Homeowners Association (HOA) committees are vital to the plans and success of a condominium or town home organization. Potential and existing board members should meet a list of qualifications and skills to effectively operate and manage the resources of an HOA.

Education

A board member should possess a high school diploma or equivalent. In larger HOA organizations, an associate's or bachelor's degree is required to be considered for a board member position. If the HOA is small with potential and existing members lacking the education and experience to run an HOA, local courses can be taken free of charge from an HOA agency that specializes in educating tenants and board members concerning HOA operations.

Communication

An HOA board member must have adequate interpersonal skills. Effective communication skills between fellow board members, property managers, tenants and vendors can create a positive environment and improve tenant participation in HOA activities. Communication also includes the distribution of HOA information via email, flyers, letters or making phone calls on behalf of the HOA.

Accounting and Bookkeeping

Every HOA board member should have a general knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping procedures. Board members work together to create budgets, assess HOA fees, pay vendors that provide services to the HOA and set special fees for projects. A board member must know how to interpret basic accounting reports to gauge the financial status of the HOA.

Administration and Management

HOA board members create and maintain covenant policies, update articles of incorporation and address annual tax and property assessment issues. A member must have a background in administration or administrative management and understand the process of managing important documents. A board member with skills in administration and management can help the HOA create a strong business infrastructure.

Computer Skills

Many HOAs are using computer automation to notify tenants of meetings, changes in HOA policies and payment of HOA fees online. Board members must have knowledge of computer programs used to conduct HOA business and should have a knowledge of computer applications.

Continuing Educational Courses

Board members must commit to attending continuing education courses concerning the operation of HOAs. Continuing education courses, in the form of seminars and workshops, are designed to inform and update board members on the latest laws and regulatory statutes concerning HOA management. As stated before, most of these courses are free of charge through HOA agencies.