Managing a homeowners association is not an easy road, which is why board members will benefit from HOA board training. Proper training can not only clarify roles and responsibilities but also improve leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills. Board members would do their associations a service by seeking ongoing education.
What is HOA Board Training? 
Homeowners associations are governed by a set of leaders known as the HOA board of directors. In a condominium association, the leadership roles are fulfilled by a condo board. These association boards consist of volunteer homeowners who their fellow members elect.
As volunteers, board members often lack the expertise or experience necessary for effective management. Their heart may be in the right place, wanting to serve their community, but a lack of skills can make the association vulnerable to errors and liability.
To hone their talents, board members often undergo training for HOA and condo boards. Training can refer to a professional program, an online course, or simply web resources that aim to teach boards about good governance and best practices. Regardless of where boards originate, training offers numerous benefits and will help the community thrive.
The Importance of HOA Board Ongoing Education
Board members are responsible for managing and maintaining the community. This encompasses several key tasks, including financial management, legal compliance, communication, dispute resolution, and additional responsibilities. Board members must continually make decisions that benefit the community. Without proper training, fulfilling the duties of the HOA board can seem like an uphill battle.
With regular HOA board training, board members can improve their decision-making skills. They can learn how to interpret financial reports and determine the legal impact of their decisions. They can better understand how their operations work and can push to streamline them.
A well-managed community relies on capable leaders. Training ensures that board members are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their associations effectively. If nothing else, the insights gained from training can also help board members in their professional lives.
Do HOA Board Members Need to Get Certified?
Formal certification is not always mandatory, but it ultimately depends on the community. Some associations require HOA board member certification as per their governing documents, while others don’t.
Even if certification is not required, it remains highly recommended. Certifications can be very valuable to HOA leaders, as they help cultivate skills and enhance knowledge.
Since certifications require a commitment, they also help weed out those who are not serious about volunteering. Those who are genuinely willing and dedicated to serve their community won’t hesitate to take that extra step. Beyond that, both homeowners and board members can benefit from increased confidence in their decisions.
What HOA Board Training Will Accomplish
Board training will help improve all aspects of management. Role clarity, improved decision-making, knowledge of financial management, legal expertise, enhanced communication, and conflict resolution are just a few of the benefits. Let’s break them down below.
- Role Clarity. Board members may struggle to understand their responsibilities to the community. Proper training can help illuminate their roles and allow them to lead with purpose.
- Better Decision-Making. Training will help board members make more informed and well-rounded decisions that support the association.
- Knowledge of Financial Management. Financial management is arguably the most challenging aspect of a board’s responsibilities, yet it remains one of the most crucial. Through training, board members can learn effective budgeting, basic accounting, and risk mitigation strategies. It can also help board members prepare and interpret financial reports.
- Legal Know-How. Associations are subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Navigating these laws can be particularly challenging for individuals without a legal background. Fortunately, training can provide boards with a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals, including an understanding of their legal obligations.
- Improved Communication. Believe it or not, communication skills aren’t something everyone is born with. Yet, with continuous training, board members can learn.
- Conflict Resolution. Disputes occur frequently in a community, and board members must know how to handle them with professionalism and due process.
Where to Get HOA Board Member Training 
Board members may be open to learning, but they often don’t know where to begin. Fortunately, there are several ways to facilitate HOA board training, including in-house, through HOA management companies, online courses, and professional classes.
Training from Past Boards
Some associations hold off on HOA board of directors training due to the associated costs. Training doesn’t have to be expensive. Associations can even organize training in-house.
Veteran or experienced board members can act as mentors and teach what they have learned to new recruits. They already understand the HOA inside and out, so they are the best candidates for the job. Even without a formal training session, new board members shouldn’t be afraid to approach past leaders for advice.
HOA Management Companies
Many HOA management companies provide training and ongoing education to boards. Professional managers are familiar with the community’s operations, enabling them to help bring board members up to speed. Training can even be hands-on, with board members shadowing managers to gain a deeper understanding of how their association operates.
Online Courses
There are plenty of resources available online. Board members can utilize these resources to orient themselves better and make informed decisions. Some organizations even offer online courses, allowing boards to learn remotely. Additionally, boards can access webinars and videos to enhance their management skills.
Some states maintain online resource centers to help guide board members on their leadership journey. Colorado, for instance, has established an information center featuring videos and other resources.
Attend Professional Classes
The Community Associations Institute (CAI) offers an HOA certificate course for board members. Those who wish to attend can do so in person through their chapter or online.
Who Should Undergo HOA Board Training? 
Board training is not a requirement for many associations. Nevertheless, it can support board members in fulfilling their roles and ensuring seamless operations. If an HOA or condo does not have a policy yet, the bare minimum is to require newly elected board members to undergo training. That said, current or long-time board members can also benefit from refresher courses.
Providing regular training and ongoing education will ensure the board remains updated on all best practices and trends. They can also hone their skills through consistent learning opportunities.
Training doesn’t have to be limited to board members. Even prospective board members or residents who are simply interested in governance can also attend training courses. Committee members can also learn a great deal from training, which will guide them in the right direction. After all, committees are often stepping stones to board leadership.
Granted, training might be an additional cost for the association if it isn’t done solely in-house, but at the very least, it supports capable leadership. With continuous training, board members can serve more effectively, and future leaders can be ready.
The Final Word
No association is complete without HOA board training. Training and ongoing education support role clarity, better decision-making, and more effective management. Although it isn’t mandatory, regular training comes highly recommended by experts in the HOA industry.
Elite Management Services offers comprehensive HOA board education services to communities. Call us today at (855) 238-8488 or email us at help@emspm.com to get started!
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