Top 10 Facilities Director Certifications

Certifications are important for a facilities director in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise, knowledge, and experience that is necessary to be successful in the role. They show potential employers that a candidate has the necessary skills to perform the job duties and can provide assurance that they are well-equipped to handle any challenges or problems that may arise in their position. Certifications also serve as an indication of dedication to professional development and can help set a candidate apart from other applicants. Ultimately, certifications can help increase an individual’s chances of being hired for the role.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Facilities Directors and explains how they can help to enhance a career in this field.

What are Facilities Director Certifications?

Facilities director certification is a professional credential that recognizes the expertise and experience of facilities directors who are responsible for managing the physical environment of an organization. This certification demonstrates to employers that the individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to effectively manage a facility’s operations, staff, and resources. Facilities directors must understand how to maintain safety standards, develop budgets, assess risks, and ensure efficient use of resources.

Earning this certification can help demonstrate an individual’s commitment to their profession as well as their dedication to learning best practices in facilities management. It also provides recognition within the industry for their efforts and achievements. Additionally, having this certification can open up new job opportunities and increase earning potential for those seeking advancement in their career. Finally, it provides a way for employers to identify qualified candidates who have demonstrated mastery of the field.

Pro Tip: Consider becoming certified as a Facilities Director to gain credibility in the field and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Certification programs are available from various organizations, such as the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), and can provide you with valuable knowledge and resources that can help you become a more successful facilities director.

Related: What does a Facilities Director do?

Top 10 Facilities Director Certifications

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

1. Certified Facilities Manager (CFM)

Certified Facilities Manager (CFM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of facility managers. It is administered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). The CFM credential is the only facility management certification accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

The CFM program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in all aspects of facility management. Applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in facility management or related fields, as well as a minimum of 60 hours of professional development activities over the past three years.

The CFM exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as finance, operations, human resources, technology, safety and security, sustainability, communication and project management. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To apply for the CFM exam, applicants must submit an application form along with a fee of $495 USD. Once approved, applicants will receive instructions on scheduling their exam date and location.

The cost to take the CFM exam is $495 USD plus applicable taxes. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will be awarded the Certified Facilities Manager credential and will be eligible for recertification every three years through continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

2. Certified Plant Engineer (CPE)

Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). It is designed to recognize and promote the skills and knowledge of plant engineers and other professionals who work in industrial plants. The CPE certification demonstrates that an individual has achieved a high level of proficiency in the design, operation, maintenance, and safety of industrial plants.

To become certified, applicants must have at least five years of experience in plant engineering or related fields. They must also pass an exam administered by ASME. The exam covers topics such as safety management systems, process control systems, instrumentation and control systems, electrical power systems, reliability engineering principles, and environmental regulations.

The cost for taking the CPE exam varies depending on where it is taken. In general, it costs around $500 USD to take the exam.

The time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you can study for and pass the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all the requirements for certification.

3. Certified Healthcare Facilities Manager (CHFM)

Certified Healthcare Facilities Manager (CHFM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the management of healthcare facilities. The CHFM credential is highly sought after by employers, as it demonstrates that an individual has the necessary skills to manage a healthcare facility efficiently and effectively.

The CHFM program requires applicants to pass an examination that covers topics such as safety, environmental health, operations and maintenance, construction and design, and financial management. To become certified, candidates must have at least three years of experience in healthcare facility management or related fields.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the exam. Candidates should review study materials provided by ASHE and take practice tests to ensure they are adequately prepared for the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CHFM certification varies depending on whether you are an ASHE member or non-member. For members, the cost is $295; for non-members, it is $395.

4. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) is a professional designation offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in green building design, construction, and operations. LEED APs are qualified to advise on projects that are pursuing LEED certification.

To become a LEED AP, you must first complete a LEED-specific training course and pass an exam. The length of the training course varies depending on which type of LEED credential you are pursuing; some courses can be completed in as little as 8 hours while others may require up to 40 hours of instruction.

Once you have completed your training course, you will need to register for the exam with the USGBC's testing provider, Prometric. You will then need to schedule an appointment at a Prometric testing center near you and pay the associated fees (currently $200 for all LEED credentials). Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your official LEED AP designation from USGBC.

The cost of becoming a LEED AP varies depending on which credential you pursue and what type of training program you choose. Generally speaking, it can range from around $500-$2,500 or more for all associated costs including registration fees, materials/supplies, and any applicable travel expenses.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in project management. The PMP certification is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and experience in managing projects, as well as their ability to apply project management principles and techniques.

The process of obtaining the PMP certification typically takes between 6-12 months. To get certified, individuals must have at least 4,500 hours of project management experience, or 7,500 hours if they do not have a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam composed of 200 multiple-choice questions.

The cost of the PMP certification varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members, the cost is $555 for the exam fee and $405 for the application fee. For members, the cost is $405 for the exam fee and $275 for the application fee.

6. Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

A Certified Energy Manager (CEM) is a professional designation offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). It is designed for professionals who specialize in energy efficiency, energy services, facility management and energy engineering.

The CEM program requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as energy auditing, energy management systems, renewable energies, economics and finance related to energy projects, and more. The exam is administered by Prometric Testing Centers located throughout the world.

To be eligible to take the CEM exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field of energy management or related fields. Candidates may also qualify through a combination of education and experience.

The cost of taking the CEM exam varies depending on your country or region. In the United States, it costs $450 USD to take the exam. There are additional fees for rescheduling or canceling an appointment with Prometric Testing Centers.

It typically takes about four hours to complete the CEM exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CEM certificate from AEE within four weeks.

7. 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 demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in the field of building commissioning. The CBCP certification requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in the field, including at least one year of direct commissioning experience.

To get certified as a CBCP, applicants must complete an application process, which includes passing an online exam, submitting references, and providing evidence of their qualifications. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as building systems design and operation, energy efficiency principles, testing protocols, and commissioning project management.

The cost for the CBCP exam is $400 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive a certificate from the BCA recognizing them as a Certified Building Commissioning Professional.

8. International Facility Management Association’s Sustainability Facility Professional (IFMA-SFP)

The International Facility Management Association’s Sustainability Facility Professional (IFMA-SFP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote sustainability in the facility management profession. This certification is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to sustainable practices in their work, and have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in this area.

The IFMA-SFP certification program consists of three levels: Certified, Advanced Certified, and Master Certified. To obtain the Certified level, applicants must complete an online self-assessment, participate in an online course or attend an approved workshop, pass the IFMA-SFP exam, and meet continuing education requirements. To obtain the Advanced Certified or Master Certified levels, applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience with sustainability projects.

The self-assessment typically takes about two hours to complete, while the online course or workshop can take up to five days depending on the provider. The IFMA-SFP exam is offered twice per year and typically takes about four hours to complete.

The cost for obtaining the IFMA-SFP certification varies depending on whether you are a member of IFMA or not. For non-members, the cost for each level of certification is $200 for the self-assessment; $400 for either the online course or workshop; $300 for the exam; and $100 annually for continuing education requirements. For members of IFMA, there are discounts available which reduce these costs by 25%.

9. Building Operator Certification (BOC)

Building Operator Certification (BOC) is a national program that provides training and certification for building operators and maintenance personnel. It is designed to help facility managers and operators improve the energy efficiency, comfort, safety, and productivity of their buildings. The program focuses on teaching participants how to identify and address operational problems in existing buildings, as well as how to use best practices for efficient operation.

The BOC program consists of three levels of certification: Basic Operations & Maintenance (BOM), Advanced Operations & Maintenance (AOM), and Building Energy Efficiency Professional (BEEP). The BOM level is designed for entry-level building operators, while the AOM level is intended for more experienced operators who want to learn more advanced topics. The BEEP level is designed for those seeking a professional career in energy efficiency.

It typically takes six months or longer to complete all three levels of the BOC program. Participants must attend classroom instruction at an accredited training center, pass a written exam, and complete an online energy audit. The cost of the program varies depending on the number of levels completed and the training center chosen. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,000-$3,000 USD to complete all three levels of the BOC program.

10. Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field of maintenance and reliability. The CMRP credential is awarded by the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the practice of maintenance and reliability through education, certification, and networking opportunities.

To become certified as a CMRP, applicants must meet certain requirements including having at least three years of experience in maintenance or reliability engineering, passing an exam administered by SMRP, and completing an approved training course. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as asset management, preventive/predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, safety, inventory control systems, and more.

The cost to take the CMRP exam is $395 for members of SMRP and $495 for non-members. Additionally, there are several approved training courses available from SMRP which range in cost from $500-$2,000 depending on the length and content of the course.

Overall it typically takes about six months to complete all requirements necessary to become a Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP).

Do You Really Need a Facilities Director Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual situation. On one hand, if you plan to pursue a career in facilities management, having a Facilities Director Certificate can be beneficial. It can demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for the job. Additionally, it can make you more competitive when applying for positions in the field.

On the other hand, if you have already accumulated many years of experience in facilities management, then a certificate may not be necessary. In this case, employers will likely be more interested in the level of experience and expertise you bring to the table than any additional certification or training you may have completed.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not a Facilities Director Certificate is worth pursuing. Consider your current skill set and professional goals before making a decision so that you can choose the option that best fits your needs.

Related: Facilities Director Resume Examples

FAQs About Facilities Director Certifications

1. What is a Facilities Director Certification?

A Facilities Director Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who manage and oversee facilities operations, maintenance, and security. This certification is offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).

2. How do I obtain a Facilities Director Certification?

In order to obtain a Facilities Director Certification, you must complete an IFMA-approved education program or demonstrate relevant work experience in facility management. Once you have met the requirements, you can apply for the certification online through IFMA's website.

3. What are the benefits of obtaining a Facilities Director Certification?

Having a Facilities Director Certification allows you to demonstrate your commitment to professionalism and expertise in the field of facility management. It also provides recognition for your accomplishments and helps employers easily identify qualified candidates for open positions.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Facilities Director?

The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Facilities Director varies depending on your educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it can take up to one year or more to complete all of the requirements necessary for certification.

5. Is there an exam required for Facilities Director Certification?

Yes, there is an exam required in order to receive your Facilities Director Certification from IFMA. The exam covers topics such as facility operations, maintenance, safety, security, emergency preparedness, sustainability, and more.