Top 10 Building Maintenance Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for a building maintenance supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has been certified in all areas of building maintenance. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the individual possesses the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to perform their job properly. Additionally, certifications can help an individual stand out from other candidates during the hiring process and make them more attractive to potential employers. Lastly, certifications can open up opportunities for advancement or higher paying positions within a company.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications available to Building Maintenance Supervisors and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Building Maintenance Supervisor Certifications?

Building maintenance supervisor certification is a program designed to provide supervisors with the knowledge and skills they need to successfully manage the building maintenance operations of their organization. This certification program focuses on the key areas of building maintenance operations, including preventive maintenance, repair, inspection, safety, and energy conservation. By becoming certified, supervisors gain the ability to ensure that their facility is maintained in a safe and efficient manner while also complying with applicable codes and regulations.

The benefits of obtaining building maintenance supervisor certification are numerous. First and foremost, it provides supervisors with the expertise needed to effectively lead their team in maintaining the facility. In addition, it helps them understand how to identify potential problems before they become costly repairs or replacements; this can help reduce costs associated with repairs or replacements due to lack of preventive maintenance. Additionally, certification demonstrates to employers that supervisors have the knowledge necessary to manage a facility’s maintenance operations in an effective manner. Lastly, having a certified supervisor on staff can help build confidence among customers and stakeholders that the facility is being managed properly and efficiently.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the specific requirements for building maintenance supervisor certification in your area, as these can vary from state to state. Additionally, look into any continuing education courses or seminars that you may need to take in order to maintain your certification.

Related: What does a Building Maintenance Supervisor do?

Top 10 Building Maintenance Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Building Maintenance Supervisor Certification (BMSC)

Building Maintenance Supervisor Certification (BMSC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the competency of experienced and knowledgeable building maintenance supervisors. The certification is offered by the Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA), a leading organization in the commercial real estate industry.

The BMSC program consists of three levels: Basic, Advanced, and Master. To qualify for these certifications, applicants must have at least two years of experience in building maintenance supervision or related fields. They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as safety, maintenance operations, energy management, customer service, budgeting, and more.

The Basic level requires applicants to complete a one-day class and pass the corresponding exam with a score of 70% or higher. The Advanced level requires applicants to complete a two-day class and pass the corresponding exam with a score of 80% or higher. The Master level requires applicants to complete a three-day class and pass the corresponding exam with a score of 90% or higher.

The cost for each level varies depending on whether you are taking classes in person or online. For example, the Basic level costs $295 if taken online or $395 if taken in person; while the Advanced level costs $595 if taken online or $695 if taken in person; and the Master level costs $895 if taken online or $995 if taken in person.

Once you have completed all three levels successfully, you will receive your BMSC certification which is valid for five years from date of issue.

2. Certified Building Maintenance Supervisor (CBMS)

Certified Building Maintenance Supervisor (CBMS) is a professional certification program for those who work in the building maintenance and operations field. The CBMS certification is offered through the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). It is designed to recognize and validate an individual’s knowledge and experience in managing building maintenance, operations, and related services.

The CBMS certification requires a minimum of five years of experience in the field and successful completion of an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as facility management principles, building systems, energy management, safety practices, emergency preparedness, and more.

To get certified, you must complete an application form with your contact information, work experience details, education history, and other relevant information. Once approved by IFMA’s Certification Council, you will be eligible to register for the exam. You can then schedule an appointment to take the exam at one of IFMA’s testing centers located throughout the United States or Canada.

The cost of taking the CBMS exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $450 USD to take the exam at a testing center in North America. If you choose to take it online instead of at a physical location, there may be additional fees associated with that option as well.

Once you have successfully passed the exam and been certified by IFMA as a Certified Building Maintenance Supervisor (CBMS), your certificate will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

3. Professional Building Maintenance Supervisor (PBMS)

Professional Building Maintenance Supervisor (PBMS) is a certification program offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). The PBMS certification program is designed to provide facility managers, building engineers, and other maintenance professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and maintain a building’s systems.

The PBMS certification program consists of three courses: Building Systems Maintenance, Building Maintenance Planning & Scheduling, and Building Maintenance Supervision & Leadership. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time. After completing all three courses, you will be eligible to take the final exam and receive your PBMS certificate.

The cost of the PBMS certification program varies depending on which course you choose. Generally speaking, each course costs around $1,000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the final exam and receiving your certificate.

In order to get certified as a Professional Building Maintenance Supervisor (PBMS), you must first complete all three courses in the PBMS certification program. This process typically takes anywhere from six months to one year depending on how quickly you can complete each course.

4. Certified Facility Manager (CFM)

Certified Facility Manager (CFM) is a professional certification awarded by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of facility management. The CFM credential provides recognition of an individual's commitment to excellence, professional development, and dedication to the facility management profession.

The CFM program consists of three components: education, experience, and examination. To become certified, applicants must meet all three requirements.

Education: Applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent in any field from an accredited college or university. They must also complete IFMA’s Core Curriculum coursework or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through other educational programs.

Experience: Applicants must have at least five years of full-time experience in facility management within the last 10 years prior to applying for certification. This experience should include managing people, processes, technology, finance/budgeting, and customer service/relationships.

Examination: Applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of facility management including planning and design; operations and maintenance; finance and business; human factors; environment and risk; project management; communication; leadership; strategy and alignment; and technology.

The entire process typically takes between six months to one year depending on how quickly you can complete the required courses or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through other educational programs as well as obtain the necessary experience.

The cost for certification depends on several factors such as whether you are an IFMA member or not, when you apply for certification (early bird discounts are available), etc., but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

5. Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT)

Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) is a certification program for professionals in the apartment maintenance industry. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the best practices and procedures for maintaining and servicing apartments. The CAMT certification requires successful completion of an online course, which typically takes about 40 hours to complete. The course covers topics such as electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC systems, carpentry, painting, appliance repair, and more.

The cost of the CAMT certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $400-$600. To obtain the CAMT certification you must first register with a provider who offers the course. Once registered you can then access the online course materials and take the required exams. Upon successful completion of all requirements you will receive your CAMT certificate.

6. National Apartment Association's Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (NAA-CAMT)

The National Apartment Association's Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (NAA-CAMT) program is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain and repair apartment buildings. The NAA-CAMT certification provides recognition of an individual’s expertise in the maintenance and repair of apartment buildings.

The NAA-CAMT certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as electrical systems, plumbing systems, HVAC systems, carpentry, painting, safety, energy efficiency, and other general maintenance topics. The practical assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to perform hands-on tasks related to apartment maintenance and repair.

It typically takes about six months to complete the NAA-CAMT certification process. To get started, applicants must register for the exam online at the National Apartment Association website. Once registered, applicants will receive information on how to prepare for the exam as well as instructions on how to schedule their practical assessment. Applicants must also complete an approved training course prior to taking the exam.

The cost of obtaining the NAA-CAMT certification varies depending on the applicant’s location but generally ranges from $300-$500 USD. This cost includes registration fees for both the written exam and practical assessment as well as any required training courses or materials needed for preparation purposes.

7. Certified Property Manager (CPM)

Certified Property Manager (CPM) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) to experienced property managers who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, experience, and professionalism in the management of real estate. The CPM designation is widely recognized as the highest standard of excellence in the field of property management.

To become a CPM, an individual must meet certain educational requirements and have at least three years of full-time experience in property management. Additionally, individuals must pass an examination that covers topics such as financial analysis, budgeting, marketing and leasing strategies, legal issues, tenant relations and risk management.

It typically takes about two years to complete all the requirements for certification. This includes completing IREM’s online courses or attending their live classes; accumulating at least three years of full-time experience in property management; and passing the CPM exam.

The cost for obtaining a CPM designation varies depending on which educational program you choose to pursue. For example, IREM’s online courses range from $300 to $750 per course while their live classes range from $2,000 to $4,000 per class. Additionally, there is an application fee of $100 and an examination fee of $400 when taking the CPM exam.

8. LEED Green Associate

LEED Green Associate is a professional certification program offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge of green building principles and practices, and have the ability to apply them in their work. The LEED Green Associate credential is intended for professionals working on green building projects or those interested in learning more about green building principles.

The LEED Green Associate credential typically takes between four and six weeks to complete, depending on the individual’s experience level and familiarity with green building concepts. To become a LEED Green Associate, individuals must pass an exam administered by the USGBC. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, and project management.

The cost of taking the LEED Green Associate exam varies depending on the country you live in and whether you are a member of the USGBC or not. For example, in the United States, members of USGBC pay $250 USD while non-members pay $350 USD for the exam fee. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing study materials or attending review courses prior to taking the exam.

9. HVAC/R Certification

HVAC/R certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R). The purpose of HVAC/R certification is to ensure that technicians have the necessary skills and knowledge to properly install, maintain, and repair HVAC/R systems.

It typically takes between one to two years to complete an HVAC/R certification program. During this time, students will learn about the principles of thermodynamics, electricity, gas laws, safety practices and regulations related to HVAC/R systems. They will also receive hands-on training in how to install, maintain and repair various types of HVAC/R equipment.

The cost of an HVAC/R certification program can vary depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, however, most programs cost between $2,000-$3,000 USD for tuition alone. Additional fees may be required for textbooks or other materials needed for the course.

To obtain an HVAC/R certification, individuals must pass a series of examinations administered by a recognized certifying body such as NATE (North American Technician Excellence) or EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). These exams are designed to assess the applicant’s knowledge and skills in areas such as electrical wiring diagrams, system design and installation techniques. Once all examinations have been passed successfully, applicants will receive their official certificate from the certifying body.

10. EPA 608 Certification

EPA 608 Certification is a certification program developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that technicians who work with refrigerants are properly trained and certified. The EPA 608 certification program covers four types of certifications: Type I, Type II, Type III, and Universal.

Type I certifications cover servicing small appliances such as window air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Type II certifications cover high-pressure appliances such as commercial refrigerators and chillers. Type III certifications cover low-pressure appliances such as residential air conditioners and heat pumps. Universal certifications cover all three types of appliances.

It typically takes between one to two weeks to receive your EPA 608 certification after completing the necessary training courses or exams. To get certified, you must complete either an online training course or take an exam at a testing center. After successfully completing the course or exam, you will receive your certification in the mail within one to two weeks.

The cost of getting an EPA 608 certification varies depending on which type of certification you need and which provider you choose for your training course or exam. Generally speaking, most providers charge between $50-$200 for their courses or exams.

Do You Really Need a Building Maintenance Supervisor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what kind of job you are seeking. If you are looking for a job as a building maintenance supervisor, then having a certificate might be helpful in demonstrating your knowledge and expertise in the field. Having a certificate can also make you look more professional and credible when applying for jobs.

On the other hand, if you already have experience in building maintenance and want to apply for a job as a supervisor, then having a certificate may not be necessary. However, it is still important to show that you have relevant experience and training in the field. You can do this by providing references from past employers or by taking courses related to building maintenance.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Building Maintenance Supervisor Certificate depends on your individual situation. If you feel like it would be beneficial to have one, then it could help give you an edge when applying for jobs in the field.

Related: Building Maintenance Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Building Maintenance Supervisor Certifications

1. What is a Building Maintenance Supervisor Certification?

Answer: A Building Maintenance Supervisor Certification is a qualification that demonstrates an individual's comprehensive knowledge of building maintenance, including the ability to manage and supervise all aspects of a building’s upkeep and repair.

2. How do I get certified as a Building Maintenance Supervisor?

Answer: To become certified as a Building Maintenance Supervisor, you must complete training courses approved by your state or municipality and pass an exam to demonstrate your knowledge of the field.

3. What topics are covered in the certification exams?

Answer: The topics covered in the certification exams include property management, construction safety, hazardous materials management, mechanical systems maintenance, electrical systems maintenance, plumbing systems maintenance, fire safety systems maintenance, and more.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the required courses and pass the certification exam.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified?

Answer: Yes, most states or municipalities require applicants to have at least two years of experience in building maintenance before they can apply for certification. Additionally, some states may also require applicants to have certain educational qualifications such as a high school diploma or GED certificate.