CCIM and/or CPM are best, CAM and CAPS are more for on site property managers looking to advance their career to portfolio managers. The CHAM is good if you work for a syndicator and work in affordable housing.

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Hi Clint,
I just got a response from NAAEI regarding CAPS: "Since he is an asset manager, CAPS is not a good option for him, it is definitely a property management credential."

Hope that helps!

Clint,

I've received both the CCIM and the CPM and both have significantly impacted my career path. On the asset/property management side, the CPM has been very beneficial to me. Property management and asset management have very similar goals (increase the value of the property) but one deals with the physical building and on-site issues while the other deals strictly with the financials. Many asset managers were at one time property managers and those I have spoken with (including one just yesterday in Athens, GA) indicate the financial skillset and practical knowledge that they received during the coursework for the CPM has been invaluable to them as an asset manager. As my company is a small, family-owned third-party manager, I personally tend to wear both hats and often intertwine the two jobs for my clients. I will say that asset managers that understand how property managers work makes for an excellent value-add team - that's why Trammell Crow Residential and other similar residential asset-oriented companies tend to promote property managers into asset management roles. I am not familiar with the other programs you mentioned so I can't give a good comparison. Full disclosure: I am currently the 2018 Secretary/Treasurer nominee for IREM, so I can provide info about many more benefits of the CPM. If you would like to connect direct about the CPM, please let me know.

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I recommend you look into CCIM. It is a higher level designation that focuses more on the financial and return end of real estate. Best to you.