CMCA Exam Prep Key Terms questions
and answers with solutions
Abstention - ANSWER When a participant in a vote either does not go to vote, or is present
during the vote, but does not cast a ballot
Action Item List - ANSWER Documented event, task, activity or action that needs to take place.
Usually documented in the meeting minutes and are recorded in the task list of the group
Agenda - ANSWER List of meeting activities in the order in which they are able to be taken up,
beginning with the call to order and ending with adjournment
Amend a Motion - ANSWER Used to modify another motion. Takes three basic forms:
1. Inserting or adding words or paragraphs
2. Striking out words or paragraphs
3. Striking out words and inserting or adding others, or substituting an entire paragraph or
complete resolution for another
Ballot - ANSWER Device used to record choices made by voters. Each voter uses one ballot and
is not shared
Committee Report - ANSWER Highlight matters to be decided and recommendations by the
committee. Supporting research should be included in the reports. Committees need to clearly
state the actions they are asking the board to take.
Debate - ANSWER Formal discussion involving opposing candidates vying for the same position
,Executive Session - ANSWER Board holds a discussion or make decisions of a sensitive matter.
Examples of sessions allowable by law: personnel issues; contract negotiations; lawsuits/legal
matter; governing doc violations.
Financial Report - ANSWER Report on the community's financial condition and activities,
including a general ledger, variance, accounts payable, income statement, and balance sheet
Majority - ANSWER Over 50% of the votes needed to win an election. EXCEPT special issues
Management Report - ANSWER Manager's report on the association's current management and
administrative activities
Minutes - ANSWER Document the decisions made during the meeting. Permanent public record
of positions and actions taken by the board.
Motion - ANSWER A formal proposal stating that the association took certain actions
Notice of Meeting - ANSWER Official announcement that a meeting will take place, which
should be in writing and at least a week before a meeting
Parliamentary Procedure - ANSWER The body of rules, ethics, and customs governing meetings
and other operations
Plurality - ANSWER Awards the election to the candidate with the most votes, regardless of
whether or not they received the majority
Proxy - ANSWER Agency, function, or power of a person authorized to act or vote in place of
another resident who could not be present
, Quorum - ANSWER The minimum number of members who must be present for business to be
conducted. The number is established in the By-Laws
Robert's Rules of Order - ANSWER A well-known set of specific rules for running a meeting in a
formalized manner
Second a Motion - ANSWER Once the motion has been proposed, consideration by the
assembly occurs only if another member of the body immediately seconds the motion
Table a Motion - ANSWER To postpone the discussion of something during a meeting.
Rescheduled/tabled/for another meeting
Timed Agenda - ANSWER A more specific agenda that limits the amount of time focused on
specific areas, so as to move the meeting along at a more thorough and prompt pace.
Articles of Incorporation - ANSWER a written legal document that defines ownership and
operating procedures and conditions for the business
Bylaws - ANSWER A set of governing rules adopted by a corporation or other association.
Defines management and administrative rules
CC&R'S (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions) - ANSWER The rules that apply to a property
owner in a subdivision, condominium, or cooperative housing facility. These documents are
legally enforceable by the homeowners association, unless specific provisions conflict with
federal, state, or local laws
Community Association - ANSWER Group of owners who wish to provide a communal basis for
preserving, maintaining, and enhancing their homes and property.
and answers with solutions
Abstention - ANSWER When a participant in a vote either does not go to vote, or is present
during the vote, but does not cast a ballot
Action Item List - ANSWER Documented event, task, activity or action that needs to take place.
Usually documented in the meeting minutes and are recorded in the task list of the group
Agenda - ANSWER List of meeting activities in the order in which they are able to be taken up,
beginning with the call to order and ending with adjournment
Amend a Motion - ANSWER Used to modify another motion. Takes three basic forms:
1. Inserting or adding words or paragraphs
2. Striking out words or paragraphs
3. Striking out words and inserting or adding others, or substituting an entire paragraph or
complete resolution for another
Ballot - ANSWER Device used to record choices made by voters. Each voter uses one ballot and
is not shared
Committee Report - ANSWER Highlight matters to be decided and recommendations by the
committee. Supporting research should be included in the reports. Committees need to clearly
state the actions they are asking the board to take.
Debate - ANSWER Formal discussion involving opposing candidates vying for the same position
,Executive Session - ANSWER Board holds a discussion or make decisions of a sensitive matter.
Examples of sessions allowable by law: personnel issues; contract negotiations; lawsuits/legal
matter; governing doc violations.
Financial Report - ANSWER Report on the community's financial condition and activities,
including a general ledger, variance, accounts payable, income statement, and balance sheet
Majority - ANSWER Over 50% of the votes needed to win an election. EXCEPT special issues
Management Report - ANSWER Manager's report on the association's current management and
administrative activities
Minutes - ANSWER Document the decisions made during the meeting. Permanent public record
of positions and actions taken by the board.
Motion - ANSWER A formal proposal stating that the association took certain actions
Notice of Meeting - ANSWER Official announcement that a meeting will take place, which
should be in writing and at least a week before a meeting
Parliamentary Procedure - ANSWER The body of rules, ethics, and customs governing meetings
and other operations
Plurality - ANSWER Awards the election to the candidate with the most votes, regardless of
whether or not they received the majority
Proxy - ANSWER Agency, function, or power of a person authorized to act or vote in place of
another resident who could not be present
, Quorum - ANSWER The minimum number of members who must be present for business to be
conducted. The number is established in the By-Laws
Robert's Rules of Order - ANSWER A well-known set of specific rules for running a meeting in a
formalized manner
Second a Motion - ANSWER Once the motion has been proposed, consideration by the
assembly occurs only if another member of the body immediately seconds the motion
Table a Motion - ANSWER To postpone the discussion of something during a meeting.
Rescheduled/tabled/for another meeting
Timed Agenda - ANSWER A more specific agenda that limits the amount of time focused on
specific areas, so as to move the meeting along at a more thorough and prompt pace.
Articles of Incorporation - ANSWER a written legal document that defines ownership and
operating procedures and conditions for the business
Bylaws - ANSWER A set of governing rules adopted by a corporation or other association.
Defines management and administrative rules
CC&R'S (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions) - ANSWER The rules that apply to a property
owner in a subdivision, condominium, or cooperative housing facility. These documents are
legally enforceable by the homeowners association, unless specific provisions conflict with
federal, state, or local laws
Community Association - ANSWER Group of owners who wish to provide a communal basis for
preserving, maintaining, and enhancing their homes and property.
