New York contemplates regulation of property managers
Stark & Stark reports that the State of New York is considering legislation that will, if passed, require residential property managers to be certified by a state-approved certifying organization and then register with the state.
This approach may be an interesting hybrid between self-regulation and state regulation but, as with all legislative initiatives, the devil will be in the details (which can be seen here).
I think anyone in a management position should have some kind of relevant qualification. If nothing else, it will certainly add credibility.