CMCA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CMCA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In most U.S. states, a community association that directly employs staff is required to carry which insurance coverage to protect employees injured on the job? → Workers' compensation insurance
2. What is the purpose of an annual community survey sent to homeowners? → To gather homeowner feedback on services, priorities, and satisfaction to inform planning
3. As part of HR management, discipline might include: → Counseling the employee
4. A reserve study conducted by an outside professional that includes a site visit and component analysis is classified as a: → Level I Full update with site visit
5. An association that consistently underfunds its reserves risks which primary consequence? → Lower property values due to deferred maintenance and potential special assessments
6. Which financial statement best shows an association's reserve fund balance at a specific point in time? → Balance sheet or statement of financial position
7. A homeowner claims a fence they installed does not violate the CC&Rs because the rules only prohibit 'wooden' fences and theirs is vinyl. This is an example of: → Strict constructionism that may or may not reflect the intent of the document
8. A community manager discovers a conflict between the association's rules and regulations and its bylaws. Which document generally controls? → Bylaws
9. An association manager notices that a homeowner has installed a satellite dish on the exterior of their unit. The manager should: → Review the CC&Rs and applicable federal OTARD rules before taking any enforcement action
10. A homeowner submits a formal written complaint about a neighbor's noise violations. What is the best first step for the community manager? → Acknowledge receipt of the complaint in writing and begin an investigation
11. A community association's fidelity or crime insurance policy is specifically designed to cover: → Employee theft or dishonest acts that result in financial loss to the association
12. Which of the following is typically funded from an association's operating budget rather than the reserve fund? → Annual landscape maintenance contract.
13. Common elements in a condominium are typically maintained by: → The condominium association, funded through assessments
14. Under the Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (UCIOA), the term 'common interest community' includes: → Condominiums, planned communities, and cooperatives
15. Which of the following is a typical management control that guarantees maintenance work is completed on schedule? → A work order/response form
16. Which of the following best describes an 'easement' referenced in a Declaration? → A right to use another's property for a specific purpose
17. When an owner reports a water intrusion problem that appears to originate in the common area roof, the manager's first priority is to: → Arrange an immediate inspection to determine the source and scope of the damage
18. When a homeowner wants to address the board during a meeting, the appropriate time is typically: → During the homeowner open forum or comment period designated on the agenda
19. Which part of an insurance policy lists the limits of coverage, the deductible, the length of the policy, and the premium? → Declaration page(s)
20. Accrual basis accounting recognizes revenues and expenses when: → They are earned or incurred regardless of when cash changes hands
21. Which of the following is an example of a communication that should be sent in writing and retained in association files? → An official notice of a special assessment explaining the amount, purpose, and due date
22. In the ABC development, you are under a proprietary lease. What best defines your interest in the property? → Stock membership
23. Which collection method allows an association to intercept a delinquent owner's rental income to satisfy unpaid assessments? → Rent intercept
24. Which governing document takes legal precedence when there is a conflict between the CC&Rs and the association's bylaws? → The CC&Rs, because they are recorded with the county and run with the land
25. An umbrella or excess liability policy for a community association primarily provides: → Additional liability coverage above the limits of the underlying policies
26. Before purchasing property insurance, the association should determine the replacement cost value of insured structures. This value represents: → The cost to rebuild the structures at current construction prices without depreciation
27. A board member instructs the community manager to terminate an on-site employee immediately without cause. The best practice before acting is to: → Review the employee handbook, applicable employment contracts, and consult legal counsel
28. Which tool is best for outlining an employee's responsibilities? → Job Description
29. Under the Fair Housing Act, which of the following association policies would most likely constitute illegal discrimination? → A rule prohibiting service animals in common areas
30. An internal control requiring two authorized signatures on checks above a certain dollar amount is an example of: → Dual approval and separation of duties