Condominium living is on the rise across Ontario. With new high-rise, mid-rise, and townhouse developments being registered every year, the demand for qualified condominium managers has never been greater. Condo managers play a vital role in supporting boards of directors, maintaining financial health, and ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly.

If you have ever wondered how to become a condo manager in Ontario, this guide will walk you through every step of the process, from licensing requirements to skill development and career opportunities. Whether you are exploring a new career path or simply curious about how condo communities are managed, this article provides a detailed roadmap.

Why Become a Condo Manager?

Condominium management is a rewarding and dynamic career. Managers have the opportunity to work with people every day, solve real problems, and influence how communities thrive. Some benefits of becoming a condo manager include:

• Strong demand for licensed professionals: As more condominiums are built, qualified managers are in high demand.

• Competitive salaries: General Licensed managers can earn between $60,000 and $90,000 per year, with senior managers and portfolio leads earning more.

• Variety in daily tasks: No two days are the same. You will handle finances, building maintenance, legal compliance, and community engagement.

• Career growth: With experience, managers can move into senior leadership roles or even open their own condominium management provider firm.

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Condo Manager in Ontario

1. Understand the Licensing Framework

In Ontario, condo managers must be licensed under the Condominium Management Services Act, 2015 (CMSA). Oversight is provided by the Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (CMRAO).

The CMRAO issues three types of personal licences:

• Limited Licence: Entry-level designation with restrictions.

• General Licence: Full designation that allows independent management.

• Transitional Licence: Phased out, only for managers licensed before regulations came into force.

This framework ensures that condominium boards and owners receive professional, qualified management services.

2. Meet the Educational Requirements

To qualify for licensing, you must complete four core educational courses approved by the CMRAO:

1. Condominium Law: Provides an understanding of the Condominium Act, 1998, and related legislation.

2. Physical Building Management: Covers maintenance, repair planning, and building systems.

3. Financial Planning for Condominium Managers: Focuses on operating budgets, reserve funds, and audits.

4. Condominium Administration and Human Relations: Teaches communication, conflict resolution, and leadership.

Courses are offered through educational providers such as Humber College, George Brown College, and Mohawk College.

3. Apply for a Limited Licence

After completing at least two of the four courses, you can apply for a Limited Licence. This designation allows you to begin working in the industry under the supervision of a General Licensee.

Key restrictions include:

• You cannot manage independently.

• You must work for a licensed condominium management provider.

• You must be actively completing the remaining required courses.

This stage allows you to gain real-world experience while continuing your education.

4. Gain Practical Experience

To become a General Licensed Manager, you will need at least two years of relevant work experience in condominium management.

Experience requirements include exposure to:

• Preparing budgets and financial reports

• Administering reserve fund studies

• Coordinating Annual General Meetings (AGMs)

• Overseeing maintenance and service contracts

• Communicating effectively with boards and residents

This hands-on experience ensures you are ready to manage independently once fully licensed.

5. Apply for a General Licence

After completing all four educational courses and two years of supervised experience, you can apply to the CMRAO for a General Licence.

This licence allows you to:

• Manage condominiums independently

• Supervise Limited Licensees

• Take on full responsibility for compliance and reporting

General Licensees represent the highest professional standard in Ontario condominium management.

6. Maintain Your Licence Through Continuing Education

To remain licensed, condominium managers must complete continuing professional education (CPE) activities as mandated by the CMRAO.

Continuing education ensures managers remain up to date on:

• Amendments to the Condominium Act, 1998

• Industry best practices

• Risk management strategies

• New technologies and property management software

By committing to ongoing learning, you maintain compliance while also improving your effectiveness as a manager.

Essential Skills for Success as a Condo Manager

While licensing is mandatory, successful managers also develop a unique set of soft and technical skills:

• Communication: Clear, professional, and diplomatic communication with residents, boards, and contractors.

• Organization: Ability to manage multiple deadlines, reports, and projects simultaneously.

• Financial literacy: Strong grasp of budgeting, reserve funds, and audits.

• Problem-solving: Handling disputes, emergencies, and operational challenges with professionalism.

• Technology: Familiarity with accounting tools and integrated property management platforms like Condo Control or Condo Manager.

These skills can be developed on the job, through training, or by working with experienced mentors.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Become a Condo Manager

1. How long does it take to become a condo manager in Ontario?
On average, it takes 2 to 3 years to complete the educational courses and work experience required for a General Licence.

2. Can I work as a condo manager without a licence?
No. All condominium managers in Ontario must hold a valid licence issued by the CMRAO.

3. What is the difference between a Limited Licence and a General Licence?
A Limited Licence allows you to work under supervision while completing education and experience requirements. A General Licence allows you to manage independently. You can find more information on the difference between a Limited Licence and General Licence here.

4. How much can I expect to earn as a condo manager?
Limited Licensees typically start in the $45,000 to $55,000 range. General Licensees can earn $60,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on portfolio size and region.

5. Do condo managers need to renew their licence?
Yes. Condo managers must complete ongoing education and pay annual renewal fees to remain in good standing.

6. Is condo management a good career for someone with no property management background?
Yes. Many successful managers transition from customer service, finance, or administrative roles. Strong communication and organizational skills are highly transferable.

Opportunities for Career Growth

A career in condominium management does not stop at obtaining a General Licence. Once licensed, managers can pursue several rewarding paths as they gain experience, expand their knowledge, and demonstrate leadership abilities.

• Senior Property Manager: Experienced managers may move into roles where they oversee larger or more complex condominium communities. These positions often involve working with higher budgets, larger site teams, and boards with more demanding governance needs. Senior Property Managers are also trusted to mentor newer managers and provide oversight on best practices.

• Regional Director: With a proven track record, managers can advance into regional leadership roles. Regional Directors are responsible for a portfolio of managers and properties, ensuring that client service standards are met across multiple sites. They often play a key role in staffing, performance evaluation, and implementing company-wide policies at the property level.

• Vice President of Operations: At the executive level, Vice Presidents of Operations provide strategic direction for the organization. They oversee multiple regions, set performance benchmarks, and work closely with the company’s leadership team to align property management practices with long-term business goals. This role requires advanced leadership, financial management expertise, and the ability to build strong relationships with board directors across a diverse portfolio.

• Specialized Expertise Roles: Some managers choose to specialize rather than move vertically. Opportunities may exist in areas such as compliance, training and development, accounting and finance, or technology integration. These roles support the broader organization by providing in-depth knowledge in areas that are critical to condominium governance and operations.

Each of these paths allows condominium managers to build on their existing knowledge and contribute to the industry in new and meaningful ways. Whether you prefer to lead people, manage larger communities, or develop specialized expertise, the profession provides a variety of ways to grow your career.

Final Thoughts: Launching Your Condo Management Career

Becoming a condo manager in Ontario requires commitment, education, and real-world experience, but the rewards are significant. This career offers stability, growth opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in how communities function.

If you are considering a career in this field or are a condo board looking to understand the licensing framework better, working with an accredited condominium management firm can provide valuable mentorship and insights.

Final Thoughts: Launching Your Condo Management Career

Becoming a condo manager in Ontario requires dedication, education, and real-world experience. The path takes time and effort, yet the rewards are substantial. This career provides long-term stability, clear opportunities for advancement, and the ability to directly influence how communities function and thrive.

Condo managers play an essential role in balancing financial planning, building maintenance, governance, and resident satisfaction. For individuals who enjoy problem-solving, communication, and leadership, it can be a fulfilling and impactful career choice.

If you are considering a future in condominium management, aligning yourself with an accredited condominium management firm is one of the best ways to gain mentorship, develop practical skills, and build a strong foundation for success. ICON Property Management supports professionals at every stage of their career journey by offering training, professional development opportunities, and access to a supportive team environment.

Looking to take the next step in your condominium management career?  Connect with ICON to discover how you can build your career with us.