Updated : Feb 9, 2025
The short-term rental industry is constantly booming which has brought both exciting opportunities and complex hurdles. Standing out in the market, navigating ever-changing regulations, and the constant pressure to maximize profitability in such a crowded space can feel like an uphill battle.
In a market that’s expected to reach a revenue of USD 341.9 Bn by 2033, how can you stay competitive and thrive?
One of the smartest investments you can make is in short-term rental courses. These courses can give you with the knowledge and tools required to face industry challenges head-on, optimize your revenue, and ultimately succeed in your property management business.
Let’s take a look at seven online short-term rental courses property managers should know about.
7 Short-term Rental Courses for Property Managers
1. BNB Formula
BNB Formula is a 3-6 month program run by Brian Page, known as the King of Airbnb to help out aspiring property managers. You don’t need to quit your current job as most BNB students set aside a few hours each week to learn how to automate and outsource day-to-day management of their listings.
How it works:
- 8-week masterclass
- Tools, templates, and checklists
- Private member Facebook group
- MP3 lessons and transcripts
- Bonus topics
Pricing:
Starts at $1997
2. VRMA (Vacation Rental Management Certificate Program)
The Vacation Rental Management Certificate Program (VRMA) is for property managers, owners, and industry professionals looking to improve their knowledge in vacation rental management. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals aiming to enhance their skills in managing vacation rentals effectively.
How it works:
- In-depth training in key areas such as marketing, guest relations, operations, and legal compliance
- 5 online modules with passing score on the subsequent assessment
- Self-paced
- Receive a certificate validating your proficiency in vacation rental management
- Certificate holders will be required to submit 15 hours of continuing education credits and a $100 maintenance fee every three (3) years in order to maintain the certificate
Pricing:
Pricing varies for each module.
However, for all modules:
VRMA members price: $450
Non-members price: $750
Join VRMA to become a member.
3. Vacation Rental Univerity
Vacation Rental University is designed for property owners, managers, and entrepreneurs looking to start or improve their vacation rental businesses. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced property manager, this program too provides tools and insights to manage vacation rentals more efficiently.
How it works:
- Offers online courses covering essential topics like marketing strategies, guest communication, and legal compliance
- Self-paced
- Expert coaching to help you implement strategies effectively
Pricing:
$49/month: Access to all free, basic, and advanced-level training, tools.
$495: One-time charge giving you access to all free, basic, and advanced level training, tools.
4. STR Certification
The STR Certification is perfect for property owners, aspiring hosts, property managers, and real estate investors seeking to improve their expertise, understand STR laws, and master best practices to succeed in the short-term rental market.
How it works:
- Register and listen to video lectures, and complete activities such as discussion posts, quizzes, and assignments
- Periodic live Zoom discussions
- Self-paced
- Final examination after all previous modules complete
Pricing:
Registration starts at $295
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Try For Free5. CCRM Course (California Certified Residential Manager)
The California Certified Residential Manager (CCRM) course is one of those courses property managers residing in California should invest into. It’s ideal for residential property managers and aspiring property management professionals in California who need to understand the laws and regulations for the protection of your rental housing business.
How it works:
- Comprehensive training on managing residential properties, focusing on legal, financial, and operational aspects
- Modules on tenant relations, budgeting, maintenance, and compliance with California housing laws
- Nine live classes, approximately 3.5 hours in length consisting of lecture and class participation activities
- On-demand classes of approximately two hours
- 75% passing score; a “pass superior” score on the certificate of those with a 95% score or more
- A minimum one year of industry-related experience required
Pricing:
For members: $599
Non-Member $799
6. CAM (Certified Apartment Manager) Certification by NAA
The Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) program by the National Apartment Association is ideal for property managers working in the multi-family housing sector. It is designed for those looking to gain in-depth knowledge and credentials in managing apartment communities and residential properties effectively.
How it works:
- Covers core management skills, including marketing, leasing, operations, and maintenance of apartment communities.
- Includes modules on budgeting, tenant retention, legal compliance, and leadership in property management.
- Online coursework, in-person workshops, and a final exam for certification
Pricing:
Member price: $900
Non member price: $1,125
7. Alterschool
Alterschool offers a range of property management courses suitable for professionals in the short-term rental, multi-family, and commercial property sectors. It’s one of those courses property managers looking to get into property management or expand their existing knowledge benefit from.
How it works:
- Self-paced
- Learn from over 25 speakers
- Covers topics such as lease agreements, property marketing, tenant relations, and financial management
- Access to resources like quizzes, downloadable materials, and community forums for interaction with peers.
- Certificates of completion are awarded for successful course completion
- 15-minute online sessions a day
Pricing:
Starts from $48
Choose the Right Course
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when selecting the right STR certification course. Focus on a course that aligns with your current goals. If your priority is understanding and adapting to evolving local regulations, opt for a course dedicated to that area. However, if you’re looking to gain a well-rounded understanding of managing rental properties, choose a course that covers all aspects comprehensively. If investing in a course feels overwhelming, self-learn from books and podcasts like “Get Paid for your Pad” or “Vacation Rental Success.”
