Top 11 Facilities Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for a facilities assistant in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers value. Certification can increase the value of an individual in the job market, as certification is seen as a mark of quality and reliability. Certifications also provide tangible evidence that an individual has achieved a certain level of proficiency in their field. This can help them stand out from other applicants and make them more attractive to potential employers. Additionally, certifications can give facilities assistants access to professional networks and resources that can be invaluable for career growth and development.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Facilities Assistants and explain how they can help further a facilities assistant's career.

What are Facilities Assistant Certifications?

Facilities assistant certification is a credential offered by organizations such as the International Association of Facilities Managers (IAFM) and the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). It is designed to equip those working in facilities management with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their roles. The certification helps individuals demonstrate their commitment to professional development, enhance their career prospects, and be recognized for their expertise.

The certification program typically includes courses related to facility management operations, safety, energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, financial management, customer service, human resources, and legal issues. Participants learn best practices for managing facilities and gain an understanding of the various roles within a facility management team. They also gain practical experience in problem solving and decision making. Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a certificate that can be used as proof of their qualifications when applying for jobs or seeking promotions in the field.

Pro Tip: When considering a facilities assistant certification, make sure to research courses offered in your area and inquire about any prerequisites or continuing education requirements. Additionally, look for certifications that are accredited and recognized by industry organizations and employers.

Related: What does a Facilities Assistant do?

Top 11 Facilities Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Facilities Assistants today.

1. Certified Facilities Manager (CFM)

Certified Facilities Manager (CFM) is a professional certification offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in the field of facility management. CFMs are responsible for overseeing the operations and maintenance of facilities, ensuring that they are safe, efficient, and compliant with applicable regulations.

To become a Certified Facilities Manager, candidates must have at least five years of experience in facility management or related fields. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam covering topics such as finance and budgeting, operations and maintenance, human resources, sustainability, and risk management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for the CFM certification varies depending on whether you are an IFMA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $595 USD; for members, it is $495 USD. The fee includes access to study materials and practice exams as well as the actual exam itself.

Once certified, CFMs must recertify every three years by completing continuing education courses or attending approved conferences. This ensures that they stay up-to-date on best practices in facility management.

2. Certified Building Maintenance Technician (CBMT)

Certified Building Maintenance Technician (CBMT) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals working in the building maintenance field. It is offered by the National Institute for Building Maintenance (NIBM). The CBMT certification program is a comprehensive training and assessment program that covers all aspects of building maintenance, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, painting, and other related trades.

The CBMT certification process typically takes about six months to complete. To become certified, an individual must pass a written exam and demonstrate proficiency in all areas of building maintenance. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safety practices, preventive maintenance techniques, troubleshooting procedures, and more. After passing the exam, applicants must complete a hands-on practical evaluation to demonstrate their ability to perform various tasks related to building maintenance.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the provider offering the program. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1000 USD for the entire certification process. Additionally, some providers may require additional fees for materials or supplies needed for completion of the coursework or practical evaluation.

Overall, obtaining CBMT certification provides individuals with an advantage when seeking employment in the building maintenance field as it demonstrates that they possess the necessary knowledge and skills required for success in this profession.

3. Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST)

Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST) is a certification program offered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in environmental health services. This certification is intended for those working in the field of environmental health services, such as public health inspectors, environmental health specialists, and sanitarians.

The CEST certification requires successful completion of an exam that covers topics such as food safety, water quality, air quality, hazardous materials management, sanitation and pest control. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. Candidates must also complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education related to environmental health services within the three years prior to taking the exam.

To become certified as a CEST technician, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements including: having at least one year of experience in environmental health services; passing the CEST exam; completing 30 hours of continuing education; and submitting an application fee. The cost for the application fee is $150 USD.

Once all requirements are met and the application fee has been paid, it typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive your CEST certification.

4. Certified Facility Maintenance Supervisor (CFMS)

Certified Facility Maintenance Supervisor (CFMS) is a certification program offered by the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA). The CFMS certification is designed to recognize facility maintenance professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field. It is intended to provide employers with assurance that they are hiring qualified personnel for their facility maintenance needs.

The CFMS certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in the field, as well as passing an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safety, building systems, energy management, and preventive maintenance. Applicants must also complete a self-assessment survey in order to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

To obtain the CFMS certification, applicants must submit an application form and fee ($250 USD). After submitting the application, applicants will receive an email confirming their eligibility for the exam. Once approved, applicants can then register for the exam online or by mail. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CFMS certificate within 4-6 weeks.

The cost of obtaining the CFMS certification includes the $250 application fee and any additional fees associated with taking and passing the exam.

5. Professional in Facility Management (PFM)

Professional in Facility Management (PFM) is a certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in the field of facility management. The program is administered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).

To become certified as a Professional in Facility Management, candidates must first meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least three years of experience in the field and passing an exam. Once these requirements are met, applicants can register for the PFM exam.

The PFM exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as facility management principles, operations and maintenance, finance and budgeting, sustainability, customer service, and more. The practical portion involves completing various tasks related to facility management.

The cost of taking the PFM exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD to take the exam.

It typically takes about six weeks to receive your results after taking the PFM exam. If you pass both portions of the exam, you will receive your certification within two weeks after that.

6. Certified Plant Maintenance Technician (CPTMT)

Certified Plant Maintenance Technician (CPTMT) is a certification program offered by the Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in the maintenance and repair of industrial equipment. The CPTMT certification is based on a series of exams that assess the individual’s knowledge in various areas such as safety, electrical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.

The CPTMT certification process typically takes about six months to complete. The first step is to register for the exam with AEMP. Once registered, you will be provided with an online study guide and access to practice exams. After studying for the exam, you will need to pass both a written and practical test in order to become certified.

The cost for the CPTMT certification program varies depending on whether you are registering as an individual or as part of a group. For individuals, the cost is $400 plus any applicable taxes or fees. For groups, the cost can range from $1,000-$2,500 depending on how many people are taking the exam.

Once you have completed all requirements and passed both tests, you will receive your official CPTMT certificate and be listed in AEMP’s online directory of certified technicians. This listing can help employers identify qualified candidates when hiring for plant maintenance positions.

7. Certified HVAC/R Technician (CHRT)

A Certified HVAC/R Technician (CHRT) is a professional who has been certified by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.

It typically takes about two years of experience working in the HVAC/R field before you can become CHRT certified. To get this certification you must pass an exam that covers topics such as electrical safety, system design and installation, refrigeration principles, troubleshooting techniques, and more. The exam is offered twice a year at approved testing centers around the country.

The cost for the exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $150-$250. You will also need to purchase study materials which range from $50-$100. Once you have passed the exam you will be issued a CHRT certificate which is valid for three years. After three years you must renew your certification by taking continuing education courses or retaking the original exam.

8. Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

Certified Energy Manager (CEM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in energy management, energy efficiency, and sustainability. The CEM designation is recognized internationally as the premier certification for professionals in the field of energy management.

To become a Certified Energy Manager, an individual must complete an AEE-approved training course and pass an exam. The training course typically takes three to five days to complete and covers topics such as energy auditing, energy efficiency measures, financial analysis, and renewable energy technologies. After completing the course, applicants must pass an exam administered by AEE.

The cost of becoming a Certified Energy Manager varies depending on the provider offering the course and exam. Generally speaking, courses range from $1,500 - $2,000 USD and exams range from $400 - $600 USD. In addition to these costs, there is also an annual renewal fee of $75 USD required to maintain the CEM designation.

9. LEED Green Associate

LEED Green Associate is a professional certification program offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and it is an internationally recognized green building certification system that promotes sustainable design and construction practices. The LEED Green Associate credential is designed to recognize individuals who have a basic understanding of green building principles, practices, and strategies.

It typically takes about 3-6 months to prepare for the exam and obtain the LEED Green Associate credential. To get started, you will need to create an account with the USGBC website and register for the exam. You will then need to study for the exam using their recommended resources, such as books, online courses, or study groups. Once you feel prepared, you can schedule your exam at a local testing center or online through Pearson VUE.

The cost of the LEED Green Associate credential varies depending on where you take the exam and how many times you need to retake it if necessary. The initial fee for taking the exam is usually around $200-$300 USD. If you need to retake it, there may be additional fees associated with that as well.

10. OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health Certificate

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health Certificate is a voluntary program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It provides an introduction to safety and health hazards in the construction industry. The program includes topics such as fall protection, scaffolding, electrical safety, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, and more.

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health Certificate can be completed in two days or less. It is designed for entry-level workers and supervisors in the construction industry. Participants must attend all 10 hours of training to receive their certificate.

The cost of the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health Certificate varies depending on the provider offering it. Some providers may offer free or discounted courses for certain groups of people such as veterans or students.

To get the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health Certificate, you must first find an authorized provider that offers the course. You can search for an authorized provider on OSHA’s website or contact your state OSHA office for more information. Once you have found a provider that offers the course, you will need to register for it and pay any associated fees. After completing all 10 hours of training, you will receive your certificate from the provider.

11. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) is a nationally recognized certification program for engineering technicians. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their chosen engineering field. The NICET certification program is offered by the American Society of Professional Engineers (ASPE) and is accepted by employers, government agencies, and other organizations as an indication of professional competence.

The NICET certification process involves completing a series of examinations that test knowledge and skills in various areas of engineering technology. The exams are divided into four levels: Level I (Foundation), Level II (Intermediate), Level III (Advanced), and Level IV (Specialist). Each exam level has its own set of requirements and prerequisites that must be met before taking the exam.

The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on the individual's experience and preparation. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete all four levels of exams. In order to get certified, applicants must submit an application form, provide proof of education or experience, pass all required exams with a score of at least 70%, pay the applicable fees, and meet any other requirements specified by ASPE.

The cost for taking each exam varies depending on the level being taken. Generally speaking, Level I costs around $150 USD while Levels II-IV cost approximately $200 USD each. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with submitting applications or obtaining study materials for the exams.

Do You Really Need a Facilities Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your particular career goals. A Facilities Assistant Certificate can provide a valuable credential to help you in the field of facilities management, depending on your current level of experience and qualifications.

If you are looking to enter the field of facilities management, then a Facilities Assistant Certificate can be an invaluable asset. The certificate will demonstrate that you have a basic understanding of facility operations, including maintenance, safety and security protocols, as well as administrative tasks such as budgeting and record keeping. Having this certification may give you an edge when applying for jobs in the field or when negotiating salary or other benefits.

If you already have some experience in facilities management then a certificate may not be necessary. However, having the additional credentials may still be beneficial if it helps you stand out from other potential candidates or if it demonstrates that you are committed to professional development and staying up-to-date with industry trends. Additionally, some employers may require certain certifications before they will consider hiring someone for a position in their organization. In these cases, having a certificate could make the difference between getting the job and being passed over for another candidate.

In summary, whether or not you need a Facilities Assistant Certificate depends largely on your individual career goals and objectives. It is important to do research into what employers in your area require before making any decisions about investing time and money into obtaining certification credentials.

Related: Facilities Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Facilities Assistant Certifications

1. What are the requirements for a Facilities Assistant Certification?

Answer: The exact requirements vary by state or certifying organization, but typically include having a high school diploma or equivalent, and completing an approved training program.

2. Are there any online courses available for Facilities Assistant Certifications?

Answer: Yes, many organizations offer online courses to help prepare individuals for certification exams.

3. How long does it take to get a Facilities Assistant Certification?

Answer: This depends on the certifying organization and how quickly you complete the necessary training and testing requirements, but generally it can take anywhere from six months to two years.

4. Is there a fee associated with getting a Facilities Assistant Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations charge a fee to cover the cost of processing your application and providing study materials or tests.

5. What types of jobs can I get with a Facilities Assistant Certification?

Answer: With a certification, you may be eligible for entry-level positions in maintenance or custodial services in various industries, such as healthcare facilities, schools and universities, office buildings and retail stores.