Top 10 Building Maintenance Certifications

Certifications for building maintenance are important in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the applicant has received professional training and is knowledgeable about the industry. Having certifications shows employers that a candidate is dedicated to their career, and it can give them an edge over other applicants who lack these qualifications. Certifications also help ensure that a building maintenance worker knows how to properly maintain a building according to safety standards, which can reduce liability risks for employers. Furthermore, certifications can open up higher-paying job opportunities or lead to promotions within the organization.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Building Maintenance and explains how they can contribute to a building maintenance's career advancement.

What are Building Maintenance Certifications?

Building maintenance certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates a person's knowledge and proficiency in the field of building maintenance. This type of certification is generally offered by trade organizations or educational institutions and can be obtained through classes, exams, or both. The certification proves that the individual has gained the necessary skills to properly maintain and repair buildings.

Having building maintenance certification can help individuals improve their career prospects in the industry. By demonstrating that they are knowledgeable about building maintenance, certified individuals may be more likely to be hired for jobs than those without such credentials. Additionally, having this type of certification can also help individuals command higher salaries due to their expertise in the field. Furthermore, those who wish to pursue higher education in the field may find that having this type of certification helps them gain admission into certain programs or receive scholarships from universities. Finally, being certified in building maintenance may also provide individuals with access to exclusive job postings or allow them to join professional networks that offer job opportunities or additional training opportunities.

Pro Tip: Make sure to stay up-to-date on building maintenance certification requirements and best practices. Utilize professional certifications, continuing education courses, and industry-specific training programs to ensure your team is properly trained and certified for the job.

Related: What does a Building Maintenance do?

Top 10 Building Maintenance Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Building Maintenances today.

1. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to lead maintenance and reliability initiatives in organizations. The CMRP credential is offered by the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP), an international professional organization dedicated to advancing the maintenance and reliability profession.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass a written exam, and agree to abide by SMRP’s Code of Ethics. To be eligible for the CMRP exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in maintenance or reliability engineering, or a related field. They must also have either an associate degree or higher in an engineering discipline or a two-year technical degree with at least three years of relevant work experience.

The CMRP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as asset management, preventive/predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, safety management systems, reliability centered maintenance (RCM), total productive maintenance (TPM), lean manufacturing principles, and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the CMRP exam is $495 for SMRP members and $595 for non-members. Once you pass the exam you will receive your official certificate from SMRP within 8 weeks after completing all requirements.

2. Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP)

Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP) is a certification program offered by the Building Commissioning Association (BCA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in building commissioning. The CBCP certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field of building commissioning, as well as their commitment to professional development.

The CBCP program consists of two parts: an online exam and an on-site assessment. Candidates must pass both parts to be certified. The online exam covers topics such as energy management, system design, commissioning process, and project management. The on-site assessment involves an evaluation of the candidate’s knowledge and skills in the field of building commissioning.

The CBCP certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking additional courses or completing continuing education credits. To become certified, candidates must meet certain educational requirements, including having a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in engineering, architecture, construction management, or related fields; at least five years of experience in building commissioning; and completion of at least 16 hours of BCA approved training courses.

The cost for the CBCP certification varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,000-$2,000 to become certified.

3. Certified Facility Manager (CFM)

Certified Facility Manager (CFM) is a professional certification program offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of facility management professionals. The CFM designation is recognized as the highest level of professional achievement in the field.

The CFM exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as facility planning, operations, finance and business, human factors, environment, and technology. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in facility management or a related field.

The cost for taking the exam is $395 for IFMA members and $495 for non-members. The exam can be taken online or at a testing center. It typically takes four to six weeks to receive results after taking the exam.

To maintain their certification, CFMs must complete continuing education activities every three years and pay an annual renewal fee of $95 for IFMA members and $145 for non-members.

4. Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT)

Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the maintenance and repair of multifamily housing. The CAMT certification is administered by the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI).

The CAMT certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of building systems, safety procedures, preventative maintenance practices, and customer service skills. To become certified, applicants must complete an online course, pass a written exam, and submit proof of two years’ experience in multifamily housing maintenance or repair.

The online course takes approximately 20 hours to complete and costs $295. The written exam costs $75 and can be taken at any NAAEI-approved testing center. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their CAMT certification within four weeks.

5. LEED Green Associate

LEED Green Associate is a professional credential offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to recognize professionals who have a basic understanding of green building principles and practices. The LEED Green Associate credential demonstrates an individual’s knowledge of green building strategies and concepts, as well as their commitment to sustainability in the built environment.

It typically takes about two weeks to prepare for the LEED Green Associate exam, depending on your level of experience and background knowledge. To get the LEED Green Associate credential, you must pass the LEED Green Associate exam which is administered by the GBCI (Green Building Certification Institute). The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, water conservation, and project management.

The cost of taking the LEED Green Associate exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it generally costs between $200-$400 USD.

6. Building Operator Certification (BOC)

Building Operator Certification (BOC) is a nationally recognized program that provides training and certification for building operators. The program focuses on energy efficiency, sustainability, and operations and maintenance of commercial buildings.

The BOC program is designed to help building operators become more knowledgeable about energy efficiency and sustainability practices in their buildings. It covers topics such as energy management systems, energy audits, HVAC systems, lighting systems, water conservation strategies, indoor air quality management, and green building concepts.

The BOC program consists of an online course that takes approximately 20-30 hours to complete. Upon completion of the online course, participants must take a proctored exam to receive their certification. The exam covers topics such as energy management principles, building operations and maintenance best practices, and green building standards.

To get certified through the BOC program you must first register for the online course. The cost of the online course varies depending on where you live but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. After completing the online course you can then register for the proctored exam which typically costs around $200 USD.

Once you have completed both the online course and proctored exam successfully you will be awarded your Building Operator Certification (BOC). This certification is valid for three years after which time you must retake the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

7. HVAC Excellence Certification

HVAC Excellence Certification is an industry-recognized certification program that validates the knowledge, skills, and abilities of HVAC technicians. It is designed to ensure that technicians have a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of the HVAC trade. The certification consists of two exams: one on core competencies and one on specialty topics.

The certification process typically takes about three months to complete, depending on the individual's level of experience and commitment to study. To get certified, individuals must first pass both exams with a score of 80% or higher. After passing both exams, they will then receive their official certificate from HVAC Excellence.

The cost for taking the exams varies depending on where you take them, but typically ranges from $150-$300 per exam. There are also additional costs associated with studying materials and preparation courses if desired.

Overall, obtaining HVAC Excellence Certification can be beneficial for those looking to increase their knowledge and credibility in the field as well as increase their job opportunities and earning potential.

8. National Fire Protection Association Certifications

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an international nonprofit organization that provides standards and codes for fire protection and prevention. NFPA certifications are designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge of fire safety and the ability to apply it in the workplace.

NFPA certifications are available in a variety of areas, including Fire Inspector, Fire Instructor, Fire Investigator, Fire Officer, Hazardous Materials Technician, and Emergency Medical Technician. Each certification requires a different level of experience and knowledge.

To become certified by the NFPA, individuals must first complete an approved training program in their area of expertise. This can be done through a college or university program or through an approved online provider. Once the training is completed, individuals must pass an exam administered by the NFPA to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining NFPA certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought and where it is obtained from. Generally speaking, costs range from around $200 - $500 per certification. The time required to obtain a certification also varies depending on the type of certification being sought; some may take as little as a few weeks while others may take several months or more to complete.

9. OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Course

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Course is a training program designed to help employers, supervisors, and workers recognize and reduce the risks of job site hazards. The course covers a wide range of topics related to construction safety, including fall protection, scaffolding, electrical safety, crane safety, hazardous materials, and more. It is intended for entry-level workers in the construction industry as well as experienced workers who need to refresh their knowledge of safety regulations.

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Course typically takes 10 hours to complete. It can be taken in one day or over multiple days depending on the provider's schedule. The course is offered by many different organizations and providers across the country. The cost varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $100-$150 per person.

In order to get the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Course certificate, participants must attend all sessions and pass an exam at the end of the course with a score of 70% or higher. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an official OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Course wallet card that is valid for five years from date of issue.

10. National Electrical Code Certification

National Electrical Code (NEC) Certification is a certification program offered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It is designed to ensure that electricians have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely install, maintain, and repair electrical systems.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on practical assessment. The online exam covers topics such as electrical safety, wiring methods, overcurrent protection, grounding and bonding, equipment installation, and more. Once the online exam is completed successfully, applicants must complete a hands-on practical assessment in order to receive their NEC certification.

The practical assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of NEC code requirements by performing tasks related to installing electrical systems. This may include wiring outlets or switches, connecting wires to circuit breakers or other components, or troubleshooting existing electrical problems. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their ability to work safely with electricity in order to pass this portion of the certification process.

It typically takes between four and six weeks for an applicant to complete both the online exam and the hands-on practical assessment required for NEC Certification. The cost of obtaining NEC Certification varies depending on where you take the courses; however, it can range from $200-$500 USD.

Do You Really Need a Building Maintenance Certificate?

When it comes to maintaining a building, having a building maintenance certificate can be beneficial. A certificate provides you with the knowledge and skills required to properly maintain a building. With this knowledge, you can identify potential problems before they become major issues and take the necessary steps to correct them in order to ensure the longevity of the facility.

Having a building maintenance certificate is especially helpful for those who are responsible for managing or operating a commercial or industrial property. Knowing what needs to be done and when can help prevent costly repairs down the road. It also gives you an advantage when it comes time to negotiate with contractors and suppliers as you have a better understanding of the process.

Additionally, having a building maintenance certificate shows that you are dedicated to your profession and have taken the extra effort to learn more about it. This will demonstrate your commitment to staying up-to-date on industry trends and regulations, which can help you stand out from other candidates for job openings in this field.

In conclusion, having a building maintenance certificate can provide many benefits both professionally and personally by giving you additional knowledge and skills related to maintaining buildings. It also demonstrates your dedication to your profession while providing an advantage when negotiating with contractors or vendors. Therefore, if you plan on working in this industry, obtaining a building maintenance certificate is highly recommended.

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FAQs About Building Maintenance Certifications

1. What types of Building Maintenance Certifications are available?

Answer: There are a variety of building maintenance certifications available, including Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP), Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM), Certified Maintenance Supervisor (CMS), Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT), and Certified Facility Manager (CFM).

2. How do I become certified in Building Maintenance?

Answer: To become certified in building maintenance, you will need to complete an approved training program and pass the related certification exam. Training programs vary by certification but typically include classroom instruction, hands-on experience, or both.

3. What is the cost of getting a Building Maintenance Certification?

Answer: The cost of getting a building maintenance certification varies depending on the type of certification and the training provider. In general, costs range from $500-$2,000 for a single certification.

4. How long does it take to get a Building Maintenance Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get a building maintenance certification depends on the type of certification and the individual’s learning style. Generally speaking, most people can obtain their certification within 6-12 months with proper study habits and dedication to their studies.

5. What is the value of having a Building Maintenance Certification?

Answer: Having a building maintenance certification can provide many benefits including increased job opportunities, higher earning potential, improved credibility among peers, and access to more specialized knowledge in the field.