Topic: I need some words of encouragement...

I need some words of encouragement... I'm 3 years in the business. I did Leasing 101 of course, I got my NALP Oct 2017 (with very little experience) and I'm working as an Assistant Manager at a low B property for 5 months now. I need 6 months of experience in this position to get my CAM.. It's been a truly amazing experience so far. I heard about CAM it's also a high stakes test. Can anyone tell me what were some difficult questions or parts of the exam? ... I'm a quick learner. I am pretty intelligent. I have paid for all these myself out of my pocket. Some people in the Industry have been blessings while others have been hard learning experiences.

Thank you to anyone who chooses to share.

It’s going to be the financials. I have CAM and CAPS, 9 years in the industry. The formulas you will need to find; economic occupancy, NOI, return on investment, cash flow.

Proud of you!! I've been in since 98' Just remember financials are just like a checkbook! Money in, money out. Income/expenses. We all want/need that income and have to control expenses! You've got this!! Get with your current manager and go over budget with her line by line. There's more to it, never took test but would love to myself. Good luck!

Definitely take the practice exam! I did and it helped so much! Some of the same questions from the practice were on the exam! And remember your formulas! Write them down as soon as you sit down. I’ll try to find the link for the practice.

I just took it and passed. The financials were difficult but what I did was made flash cards and went over them minutes before going in to take the test...the formulas are all I really needed to remember. Once you walk in, write the formulas down on the paper they provide and then you should be good to go. Part 1 is fairly easy but just take your time answering questions, they give you ample time

Good for you!! I just want to say stop and be proud of yourself. You have accomplished a lot in a short time. But don’t rush too much NOTHING replaces time and experience. It’s a great industry. Stay close to positive people who want to mentor. And always give back to newbies in the biz. I’ve been in the biz 19 years and young fresh talent is the best part

I like to compare budget to my own life with hubby. He's a Maintenance Supervisor. Okay, we got paid... income. We paid Bill's, expenses. I bought a new pair of high heels. Was that in our budget? Was it from last year? Should I code it to Marketing or Capital? Lol Either way, I'd have to explain it to him on why. I was only budgeted 2 pairs of high heels but I bought 3. Okay... well, why? We do this a lot. It's fun but helps us stay in budget. Some things are just uncontrollable!!

Financials. Especially if you're that new to the business. But you'll have all the classes to teach you and it sounds like you're pretty dang smart. Good luck and way to go!!!

You have to Study the material and memorize the formulas..the math was hardest for me. I used flash cards and it helped a lot.

In regards to test.. one of the biggest advice I got when I tested. Was forget everything you do at your property.. you have to see it as a national outlook.. because we all do things differently so pay close attention to how would NAA do it.

As a CAM instructor, I agree with the advice given here! You can do it!

I’ve instructed the CAM financial module and I’d tell you first to understand a budget and then be able to identify line items such as vacancy loss, or concessions so that you understand what the financial formulas are measuring. Get this and you are there. Best of luck and take a moment to be proud, you’ve accomplished a lot and laying a solid foundation.

You sound like a gem to whomever you choose to work for. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a second time to pass. And the ones who have been not as good of an example are in some ways the best lessons. When I was learning and ran into a bad manager I would say to myself , when I get the opportunity to be in that position I must remember not to do as they did. Best lessons ever. Keep plugging.

Get your CAM. Thousands have passed the tests and you will too. I’m a CAM instructor and all my students (who’ve taken the test) have passed. Some stragglers need to get on it!!

Becareful with trick questions that seemed to appear as correct the answer and one word stands out or reworded differently from what you read..and Good Luck in the industry, as long as you love what you do and have patience with ppl you will be fine

Hey girl!! I’ve been in the business going on 12 years. I started as a groundskeeper and worked my way up to Business Manager - but just wanted you to know you’ve motivated me to start researching this as well!! You can’t do it!! Don’t stop grinding!!

Just have your manager go over some with you when she can. It helps alot!

Yes I just got my CAM this last year. Passed the 2nd time. The financials got me. But if I can do it anybody can!! We did study groups

I have taught both CAM and Caps and can tell you; stay on this track. I also recommend going to state and local apartment association meetings and get involved in committees. You will get back way more than you you ever expect. I received promotions, job offers and beat of all a bunch of great lifelong friends. Good luck!

Also, you can apply for a scholarship to get financial assistance. Contact your apartment association.

Don’t freak about the math.... just learn the formula and you’ll be ahead of the game!

I just took and passed my CAM, it was the hardest test I’ve ever taken. The best advice I can give you, that actually worked was relax and don’t overthink it. The tips I can give you are know your financial formulas, study the wrap it up sections, and know there are possible trick questions. The first half is the day to day, what you already live and breathe. I had to study study study the math portion. Good luck!

Financials. Know the formulas and you'll be good.

Carey Bradburn is correct. Take classes thru your local AA. Study the financial part... CAM/CAPS for over 20 yrs.❤️ good luck and keep pushing

Good afternoon. I have been training staff for 25 years. The Financials and math can make it hard. I agree with the other posts. Relax see about getting a scholarship.

You don't have to have 6 months experience to begin the course, you just have to have a minimum of 6 months to test. You can start now! Read the materials, complete the questions at the end, read the materials again, take the practice exam and read the materials again. Financials are a big part of it. Make yourself flashcards with the formulas and complete the practice problems. Oh, don't forget to read the materials! I would also suggest taking CAM in person rather than online. Check with your local associate to see if they will offer it.

So Proud of YOU, Cecelia! Getting your professional designations is a strong commitment to our industry, but more importantly, to your future! As a NALP, CAM, and CAPS instructor, I hear from my students that the hardest part of the test is the financial. Granted, it's probably been a few years since we learned this in school, and for some reason, math is difficult for a lot of folks. First, just BREATHE! Study and learn the formulas. Put your own property numbers in the formulas for practice, and they will start to make sense. Don't do the online course. Take the class with others. You will learn so much from the instructor, but also from other students in the class. The networking is invaluable! Lastly, don't sweat it if you don't pass the first time. For many of us, it's been a very long time since we have taken tests, and they can be intimidating. In fact, I know many, many people who take the test twice. I've even had students tell me they don't even expect to pass the first time, but they look at it as a chance to practice. If they pass, terrific! But if they don't, they will be better prepared the next time. GOOD LUCK to you, Cecelia! I know you will continue to be an awesome addition to the Multi-Family Industry!

Thank you so much. I'm pretty proud of myself right now..