Real Estate License
How to Verify a Property Manager License
State real estate commission lookups for property manager licenses. Verify IREM CPM, RPA, and NAA CAM designations. Understand which states require a real estate broker license vs. a property management license for leasing activities.
Quick answer
In most states, property managers who lease units, collect rent, or negotiate leases must hold a real estate broker or salesperson license — verify through the state real estate commission portal. A few states issue separate property management licenses. Also verify any professional designations (IREM CPM, NAA CAM) separately with the issuing organization.
State licensing requirements overview
States fall into three categories for property manager licensing:
| Category | What's Required | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate license required | Broker or salesperson license to manage residential property for compensation | California, Texas, Florida, New York, Georgia, Illinois |
| Separate PM license | State-issued property management license (distinct from real estate license) | Montana, Oregon (Property Manager License), South Carolina |
| No license required | No state licensing requirement for property managers; only owners may manage without a license | Idaho, Kansas, and a few others |
Confirm the requirement in the specific state where the property manager will operate before evaluating credentials.
Verifying state real estate licenses
In states where a real estate license is required, verify through the state real estate commission portal:
- California: California DRE — dre.ca.gov; License Status Check
- Texas: Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) — trec.texas.gov; License Holder Search
- Florida: Florida DBPR — myfloridalicense.com; search Real Estate Broker or Sales Associate
- New York: NYS DOS — dos.ny.gov; Real Estate License Search
- Georgia: Georgia Real Estate Commission — grec.state.ga.us; License Search
- Illinois: Illinois IDFPR — idfpr.illinois.gov/LicenseLookup; Real Estate Managing Broker or Broker
- Oregon: Oregon Real Estate Agency (also issues Property Manager License) — oregon.gov/rea; License Search
Confirm Active status, license type (broker vs. salesperson), and expiration date. A property manager executing leases independently typically needs a broker license, not just a salesperson license.
IREM CPM and other professional designations
In addition to state licensing, experienced property managers often hold professional designations from industry organizations:
- CPM (Certified Property Manager): Issued by IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management); the highest credential in residential and commercial property management. Verify at irem.org → Find a Member.
- RPA (Real Property Administrator): Issued by BOMI International; focused on commercial real estate building operations. Verify at bomi.org.
- CAM (Certified Apartment Manager): Issued by NAA (National Apartment Association); focused on residential multifamily management. Verify at naahq.org.
- ARM (Accredited Residential Manager): Issued by IREM; entry-level residential property management designation. Verify at irem.org.
These designations are professional credentials, not state licenses. Verify them in addition to — not instead of — the required state license.
Verification checklist
- 1. Confirm the state licensing requirement for property management in the state where the manager will operate
- 2. Verify the state real estate or property management license — confirm Active status, license type, and expiration
- 3. Review any disciplinary history on the state license record
- 4. For independently operating managers: confirm broker license (not just salesperson) if required by state law
- 5. Verify professional designations (CPM, CAM, RPA) with the issuing organization separately from state license verification
Verify real estate and business school accreditation
Real estate and property management degree programs are offered by regionally accredited colleges and universities. Use VerifyED to confirm that a candidate's educational institution was properly accredited before accepting their degree credentials.
Search Schools and Accreditation →