Top 11 Building Manager Certifications

Certifications for a building manager are important in today’s job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has acquired specialized knowledge and skills related to the management of buildings. Certification programs can provide a wide range of training, from basic building maintenance to complex construction management and engineering. This training can be invaluable for individuals looking to advance their career, as it provides them with the tools necessary to manage large projects and handle difficult situations. In addition, certifications can help employers identify qualified candidates who have achieved a level of mastery in their field. By demonstrating an individual’s commitment to professional development and expertise in their chosen area of specialization, certifications can provide a competitive edge when applying for positions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Building Managers and explains how they can help to further a building manager's career.

What are Building Manager Certifications?

Building Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and experience in managing buildings, from residential to commercial. This certification can be obtained through an accredited organization, such as the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI International). It is designed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to effectively manage all aspects of a building, from operations and maintenance to financial and personnel management.

By obtaining this certification, building managers are more likely to be recognized for their expertise in the field of building management. With this certification, they will have greater credibility when seeking employment or negotiating contracts. Furthermore, it can provide them with access to a larger network of industry professionals and resources that can help them stay up-to-date on the latest trends in building management. Additionally, having this certification may also qualify them for higher salaries or promotions within their current positions. Finally, having this certification can help ensure that buildings are properly managed which helps protect occupants’ safety by ensuring that all necessary maintenance and repairs are done in a timely fashion.

Pro Tip: To ensure the success of a building manager certification program, make sure to include hands-on training and testing. This will help to ensure that the managers understand the concepts and can apply them in real-world scenarios. Additionally, providing ongoing support and resources for continued education can help to ensure that building managers remain up-to-date on best practices and industry standards.

Related: What does a Building Manager do?

Top 11 Building Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Property Manager (CPM)

Certified Property Manager (CPM) is a professional designation offered by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). It is a globally recognized credential that sets the standard for excellence in property management. The CPM certification is designed to recognize and reward experienced property managers who demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism, knowledge, and ethical standards.

To obtain the CPM designation, individuals must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam administered by IREM. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in real estate management or related fields. Additionally, applicants must have completed at least 45 hours of approved IREM courses.

The CPM exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as financial management, legal issues, marketing and leasing strategies, operations and maintenance, risk management and ethics. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost to take the CPM exam varies depending on whether you are an IREM member or non-member. For members, it costs $450 USD; for non-members it costs $600 USD. After passing the exam, there is an additional fee of $150 USD for certification processing fees.

Overall, obtaining a Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation can take up to one year depending on how quickly you complete your coursework and pass your exams.

2. Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Professional Designation

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Professional Designation is an industry-recognized credential that recognizes the knowledge and expertise of professionals in the commercial real estate industry. The designation is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of building operations, management, and maintenance.

To earn the BOMA Professional Designation, individuals must complete a series of courses offered by BOMA International. The courses cover topics such as building systems, tenant relations, financial management, legal issues, and more. In order to receive the designation, applicants must pass an exam at the end of each course.

The entire process typically takes between three and six months to complete depending on how quickly you are able to work through the courses. It is important to note that there are prerequisites for some of the courses so it may take longer if you need to complete those first.

In order to get started with earning your BOMA Professional Designation, you will need to register with BOMA International online or by phone. You will then be able to purchase the courses individually or in packages depending on your needs. Prices vary depending on which package you choose but typically range from $500-$1,000 USD.

Once you have completed all of the required courses and passed all of the exams you will be eligible for your BOMA Professional Designation. This designation can help open doors in your career as it demonstrates your commitment to professional development and mastery in commercial real estate operations and management.

3. Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC) Certified Building Manager

The Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC) Certified Building Manager (CBM) designation is a professional designation that recognizes the expertise and knowledge of building managers who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of multi-unit residential buildings. The CBM designation is designed to give building managers the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage their buildings, including understanding financials, tenant relations, maintenance, and legal issues.

It takes approximately one year to complete the REIC Certified Building Manager program. To become certified, applicants must first complete the REIC Core Course in Property Management or an equivalent course from another recognized institution. Once this prerequisite has been completed, applicants must then pass a written exam administered by REIC.

The cost of becoming a REIC Certified Building Manager depends on which route you take to obtain certification. If you choose to take the Core Course from REIC directly, it will cost $1,350 plus taxes. If you choose to take an equivalent course from another recognized institution, you will need to pay for that course separately. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $200 plus taxes that must be paid when registering for the exam.

Overall, becoming a REIC Certified Building Manager requires dedication and commitment but can be extremely rewarding for those looking to advance their career in property management.

4. Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)

Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) is a professional designation that recognizes the expertise and commitment of apartment managers. The CAM credential is awarded by the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) to individuals who have successfully completed an extensive training program and passed a rigorous examination.

The CAM program consists of three core courses: Apartment Management, Leasing & Marketing, and Maintenance & Operations. The program also includes elective coursework in areas such as Fair Housing, Risk Management, and Human Resources.

It typically takes about 3-6 months to complete the CAM program depending on how quickly you can complete the required coursework. To get started, you must first register for the NAAEI online learning portal where you will find all of the materials for each course. After completing all of the required courses, you must then pass a proctored final exam with a score of at least 75%.

The cost to become certified depends on whether or not you are already an NAA member. For non-members, it costs $425 for all three core courses plus any electives that you choose to take. For NAA members, it costs $375 for all three core courses plus any electives that you choose to take.

5. LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) is a professional designation given by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to individuals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building principles and practices, as well as the LEED Rating System. The LEED AP credential is recognized worldwide as an indication of expertise in green building design, construction, operations, and maintenance.

It typically takes between four and six months to become a LEED AP depending on the individual's experience level and availability for study time. To become a LEED AP, you must first pass the LEED Green Associate exam and then choose one of the specialty exams offered by USGBC. After passing both exams, you will receive your LEED AP credential.

The cost to become a LEED AP varies depending on which exam you take and how many times you need to retake it if necessary. The cost for the Green Associate exam is $200 USD and each specialty exam costs $300 USD. Retakes are discounted at $100 USD each time.

6. Certified Building Maintenance Technician (CBMT)

Certified Building Maintenance Technician (CBMT) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required to perform maintenance and repair work in commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. The CBMT program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which ensures that individuals who complete the program meet or exceed industry standards for building maintenance.

The CBMT program consists of four courses: Basic Electrical Systems, HVAC/R Systems, Plumbing Systems, and Building Maintenance Practices. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of instruction and can be completed online or in a classroom setting. Upon successful completion of all four courses, students are eligible to take the Certified Building Maintenance Technician exam administered by ANSI.

In order to become certified as a CBMT, applicants must have at least two years of experience in building maintenance or related fields. Applicants must also pass a background check prior to enrolling in the program. The cost of the CBMT program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500.

Once an individual has successfully passed the exam and been certified as a CBMT they will receive a certificate that is valid for three years. Renewal requires completing continuing education requirements every three years in order to maintain their certification status.

7. Facilities Management Professional (FMP)

Facilities Management Professional (FMP) is a certification program offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). It is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of facility management professionals. The FMP credential is achieved through a combination of education, experience and examination.

To obtain the FMP credential, candidates must have a minimum of two years of professional experience in facility management or an equivalent field. Candidates must also complete four courses from IFMA’s approved list of courses and pass the FMP exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete.

The cost for the FMP program depends on whether you are an IFMA member or non-member. For members, it costs $1,395 for the four required courses and $295 for the exam fee. For non-members, it costs $1,595 for the four required courses and $395 for the exam fee.

In total, it typically takes six to nine months to complete all requirements necessary to earn your FMP credential.

8. Certified Facility Manager (CFM)

Certified Facility Manager (CFM) is a professional certification program administered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). The CFM credential recognizes facility management professionals who have achieved a level of excellence in their field. It is designed to provide recognition of an individual's knowledge, experience, and skills in the practice of facility management.

The CFM program requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as operations and maintenance, finance and business, human factors, project management, and sustainability. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. Applicants must also have at least three years of experience in the field of facility management or a related field.

To obtain the CFM credential, applicants must submit an application along with documentation that verifies their education and experience requirements. Once approved, applicants will receive a certificate from IFMA recognizing them as a Certified Facility Manager.

The cost for the CFM program varies depending on whether you are an IFMA member or non-member. For members, the cost is $395 USD; for non-members it is $495 USD.

9. Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Professional

The Building Performance Institute (BPI) is a nationally recognized certification organization that offers a suite of certifications for home performance professionals. The BPI Building Analyst Professional certification is the most popular and widely accepted credential in the industry. It is designed to prepare individuals to assess residential buildings for energy efficiency and comfort issues, as well as recommend appropriate solutions.

To become a BPI Building Analyst Professional, you must complete an approved training program and pass an exam. Training programs are typically offered by local community colleges, trade schools, or private companies. They can range from one day to several weeks in length depending on the provider. After completing the training program, you must then take and pass the BPI Building Analyst Professional Exam. This exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost of becoming a BPI Building Analyst Professional varies depending on your location and provider. Typically, it costs between $500-$1,000 for the training program plus an additional $200-$300 for the exam fee.

10. National Apartment Association's National Credentialing Program for Professionals in Multi-Family Housing

The National Apartment Association’s (NAA) National Credentialing Program for Professionals in Multi-Family Housing is a voluntary program that recognizes and rewards individuals who demonstrate a commitment to professional development and excellence in the multi-family housing industry. The credentialing program offers three levels of certification: Certified Apartment Manager (CAM), Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT), and Certified Apartment Supplier (CAS).

To become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements, such as having a minimum amount of experience in the multi-family housing industry, completing an approved education program, and passing an exam. Depending on the level of certification desired, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete the process.

To get started, applicants must first register with NAA and pay a registration fee. The fee varies depending on the level of certification being sought. After registering, applicants will be provided with information about the requirements for each level of certification. They will also receive access to study materials and resources to help them prepare for their exams.

Once all requirements are met and the applicant has passed their exam(s), they will be awarded their certification from NAA. This certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

In total, obtaining NAA’s National Credentialing Program for Professionals in Multi-Family Housing can cost anywhere from $150-$400 depending on which level of certification is being sought.

11. International Facility Management Association's Certified Facility Manager

The International Facility Management Association's Certified Facility Manager (CFM) certification is a professional credential that recognizes facility managers who have attained the highest level of expertise in their field. The CFM program is designed to assess an individual’s knowledge and experience in the areas of facility management, operations, maintenance, safety and security, budgeting and finance, human resources, strategic planning, technology integration, sustainability and more.

It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to complete the requirements for the CFM designation. To get certified as a CFM you must:

1. Meet eligibility requirements;

2. Pass the CFM exam;

3. Submit your application for review;

4. Receive approval from IFMA's Certification Commission.

The cost of becoming a Certified Facility Manager depends on whether or not you are an IFMA member. For non-members, it costs $595 USD to take the exam and $50 USD for each additional retake if needed. For IFMA members, it costs $495 USD to take the exam and $25 USD for each additional retake if needed.

Do You Really Need a Building Manager Certificate?

When it comes to managing a building, there is no substitute for experience. However, having a Building Manager Certificate can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in such a role. A Building Manager Certificate can provide you with the necessary foundation to become an effective building manager and help you better understand how to manage a building on a day-to-day basis.

Having a Building Manager Certificate can give you an advantage when it comes to getting hired for such positions. It demonstrates that you have sought out the training and education necessary for the job and are committed to being successful in this field. It also shows potential employers that you have taken initiative and are willing to invest in yourself by obtaining additional qualifications.

A Building Manager Certificate also provides you with the opportunity to learn important concepts related to building management such as budgeting, tenant relations, risk management, legal issues, energy efficiency and more. This knowledge will help ensure that your buildings are well maintained and operated efficiently. Additionally, having this certification may qualify you for higher pay or promotions within your organization if they have programs that recognize these credentials.

Overall, having a Building Manager Certificate is beneficial if you want to pursue this type of career or advance within your current role. It will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge needed for success in this field while giving potential employers assurance that you are serious about developing professionally within the industry.

Related: Building Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Building Manager Certifications

1. What certifications do I need to work as a building manager?

Answer: Building managers typically need to have a professional certification such as Certified Property Manager (CPM), Certified Apartment Manager (CAM), or Accredited Residential Manager (ARM).

2. How do I become certified as a building manager?

Answer: In order to become certified, you must complete an approved educational program and pass an exam that is administered by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) or National Apartment Association (NAA).

3. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the specific certification you are pursuing and your individual progress through the program. On average, it can take between 3-6 months to complete the necessary coursework and pass the exam.

4. Is there a fee associated with getting certified?

Answer: Yes, there is typically a fee associated with taking the exam and registering for courses related to building management certifications. This fee can vary depending on the type of certification you are pursuing.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, most professional certifications require continuing education in order to maintain your status as an active member in good standing. This usually involves completing additional coursework or attending seminars related to building management topics every few years in order to stay up-to-date on industry best practices and changes in laws and regulations.