ACMO Certificate Program
Since 1977 ACMO has been committed to educational excellence and has led the way in delivering licensing and continuing education to condominium managers. ACMO is proud to offer the next evolution in condominium management training, the ACMO Certificate Program. The program consists of a series of best-of-class online continuing education courses in specific condominium management topics to help managers build their expertise, stay current, and further differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Advanced Certificate Courses are taught by subject matter experts and align with the CMRAO Competency Profile and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program. Each course consists of several hours of pre-reading materials, an engaging 3-hour online class, and a short knowledge assessment.
Advanced Certificate Courses have been approved for 5 CPE credits by the CMRAO – half the credits required for General Licence renewal! In addition, those who complete 5 Advanced Certificate Courses (including two mandatory courses) and hold a General License qualify to apply for ACMO’s prestigious Registered Condominium Manager (RCM ®) designation.
NEW FOR 2024 — ACMO’s Advanced Certificate Courses and educational webinars are made available FREE to ACMO Designate (RCM) and Affiliate members in good standing!
ACMO is dedicated to leading the way in providing convenient, affordable, high-quality continuing education in condominium management. Going forward ACMO will introduce several new Advanced Certificate Courses every year, and periodically rerun existing courses, so be sure to check this webpage and our events calendar often for upcoming courses!
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IMPORTANT NOTE: The intent of the Advanced Certificate Course program is to engage managers in a fulsome learning experience consisting of pre-course study, a live online course, a Q&A session, and a quiz. The objective of the course is not to simply pass the quiz. As such, you must attend the full live session and score a minimum of 80% on the quiz to earn your advanced course certificate and 5 CMRAO CPE credits. We realize that there will be unforeseen circumstances preventing registrants from attending and/or completing the live course. In these situations, any registration fees paid will be refunded, and you can retake the course at a later date. |
Advanced Reserve Funds
The Condominium Act requires each condominium corporation in Ontario to establish and maintain a reserve fund for the purpose of major repair and replacement of the common elements and assets of the corporation. Condominium managers play a vital role in helping condominium corporations obtain quality reserve fund studies, ensuring that the corporation contributes the appropriate amounts to the fund, assisting the corporation in obtaining advice regarding the appropriate investment of the funds, and ultimately, helping the corporation manage the capital projects that the fund is intended to fund.
This course provides an advanced understanding of reserve fund planning with the goal of empowering condominium managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate this critical
aspect of their responsibilities.
The course consists of three parts:
- Part 1 – Pre-reading Materials: Registrants will be directed to review certain content in advance of attending the course.
- Part 2 – Online Class: Registrants will participate in a 3.5-hour online interactive class covering reserve fund basics (helping the board select a provider, basic legislative requirements, how a study is developed, dealing with shortfalls, implementing the plan), advanced reserve fund concepts (condition evaluations, shared facilities, eligible investments, eligible expenditures, decarbonization) and Case Studies.
- Part 3 – Quiz: To ensure that participants have absorbed and understood the course content, participants will receive a link to an online quiz which must be completed within 72 hours. Those who pass the quiz will receive a certificate of completion and 5 CMRAO CPE credits.
Course Date & Time:
9:00 am – 12:30 pm, Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Program Cost:
Free for ACMO RCM and Affiliate Members
$275+HST for non-members
About the Presenters
Stewart Handrahan, M.Eng., P.Eng.
Stewart Handrahan M.Eng. P.Eng is a Senior Project Manager with Synergy Partners Consulting Limited. Stewart is a professional engineer who has been practicing since 2011 and works in Synergy’s advisory team. For condominium clients, Stewart provides reserve fund studies, performance audits and other advisory services including cost-sharing agreement consulting and decarbonization plans.
Sally Thompson, M.Sc., P.Eng., LCCI
Sally Thompson M.Sc. P.Eng. LCCI is a Managing Principal with Synergy Partners Consulting Limited. Sally is a professional engineer who has been practising since 1990, with a focus on reserve fund studies, performance audits, cost sharing agreements and building restoration. Sally’s book, Condo Questions and Answers – Ontario Edition, was published in 2024.
Advanced Communication & Conflict Management
Conflict is natural. Condominium managers are going to encounter it. Rather than avoid it and hope it goes away, this course helps managers develop skills and techniques to address the most typical forms of conflict they will encounter. Attendees of this interactive program will give hands-on and practical consideration to establishing healthy boundaries, effectively communicating, developing active listening skills, recognizing personal bias and developing de-escalation techniques for individual, board and owner meeting settings.
The course consists of three parts:
- Part 1 – Pre-Course Preparation: In advance of the live course, attendees will be provided with a brief video to view featuring a mental health doctor which will help attendees prepare for the course. Attendees will also receive a workbook comprised of strategies to address conflict which we encourage them to work through before, during and after the live class presentation.
- Part 2 – Online Class: The 3 hour live, interactive online class provides a deeper dive into communication and conflict management skills.
- Part 3 – Quiz: Attendees will receive a reference guide from which to prepare for the online quiz that must be completed within 72 hours of completing the class. Those who pass the quiz will receive a certificate and 5 CMRAO CPE credits – half of the points to renew your General Licence!
Note: Successful completion of the Advanced Communication and Conflict Management Certificate Course is a mandatory requirement for those seeking the RCM designation via the new RCM pathway.
Program Cost:
Free for ACMO RCM and Affiliate Members
$275+HST for non-members
About the Presenter
Colm Brannigan, Chartered Mediator and Arbitrator
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Colm Brannigan, a highly experienced condominium mediator in Ontario, is a staunch advocate for the importance of conflict prevention. His belief in the value of early intervention in condo-related disputes underscores his commitment to effective resolution. Colm's professional journey is marked by various designations in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including Chartered Mediator and Chartered Arbitrator, through the ADR Institute of Canada. His Ontario wide practice, is dedicated to resolving a wide range of disputes, including those in the condominium and real estate sectors.
Advanced Financial-Audits Certificate Course
ACMO’s Advanced Financial – Audits Certificate course is intended to help new and seasoned property managers gain a deeper understanding of the audited financial statements and note disclosures. Managers will be able to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding in difficult areas of shared facilities, condominium lending, reserve and operating deficit matters, HST obligations, audited statement presentation and disclosures. The manager will also gain insight on how and what to prepare for the annual audit as well as how to interpret “warning” signs imbedded in the audited statements.
The course will start with a light review of accounting basics as a prerequisite to the above as well as to the structured exercises listed below. Managers will take away the ability to communicate professionally on the review of the financial statements with boards, owners, their internal accounting departments and external audit firms.
The course consists of three parts:
Part 1 – Pre-Course Study: Study: Registrants will receive the Advanced Financial – Audits Guidebook to review in advance of the course.
Part 2 – Live Online Class: Attendees will participate in a 3.5-hour online interactive class with 4 interactive exercises ( HST obligation calculation, error search in financial statements, eligible vs ineligible investments, and capital vs. reserve vs. operating expense)
Part 3 – Quiz: To ensure that participants have absorbed and understand the course content, following the class participants will receive a link to an online quiz which must be completed within 72 hours. Those who pass the quiz will receive a certificate of completion and 5 CMRAO CPE credits – half of the points to renew your General Licence!
Program Cost:
Free for ACMO RCM and Affiliate Members
$275+HST for non-members
About the Presenter
Edmund Leong, CPA, CA, Partner with Tator, Rose and Leong, Chartered Professional Accountants
Edmund Leong, CPA, CA has been a partner with Tator, Rose and Leong, Chartered Professional Accountants since 2001 and has been with the firm since 1991. The firm has acted as auditors for condominium corporations for over 35 years and Edmund has been involved in condominium audits since the beginning of his career. The firm conducts over 400 audits annually for condominium corporations, for profit and other not for profit entities in regulated and non regulated sectors.
Advanced Ethics in Condominium Management
How can property managers ensure they are acting ethically while navigating the everyday challenges of their work? This course will explore the various ways managers can stay ethical while dealing with conflicting and sometimes unethical demands from their employers, their boards of directors and their residents. Using case studies and engaging discussions, participants will gain a clear sense of how to tackle difficult situations and remain true to what is right.
The course consists of two parts:
- Part 1 will take place prior to the course and consists of a case study that will challenge participants to consider an ethical issue a how they might respond to the situation.
- Part 2 will be a live online seminar that will allow participants to wrestle with the various ethical challenges that exist in their everyday roles. They will learn strategies and tips on how to remain ethical when faced with competing demands and pressure from their employer, boards and residents.
Attendees will receive a reference guide from which to prepare for the online quiz that will take place a week after the live class. Those who pass the quiz will receive a certificate and 5 CMRAO CPE credits – half of the points to renew your General Licence!
Note: Successful completion of the Advanced Ethics in Condominium Management Certificate Course is a mandatory requirement for those seeking the RCM designation via the new RCM pathway.
Program Cost:
Free for ACMO RCM and Affiliate Members
$275+HST for non-members
About the Presenter
Eric Plant, RCM, Brilliant Property Management
Eric is a director at Brilliant Property Management Inc, a company with a unique history of helping buildings that have experienced fraud or mismanagement. He has his MBA and has held his RCM since 2015, and currently sits on the ACMO Board of Directors, where he is helping to design the next series of educational content for condominium managers.
Advanced Security & Technology
With mounting concerns about safety and security within condominiums, condominium managers will benefit from taking this course to gain a deeper understanding of the different types of property security and electronic systems and how they work. The course will review the types, features, and pros and cons for various security camera systems, access control systems, enter phones, panic stations and in suite alarms, and identify emerging security technologies. Managers will learn basic troubleshooting and diagnostics, what to consider when evaluating, purchasing and implementing security systems and tips for dealing with vendors.
The course consists of three parts:
- Part 1 – Pre-Course Preparation: Registrants will receive the Advanced Security & Technology Certificate Course Guidebook to review prior to the live class and help prepare for the quiz.
- Part 2 – Online Class: Attendees will participate in a 3-hour online interactive class with opportunities to pose questions about the various security and electronic systems reviewed.
- Part 3 – Quiz: To ensure that participants have absorbed and understand the course content, following the class participants will receive a link to an online quiz which must be completed within 72 hours. Those who pass the quiz will receive a certificate of completion and 5 CMRAO CPE credits – half of the points to renew your General Licence!
Program Cost:
Free for ACMO RCM and Affiliate Members
$275+HST for non-members
About the Presenters
Benjamin Tabesh, Condor Security Inc.
Benjamin Tabesh, CPP, PSP, H.Bsc, is the founder of Condor Security Inc., an industry leader serving safety and security in condominiums for over 20 years. He is passionate about education, developing new concepts, and the application of best practices for the betterment of safety and security in all communities served. He is a board Certified Protection Professional (CPP) , Physical Security Professional (PSP) and verbal Judo tactical communication instructor.
Elad Bar, DND Group
Elad Bar is a principal and lead system designer/integrator at DND Group, a security systems company in Southwestern Ontario. He has over 15 years of experience in the industry and is responsible for developing and implementing innovative security solutions for clients, including access control, CCTV, and intrusion detection systems.
Managing New Builds and Tarion Advanced Certificate Course
ACMO’s Managing New Builds and Tarion Advanced Certificate Course will provide learners with a deeper knowledge of the processes involved in managing condominiums from the time a declarant decides they want to build and sell a condominium, through the interim occupancy period, registration, turnover, first year, and finally the full Tarion process and performance audit(s). The roles and responsibilities of the condominium manager and the consultants required to make this process a success will be explained.
The course consists of three parts:
- Part 1 – Pre-Course Study & Preparation: Registrants will receive a list of pre-reading materials required to be read before the class begins.
- Part 2 – Live Online Class: This will include a live online presentation by two industry experts that will walk participants through the processes outlined above with in-depth explanations explaining what you need to know to expertly navigate the complexities of new build condominiums.
- Part 3 – Quiz: Each participant will be required to complete and pass a quiz in order to receive a certificate of completion and associated CMRAO CPE credits.
Program Cost:
Free for ACMO RCM and Affiliate Members
$275+HST for non-members
About the Presenters
Justin Tudor, Keller Engineering.
Justin is the President and Senior Project Manager at Keller Engineering, a multi-discipline building science and envelope firm which has been providing tailored engineering investigatory and project management services with a focus on condominium restoration since 1982. He has more than 15 years of experience in the field of building science and structural engineering. Justin has overseen and completed hundreds of reserve fund studies, building conditions assessments and technical audits, while leading building element investigation including odour transfers, cladding failures, water infiltration, concrete, masonry deterioration and membrane replacements.
John Damaren, FirstService Residential
As Vice President, Community Development & Governance, John oversees all facets of developer consulting at FirstService Residential and is responsible for providing a seamless transition throughout a project’s lifecycle. This includes consulting on initial budgets and governance adherence to applicable legislation. This role includes leading a dedicated team and leveraging the company’s vast expertise in all aspects of condominium development and management.
Advanced Building Structure Certificate Course
ACMO’s Advanced Building Structure Certificate Course is intended for any property manager looking to have a deeper understanding of the technical principles of building structures to help them better communicate with their engineering consultants, colleagues, and directors of the condominium corporations that they manage. The course is not meant to replace the need for engineering, or that the manager take the risk upon themselves, rather to enhance the collaborative nature of building structure projects for best possible outcomes.
The course consists of three parts:
- Part 1 – Pre-Course Study: Study: Registrants will receive the Advanced Building Structure Guidebook to review in advance of the course.
- Part 2 – Live Online Class: Attendees will participate in a 3.5-hour online interactive class with opportunities to pose questions.
- Part 3 – Quiz: To ensure that participants have absorbed and understand the course content, following the class participants will receive a link to an online quiz which must be completed within 72 hours. Those who pass the quiz will receive a certificate of completion and 5 CMRAO CPE credits – half of the points to renew your General Licence!
Program Cost:
Free for ACMO RCM and Affiliate Members
$275+HST for non-members
About the Presenter
Jeremy Nixon, Brown & Beattie Ltd.
Jeremy Nixon, P.Eng., BSS is the Vice President at Brown & Beattie Ltd., a building science engineering firm dedicated to providing clear and sensible building improvement, maintenance, and repair planning advice by listening to clients’ objectives. Mr. Nixon is licensed with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) and holds a Building Science Specialist (BSS) designation.
Advanced Fire Safety
When it comes to fire safety within vertical communities, licensed condominium managers are the professional guardians. With the assistance of our subject matter expert, National Life Safety Group, we are pleased to offer this advanced Fire Safety educational course for licensed condominium managers in Ontario.
The purpose of the advanced Fire Safety course is to provide a greater knowledge of fire safety planning and understanding of regulations required to maintain a fire safe building. The course will include lessons learned and best practices regarding life safety systems and building staff readiness and will support compliance efforts for building management.
Participants will receive a pre-course workbook, designed to provide advanced reading prior to attending the educational session. The material is organized in a “question and answer” format that offers a general foundation of the topic. It also includes a “self-audit” checklist for course participants to complete prior to attending the live course.
The course consists of two parts:
- Part 1 – Pre-Course Study: Registrants will receive the Advanced Fire Safety Certificate Course Workbook to review and complete prior to the live class and help prepare for the quiz.
- Part 2 – Live Online Class: Attendees will participate in a 3-hour online interactive class with opportunities to pose questions about the various security and electronic systems reviewed.
- Part 3 – Online Quiz: To ensure that participants have absorbed and understand the course content, following the class participants will receive a link to an online quiz which must be completed within 72 hours. Those who pass the quiz will receive a certificate of completion and 5 CMRAO CPE credits – half of the points to renew your General Licence!
Program Cost:
Free for ACMO RCM and Affiliate Members
$275+HST for non-members
About the Presenter
Jason D. Reid, National Life Safety Group
Jason Reid has been an avid student and practitioner of Fire Safety & Emergency Management for over 20 years and has been recognized across Canada for innovative best practices in the application and successful integration of Fire, Safety & Emergency Management in buildings and facilities here in Canada and across the globe, protecting critical infrastructure, high-rise buildings, mass venue and high-risk facilities. Over the last 5 years, he has been privileged to work alongside the Condominium industry as a subject matter expert in both fire code compliance, emergency preparedness and resiliency.
Advanced Plumbing & Water Management
This course will cover the function, features and maintenance of a domestic plumbing system – everything from how water travels through a building to helping condominium managers determine what they can do when challenges arise before calling a contractor.
The course consists of two parts:
- Part 1 is a pre-recorded video attendees will watch in advance of the live course that provides a general overview of the components of a domestic plumbing system and its purpose.
- Part 2 is a live online class providing a deeper dive into the nature and operation of these components, regular maintenance procedures, common problems and troubleshooting, and technical advancements in plumbing technology to prepare you for the future.
Attendees will receive a reference guide from which to prepare for the online quiz that will take place a week after the live class. Those who pass the quiz will receive a certificate and 5 CMRAO CPE credits – half of the points to renew your General Licence!
Program Cost:
Free for ACMO RCM and Affiliate Members
$275+HST for non-members
About the Presenter
Adam Bartman, Eddy Solutions Inc.
We are delighted that Adam Bartman, Executive VP of Field Operations at Eddy Solutions Inc., will be our presenter. Adam is a second-generation Red Seal Master plumber from Toronto, Ontario, who began his career working alongside his father every summer from ages 14-18. Utilizing his plumbing experience and passion for technology, he manages operations to bring plumbing systems online, helping landlords and service providers manage water at commercial properties.
Occupational Health & Safety Competency and Awareness for Condominium Managers
Learn about the latest updates to health and safety in Ontario, with special attention to the role of condominium managers. You will gain an awareness and familiarity with many key elements of health and safety legislation and how those impact situations that managers encounter every day. Discussions also review important methods to resolve challenges.
The course consists of two parts:
- Part 1 includes preparatory materials attendees review in advance of the live course that provides a general review of occupational health and safety in Ontario as it pertains to property managers.
- Part 2 is a live online class providing a deeper dive into the heart of occupational health and safety. The course will help property managers become more aware and competent of the relevant health and safety topics currently facing the industry.
Attendees will receive a reference guide from which to prepare for the online quiz that will take place following the live class. Those who pass the quiz will receive a certificate and 5 CMRAO CPE credits – half of the points to renew your General Licence!
Program Cost:
Free for ACMO RCM and Affiliate Members
$275+HST for non-members
About the Presenter
Roger W. Tickner, Tickner Safety
Roger Tickner, CRSP, PARALEGAL, CMP, RPT, is a seasoned health and safety expert in the ever-changing landscape of workplace health and safety compliance. With his 15+ year work relationship within the condo industry, his opinions and judgement are respected and trusted across North America. He leads the strategic efforts of Tickner Safety and Tickner Brooks Professional Corporation. He is a past Chair of the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals, a member of the Law Society of Ontario and was appointed to serve on the Prevention Council of Ontario in 2020. Roger is highly valued public speaker on all matters of health and safety and workplace compliance across a broad range of sectors.
Fire Safety Plans & Record Retention
ACMO is proud to partner with the Office of the Fire Marshal of Ontario to bring you a certificate course covering all you need to know about fire safety planning and record-keeping in Ontario condominiums. In this session, the facilitator will review where the fire department personnel get their authority when a fire safety plan is required, and share the vital documents managers must keep (and those they don't need to keep) that relate to fire safety and compliance with inspections. Join us to unpack this complex topic in a simple and clear way.
The course consists of two parts:
- Part 1 will review fundamental documents related to record-keeping and fire safety to ensure participants have the basic knowledge before the workshop. Participants will be able to complete this part at their own pace prior to the live session.
- Part 2 is a live online class providing a deeper dive into the duties and responsibilities of condominium managers in relation to fire safety planning.
Attendees will complete a celebration/check of learning after the course. Those who pass the quiz will receive a certificate and 5 CMRAO CPE credits – half of the points to renew your General Licence!
Program Cost:
Free for ACMO RCM and Affiliate Members
$275+HST for non-members
About the Presenter
Dave Tiller, Office of the Fire Marshal
Dave started his career in the fire protection industry after graduating from the Fire Protection Engineering Technology program at Seneca College 30 years ago. He worked for a large fire protection company in the GTA, where he did inspections, service and installation on all types of fire protection and life safety equipment. He moved to Muskoka to start and operate a fire protection business. He became a volunteer firefighter with the Bracebridge Fire Brigade and later became the Fire Prevention Officer/CEMC with the Huntsville Lake of Bays Fire Department. He joined the OFM 12 years ago and spent 9 of those years as an instructor at the Ontario Fire College, and now is a Program Specialist with Field and Advisory Services.
