --- --- --- 3.2% 3.1% 2.5%
Facilities manager --- --- --- 1.4% 3.1% 1.7%
Accounting/Finance personnel --- --- --- 0.5% 0.0% 0.8%
Maintenance personnel --- --- --- --- --- 0.8%
Site manager --- --- --- 3.6% 0.0% 0.8%
Other 7.3% 9.4% 5.7% 7.7% 4.0% 4.2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Property manager/supervisor
Regional/District manager
Officer/Director/VP
Asset/Portfolio manager
Owner/Partner
Community manager
President/CEO
Facilities manager
Accounting/Finance personnel
Maintenance personnel
Site manager
Other
2008 2010 2012 2015 2017 2019
8 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Primary Property Type
Primary Property Type 2008 2010 2012 2015 2017 2019
Apartments (conventionally financed)
25.6% 30.1% 28.9% 18.9% 23.5% 27.5%
Office buildings 30.2% 27.4% 22.1% 23.0% 25.5% 15.8%
Affordable/ Federally assisted housing
9.1% 9.8% 13.5% 14.4% 11.2% 12.5%
Shopping centers/Retail 12.2% 10.3% 11.5% 10.8% 11.2% 11.7%
Mixed use properties --- --- --- 5.0% 8.2% 7.5%
Industrial/Warehouse 7.0% 8.1% 7.7% 5.4% 4.1% 4.2%
Single family housing --- --- --- 5.0% 6.1% 3.3%
Condos/Co-ops/HOAs 4.0% 2.2% 4.0% 4.5% 6.1% 2.5%
Medical buildings --- --- --- 2.7% 0.0% 2.5%
Affordable/Public housing --- --- --- 2.3% 0.0% 1.7%
Manufactured housing/Mobile homes
--- --- --- 0.9% 0.0% 1.7%
Military housing --- --- --- 0.5% 0.0% 1.7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
Apartments (conventionally financed)
Office buildings
Affordable/ Federally assisted housing
Shopping centers/Retail
Mixed use properties
Industrial/Warehouse
Single family housing
Condos/Co-ops/HOAs
Medical buildings
Affordable/Public housing
Manufactured housing/Mobile homes
Military housing
Senior housing
Other
Do not manage property
2008 2010 2012 2015 2017 2019
9 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Senior housing --- --- --- 0.0% 1.0% 0.8%
Other 11.9% 9.8% 9.7% 4.2% 2.0% 5.0%
Do not manage property --- 2.4% 2.6% 2.3% 1.0% 1.7%
10 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Age Average CPM Candidate Age by Year
Gender
40
42
41
42
45
44
44
44
45
2002
2004
2006
2008
2012
2014
2015
2017
2019
58%
0%
61%
56%
59%
60%
58%
67%
42%
0%
39%
44%
41%
40%
40%
33%
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
Female Male Other
11 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Introduction to IREM How did you first learn about IREM?
How did you first learn about IREM?
2008 2010 2012 2015 2017 2019
Colleague or co-worker 75.9% 45.4% 39.4% 43.2% 46.0% 33.3%
Employer/supervisor --- 33.3% 34.6% 33.1% 30.1% 45.0%
Internet search 5.2% 6.5% 8.7% 8.5% 8.8% 4.2%
A workshop, conference, or meeting
2.1% 1.9% 3.6% 2.1% 0.9% 3.3%
Advertisement 0.9% 2.2% 2.0% 0.4% 1.8% 0.8%
Professor or instructor 2.1% 0.5% 2.0% 4.2% 1.8% 0.8%
Email 0.9% --- --- 0.4% 0.9% 0.8%
Other 6.0% 4.3% 3.1% 2.1% 1.8% 5.0%
Do Not Recall 6.8% 5.9% 6.7% 5.9% 8.0% 6.7%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Colleague or co-worker
Employer/supervisor
Internet search
A workshop, conference, or…
Advertisement
Professor or instructor
Tradeshow
Direct mail
News story
University or college program
Direct contact from the…
Other
Do Not Recall
2008 2010 2012 2015 2017 2019
12 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Reasons for Paying Dues How important are the following in your decision to pay your dues?
To earn the CPM designation
Opportunities to volunteer and serve in leadership positions
83% 11% 4%2019
5 Very Important 4 3 2 1 Not At All Important
14%
12%
16%
24%
23%
25%
18%
21%
29%
24%
32%
22%
32%
31%
36%
24%
28%
25%
22%
22%
13%
16%
13%
17%
15%
14%
7%
12%
4%
11%
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Important 4 3 2 1 Not At All Important
13 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Opportunities to network with like-minded professionals
Access to ongoing learning and professional development Prior to 2019, “access to education, ongoing learning, professional development”
39%
37%
40%
40%
52%
42%
32%
40%
36%
33%
28%
33%
20%
18%
17%
19%
16%
18%
7%
4%
5%
4%
3%
5%
3%
4%
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Important 4 3 2 1 Not At All Important
73%
67%
62%
62%
66%
63%
23%
25%
29%
31%
21%
29%
4%
6%
7%
6%
11%
4%
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Important 4 3 2 1 Not At All Important
14 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Access to industry information that is timely, technical, accurate, and relevant
Respect associated with the CPM designation
53%
49%
49%
52%
54%
54%
35%
36%
33%
37%
32%
35%
9%
13%
15%
8%
10%
8%
3%
3%
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Important 4 3 2 1 Not At All Important
66%
64%
68%
67%
71%
57%
22%
26%
21%
23%
20%
30%
7%
8%
9%
7%
7%
10%
4%
2%
3%
3%
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Important 4 3 2 1 Not At All Important
15 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Job opportunities
Business referrals Prior to 2019, “business development opportunities”
35%
52%
46%
35%
30%
20%
25%
18%
20%
18%
18%
26%
9%
5%
5%
10%
6%
6%
6%
12%
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Important 4 3 2 1 Not At All Important
34%
46%
43%
38%
34%
32%
38%
22%
23%
13%
12%
22%
6%
6%
5%
11%
3%
3%
3%
8%
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Important 4 3 2 1 Not At All Important
16 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
IREM’s commitment to advancing and representing the real estate management profession Prior to 2019, “IREM’s commitment to advancing and representing the good of the real estate management profession”
IREM’s advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry In 2017, “political advocacy on behalf of the industry”
54%
48%
54%
50%
55%
51%
32%
34%
27%
35%
24%
26%
12%
14%
15%
12%
14%
15%
3%
3%
4%
6%
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Important 4 3 2 1 Not At All Important
30%
48%
30%
31%
23%
13%
13%
6%
5%2017
2019
5 Very Important 4 3 2 1 Not At All Important
17 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Satisfaction with Benefits and Services How satisfied are you with IREM's performance in delivering benefits and services to you in the following areas?
Opportunities to volunteer and serve in leadership positions
Opportunities to network with like-minded professionals
21%
21%
26%
27%
26%
32%
26%
30%
32%
28%
36%
26%
43%
39%
33%
33%
28%
30%
8%
7%
7%
9%
5%
7%
2%
3%
3%
4%
5%
5%
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Satisfied 4 3 2 1 Not At All Satisfied
30%
34%
36%
33%
37%
40%
36%
36%
37%
36%
36%
32%
26%
25%
22%
23%
18%
19%
6%
4%
4%
5%
7%
6%
2%
1%
1%
3%
2%
4%
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Satisfied 4 3 2 1 Not At All Satisfied
18 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Access to ongoing learning and professional development Prior to 2019, “access to education, ongoing learning, professional development”
Access to industry information that is timely, technical, accurate, and relevant
51%
45%
48%
49%
49%
52%
31%
39%
35%
30%
22%
32%
12%
11%
13%
17%
13%
13%
4%
4%
2%
3%
10% 7%
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Satisfied 4 3 2 1 Not At All Satisfied
41%
38%
35%
44%
44%
51%
37%
40%
40%
35%
31%
33%
16%
19%
21%
18%
17%
12%
5%
3%
3%
2%
6%
3%
3%
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Satisfied 4 3 2 1 Not At All Satisfied
19 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Promoting the value of the CPM designation Prior to 2019, “respect associated with the CPM designation”
Job opportunities
53%
47%
51%
57%
49%
48%
32%
38%
33%
26%
28%
33%
11%
12%
12%
15%
19%
12%
3%
3%
4%
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Satisfied 4 3 2 1 Not At All Satisfied
17%
34%
23%
30%
26%
22%
33%
22%
45%
33%
29%
35%
9%
7%
9%
9%
4%
5%
6%
5%
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Satisfied 4 3 2 1 Not At All Satisfied
20 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Business referrals Prior to 2019, “business development opportunities”
IREM’s commitment to advancing and representing the real estate management profession Prior to 2019, “IREM’s commitment to advancing and representing the good of the real estate management profession”
21%
30%
24%
29%
32%
24%
31%
28%
38%
34%
29%
28%
7%
9%
11%
9%
4%
5%
5%
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Satisfied 4 3 2 1 Not At All Satisfied
48%
39%
43%
48%
47%
50%
35%
42%
39%
31%
26%
29%
13%
17%
15%
18%
23%
18%
3%
2%
2%
2%
2%
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Satisfied 4 3 2 1 Not At All Satisfied
21 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
IREM’s advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry In 2017, “political advocacy on behalf of the industry”
28%
47%
32%
28%
27%
21%
9%
3%
4%2017
2019
5 Very Satisfied 4 3 2 1 Not At All Satisfied
22 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Average Importance and Satisfaction Ratings
2019 Average Importance and Satisfaction Ratings
Importance was rated on a 1-5 scale, where 1=not at all important and 5=very important. Satisfaction was rated on a 1-5 scale, where 1=very dissatisfied and 5=very satisfied.
1 2 3 4 5
Opportunities to volunteer and serve inleadership positions
Opportunities to network with like-mindedprofessionals
Access to ongoing learning and professionaldevelopment
Access to industry information that is timely,technical, accurate, and relevant
Respect associated with the CPM designation*
Job opportunities
Business referrals
IREM’s commitment to advancing and representing the real estate management
profession
IREM’s advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry
importance satisfaction
*Respondents were ask to rate their satisfaction with "promoting the value of the CPM designation."
23 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Importance-Satisfaction Gap Average Satisfaction Minus Average Importance
Note: Importance was rated on a 1-5 scale, where 1=not at all important and 5=very important. Satisfaction was rated on a 1-5 scale, where 1=very dissatisfied and 5=very satisfied. 1 Prior to 2019, “access to education, ongoing learning, professional development” 2 In 2019, the average importance rating for "respect associated with the CPM designation" was subtracted from the average satisfaction rating for "promoting the value of the CPM designation." 3 Prior to 2019, "business development opportunities." 4 Prior to 2019, "IREM’s commitment to advancing and representing the good of the real estate manage profession." 5 Prior to 2019, "political advocacy on behalf of the industry."
-0.80 -0.60 -0.40 -0.20 0.00 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80
Opportunities to volunteer and serve inleadership positions
Opportunities to network with like-mindedprofessionals
Access to ongoing learning and professionaldevelopment
Access to industry information that is timely,technical, accurate, and relevant
Respect associated with the CPM designation
Job opportunities
Business referrals
IREM’s commitment to advancing and representing the real estate management
profession
IREM’s advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry
2008 2010 2012 2015 2017 2019
1
3
4
5
2
24 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Satisfaction with Chapter Benefits and Services
Thinking only about your experience at the local level, how satisfied are you with your chapter’s performance in each of the following areas?
38%
47%
47%
46%
43%
15%
18%
18%
22%
17%
20%
16%
16%
11%
11%
7%
2%
5%
8%
14%
5%
7%
4%
4%
4%
14%
9%
10%
9%
10%
Opportunities to volunteer and serve inleadership positions in your IREM chapter
Opportunities to network with like-mindedprofessionals in your IREM chapter
Access to ongoing learning and professionaldevelopment in your IREM chapter
Access to industry information that is timely,technical, accurate, and relevant in your IREM
chapter
Access to local market data through yourlREM chapter
5 Very Satisfied 4 3 2 1 Not At All Satisfied Not Aware
25 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Overall Satisfaction with Benefits and Services
How satisfied are you overall with the benefits and services provided by IREM?
22%
18%
29%
35%
32%
42%
37%
34%
43%
45%
49%
43%
38%
45%
40%
38%
27%
31%
27%
20%
22%
18%
17%
15%
18%
25%
21%
7%
10%
4%
5%
5%
3%
7%
10%
3%
3%
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Satisfied 4 3 2 1 Not At All Satisfied
26 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
IREM Dues
Who pays your IREM dues? In 2002 and 2004, “Who pays your national IREM dues?” From 2006-2012, there were two questions related to dues: (1) “Who pays your national IREM dues”, and (2) “Who pays your chapter IREM dues?” The percentages shown are for national IREM dues.
71%
74%
71%
67%
65%
63%
60%
55%
63%
11%
9%
7%
4%
7%
6%
16%
13%
6%
15%
15%
20%
26%
27%
29%
22%
30%
28%
3%
2%
1%
3%
2%
2%
2%
3%
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
Employer pays 100% Employer pays a portion
Member pays 100% Other
27 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Value of CPM Designation in Hiring Process
When hiring a property manager, how important is it to you that a prospective employee has an IREM certification (CPM®, ARM®, ACoM)? If you are not involved in the hiring process, please select “Not Applicable.”
11%
11%
23%
31%
33%
28%
22%
14%
17%
25%
38%
35%
29%
29%
34%
24%
20%
21%
30%
30%
19%
22%
22%
19%
19%
16%
17%
15%
7%
7%
5%
5%
7%
5%
7%
13%
6%
3%
3%
3%
3%
3%
2%
5%
3%
13%
11%
14%
10%
9%
10%
30%
39%
29%
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Important 4 3 2 1 Not At All Important Not Applicable
28 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Support for Employee Professional Development How likely are you to support your employees’ professional development in each of the following ways? Select one response for each statement.
Require or encourage my employees to pursue an IREM certification
Pay my employees’ IREM dues or encourage the company to pay for my employees’ dues
69%
62%
17%
23%
10%
11% 3%
2017
2019
5 Very Likely 4 3 2 1 Not At All Likely
62%
54%
21%
20%
9%
15%
3%
4%
5%
7%
2017
2019
5 Very Likely 4 3 2 1 Not At All Likely
29 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Encourage my employees to take an IREM course or access IREM resources
66% 22% 9%2019
5 Very Likely 4 3 2 1 Not At All Likely
30 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Value of CPM Candidacy Since you became a CPM candidate, how valuable has your candidacy been in… (If you have not experienced an event listed below in the last 5 years, please select “Not Applicable.”)
Securing or attracting business
10%
9%
8%
14%
7%
19%
12%
13%
12%
8%
14%
18%
14%
14%
13%
13%
14%
16%
7%
9%
6%
9%
9%
7%
12%
9%
13%
15%
15%
14%
44%
46%
50%
40%
42%
27%
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Valuable 4 3 2 1 Not At All Valuable Not Applicable
31 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Securing new employment
10%
10%
9%
10%
8%
9%
8%
9%
12%
9%
6%
8%
10%
11%
11%
9%
12%
14%
7%
7%
4%
7%
8%
6%
14%
12%
13%
20%
16%
16%
52%
52%
52%
46%
51%
47%
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Valuable 4 3 2 1 Not At All Valuable Not Applicable
32 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Securing a promotion
14%
10%
10%
14%
14%
23%
11%
12%
14%
13%
15%
10%
9%
10%
9%
7%
11%
14%
7%
10%
6%
9%
7%
8%
12%
12%
15%
19%
17%
19%
46%
45%
46%
38%
36%
26%
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Valuable 4 3 2 1 Not At All Valuable Not Applicable
33 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Obtaining a pay increase
16%
15%
23%
12%
11%
13%
11%
18%
18%
7%
6%
8%
21%
18%
17%
35%
33%
22%
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Valuable 4 3 2 1 Not At All Valuable Not Applicable
34 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Maintaining current employment
18%
23%
30%
11%
17%
13%
12%
9%
15%
8%
6%
10%
19%
17%
13%
31%
29%
20%
2015
2017
2019
5 Very Valuable 4 3 2 1 Not At All Valuable Not Applicable
35 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Change in Perceived Value of CPM Designation
Since you became a CPM candidate, has your perceived value of the CPM designation increased, decreased or remained the same?
48%
47%
46%
46%
52%
47%
48%
45%
43%
43%
5%
5%
9%
11%
5%
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
Increased Remained the same Decreased
36 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Competing Organizations
Are you a member of any other real estate organizations? Select all that apply. In 2002, 2004, and 2019, respondents could select all that apply. In 2006-2017, respondents were asked to select the one that is most valuable to them.
Organization 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2015 2017 2019
Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
29.6% 11.5% 19.0% 18.8% 14.7% 11.1% 12.7% 12.1% 19.3%
National Apartment Association (NAA)
15.4% 8.2% 6.9% 10.6% 10.1% 13.1% 12.3% 15.2% 18.2%
CCIM Institute 4.9% 0.5% 4.3% 2.4% 4.5% 4.7% 2.1% 3.0% 10.2%
National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA)
7.3% 3.8% 2.6% 3.9% 4.3% 5.6% 5.9% 6.1% 8.0%
National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM)
--- --- --- --- 2.4% 1.4% 1.7% 2.0% 5.7%
Community Association Institute (CAI)
5.3% 1.6% 2.6% 2.7% 0.5% 1.9% 3.0% 3.0% 4.6%
International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
6.9% 1.1% 3.4% 5.5% 4.0% 3.3% 3.8% 5.1% 2.3%
National Multi Housing Council (NMHC)
3.6% 2.2% 0.9% 0.9% 1.1% 1.4% 1.5% 0.0% 1.1%
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
5.7% 1.1% 1.3% 2.1% 2.4% 0.8% 3.8% 4.0% ---
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
--- --- 0.4% 0.9% 1.1% 0.6% 0.0% 0.0% 1.1%
Other --- --- 9.5% 10.9% 9.3% 7.5% 8.9% 12.1% 19.3%
37 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Which of the following industry credentials do you currently hold? This question was first asked in 2019.
71.4%
6.5%
6.5%
5.2%
5.2%
3.9%
3.9%
2.6%
1.3%
1.3%
1.3%
None
Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)
Certified Apartment Property Supervisor (CAPS)
Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP)
Real Property Administrator (RPA)
Certified Commercial Investment Member(CCIM)
National Affordable Housing Professional(NAHP)
Certified Facility Manager (CFM)
Professional Community Association Manager(PCAM)
Registered in Apartment Management (RAM)
Society of Industrial & Office Realtors (SIOR)
38 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Recommending IREM
How likely are you to recommend IREM for each of the following?
71%
73%
54%
50%
20%
17%
20%
31%
5%
5%
13%
11%
3%
5%
4%
7%
5%
Continued learning
Earning a certification
Local networking
Industry news
5 Very Likely 4 3 2 1 Not At All Likely
39 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Satisfaction with Recent IREM Service
If you’ve contacted us in the past year, how satisfied were you with the service you received?
53%
57%
13%
15%
8%
6%
7%
6%
18%
15%
Service from IREM Headquarters
Service from IREM Chapter
5 Very Satisfied 4 3 2 1 Not At All Satisfied Did not contact
40 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Member Satisfaction with IREM
IREM cares about having me as a member. Prior to 2019, “IREM shows that it cares about having me as a member.”
Additional comments provided for this statement:
1. At the National Level I've felt this more so than local 2. I believe National cares; unsure of local board 3. I LOVE this organization 4. I noticed that when I used to network, I used to get more from the chapter. Now that
motherhood prevents me from networking. I noticed that my scholarship application got ignored. I feel that even though I am pay my dues, I do not get much from my dues unless I am networking. That does not seem to be fair because mothers or other people who are caring for others may not have the time to network; I know that networking is important; however, I should have similar opportunities from my chapter even if I can't network.
25%
27%
21%
30%
34%
26%
43%
37%
29%
32%
33%
32%
40%
24%
25%
26%
34%
26%
21%
18%
24%
10%
12%
10%
8%
9%
9%
5%
3%
6%
2%
3%
4%
7%
3%
2006
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Completely Agree 4 3 2 1 Completely Disagree
41 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
I recommend the CPM, ARM, or ACoM certifications to others. In 2017, “I recommend the CPM® designation to others.” Prior to 2017, “I recommend IREM and the CPM® designation to others.”
Additional comments provided for this statement:
1. CPM certification process needs to be cleaned up & streamlined 2. I am very disappointed in the CPM designation process. I’ve been in the real estate
investment and property management business for over 40 years as an investor, consultant, and teacher and I have authored many articles and hold the CCIM designation. Over the summer, I attended the in-person management plan course and failed the exam, along with 99% of the other students in the class. I’ve spoken to a majority of them since I have business relationships with them over the years and they’re all embarrassed since they’ve been doing this for 35+ years on a daily basis. As Directors, CEOs, Presidents, etc. for property management and investment companies, it doesn’t make sense that everyone would fail the course, especially since they all prepare management plans on a weekly basis. To add to the frustration, everyone, including myself, passed the final exam that covered all of the courses. I would feel differently if I was unprepared for the exam or that I was one of the unfortunate one’s to have failed, but to hear that 99% of the attendees (all with decades of professional experience in the property management field) all failed shows that something is systematically wrong with the course and the process.
49%
53%
44%
53%
51%
46%
64%
34%
27%
38%
28%
30%
27%
19%
13%
13%
12%
13%
13%
18%
13%
4%
6%
4%
3%
3%
5%
3%
4%
2006
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Completely Agree 4 3 2 1 Completely Disagree
42 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
The time and commitment to earn the CPM designation are worth the value I will receive from it. Prior to 2019, “The time and commitment to obtain the designation are worth the value I will receive from it.”
Additional comments provided for this statement:
1. I am very disappointed in the CPM designation process. I’ve been in the real estate investment and property management business for over 40 years as an investor, consultant, and teacher and I have authored many articles and hold the CCIM designation. Over the summer, I attended the in-person management plan course and failed the exam, along with 99% of the other students in the class. I’ve spoken to a majority of them since I have business relationships with them over the years and they’re all embarrassed since they’ve been doing this for 35+ years on a daily basis. As Directors, CEOs, Presidents, etc. for property management and investment companies, it doesn’t make sense that everyone would fail the course, especially since they all prepare management plans on a weekly basis. To add to the frustration, everyone, including myself, passed the final exam that covered all of the courses. I would feel differently if I was unprepared for the exam or that I was one of the unfortunate one’s to have failed, but to hear that 99% of the attendees (all with decades of professional experience in the property management field) all failed shows that something is systematically wrong with the course and the process.
43%
45%
36%
46%
44%
35%
59%
33%
30%
38%
27%
27%
36%
19%
17%
16%
18%
19%
19%
19%
11%
5%
6%
6%
5%
6%
4%
6%
2%
4%
2%
3%
4%
6%
4%
2006
2008
2010
2012
2015
2017
2019
5 Completely Agree 4 3 2 1 Completely Disagree
43 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Suggestions for Improving Value of CPM Designation
How can we improve the value of the CPM designation? 1. I've found BOMA to be ubiquitous in the industry. CPM not as much: even though the
training is more rigorous. There's also a general sense that IREM is focusing too much on multifamily/apartments; becoming less relevant to commercial office/ retail/ industrial.
2. Clear information when purchasing courses and timeline to complete tasks. 3. Get your act together! Too many changes & incorrect info on the website. 4. Have experience weigh more towards a CPM designation- fewer classes. 5. have more informative seminars meetings available locally or via webinars. 6. I am very disappointed in the CPM designation process. I’ve been in the real estate
investment and property management business for over 40 years as an investor, consultant, and teacher and I have authored many articles and hold the CCIM designation. Over the summer, I attended the in-person management plan course and failed the exam, along with 99% of the other students in the class. I’ve spoken to a majority of them since I have business relationships with them over the years and they’re all embarrassed since they’ve been doing this for 35+ years on a daily basis. As Directors, CEOs, Presidents, etc. for property management and investment companies, it doesn’t make sense that everyone would fail the course, especially since they all prepare management plans on a weekly basis. To add to the frustration, everyone, including myself, passed the final exam that covered all of the courses. I would feel differently if I was unprepared for the exam or that I was one of the unfortunate one’s to have failed, but to hear that 99% of the attendees (all with decades of professional experience in the property management field) all failed shows that something is systematically wrong with the course and the process.
7. I wish I never started the CPM nor joined IREM. Your customer service, leadership, antiqued processes, really high fees and expenses are just too much. The annual dues should be cut in half and the CPM cost should as be much less. Not really worth it.
8. I would have to say come up with a better "plan" on the MPSA Exam - after two days looking at tiny laptop screens your vision goes and it's hard to proofread your paper!
9. I would like to see more options for other asset classes, such as industrial. 10. Improve relationships with SIOR/CCIM. I'd like to see more concurrent enrollment offered
in the pursuit of the CPM designation. 11. lower dues. at $1000 per year, plus the cost of events, the cost, outweighs the benefit. 12. Making the process less complicated and with more understanding that not all property
managers write management plans 13. Not make it so difficult. 14. Provide employment opportunities for CPM candidates 15. Reduce the fees! 16. Reduce the yearly dues, offer more discounts through out the year. 17. shorten the approval time, 30 days too long. 18. The education part for CPM can use improvement. Material could be more indepth, more
practical, specific to retail or residential depending. In my experience with the CPM Lessons, is that it is very easy to breeze through and not concentrate on. Nor do you really need to concentrate on the material. Curriculum could be a little harder or more in-depth.
19. The value is there, but the ability to obtain classes (far and few in-between), the cost, and the amount of time for each class section, makes it extremely difficult and a very long process. It would be nicer if you could start and get set-up on a tract to complete within 1 or
44 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
2-years max vs. taking 4+ years because of the minimal classes available and the cost you have to pay for each class.
20. The value is there. 21. The value is very high & continues to be perceived as a Master's Degree in property
management particularly finance from what I can see in the industry. My concern is the emphasis on "networking" which amounts to nighttime happy hour events that seem to be objectively social hours, and do little to promote industry relevance. This is specific to my Market, Seattle, where I'm disappointed at the lack of "local" sub-market opportunities for CPM forums for collaboration. Hopefully working to change that with the incoming board & committee!
45 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Business Challenges
What is the biggest challenge in your business today? 1. Ability to provide housing at a rate our workforce can afford. 2. Access to good data should automatically be included in the dues like CCIM. Unfortunately
your data is garbage compared to CCIM, NAA and even Realtor. 3. attracting talent 4. Being respected for my knowledge in the industry 5. Being too busy, not enough resources, labor shortage. 6. Biggest challenge trying to fit all real estate meetings and work in a 9-5 schedule while
contending with LA traffic. 7. Buyouts and takeovers from larger companies 8. changes 9. Coming up with new ideas to remain competitive in the market. Whether it is new
amenities, upgrades, incentives, partnerships..etc. 10. constant ever changing laws :) 11. Contractors and the Trades in general. Expensive and limited time to complete or start
jobs 12. Dealing with unethical business practices of owners and developers...always trying to
manipulate things in their favor 13. Employee retention 14. Employee Retention 15. Employment 16. Finding & retaining top talent. 17. Finding and keeping qualified employees. 18. Finding good employees with the commitment to do a good job and that will stay the
coarse. 19. Finding new portfolios owned by individuals. 20. Finding qualified employees 21. Finding qualified talent 22. Finding qualified team members. Government regulations restricting the ability to provide
fair and safe housing to socially responsible clientele. 23. Front line staffing and aging infrastructure/buildings 24. Getting people outside the operations/management piece to understand the extent of what
property managers have to do and know in order to be successful. PMs are underrated in my opinion.
25. Government rules in affordable housing industry. 26. Growing income. 27. Hiring 28. HR issues. 29. I manage multiple types of properties so keeping up with their differing needs can be a
challenge. 30. I work for a very small management company so finding higher level support has been a
challenge. Utilizing IREM to network and advance my career has been imperative to my success because I have limited resources within my company.
31. In San Francisco - the constantly changing regulatory environment. 32. Incorporating new technology into the main course of business. 33. Keeping up with HUD revisions and changes
46 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
34. Maintaining high occupancy levels with 1980s product. 35. millennials 36. Needing more time to complete the many many tasks 37. never enough time 38. Obtaining new business. 39. Pest issues 40. Preparing bank owned properties for sale. 41. quality of the people who are working on the frontlines in an educated and professional
manner 42. Retail downsizing 43. Scaling our business while preserving the quality of services. 44. Staffing maintenance. 45. Staying a breast of Fair Housing Issues 46. staying up to date with changes. 47. Staying up to date with current trends in the market, which IREM does a fantastic job of
maintaining awareness. 48. Technology, staying up to date with all of the industry changes 49. the everyday challenges is what bring me to work each day is different 50. Time management 51. Time Management, heavy paper workflow. Making informed timely financial decisions,
keeping a cohesive team flowing. 52. time management. 53. Time management. 54. Too much Networks. 55. Understanding the changing environment and what tenants and landlords are looking for. 56. Vacancies
47 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
Additional Comments
If you have additional comments, please include them below. 1. Good organization. It is expensive to travel and complete courses. Instructors are top
notch! 2. Houston has such an amazing Chapter. Great leaders!! JoD and Lindsay go out of their way
to always assist people in any way, you can't help but feel welcome and drawn into a great group of professionals.
3. I am very disappointed in the CPM designation process. I’ve been in the real estate investment and property management business for over 40 years as an investor, consultant, and teacher and I have authored many articles and hold the CCIM designation. Over the summer, I attended the in-person management plan course and failed the exam, along with 99% of the other students in the class. I’ve spoken to a majority of them since I have business relationships with them over the years and they’re all embarrassed since they’ve been doing this for 35+ years on a daily basis. As Directors, CEOs, Presidents, etc. for property management and investment companies, it doesn’t make sense that everyone would fail the course, especially since they all prepare management plans on a weekly basis. To add to the frustration, everyone, including myself, passed the final exam that covered all of the courses. I would feel differently if I was unprepared for the exam or that I was one of the unfortunate one’s to have failed, but to hear that 99% of the attendees (all with decades of professional experience in the property management field) all failed shows that something is systematically wrong with the course and the process.
4. I have enjoyed being a CPM candidate and am now just waiting for the final results of my MPSA!!
5. I love the IREM organization. I appreciate the support and mentorship of Las Vegas Chapter 99. I look forward to continued involvement and growth within the local and national organization.
6. I think it would benefit the local chapter to know who's getting close to taking the final test and completing management plan. It would help if someone on the board reached out to the candidate to offer help and support. If the 2019 board members are aware, then a failure on their part. National was extremely helpful whenever I had a question plus I received emails with next step information. Locally, I was unsure whom to ask and was never contacted.
7. I wish the classes I take to obtain my CPM was recognized by the Indiana Real Estate License as CE credit.
8. IREM competes with the Certificate or Degree Courses offered by Accredited Colleges /Universities.
9. Membership dues are very costly and if you are a certificate holder, cost add up yearly. Not sure it's worth joining anymore.
10. Need to have a better course or more teaching before the final MPSA. Many people do not do management plans regularly and need more instruction and practice before taking for the real MPSA test and not sure if it is offered more than the two day walk through before.
11. Please provide more classes. Please see if ability to lower cost of classes. 12. Since I have limited resources or previous exposure to the CPM credential, I relied heavily
on IREM to inform me of the process, what to expect, etc. There have been several times where I've received delayed responses if any response all from the local chapter in regards to questions around the CPM designation. I don't feel like I was well prepared in planning
48 2019 CPM Candidate Satisfaction Survey Results
for the classes and I would have organized my timeline to complete the designation much differently if I knew then what I know now.
13. Thank you! 14. The "networking events" attendance as a CPM credentialing requirement is confusing &
unreasonable to me. CPM credentials are not of value because of socializing, and true networking events are seldom offered in an inclusive & convenient way for my local chapter. Or at least, this has been the case historically...winds of change seem to be coming thanks to the incoming board members willingness to put a more modern & inclusive lens on membership & leadership.
15. This has been the best work related educational curriculum that I have experienced. Thank you for all your hard work!
16. Very disappointed in IREM. I expected so much more for what will be a lifetime worth of fees ($40k+ over the course of a career easily and for what?). Terrible customer service and classes too. Do better like CCIM complete revamp in the last 10 years if you want to survive or want to stay relevant in the coming decades.