Strategies for Success Mastering the PCAM Case Study:
Tiani Bobitch, CMCA, AMS, PCAM of Seabreeze Management Company, Inc., AAMC
“Be kind to yourself. This process is tough, but you’ve made it this far for a reason. ...While the journey may feel overwhelming at times, proper preparation, time management, and resilience will set you up for success.”
In the May-June edition of OC View, I shared my journey into the community management industry, my decision to pursue the Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) designation, and the challenges I faced during the case study process. The case study is the fi nal step for community managers to earn their PCAM designation. The participant spends time reviewing a community and then writes a fi nal exam paper in response to a series of questions submitted to them. If you haven’t had a chance to read my previous article yet, I encourage you to do so, as it provides insight into what it takes to earn this prestigious credential and the emotional and professional hurdles along the way.
Now, in this second installment, I want to share the lessons I learned and the strategies that helped me succeed. The PCAM case study is designed to be challenging, and proper preparation can make all the difference. Below are the critical takeaways and tips that I wish I had known before beginning my case study. It is important to note my participation was in a virtual case study and completely online, so advice may vary for in-person opportunities.
Getting Ready – Steps Before the First Day • Take the full 30 days off work, if possible. Giving your paper undivided attention can be a game-changer.
• Gather all prerequisite course materials. Review content from the Professional Management Development Program (PMDP) courses. Having it readily accessible will save valuable time.
• Utilize additional resources. The Generally Accepted Practice (GAP) reports from CAI’s online bookstore can be incredibly useful.
• Line up your experts. Connect with attorneys, CPAs, insurance agents, and contractors ahead of time so you can reach out with questions as needed.
• Review host community documents in advance. Print and organize them so you can reference them easily during interviews.
• Research state-specifi c laws. If your case study is in a different state, familiarize yourself with relevant regulations.
• Set up a distraction-free workspace. Whether at home, a library, or another quiet location, ensure you have everything you need to stay focused.
• Install helpful tools. A grammar assist program like Grammarly and a design tool like Canva can enhance the quality of your submission.
• Ask for support. Let a trusted friend, relative, or mentor know about your journey so they can encourage you along the way.
Getting Familiar – During the Case Study • Make sure your environment
26 July | August 2025 is comfortable. Have a jacket, socks, and anything else you might need for long study sessions.
• Eat beforehand and have snacks on hand. Staying fueled will help you maintain focus.
• Take detailed notes. Write down key points and timestamp them to reference recordings more effi ciently.
• Ask every question that comes to mind. There are no bad questions—clarifi cation now can save time later.
• Thoroughly review exam questions. Digesting the prompts the same day they are revealed helps with planning your approach.
The Adventure – Writing the Paper • Set daily goals. Aim to complete at least one or two parts of a question each day. • Develop an
outline fi rst. refi ning responses.
• Identify which questions require expert input. Reach out early to coordinate their availability.
• Answer in the order that works for you. You don’t have to follow the order provided.
• Don’t dwell on diffi cult questions for too long. Move on and return later with a fresh perspective.
• Review, edit, and review again. • Don’t stress over page count. Some pass with fewer pages—the quality of your responses matters more.
• Submit your paper, even if it is incomplete. There’s still a chance of passing.
• Prepare for the waiting period. Results may take 30-60 days, so be patient and stay positive.
• Be kind to yourself. This process is tough, but you’ve made it this far for a reason.
• Celebrate your accomplishment. Submitting the paper alone is a signifi cant achievement—reward yourself for the effort!
Final Thoughts The PCAM case study is designed to challenge even the most experienced community managers. While the journey may feel overwhelming at times, proper preparation, time management, and resilience will set you up for success. Remember, you are not alone in this process—lean on your peers, mentors, and support system when needed.
To those currently preparing for their PCAM, I hope these insights help make the process smoother and less daunting. Stay focused, trust your experience, and give yourself the grace to learn and grow throughout the journey. Wishing you all the best as you take this next big step in your career!
Jot down key points before
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
