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Residential CMB

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Earning the CMB designation garners respect, credibility, ethics and achievement within real estate finance. This designation instantly places you at the top of our dynamic industry and makes you a part of the elite group that has achieved the highest level of professional success.

Apply to be a CMB

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is:

  • A mortgage professional with at least five years experience in the real estate finance industry
  • Currently employed in the real estate finance industry

See a full list of CMBs designees.

Requirements

Experience Level:
Candidates should have five or more years in the real estate finance industry before they enroll in the Residential CMB Program. It is recommended that a candidate have seven or more years (25 points) to fully matriculate through the CMB program.
Prerequisites:
None
Education Requirement:
Yes, a minimum of 35 points is required to complete the program.
Participation Requirement:
Yes, a minimum of 25 points is required to complete the program.
Written Exam:
Yes, six-hour exam is conducted either at an approved office location or online with a virtual proctor.
Oral Exam:
Yes, one-hour exam is conducted by a panel comprised of three CMB Designees either at an approved location or via Zoom.
Continuing Education:
Yes, an annual recertification with no fee.

The Residential CMB Process

  1. Pay the Enrollment Fee & Provide Documentation
    Enroll online and provide the following:
    • A copy of your resume or LinkedIn profile and your transcript update form
    • Letter of recommendation and two industry references
    • CMB Sponsor information
    • Photo of yourself

  2. Acquire 150 CMB Points
    Your 150 CMB points are made up of the following categories:
    • Professional Experience (Minimum: 25 points)
    • Documented Education (Minimum: 35 points)
    • Industry participation (Minimum: 25 points)

  3. Prepare & Meet With Your Sponsor
    Enrolling in the Residential CMB Prep Course is the best way to prepare for the Written and Oral Exam. Review the Written Exam outline with your CMB Sponsor. Learn more about CMB Sponsorship.

  4. Take Your Online Written Exam & the Oral Exam
    Once your CMB Sponsor has confirmed your readiness to take the exam, schedule your online written exam by emailing [email protected]. After you pass your written exam, candidates sit for a one-hour oral exam with three CMB Designees. Learn more about the CMB Exam process.

  5. Graduate & Be Recognized
    Upon your graduation, you will receive your official plaque at the CMB Graduation Ceremony and Reception, held at MBA's Annual Convention each year. 

**Please Note: Candidates have three years to complete the CMB process from the date that the enrollment fee has been paid.

Residential CMB Costs

Enrollment Fee:

  • MBA Member: $500
  • Non-Member: $1,500

Prep Course (optional, but strongly encouraged):

  • MBA Member: $500/$550
  • Non-Member: $1,500/$1,650

Exam Fee (covers Written and Oral exam):

  • MBA Member: $500 
  • Non-Member: $1,500