ACMO Blog

RCM Designation: 5 Things that Set Us Apart

Condominium Managers need to excel at many different things in order to have a successful career. In an average day you can be required to be an enforcer, mediator, organizer, communicator, and project manager. This is one of the reasons why a career in condominium management is never boring – our days are varied and there is always something new to learn!

What differentiates managers who hold the Registered Condominium Manager (RCM) designation from managers who are only licensed? Since November 1, 2017, I believe this has been a common question in many people’s minds. The education standard for the RCM has been adopted as the requirement for licensing, so how does the designation and membership in the Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario benefit a manager’s career? What habits do you pick up with this designation and membership that other managers don’t have?

Commitment

Most current RCMs in the industry obtained their education before it was mandatory. But regardless of when your education was completed, membership in an organization that supports the enhancement of your industry shows dedication and commitment to the profession. This commitment to the industry translates into commitment to your condominium clients, making your efforts on behalf of these communities more valuable.

Continuing Education

In order to maintain your RCM designation, there are continuing education requirements above and beyond what is regulated by the Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario. Successful RCMs will take advantage of the various continuing education programs available through ACMO – such as educational luncheons and the annual conference — to ensure that they are up-to-date on any changes in the industry, and to refresh their skills on other topics. Truly successful RCMs will be sure to earn more than the required 20 continuing education credits annually.

Networking

You can’t wear all the hats you need to run a successful community on your own (you only have one head!). You need trades, advisors and business partners to keep things running smoothly for your clients. ACMO offers many great networking events throughout the year, often with an educational component (see continuing education above) that go a long way in making sure you know the right people. ACMO Associate members are service providers with experience specific to the unique operation of condominium corporation and are very active in making sure they connect with managers to give them the right advice.

Leadership

RCMs are leaders in the industry. Many of ACMO’s members have helped over the years to shape the profession into what it is today. This had been achieved through volunteer efforts of RCMs and other service providers. The industry has changed dramatically since ACMO’s inception in 1977. Along the way, the organization has worked hard to make advancements in the industry and to advocate for individual managers. Visit the ACMO Awards page for information about award winning volunteers for the organization.

Ethics

Long before licensing was introduced, ACMO developed a code of professional ethics to which all RCMs must agree to abide. This code of ethics goes above and beyond the requirements of the Ethics Regulation under the Condominium Management Services Act. The RCM designation means that the individual manager is committed to acting ethically in the management of their condominium clients. In a profession which requires you to manage multi-million dollars worth of assets for a not-for-profit organization, I believe that this is the most important habit of all – acting ethically and responsibly.

Lyndsey McNally, RCM, is a Team Leader at Malvern Condominium Property Management.