Property Management Classes: The Best Online & In-Person Courses for 2026
Looking for property management classes? Whether you need to get licensed, earn a certification, or simply sharpen your skills, there are more options in 2026 than ever — from free online resources to intensive certification programs costing thousands.
We've evaluated the major options and organized them by career stage, budget, and format so you can pick the right one without wasting time or money.
Quick Comparison: Top Property Management Classes
| Program | Provider | Format | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARM Certification | IREM | Online + exam | $500–$1,000 | Entry-level managers |
| CPM Designation | IREM | Online/in-person + exam | $2,500–$5,000 | Experienced managers, career advancement |
| CAM Certification | NAA | Online/in-person + exam | $1,500–$3,000 | Apartment/multifamily managers |
| RMP Designation | NARPM | Conference + coursework | $500–$1,500 | Residential PM company owners |
| State License Course | Various providers | Online/classroom | $200–$800 | Getting licensed (required) |
| PM Certificate | Udemy/Coursera | Online, self-paced | $15–$200 | Budget learners, career explorers |
| University PM Program | Various universities | Online degree/certificate | $5,000–$30,000 | Academic credential seekers |
State Licensing Classes (Start Here)
If you're new to property management, your first step is meeting your state's licensing requirements. In most states, this means completing a pre-licensing education course.
What to Expect
- Hours: 40–150 hours depending on state (California requires 135 hours for broker)
- Format: Online or classroom — both accepted in most states
- Cost: $200–$800 for the course; exam fees are typically $50–$100 additional
- Timeline: 2 weeks to 6 months depending on your pace
Top Online Licensing Schools
- Kaplan Real Estate Education — available in most states, strong reputation, good pass rates
- The CE Shop — modern platform, mobile-friendly, good customer support
- Colibri Real Estate (formerly Real Estate Express) — competitive pricing, available in all 50 states
- Mbition — lower cost option with decent content
Tip: Don't overthink which licensing school to use. They all teach the same state-mandated curriculum. Pick the one with the best price and reviews in your state, and get through it quickly. The real education happens on the job. Check your state's requirements.
Professional Certifications (Career Accelerators)
Once you're licensed and working, professional certifications are the single best investment in your PM career. They boost credibility, open doors to higher-paying positions, and demonstrate expertise to property owners.
ARM — Accredited Residential Manager (Best for Beginners)
- Organization: IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management)
- Requirements: Complete coursework + pass exam. No experience requirement.
- Cost: $500–$1,000 (coursework + exam + IREM membership)
- Time: 2–4 months part-time
- Value: Great entry credential. Shows employers you're serious and knowledgeable.
CPM — Certified Property Manager (The Gold Standard)
- Organization: IREM
- Requirements: 36 months PM experience + coursework + capstone project + ethics course
- Cost: $2,500–$5,000 total (courses + exam + membership)
- Time: 12–18 months
- Value: The most respected credential in property management. CPMs earn 20–30% more than non-certified peers. Required or preferred for many senior roles.
CAM — Certified Apartment Manager
- Organization: NAA (National Apartment Association)
- Requirements: 12 months experience + coursework + exam
- Cost: $1,500–$3,000
- Time: 3–6 months
- Value: Essential if you're in multifamily/apartment management. Industry standard for on-site and regional managers.
RMP/MPM — NARPM Designations
- Organization: NARPM (National Association of Residential Property Managers)
- RMP (Residential Management Professional): For PM company owners/managers. Requires 100+ units, coursework, and ethical standards. $500–$1,500.
- MPM (Master Property Manager): Advanced designation for established companies. Requires RMP + additional experience + 500+ units managed.
- Value: Best for residential PM company owners. NARPM is the premier residential PM association — their designations carry weight with property owners.
For a deep dive on certifications: Complete PM Certification Guide
Learn by Doing: PM Scaling Kit
Courses teach theory. Our Scaling Kit gives you the actual SOPs, templates, and playbooks that working PMs use every day. Perfect complement to any class.
Get the Scaling Kit — $147 →Online Courses (Budget-Friendly)
If you want to learn before committing to a certification program, or you're on a tight budget, these platforms offer solid PM education:
Udemy
- Multiple PM courses ranging from $15–$100 (frequent sales)
- Self-paced, lifetime access
- Quality varies — check ratings and reviews before buying
- Good for: specific skills (tenant screening, fair housing, maintenance management)
Coursera
- University-affiliated courses with certificates
- More structured than Udemy, often with peer interaction
- Financial aid available
- Good for: people who want academic credentials alongside practical knowledge
LinkedIn Learning
- PM and real estate courses included with LinkedIn Premium ($30/month)
- Professional, polished content
- Certificates display on your LinkedIn profile
- Good for: job seekers who want to signal PM knowledge to recruiters
Free Resources
- LevelPM Blog — 170+ articles covering every PM topic (browse all articles)
- NARPM webinars — monthly free webinars on PM operations
- AppFolio/Buildium academies — software vendors offer free PM training
- YouTube — growing library of PM education content
- Our free SOP templates — download here
University Programs
For those who want a formal academic credential:
| Program | School | Format | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Management Certificate | Virginia Tech (IREM) | Online | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Property Management Certificate | Various community colleges | Hybrid | $1,000–$3,000 |
| BS in Property Management | Specialized universities | On-campus/Online | $20,000–$40,000 |
| MBA with RE Focus | Various business schools | On-campus/Online | $30,000–$100,000+ |
Our take: University programs are generally overkill for property management. The ROI on a CPM designation ($5K) far exceeds a specialized degree ($30K+) in terms of career advancement and employer recognition. Save the tuition money and invest it in your PM business instead.
How to Choose the Right Class
Decision framework:
- Not yet licensed? → State licensing course (mandatory first step)
- New to PM, want credibility? → ARM certification ($500–$1,000)
- In multifamily? → CAM certification ($1,500–$3,000)
- Own a PM company? → RMP designation ($500–$1,500)
- Want the top credential? → CPM designation ($2,500–$5,000)
- Exploring on a budget? → Udemy course ($15–$50) + our free SOPs
- Want practical, not theoretical? → PM Scaling Kit ($147)
Tips for Getting the Most from PM Classes
- Apply immediately. After each module, implement what you learned in your actual work. Theory without practice is forgettable.
- Network. The relationships you build in certification programs are often more valuable than the content. Your classmates become referral sources, mentors, and collaborators.
- Don't chase credentials endlessly. One strong certification (CPM or CAM) plus real experience trumps a resume full of certificates.
- Budget for continuing education. Most designations require annual CE credits. Factor this into your cost calculation.
- Check employer reimbursement. Many PM companies pay for employee certifications. Ask before paying out of pocket.