Education Overview
The Apartment Association Education Institute Designate Programs
The Apartment Association of Kansas City is the National Affiliate here in Kansas City. We work along with the NAAEI to promote and train our team members.
Since its inception, NAAEI’s message has been to encourage the apartment industry’s adoption of best practices, and the highest professional standards. They have continually updated the body of knowledge for the industry while credentialing over 25,000 qualified leasing consultants, maintenance technicians, community managers, portfolio supervisors, supplier partners and independent rental property owners.
Companies that encourage participation in these programs immediately benefit when employees apply what they learn to their jobs – with a rapid positive impact on net operating income and employee engagement.
AAKC encourages all team members of apartment communities and our supplier members to achieve real professional growth. These programs increase knowledge, skills and leadership competence, preparing team members for promotion, and improving your company’s bottom line.
Certified Apartment Leasing Professional (CALP)
Earning CALP, your first industry credential, signals to your employer your commitment to a career in residential property management.
Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)
Earning your CAM allows you to demonstrate your skills, knowledge, ability to manage an apartment community and achieve owners investment goals.
Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS)
Earning your CAPS takes you to the next level in property management. It fast-tracks your career advancement and your corresponding earning potential.
Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT)
Earning your CAMT validates your knowledge, enhances your reputation and credibility, boosts your confidence, and earns you respect.
Each year you must complete education credits to keep your certification current:
- CALP 5 CECS
- CAM 8 CECS
- CAMT N/A
- CAPS 8 CECS
AAKC offers education training classes for these students to keep up their certifications. Each year you will be required to renew your NAA designation by yearly dues and submitting your CEC's. Each designate is responsible for submitting their CEC's and proof of attendance on the NAA website. AAKC seminars are worth 1 point per hour.
How to pull a report of your AAKC earned CEC's Click here for the video tutorial
Any questions you might have on your designation requirements, please call Bree Peters at the AAKC Office at 913.248.0355.
NAAEI offers several online courses on their website to use towards your CEC's as well. Visit www.gowithvisto.org for more information on how you can earn your designations, CEC's online, and attend excellent webinars about the apartment industry.
Leadership Education and Development (LEAD)
The LEAD Certification is an honorary distinction accredited by the Apartment Association of Kansas City. LEAD provides a complete development curriculum for current and aspiring property managers, leasing professionals, maintenance professionals, and supplier partners. LEAD is designed to recognize the development efforts of professionals upon completion of a specific track.
The AAKC is offering LEAD certifications for Management Professionals, Leasing Professionals, Maintenance Professionals, and Supplier Partners. Each certification requires completion of all requirements set by the AAKC Professional Development and Education Committee.
This program can be achieved in one year with a maximum of a 2-year completion requirement. You must complete one of the NAA credential programs such as CALP, CAM, CAMT, CAPS, previously received CAS or taken Supplier Success to receive your LEAD certification.
Whether you are a current or future NAA credential holder, the LEAD program provides a pathway to your success. By attending seminars, obtaining NAA credentials, and volunteering with the AAKC, you will obtain the LEAD distinction in your area of expertise recognized by industry leaders.
To enroll in LEAD, submit the LEAD application found below. A form to begin tracking your events attended are found in the application for you to download. After all of the requirements have been met, send your completed form to Bree Peters for review and approval, and you will receive a LEAD plaque and pin.
If you have any questions please contact Bree Peters at (913) 248-0355 or e-mail at bpeters@aakc.us.
In 2010, Lenora Carpenter, Christine Lee and Debbie Haukenberry started the AAKC Lyceum Class. AAKC is building a group of leaders to take on the future roles of board members and work alongside other individuals who are interested in becoming those future leaders. To date, AAKC has over 75 Lyceum graduates. AAKC will be holding another Lyceum class for 12 future leaders in the fall of 2024. We will announce the application submission dates in July 2024.
The Lyceum class consists of attending three classes, one class per month and completing an assigned community project of their choice. This class is a great way to meet people in the apartment industry, share experiences, and learn more about the apartment industry.
Selection will be made according to years of active involvement with AAKC, committee involvement, attendance at AAKC education seminars, luncheon and events. AAKC also looks at companies, and who is on current board and who will be able to serve on the board of directors in the future. AAKC has over 170 + management companies, and would like to have 12 different management companies involved on the board of directors.
The Apartment Association of Kansas City will be offering the 2025 Education Scholarships for AAKC and NextGen committees. We will be providing a qualifying candidate or candidates the opportunity to receive funds to cover NAA EBook and all course materials necessary in obtaining a National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) designation such as CALP, CAM, CAMT, or CAPS.
All candidates will be reviewed for the final selection process.
CALP – (Certified Apartment Leasing Professional) one year experience as an Apartment Leasing Professional (Fall classes)
CAM – (Certified Apartment Manager) one year’s experience as a property manager, two years’ experience as an assistant manager in the apartment industry. (Fall classes)
CAMT – (Certified for Apartment Maintenance Technicians) one year experience as a maintenance supervisor/technician in the apartment industry. (Fall classes).
CAPS (Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor) must have worked as a multi-site supervisor for 2 years or be a CAM, ARM designate in good standing with 2 years of management experience. (Fall classes).
To apply for a scholarship, please complete the scholarship application along with 3 letters of reference (1 from your immediate supervisor & 2 from AAKC Apartment Industry Professionals)
The letters will need to be sent to Bree Peters @ bpeters@aakc.us
(All letters MUST be submitted together)
Scholarship Applications will be announced at a later date and available for the 2025 Spring courses