CMCA PrACtiCe exAMinAtion, 2026/2027 Certified MAnAger of
CoMMunity AssoCiAtions (CMCA) – M-100 exAM ||||questions And
Answers with rAtionAles/grAded A+/2026 uPdAte/100%
CorreCt /instAnt downloAd
SECTION 1: GOVERNING DOCUMENTS AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK (Questions 1-10)
**Question 1**
According to the general hierarchy of authority for community associations, which
document takes precedence if a conflict arises?
A) Rules and regulations adopted by the board
B) The declaration (CC&Rs)
C) The bylaws
D) Board resolutions
**Answer:** B) The declaration (CC&Rs)
**Rationale:** The hierarchy of authority (highest to lowest) is: Federal/state statutes →
Recorded map/plat → Declaration/CC&Rs → Articles of Incorporation → Bylaws → Rules
and regulations and board resolutions. The declaration is the primary governing
document that establishes covenants, conditions, and restrictions, runs with the land,
and binds all owners. This hierarchy is critical for resolving disputes when documents
conflict.
---
**Question 2**
Which governing document establishes the association as a legal entity and defines its
basic purposes and powers?
,A) The declaration (CC&Rs)
B) The bylaws
C) The articles of incorporation
D) The rules and regulations
**Answer:** C) The articles of incorporation
**Rationale:** The Articles of Incorporation are filed with the state to formally create the
association as a legal entity (usually a non-profit corporation). They define the
association's basic purposes, powers, and limitations. Without valid articles, the
association cannot enter contracts or enforce assessments.
---
**Question 3**
The bylaws of a community association typically contain provisions regarding all of the
following EXCEPT:
A) Board composition and election procedures
B) Meeting notice requirements and quorum definitions
C) Detailed architectural standards for home modifications
D) Officer positions and duties
**Answer:** C) Detailed architectural standards for home modifications
**Rationale:** Bylaws contain governance provisions such as board composition,
elections, meeting requirements, quorum definitions, and officer duties. Detailed
architectural standards are typically found in separate architectural guidelines or the
declaration. The bylaws may reference architectural standards but do not contain the
detailed specifications themselves.
, ---
**Question 4**
What authority creates the right of an owner to vote by proxy?
A) Association rules and regulations
B) State statutes
C) The declaration
D) Common law
**Answer:** B) State statutes
**Rationale:** The right to vote by proxy is typically created by state statutes governing
community associations. These laws specify the requirements for valid proxies,
including form, duration, and revocation procedures. While governing documents may
address proxies, the underlying authority comes from state law.
---
**Question 5**
Where can an individual find the specific owner and association maintenance
responsibilities?
A) The plat map
B) The declaration
C) The state statute
D) The lease agreement
**Answer:** B) The declaration
CoMMunity AssoCiAtions (CMCA) – M-100 exAM ||||questions And
Answers with rAtionAles/grAded A+/2026 uPdAte/100%
CorreCt /instAnt downloAd
SECTION 1: GOVERNING DOCUMENTS AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK (Questions 1-10)
**Question 1**
According to the general hierarchy of authority for community associations, which
document takes precedence if a conflict arises?
A) Rules and regulations adopted by the board
B) The declaration (CC&Rs)
C) The bylaws
D) Board resolutions
**Answer:** B) The declaration (CC&Rs)
**Rationale:** The hierarchy of authority (highest to lowest) is: Federal/state statutes →
Recorded map/plat → Declaration/CC&Rs → Articles of Incorporation → Bylaws → Rules
and regulations and board resolutions. The declaration is the primary governing
document that establishes covenants, conditions, and restrictions, runs with the land,
and binds all owners. This hierarchy is critical for resolving disputes when documents
conflict.
---
**Question 2**
Which governing document establishes the association as a legal entity and defines its
basic purposes and powers?
,A) The declaration (CC&Rs)
B) The bylaws
C) The articles of incorporation
D) The rules and regulations
**Answer:** C) The articles of incorporation
**Rationale:** The Articles of Incorporation are filed with the state to formally create the
association as a legal entity (usually a non-profit corporation). They define the
association's basic purposes, powers, and limitations. Without valid articles, the
association cannot enter contracts or enforce assessments.
---
**Question 3**
The bylaws of a community association typically contain provisions regarding all of the
following EXCEPT:
A) Board composition and election procedures
B) Meeting notice requirements and quorum definitions
C) Detailed architectural standards for home modifications
D) Officer positions and duties
**Answer:** C) Detailed architectural standards for home modifications
**Rationale:** Bylaws contain governance provisions such as board composition,
elections, meeting requirements, quorum definitions, and officer duties. Detailed
architectural standards are typically found in separate architectural guidelines or the
declaration. The bylaws may reference architectural standards but do not contain the
detailed specifications themselves.
, ---
**Question 4**
What authority creates the right of an owner to vote by proxy?
A) Association rules and regulations
B) State statutes
C) The declaration
D) Common law
**Answer:** B) State statutes
**Rationale:** The right to vote by proxy is typically created by state statutes governing
community associations. These laws specify the requirements for valid proxies,
including form, duration, and revocation procedures. While governing documents may
address proxies, the underlying authority comes from state law.
---
**Question 5**
Where can an individual find the specific owner and association maintenance
responsibilities?
A) The plat map
B) The declaration
C) The state statute
D) The lease agreement
**Answer:** B) The declaration
