Benefits of Certification "Learn & Lead" The cornerstone of education and certification for community association leaders.

Our "Learn and Lead" program, which upon successful completion leads to the ACTHA Certified Leader credential, is the first of its kind nationally. It’s the best way to increase your knowledge of latest thought and proven practices in sound community association administration and governance. (Click here to download the brochure)

"Learn and Lead" program series are posted under "Education/Certification" as they are scheduled.  Click here to register online.


Mail to: ACTHA, 28 East Jackson,
Suite 910, Chicago, IL 60604
Other inquiries: Call ACTHA at 312-987-1906


Key Program Benefits
Home ownership is the biggest investment many people ever make. Protecting that investment is therefore essential. ACTHA leaders designed this certification program with that purpose in mind. You can expect to gain:

  • A well-rounded knowledge base for community association leadership
  • A solid foundation in the fundamentals of the multiple disciplines related to community association administration, governance and communication
  • Skills and tools to make you a more respected and influential leader

Are You a Good Candidate for This Program?

This concise, yet comprehensive and advanced program is designed for individuals who:
  • Currently serve on a community association board and wish to broaden their knowledge
  • Are considering running for a board position and want to demonstrate their qualifications
  • Wish to know if their current board members are on course
  • Want to be able to work knowledgeably with professional service providers, including attorneys, engineers, contractors, city inspectors, property managers, accountants, auditors, insurance agents and more
  • Wish to keep abreast of current law affecting their association
  • Own property in a community association
  • Provide services to associations and want to learn how associations and providers cooperate as partners to further association goals

Is This Program Suitable for Your Community Association?

Yes! This program works for:
  • Small, medium and large associations
  • Self-managed properties
  • Properties using professional management

Program Information
  • Six modules, each consisting of two hours of classroom education
  • After each module, a multiple-choice exam requiring a 70% score to pass
  • Sequential order recommended but not required
  • Completion of all six modules within a two-year period
  • Advance registration strongly encouraged for those seeking certification
  • The awarding of the ACTHA Certified Leader credential at an ACTHA conference to those passing all six modules (need not be present to receive the certificate)
  • Certification valid for five years
  • Certification renewable following a two-hour refresher course within two years of expiration
Our Thanks to These ACTHA Members for Their Professional Guidance in the Development of Learn and Lead

This program was developed by a virtual Who’s Who in the community association industry, all of them ACTHA commercial members who believe that knowledgeable, trained association leaders, in partnership with a professional team (attorney, property manager, banker, contractors and more), can further the goals of community associations. Special thanks to:

Attorney: David Bendoff, Kovitz Shifrin and Nesbit
Property Manager: Marcia Caruso, Caruso Management Group
Engineer: Kami Farahmandpour, BTC
Banker: Tom Engblom, Community Association Banc
Insurance Consultant: Barbara Wick, CARMIC
Accountant: Mark Cantey, Mark Cantey and Associates