Competency Areas

CMAA’s professional development curriculum is organized around 11 core competency areas that define the leadership, operational, and strategic expertise required for success in club management. These competencies guide the Business Management Institute (BMI) programs and the Certified Club Manager (CCM) pathway.

Conceptual Skills

1. Club Governance: Board relations, strategic planning, fiduciary responsibility, bylaws, succession planning, and industry forecasting.
2. Interpersonal Skills: Communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, feedback, relationship building, and executive presence.
3. Leadership: Ethics, change management, innovation, mentorship, diversity and inclusion, and personal development.

Administrative Skills

1. Accounting, Finance, and Data Analytics: Financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, audits, benchmarking, labor management, and data-driven decision-making.
2. External Governmental Influences: Regulatory compliance, employment law, tax status, licensing, privacy standards, and workplace safety.
3. Human and Professional Resources: Recruitment, onboarding, culture development, performance management, succession planning, and compensation strategy.
4. Membership and Marketing: Member engagement, retention and recruitment strategies, marketing research, public relations, and digital media.

Technical Skills

1. Facilities Management: Risk management, capital planning, maintenance, renovations, construction oversight, and safety standards.
2. Food and Beverage: Menu planning, budgeting, inventory control, food safety, regulatory compliance, and service quality.
3. Golf, Sports, Recreation, and Wellness: Program development, amenity management, financial oversight, safety protocols, and industry trends.
4. Information Technology: Technology strategy, cybersecurity, data management, system integration, and disaster recovery planning.