CMCA PRACTICE EXAM COMPLETE PRACTICE EXAM WITH DETAILED
ANSWERS | 2026–2027 LATEST UPDATE | FULL STUDY GUIDE | EXAM PREP |
PRACTICE TEST | CERTIFICATION PREPARATION
1. A community association manager receives a homeowner complaint regarding excessive
noise from a neighboring unit. What should the manager do first?
A. Immediately issue a violation notice
B. Ignore the complaint unless multiple residents complain
C. Review governing documents and gather relevant facts before taking action
D. Recommend legal action against the resident
A community association manager should follow established procedures by reviewing
governing documents and investigating facts before enforcing rules. Immediate action without
verification may create fairness and compliance issues.
2. The primary purpose of a community association’s governing documents is to:
A. Replace all state laws
B. Establish personal preferences of board members
C. Provide rules and operational guidelines for managing the association
D. Eliminate the need for board decisions
Governing documents define the association’s authority, responsibilities, restrictions, and
procedures. They work alongside applicable laws rather than replacing them.
3. A community association manager prepares a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Which
factor should receive the highest priority?
A. Personal opinions of residents
B. Projected operating expenses and long-term financial needs
C. The lowest possible assessment amount
D. Avoiding reserve contributions
A responsible budget reflects expected expenses, maintenance needs, and reserve
requirements. Minimizing assessments without considering future obligations can create
financial problems.
, 4. A board member asks a manager to approve a contract without obtaining required board
authorization. What should the manager do?
A. Sign the contract immediately
B. Approve it verbally
C. Follow the association’s approval procedures and obtain proper authorization
D. Allow the vendor to begin work without documentation
Managers must operate within their delegated authority. Proper approval procedures protect
the association and ensure accountability.
5. Reserve funds are primarily intended to:
A. Pay routine monthly expenses
B. Cover unexpected personal expenses
C. Finance major future repairs and replacements
D. Reduce homeowner communication
Reserve funds are designed for significant capital expenses such as roof replacement, paving,
or major system repairs. They help prevent financial instability.
6. A manager receives confidential homeowner information. The manager should:
A. Share it with interested neighbors
B. Post it publicly
C. Protect the information and disclose it only when authorized
D. Discuss it during informal meetings
Managers have an ethical responsibility to protect confidential information and comply with
privacy requirements.
7. Which document typically outlines restrictions on property use within a community
association?
A. Meeting agenda
B. Vendor invoice
, C. Declaration or covenants
D. Financial statement
Declarations and covenants establish property restrictions and obligations that apply to
homeowners within the association.
8. A board meeting notice requirement exists primarily to:
A. Reduce homeowner involvement
B. Provide transparency and allow participation opportunities
C. Prevent discussion
D. Eliminate board authority
Proper notice promotes transparency and allows members to understand association decisions
and participate when appropriate.
9. A community association manager should recommend competitive bidding when:
A. A vendor is a personal friend
B. A significant contract requires evaluation of cost and qualifications
C. The board wants fewer options
D. No documentation is needed
Competitive bidding helps associations evaluate pricing, qualifications, and value while
reducing conflicts of interest.
10. A homeowner refuses to pay assessments. The manager should first:
A. Publicly identify the homeowner
B. Ignore the balance
C. Follow the association’s established collection procedures
D. Immediately remove homeowner privileges
Assessment collection should follow documented procedures and applicable laws. Consistent
enforcement protects the association from claims of unfair treatment.
ANSWERS | 2026–2027 LATEST UPDATE | FULL STUDY GUIDE | EXAM PREP |
PRACTICE TEST | CERTIFICATION PREPARATION
1. A community association manager receives a homeowner complaint regarding excessive
noise from a neighboring unit. What should the manager do first?
A. Immediately issue a violation notice
B. Ignore the complaint unless multiple residents complain
C. Review governing documents and gather relevant facts before taking action
D. Recommend legal action against the resident
A community association manager should follow established procedures by reviewing
governing documents and investigating facts before enforcing rules. Immediate action without
verification may create fairness and compliance issues.
2. The primary purpose of a community association’s governing documents is to:
A. Replace all state laws
B. Establish personal preferences of board members
C. Provide rules and operational guidelines for managing the association
D. Eliminate the need for board decisions
Governing documents define the association’s authority, responsibilities, restrictions, and
procedures. They work alongside applicable laws rather than replacing them.
3. A community association manager prepares a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Which
factor should receive the highest priority?
A. Personal opinions of residents
B. Projected operating expenses and long-term financial needs
C. The lowest possible assessment amount
D. Avoiding reserve contributions
A responsible budget reflects expected expenses, maintenance needs, and reserve
requirements. Minimizing assessments without considering future obligations can create
financial problems.
, 4. A board member asks a manager to approve a contract without obtaining required board
authorization. What should the manager do?
A. Sign the contract immediately
B. Approve it verbally
C. Follow the association’s approval procedures and obtain proper authorization
D. Allow the vendor to begin work without documentation
Managers must operate within their delegated authority. Proper approval procedures protect
the association and ensure accountability.
5. Reserve funds are primarily intended to:
A. Pay routine monthly expenses
B. Cover unexpected personal expenses
C. Finance major future repairs and replacements
D. Reduce homeowner communication
Reserve funds are designed for significant capital expenses such as roof replacement, paving,
or major system repairs. They help prevent financial instability.
6. A manager receives confidential homeowner information. The manager should:
A. Share it with interested neighbors
B. Post it publicly
C. Protect the information and disclose it only when authorized
D. Discuss it during informal meetings
Managers have an ethical responsibility to protect confidential information and comply with
privacy requirements.
7. Which document typically outlines restrictions on property use within a community
association?
A. Meeting agenda
B. Vendor invoice
, C. Declaration or covenants
D. Financial statement
Declarations and covenants establish property restrictions and obligations that apply to
homeowners within the association.
8. A board meeting notice requirement exists primarily to:
A. Reduce homeowner involvement
B. Provide transparency and allow participation opportunities
C. Prevent discussion
D. Eliminate board authority
Proper notice promotes transparency and allows members to understand association decisions
and participate when appropriate.
9. A community association manager should recommend competitive bidding when:
A. A vendor is a personal friend
B. A significant contract requires evaluation of cost and qualifications
C. The board wants fewer options
D. No documentation is needed
Competitive bidding helps associations evaluate pricing, qualifications, and value while
reducing conflicts of interest.
10. A homeowner refuses to pay assessments. The manager should first:
A. Publicly identify the homeowner
B. Ignore the balance
C. Follow the association’s established collection procedures
D. Immediately remove homeowner privileges
Assessment collection should follow documented procedures and applicable laws. Consistent
enforcement protects the association from claims of unfair treatment.
