Top 10 Facilities Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a facilities coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate the individual’s commitment to professional development and their knowledge of facility management principles and practices. A certification also provides employers with evidence that the applicant has the skills necessary to effectively manage a facility. Certifications can also be used as a way to differentiate one candidate from another, as employers may prefer applicants who hold certifications from organizations such as IFMA (International Facility Management Association) or BOMI (Building Owners and Managers Institute).

The purpose of this article is to inform Facilities Coordinators about the various certifications that can help to enhance their career and provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the field.

What are Facilities Coordinator Certifications?

Facilities coordinator certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to coordinate the efficient functioning of a facility. This certification can benefit individuals in a number of ways.

First, having this credential can demonstrate to employers that an individual has the necessary expertise to manage facility operations effectively. It also provides potential employers with assurance that the individual is up-to-date on current industry standards and best practices. Additionally, it validates the individual’s commitment to their profession, as well as their dedication to providing quality service.

In addition, obtaining facilities coordinator certification can provide individuals with access to a variety of resources and opportunities for professional development. Certification holders may be eligible for discounts on training courses, workshops, conferences and other educational materials related to facilities management. They may also qualify for membership in professional organizations dedicated to this field, which are valuable networking opportunities. Furthermore, certified professionals may have access to job postings or job fairs specifically geared towards those with credentials in this area of expertise.

Overall, obtaining facilities coordinator certification can help individuals gain recognition within their field while also giving them access to valuable resources that can facilitate career advancement and success.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a facilities coordinator certification, make sure to research the certification requirements and program offerings of multiple organizations. This will help ensure that you select the best program for your specific needs and career goals.

Related: What does a Facilities Coordinator do?

Top 10 Facilities Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Facilities Manager (CPFM)

Certified Professional Facilities Manager (CPFM) is a professional certification offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of facility managers in the areas of maintenance, operations, finance, human resources, communications, emergency preparedness and sustainability.

To obtain the CPFM credential, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in facility management or a related field. In addition to having relevant work experience, applicants must also pass an exam administered by IFMA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as finance, safety and security, operations and maintenance, sustainability and emergency preparedness.

The cost for the CPFM exam is $450 for IFMA members and $550 for non-members. The exam can be taken at any one of IFMA's testing centers located around the world. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam.

Once an applicant has passed the CPFM exam they will receive their certification from IFMA. This certification is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed with additional continuing education credits or by retaking the exam.

2. Certified Facility Manager (CFM)

Certified Facility Manager (CFM) is a professional credential offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). It is designed to recognize experienced facility management professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in the field. The CFM certification is intended to demonstrate that a facility manager has achieved a high level of proficiency in the areas of operations and maintenance, finance and business, human factors, environmental stewardship, leadership and strategy, and project management.

To become certified as a CFM, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least three years of full-time experience in facility management or related field. They must also pass an exam administered by IFMA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as building systems, sustainability, safety/security/risk management, operations/maintenance/repair, budgeting/finance/business administration, human resources/personnel administration, and strategic planning.

The process of obtaining the CFM credential typically takes between 4-6 months. During this time period applicants must complete the application process which includes submitting proof of work experience and passing the exam. Once these steps are completed they will receive their official CFM certificate from IFMA.

The cost for obtaining the CFM credential varies depending on your country or region but typically ranges from $400-$700 USD. This cost includes application fees as well as exam fees and other associated costs such as study materials or membership dues with IFMA.

3. Certified Building Operator (CBO)

Certified Building Operator (CBO) is an internationally recognized certification program for building professionals. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the operation and maintenance of commercial buildings, including energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and sustainability. The CBO program is administered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).

The CBO certification requires successful completion of a three-day training course and passing a written exam. The course covers topics such as building systems, energy management, HVAC systems, lighting systems, water conservation, and sustainability. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, individuals are awarded the Certified Building Operator credential.

To become a Certified Building Operator (CBO), you must complete an approved training course that meets AEE's standards. A list of approved courses can be found on the AEE website. The cost of the training course varies depending on which provider you choose; however, it typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 USD.

Once you have completed your training course and passed the written exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your Certified Building Operator certificate from AEE. You will also receive a digital badge which can be used to demonstrate your credentials online.

The cost for taking the CBO examination is $250 USD for members or $300 USD for non-members. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with becoming certified such as membership dues or application fees.

4. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a professional certification program offered by the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP). The CMRP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the fields of maintenance, reliability, and physical asset management.

The CMRP program consists of two parts: an online examination and a professional development portfolio. The online examination includes multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as asset management, preventive maintenance, root cause analysis, reliability engineering, safety and health, and supply chain management. Candidates must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher to be eligible for certification.

The professional development portfolio requires candidates to submit evidence of their professional experience in the form of resumes, training certificates, publications, presentations, awards/recognition from employers or other organizations, etc. This portfolio is reviewed by SMRP's Certification Board to confirm that candidates meet all requirements for certification.

It typically takes 4-6 months to complete the CMRP application process from start to finish. Candidates should plan accordingly when preparing for the exam and submitting their portfolios.

The cost of obtaining the CMRP certification varies depending on whether you are an SMRP member or non-member. For members it costs $350 USD; for non-members it costs $500 USD.

5. Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

Certified Energy Manager (CEM) is a professional certification program developed by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in energy management and who demonstrate a commitment to their profession. CEMs are qualified to identify, analyze, and implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures and strategies in all sectors of the economy.

To become certified as a CEM, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and agree to adhere to the AEE Code of Ethics. The educational requirements include a Bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in energy-related topics such as engineering, physics, economics, accounting, finance or business administration; or an Associate's degree with at least 36 semester hours in energy-related topics. Applicants must also have at least five years of professional experience in energy management or related fields.

The exam for CEM certification consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as energy auditing techniques, economic analysis methods, building systems operations and maintenance concepts, policy development strategies, renewable energy technologies and project management principles. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The fee for taking the CEM exam is $550 for AEE members ($750 for non-members). After passing the exam, there is an annual recertification fee of $150 for AEE members ($200 for non-members).

6. LEED Green Associate

LEED Green Associate is a professional credential offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge of green building principles and practices, and it is the first step towards becoming a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP).

The LEED Green Associate exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of green building principles, concepts, and strategies. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and covers topics such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, and sustainable site design.

To become a LEED Green Associate you must pass the exam with a score of 170 or higher out of 200 possible points. You must also have an active USGBC membership in order to register for the exam.

The cost of taking the LEED Green Associate exam is $200 for USGBC members and $250 for non-members. Additionally, there are several study resources available from USGBC to help you prepare for the exam including practice tests and study guides.

7. 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) to provide workers with an introduction to safety and health hazards in construction work. The program is designed for entry-level construction workers, supervisors, and employers who want to learn about safety and health hazards in the workplace.

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health Certificate consists of two parts: a 10-hour classroom course and an online exam. The classroom course covers topics such as hazard recognition, accident prevention, personal protective equipment, fire safety, scaffolding safety, fall protection, materials handling, machine guarding, electrical safety, hazardous materials, crane operations, ladder safety, excavation safety, welding safety, emergency response planning and more. It typically takes one full day to complete the classroom portion of the course.

Once the classroom portion is completed successfully you will be eligible to take the online exam which consists of 50 multiple choice questions. You must answer at least 70% of these questions correctly in order to pass the exam and receive your OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health Certificate.

The cost of taking this course varies depending on where it is taken but usually ranges from $100-$200 per person.

8. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP certification demonstrates that a project manager has the knowledge, skills, and experience to successfully lead and direct projects.

To become a PMP, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. To be eligible you must have:

-A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent)

-At least 7,500 hours of leading and directing projects

-35 hours of project management education

The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover five areas: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring/controlling, and closing. The exam takes four hours to complete.

The cost of the PMP certification varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. For members it costs $405 for the application fee plus $555 for the exam fee. For non-members it costs $555 for the application fee plus $555 for the exam fee.

Once you have passed the exam you will need to maintain your certification by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years. This can be done through attending conferences, taking courses, writing articles or books related to project management and more.

9. Building Commissioning Certification

Building Commissioning Certification is a certification program that confirms a building has been designed, constructed, and operated to meet the owner’s performance goals. It is a process of verifying that the building systems are properly installed and function as intended. Building commissioning takes place throughout the design, construction and occupancy phases of a project. The goal of building commissioning is to ensure that all systems are installed correctly, operate efficiently, and meet the needs of the building occupants.

The certification process typically takes several months to complete depending on the complexity of the project. The first step in obtaining Building Commissioning Certification is to identify a certified commissioning provider (CCP) who will conduct an assessment of your building’s design and operational performance. During this assessment, they will review drawings, specifications, operating manuals and other documents related to your project. They will also conduct tests and inspections to verify that all systems are functioning as intended. Once their assessment is complete, they will provide you with a report outlining any issues or deficiencies found during their review.

Once any identified issues have been addressed, you can apply for Building Commissioning Certification from an accredited certifying body such as LEED or ASHRAE. To do this you must submit an application along with supporting documentation such as drawings, specifications and test results demonstrating that your building meets the requirements for certification. After reviewing your application, the certifying body will issue you with a certificate confirming your building has achieved Building Commissioning Certification status.

The cost of obtaining Building Commissioning Certification varies depending on the size and complexity of your project but typically ranges from $3-10 per square foot ($30-100 per square meter).

10. National Institute of Building Sciences Sustainability Certification

The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Sustainability Certification is a voluntary program that recognizes projects that demonstrate leadership in sustainability. The certification assesses the sustainability of building projects based on their performance in energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, and other criteria.

To get certified, a project must meet the criteria outlined in the NIBS Sustainability Certification Program Guide. Projects are evaluated by an independent third-party auditor who will review the project’s design and construction documents to ensure compliance with the program requirements. The audit typically takes three to four months to complete.

Projects can be certified at two levels: Certified or Gold Certified. To qualify for Certified status, a project must meet all the requirements of the program guide and achieve at least 50 points out of 100 possible points on the evaluation scale. To qualify for Gold Certified status, a project must meet all of the requirements and score 80 points or higher on the evaluation scale.

The cost of certification depends on several factors such as size and complexity of the project, but typically ranges from $2,000 to $10,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Facilities Coordinator Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a facilities coordinator certificate to be successful in the field of facilities management. However, having one can certainly help in many ways. A certificate demonstrates that a person has received specialized training and knowledge in the area of facility management, which can give them an edge over those without it. In addition, a certification may open up opportunities for promotions or higher salaries as employers may recognize the additional skills and knowledge that comes with having such a credential.

For those considering a career in facility management but unsure if they need the certification, it is important to consider their current level of experience and education in the field. If someone already has considerable experience managing facilities or working in related fields such as engineering or construction, then they may not require the added benefit of certification. On the other hand, if someone is just starting out in this field with little experience, then obtaining a facilities coordinator certificate could be beneficial as it would provide evidence of expertise and knowledge on topics related to facility management.

Ultimately, whether someone decides to pursue a facilities coordinator certificate depends on their individual goals and needs. It is important to consider one's current level of experience before making any decisions regarding this type of training program. Doing so can help ensure that any decision made is well-informed and will ultimately benefit them professionally in the long run.

Related: Facilities Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Facilities Coordinator Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Facilities Coordinator?

Answer: To become a Facilities Coordinator, you should possess strong organizational skills, interpersonal communication abilities, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Depending on the organization's specific requirements, you may also need a relevant degree such as a bachelor's in business administration or facilities management.

2. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Facilities Coordinator?

Answer: Becoming certified can demonstrate your commitment to the profession and your knowledge of best practices for managing facilities operations. It also provides you with an opportunity to network with other professionals in the field and gain access to exclusive resources and training opportunities.

3. What is the process for obtaining certification?

Answer: The process for obtaining certification varies depending on the certifying body, but typically includes registering online with the certifying organization, completing an application and passing an exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate confirming your certification status.

4. How long does it take to complete a certification program?

Answer: The amount of time required to complete a certification program depends on how quickly you are able to study and prepare for the exam. However, most programs can be completed within three months if you dedicate sufficient time to studying each day or week.

5. Is there any cost associated with obtaining certification?

Answer: Yes, there is usually some cost associated with obtaining certification from a professional organization such as registration fees and exam fees. However, these costs are typically minimal compared to those associated with attending college or university courses in order to obtain qualifications related to facilities coordination