Top 10 Online Property Management Certificate Programs 2025

Students interested in property management careers can use online programs to develop the knowledge necessary to manage real estate successfully. Dozens of institutions across the U.S. offer online programs in property management, including single classes and programs leading to certificates.

Continue reading to find out how to earn a property management certificate online.

Are There Online Property Management Courses With Certificates?

Many schools and organizations offer online property management programs, with course and certificate options. Certificate programs are typically available from colleges and universities, offering multiple courses within the curriculum.

Students interested in earning a certificate in property management online can choose from a shorter program that covers foundational topics or a longer program leading to a certificate. Certificate programs explore property management concepts in greater detail than a single course.

What Will I Learn in an Online Property Management Certificate Program?

Property management program topics vary, but there are some key concepts that students learn within their property management program. Common coursework explores the financial aspects of property management, including revenues, bookkeeping, and budgeting.

Other concepts often include legal implications, such as affordable housing policies, as well as marketing strategies for managing properties. Communication, contracts, and tenant relations are also important learning objectives of property management programs.

Top Online Property Management Courses and Certificates

Various institutions offer fully online property management programs, including accelerated courses and more in-depth certificate programs. Below, we discuss the top programs for property management that can be completed without any in-person requirements.

1. Property Management Fundamentals � Alison.com

Alison.com offers more than a dozen free online property management courses that are self-paced and can be used to certify skills on LinkedIn and your resume. Courses cover the basics of property law, rental property management, and other property management responsibilities.

• Cost: Free
• Program length: Two to five hours (per course)
• Certificate included: No

2. Professional Certificate in Real Estate Property Management � Fordham University

Fordham University has individual online property management courses as well as a four-course professional property management certificate. Students take self-paced classes in real estate development, property management, property development, and real estate finance.

• Cost: $675 per credit
• Program length: One to two semesters
• Certificate included: Yes

3. Property Management Certificate � Penn Foster

Penn Foster offers an online certificate in property management that provides flexibility, allowing students to complete it at their own pace. Learners take six courses, including those in real estate law, risk management, property valuation, and tenant relations.

• Cost: $499 to $589 total
• Program length: Six months to one year
• Certificate included: Yes

4. Certified Manager of Housing � National Center for Housing Management (NCHM)

This certification program is a one-week online course that features live virtual sessions covering property management essentials. NCHM also offers online programs for senior housing management as well as registered housing manager certification.

• Cost: $950 total
• Program length: One week
• Certificate included: Yes

5. Certificate in Residential Property Management � New York University

New York University (NYU) offers an online property management program that includes courses in residential property marketing, maintenance, and tenant improvement. Students learn about topics like daily operations, contractual and insurance considerations, risk management, and financial analysis.

• Cost: $266 per credit ($3,990 total)
• Program length: Two semesters
• Certificate included: Yes

6. Real Estate Property Management Certificate � North Seattle College

The property management program at North Seattle College consists of 29.5 quarter credits and can be used as continuing education hours for real estate professionals. Classes include real estate maintenance, sales practices, real estate law, and two electives chosen by students.

• Cost: $132 per credit (in-state); $151 per credit (out-of-state)
• Program length: One year or more
• Certificate included: Yes

7. Property Management � Ashworth College

Ashworth College offers a four-month online property management course that explores real-world property management concepts. Students learn relevant responsibilities and skills, including business plan development, personnel management, record-keeping, and lease price decision-making.

• Cost: $799 to $989 total
• Program length: Four months
• Certificate included: No

8. Property Management Certificate � Rutgers University - Camden

Rutgers University offers a three-month online property management certificate that explores topics like property integration and quality. Students can alternatively complete the six to nine-week practical property management program, which is a less in-depth version of the longer program.

• Cost: $496 per credit (in-state); $1,162 per credit (out-of-state)
• Program length: One to three months
• Certificate included: Yes

9. Property Manager Certificate Course � IAP Career College

The online course from IAP Career College can be completed at a pace that suits each student, finishing in four to 12 weeks. Students learn about property management finances, marketing practices, and tenant relations. Coursework covers both commercial properties and residential rental properties.

• Cost: $149 total
• Program length: Six weeks
• Certificate included: Yes

10. Property Management Certificate Course � Center for Real Estate Education

The property management program from the Center for Real Estate Education is a two-day virtual course with live lessons and discussions. Students learn about property management financial planning, tenant issues, risk management, and environmental aspects of property management.

• Cost: $197 total
• Program length: Two days
• Certificate included: No

How We Select Certificate Courses

Our team evaluates property management programs and selects those that stand out as the best options. We select programs based on criteria like cost, length, and curriculum.

• Program cost: We feature schools that are priced around an average tuition rate or less, so that students can discover top programs with affordable rates.
• Program value: The programs featured balance both time and monetary costs with benefits gained through developed knowledge and tools for property management.
• Certification options: Several of the programs discussed offer options to earn a certificate in property management within one or two semesters of enrollment.

FAQs About Online Property Management Courses

If you are thinking about a property management certificate, consider what aspects of an online program are most important for your success. Consider how much time you want to commit per week, as well as whether you want live virtual lessons or prerecorded asynchronous components.

Is a Property Management Certification Worth It?

A certificate in property management gives learners a broad understanding of property management components. Whether starting their own property management company or joining an existing organization, the skills developed within the program are invaluable for roles in property management.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Property Management Certificate?

Some certificates can be completed within a few months to one semester, while others are spread across two semesters of study. The time it takes to complete a program depends on course availability as well as a student's existing workload (and how many classes they can take per semester).

Which Course Is Best for Property Management?

The best property management course to take is usually a foundations course if you are new to the field. These typically provide a fundamental understanding of relevant topics, ranging from laws and financial matters to tenant relationships and daily operations.

What Will I Learn in a Property Management Certificate Course?

If you are taking a shorter program or course, your curriculum will go over the basics that you need to understand for managing properties. Certificate programs are longer and go into more detail with each subject, providing a deeper comprehension and a broader skill set.

What Are the Benefits of Obtaining a Property Management Certificate Online?

A property management certificate can help graduates find relevant careers and provide the tools to complete daily tasks. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, property managers earned an average salary of $66,700 in 2024, with the top 10% earning more than $141,040.

Discover Online Certificate Programs

Explore more of the top online programs for property management and related fields on Learn.org. Contact the schools you are interested in to find out more.