Property Manager in Training: Skills, Certifications, and Career Path

Starting as a property manager in training is more than an entry-level role. It’s the foundation of a long-term career in real estate and asset management. A property management is a career that continues to grow steadily as rental housing demand increases across the U.S. According to the BLS, property, real estate, and community association managers' earnings keep experiencing an uptrend.

Moreover, employment is projected to remain stable through 2032 as rental properties expand and professional management becomes essential. However, income and growth in this field depend heavily on skills, certifications, and the ability to manage properties efficiently. Today’s professionals are expected to understand housing laws, financial reporting, tenant relations, and digital rent tracking.

This is where modern tools like Platuni help bridge the gap between theory and real-world execution. In this post, you’ll learn the skills, certifications, and career path required to move from training to mastery, while understanding how technology and industry credentials can accelerate your success. Ensure to carefully read through so you won't miss out any important details.

Also Read: Rent Collections Explained: Best Practices and Tools for Landlords

What Does a Property Manager Do?

A property manager is a professional responsible for overseeing, operating, and maintaining real estate properties on behalf of property owners or investors. Their main role is to ensure that properties are well-managed, profitable, and compliant with local laws while providing a smooth living or working experience for tenants. For a property manager in training, these responsibilities are learned gradually through supervised tasks and real-world experience.

Core Responsibilities of a Property Manager

• Rent and Payment Management: Ensuring rent is collected on time, tracking payments, handling late fees, and maintaining accurate financial records.
• Tenant Relations: Communicating with tenants, responding to complaints, handling lease renewals, and ensuring tenant satisfaction.
• Property Maintenance and Repairs: Coordinating routine maintenance, responding to emergency repairs, and working with contractors and vendors.
• Lease and Documentation Management: Preparing lease agreements, maintaining tenant records, and ensuring documentation complies with housing laws.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Following local, state, or federal housing regulations, fair housing laws, and safety standards.

Also See: Free Rental Ledger Template: Track Rent Payments Accurately

Key Skills Every Aspiring Property Manager Needs to Succeed

Becoming a successful property manager, especially as a property manager in training, requires a blend of technical knowledge, soft skills, and on-the-job adaptability. These serve a core skill and they determine how well you manage properties, people, and processes. Below are some essential skills you'll need:

• Communication Skills: Property managers interact daily with tenants, property owners, contractors, and legal professionals. Being able to explain policies, resolve conflicts, and provide updates builds trust and prevents disputes.
• Organizational and Time Management: Managing multiple properties, deadlines, maintenance schedules, and financial records requires strong organization. A property manager in training must learn how to prioritize tasks and keep accurate records.
• Financial and Record-Keeping: Understanding rent tracking, budgeting, expense management, and basic accounting is vital. Many modern property managers use digital tools to improve accuracy and transparency.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: From late rent payments to emergency repairs, property managers must make quick, fair, and informed decisions.
• Legal Awareness: While not expected to be legal experts, aspiring property managers must understand housing laws, safety codes, tenant rights, lease obligations, and eviction procedures to avoid costly mistakes and protect the property owner’s investment.
• Technology and Digital Tools Proficiency: Modern property management relies heavily on digital platforms for rent collection, tenant communication, and reporting. So, learning to use these tools early gives a property manager in training a competitive edge.

Also See: Tenant Tracker Tools: How Landlords Monitor Payments and Issues

How Much Do Property Managers Earn?

The salary for property managers varies widely depending on experience, location, property type, and responsibilities. In the United States, reported averages show a range of earnings that reflect both entry-level and senior roles. According to indeed.com, the average annual pay for a property manager in the U.S. is approximately $64,276 per year.

Meanwhile, salary.com indicates that more experienced property managers, especially those with several years of experience or those overseeing larger portfolios, can earn significantly more. For example, it stated that the average annual salary for a property manager role on January 1, 2026 was about $111,738, with the majority (middle 50%) earning between about $102,000 and $125,000 per year.

Property Management Career Outlook

The career outlook for property management remains positive, with employment of property, real estate, and community association managers projected to grow modestly over the coming decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this occupation is expected to expand about 3% from 2023 to 2033. Likewise, over 37,000 job openings are projected each year on average.

Key Aspects of the Outlook:

• Steady Growth: Employment is projected to grow steadily, meaning consistent job openings.
• High Demand: A growing real estate market and increasing rental demand support a strong need for property managers.
• Diverse Opportunities: Roles exist in residential, commercial, industrial, and community association management, including specialized areas like senior housing.
• Advancement: Many start as assistants and advance, with opportunities to specialize in finance, asset management, or even run their own firms.

If you're passionate about a career in property management, you need to start working on gaining the required certification and experience right now.

Also See: Top 5 Rental Business Ideas with High ROI

How to Become a Property Manager

Becoming a property manager is a rewarding career path for individuals interested in real estate, tenant relations, and asset management. Whether you want to manage residential, commercial, or mixed-use properties, following a structured approach will help you build the right skills, credentials, and experience. Here's how you can start a career in property management.

Step 1: Get Basic Education

Most property management roles require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. However, earning a degree in real estate, business administration, finance, or property management can give a property manager in training a competitive edge. While a degree is not always mandatory, it often improves job prospects and long-term career growth.

Step 2: Gain Entry-Level Experience

Practical experience is essential. Many professionals begin as leasing agents, assistant property managers or real estate or property administrative assistants. These roles allow a property manager in training to learn lease administration, tenant screening, rent tracking, and basic maintenance coordination in a real-world setting.

Also See: Common Landlord-Tenant Issues That Require an Attorney

Step 3: Learn Local Property and Housing Laws

Property management is highly regulated. As a prospective property manager, you must understand landlord-tenant laws, fair housing regulations, eviction procedures, and rent control rules that apply in your state or city. This knowledge helps prevent legal disputes and builds trust with property owners and tenants.

Step 4: Obtain Certifications or Licenses

Although not always required, certifications significantly improve credibility. Common options include Certified Property Manager (CPM), Residential Management Professional (RMP) and Real estate license (required in some jurisdictions). As a property manager in training, these credentials show that you met industry standards and you're committed to professional growth.

Step 5: Build Essential Property Management Skills

To succeed, a property manager in training should develop both technical and soft skills, including communication and conflict resolution, financial and budgeting skills, organization and time management. Likewise, modern property managers rely on digital tools to streamline operations, track rent payments, and manage tenant communications efficiently. As a prospective property manager in training, learning platforms like Platuni is essential. It allows you to monitor payments in real time, send automated reminders, and maintain detailed tenant records.

Also See: Boosting Tips For Overworked Landlords | Landlord Productivity Hacks

Step 6: Apply for Property Manager Roles or Advance Your Career

Once you have experience, skills, and credentials, you can apply for full property manager positions, grow within a management company, or manage properties independently. Many professionals continue learning on the job as they move from a property manager in training to senior or portfolio management roles.

Best Courses and Certification in Property Management

For aspiring professionals or a property manager in training, obtaining the right courses and certifications can significantly improve employability, skills, and career growth. Certifications not only demonstrate expertise but also build credibility with employers, property owners, and tenants. Below are some of the most recognized courses and certifications in property management:

#1. Certified Property Manager (CPM)

The CPM designation is one of the most prestigious certifications in property management. It provides in-depth knowledge of financial operations, tenant relations, and property maintenance. Similarly, completing this certification demonstrates a high level of professionalism and is recognized by landlords and property management firms worldwide. It is ideal for a property manager in training who wants to advance quickly.

#2. Residential Management Professional (RMP)

The RMP certification is offered by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). This program focuses on residential property management and helps professionals learn best practices for tenant screening, lease agreements, and legal compliance. This program is suitable for property managers in training aiming to specialize in single-family homes or multi-unit residential properties.

Also Check Out: Landlord Section 8 Requirements | Complete Compliance Guide

#3. Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)

The CAM program equips learners with skills in managing apartment communities, including financial oversight, leasing, and resident services. This course is hosted by National Apartment Association (NAA). It’s especially useful for property managers in training entering multi-family or large-scale residential property management.

#4. Real Estate License

In many states, property managers need a real estate license to perform certain duties legally, such as lease signings or property sales. Obtaining this license also enhances credibility and opens doors for more advanced roles in property management. Requirements vary by state, so research local regulations carefully.

#5. Community Colleges and Online Platform

Several universities, community colleges, and online platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn, Udemy, and edX offer property management certificate programs. These courses cover leasing, maintenance coordination, tenant communication, and property law, providing foundational knowledge for a property manager in training. They are flexible and accessible, making them ideal for professionals balancing work and learning.

#6. Facilities Management Professional (FMP)

For property managers interested in commercial properties, the FMP certification focuses on facilities management, including building systems, sustainability, and operations efficiency. This certification complements standard property management skills and enhances career versatility.

#7. Digital and Technology Training

Modern property managers increasingly rely on software like Platuni, AppFolio, and Buildium for rent collection, tenant tracking, and reporting. Specialized online courses or platform tutorials help property managers in training get comfortable using these tools efficiently, which improves workflow and tenant satisfaction.

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