Selecting the right condominium management team is one of the most important decisions a condo board can make. Many directors want to understand the difference between a Limited Licence and a General Licence condo manager in Ontario, since the type of licence determines what a manager can and cannot do. Effective management influences everything from financial stability to community satisfaction, and as a result, knowing the distinction helps boards choose the right level of expertise for their community.

In addition, understanding these distinctions is essential for boards that want trusted, qualified, and legally compliant condominium property management services in Ontario.

Overview: CMRAO Licensing Framework

The Government of Ontario established the licensing system for condominium managers under the Condominium Management Services Act, 2015 (CMSA). The Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (CMRAO) oversees this system.  Its primary purpose is to ensure that licensed property managers meet consistent professional standards and that boards and unit owners receive the protection and oversight they need.

The CMRAO issues two types of personal licences:

• Limited Licence: an entry-level designation with restrictions.

• General Licence: a full professional designation that permits independent practice.

Finally, it is important to note that there is also a separate Condominium Management Provider Licence for firms, but this article focuses on individual manager licensing.

What is a Limited Licence?

A Limited Licence is an entry-level licence for individuals beginning their careers in condominium management.  In other words, it is designed for managers who are still gaining supervised experience before qualifying for a General Licence.

Educational Requirements

Applicants must complete the Excellence in Condominium Management course offered, which the CMRAO offers. The program includes instructor-led sessions and a supervisor who oversees the final exam.

Practice Restrictions and Conditions

Limited Licence holders must:

• Work under the supervision of a General Licence holder.

• Be employed only by a licensed condominium management provider, not directly by a condominium corporation.

• Refrain from entering into or modifying contracts without supervising approval.

• Limit expenditures to under $500 (excluding reserve fund) unless pre-approved or if required to address an immediate safety or security concern.

• Not sign status certificates under the Condominium Act, 1998.

• Not access, invest, or disburse a client’s reserve fund.

• Hold at most one employer, unless additional employment is consented to in writing.

Supervision Standards

Supervising managers are responsible for ensuring the quality of service and supporting the professional development of Limited Licence managers. Supervisors do not need to be physically present, but they must have access all relevant client records and hold a General Licence.

Path to a General Licence

Within five years, a Limited Licence holder must:

• Accumulate at least two years (2,920 hours) of supervised experience.

• Under supervision, participate in board and owner meetings, prepare budgets, interpret financial statements, manage maintenance, and present reports.

If a Limited Licence holder does not meet these requirements within the designated timeframe, their licence will expire. For many managers, the ultimate goal is moving from a Limited Licence to a General Licence. Boards should understand that the difference between a Limited Licence and a General Licence condo manager in Ontario is not just about hours worked or years of experience. It also defines what authority the manager has when making decisions that affect the corporation.

What is a General Licence?

A General Licence is the full professional designation for condominium managers. It requires both education and experience and allows managers to work independently.

Requirements

• Education: Completion of the CMRAO’s Condominium Management Certificate Program, which includes five mandatory courses: Law; Relationship Building; Building Operations and Maintenance; Financials; and Operational Quality.

• Experience: At least two years (2,920 hours) of condominium management experience in the previous five years.

• New Rules Effective October 1, 2025: CMRAO will require applicants to demonstrate two calendar years of supervised work experience along with a signed attestation by the supervising licensee. The hourly metric will no longer be accepted for new applicants after this date

Continuing Professional Education

General Licence holders must complete at least 10 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits annually to maintain their licence. This requirement ensures that General Licensed Managers remain up to date on legislation, industry standards, and best practices.

Why the Distinction Matters for Boards

Risk and Compliance

Boards have fiduciary responsibilities to their unit owners. Employing a management firm that relies only on Limited Licence managers without adequate supervision could expose the corporation to compliance issues or unnecessary risk.

Expertise and Autonomy

General Licensed Managers bring authority and experience that allow them to advise on financial planning, governance, and compliance with the Condominium Act, 1998.

Oversight and Accreditation

Accredited condominium management firms, such as those with ACMO 2000 Certification, maintain strong supervision protocols. This ensures that Limited Licence managers are mentored properly and that all corporations benefit from experienced, qualified leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to process a Limited Licence or General Licence application?

The CMRAO typically processes 95 per cent of completed Limited Licence applications within five business days, and General Licence applications within ten business days.

Can a Limited Licence holder progress to a General Licence, and what are the requirements?

Yes. A Limited Licence holder must complete at least two years (2,920 hours) of supervised work experience and actively perform management tasks such as participating in board meetings, preparing budgets, reporting to boards, handling maintenance, and interpreting financial statements. These must occur under the supervision of one or more general licensed managers.

What are the conditions of a General Licence?

Applicants for a General Licence must already hold a Limited Licence, meet educational requirements, and have the necessary supervised experience. Once granted, General Licence holders can operate independently without supervision.

Are General Licence holders required to complete continuing professional education (CPE)?

Yes. General Licence holders must accumulate a minimum of 10 CPE credits annually through eligible learning activities to maintain their licence.

How can condominium boards verify if a manager is licensed?

Boards and owners can use the CMRAO’s Public Registry to confirm whether an individual or condominium management provider is licensed and in good standing. This registry is updated in real time and helps ensure compliance.

Key Takeaways for Condo Boards

For condominium boards, the difference between a Limited Licence and a General Licence condo manager is more than a technical detail. It directly affects compliance, governance, and the overall quality of property management services your community will receive. When evaluating or renewing a condominium management contract, boards should consider the following:

Confirm General Licence Credentials

Always verify that the managers assigned to your community hold a General Licence with the CMRAO. General Licensed Managers have demonstrated both education and supervised work experience, which means they are legally permitted to provide condominium management services without direct oversight. This independence is crucial for boards, as it ensures their community is guided by a professional with full authority to sign status certificates, manage reserve funds, and provide accurate governance advice.

Understand the Role of Limited Licence Managers

Limited Licence Managers can support day-to-day operations but must always work under the supervision of a General Licensed Manager. They cannot sign legal documents, approve contracts, or access reserve funds. Boards should ask how Limited Licence staff will be supervised and what oversight systems are in place.

Choose an Accredited Firm

Working with an accredited condominium management firm gives boards added confidence. Firms licenced as condominium management providers with the CMRAO must meet strict operational standards. This ensures that Limited Licence Managers receive proper mentoring while General Licensed Managers provide leadership and accountability.

Think Beyond Daily Operations

Boards should look for management providers who can support long-term planning. General Licensed Managers are trained to prepare budgets, oversee reserve fund studies, and advise on legislative changes. A firm with experienced staff, proven systems, and the right technology will help the community remain financially strong and well-managed for years to come.

Why Work with a Licenced Condominium Management Firm

For condominium boards, partnering with a management provider that employs General Licensed Managers is essential. These managers have the authority and expertise to guide boards on financial planning, compliance with the Condominium Act, 1998, and effective long-term governance. Limited Licence Managers can assist with day-to-day operations, but they must always work under proper supervision.

At ICON, an experienced General Licensed Manager is always assigned to ensure every community receives the appropriate support and guidance. This approach gives boards peace of mind that their corporation is being managed in compliance with Ontario’s regulations and industry standards.

To learn more about our team and management philosophy, visit our About Us page.

Final Thoughts

The difference between a Limited Licence and a General Licence condo manager is more than just a title. A Limited Licence manager can provide valuable assistance but must always work under supervision, while a General Licensed Manager has the education, experience, and authority to guide boards independently. For condominium corporations, this distinction has real implications for financial planning, compliance with the Condominium Act, 1998, and the overall health of the community.

By choosing a management provider that assigns an experienced General Licensed Manager, boards can be confident that their community will receive the right support, expertise, and professional guidance.

To learn more about how our team supports condominium communities across Ontario, Request a Proposal today.