FAQs: CHMA
Common questions about the Co-operative Housing Management Accreditation (CHMA) program, developed in partnership by the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) and the Institute for Housing Management (IHM).
I have my Institute for Housing Management (IHM) accreditation, can it be transferred or count toward the Co-operative Housing Management Accreditation (CHMA)?
If you are interested in the Co-operative Housing Management Accreditation (CHMA), and currently have the IHM accreditation, we are discussing the process to apply this learning toward achieving the CHMA.
CHMA is a joint partnership between CHF Canada and IHM. We are determining a process to allow for prior IHM accreditations and/or courses to be applied toward the new CHMA. This will entail some additional learning and material but we are working on a way to make it as accessible and efficient as possible. If you are interested in this option, the additional learning should be available in late 2025/early 2026 and with minimal additional costs.
I am partially through my IHM accreditation, can I continue with CHMA? Will my IHM courses count?
For the IHM courses taken to date and whether these can be considered/transferred to achieve the Co-operative Housing Management Accreditation (CHMA), we are currently determining the process for this. This will entail some additional learning and material, but we are working on a way to make it as accessible and efficient as possible. This will provide the additional learning that is co-operative housing focused to be gained from the IHM courses you have already taken.
To obtain the CHMA, you would still need to complete the other missing core courses and elective.
How long will it take me to complete the CHMA?
The course can be completed within 12 to 18 months based on your available time. The core courses will all be available to be taken through distance learning as well as hybrid (distance learning and live virtual classes). Distance learning is at your own pace. However, there is a current requirement to have the accreditation completed within no more than 5 years.
How much will it cost to get my CHMA?
CHMA requires the successful completion of four core courses and two electives. The core courses are $750 plus tax* per course per hybrid, and $500 plus tax* for distance learning. We anticipate the electives to be in this range as well. However, some elective options my be delivered by other third-party educational institutions that set their own fees.
*Note: this is the 2024/2025 fee
Is CHMA a government-recognized professional accreditation?
No, not at this time. We are looking into this option for the future. However, the requirements and process are extensive and limiting. They also add substantial costs to the program.
Are courses offered by other educational institutions and relevant to property management (e.g. project management course from George Brown College) eligible for the required electives?
The current elective options are being developed as targeted and tailored co-operative housing sector courses.
At this time, we have not yet identified other elective course options offered by other educational institutions for the CHMA. This will be considered and explored over 2025. We will be able to confirm by September 2025.
What is involved in maintaining my CHMA? Is ongoing professional development required?
Yes, ongoing professional development is required to maintain the accreditation.
We plan to identify the required number of learning hours per year but will be flexible. For example, the workshops offered at co-operative housing federation education events (either virtual or in person), along with others outside the co-operative housing sector, such as plain language or project management course(s).
Please note: the final decision on this has not been made at this time.