Top 11 Facility Coordinator Certifications

Certifications for a facility coordinator are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties. Certifications provide evidence of an individual's competency in the field, and can lead to greater job opportunities and promotions. They also help distinguish a qualified candidate from those who do not have certification. Additionally, certifications can increase an individual's credibility and trustworthiness, which is essential when working with clients or colleagues.

The article reviews top certifications for Facility Coordinators and explains how they can contribute to a facility coordinator's career, providing insight into how to best advance in the field.

What are Facility Coordinator Certifications?

Facility coordinator certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who manage and coordinate the operations of facilities such as offices, warehouses, event spaces, and other venues. To earn this certification, individuals must demonstrate their proficiency in managing facility operations through a comprehensive exam.

The certification program covers topics such as facility safety, maintenance, budgeting and forecasting, customer service, vendor relationships, scheduling and staffing requirements. By earning this certification, individuals can demonstrate to potential employers that they have the necessary skills to successfully manage facility operations. Additionally, it can help them advance their career by providing tangible evidence of their expertise in this field. Facility coordinators with this certification may be more likely to secure higher-level positions or be offered better salaries than those without it.

Pro Tip: It is important to research the various facility coordinator certifications available and to choose the one that best meets your needs. Additionally, look for certifications that are accredited by a reputable organization and provide ongoing support for continuing education and professional development.

Related: What does a Facility Coordinator do?

Top 11 Facility Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Facility Management Professional (CFMP)

Certified Facility Management Professional (CFMP) is a certification program offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of facility management professionals. The CFMP credential demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in the field of facility management.

The CFMP program consists of three levels of certification: Certified Associate, Certified Professional, and Certified Fellow. To obtain the Certified Associate level, individuals must complete a self-study course and pass an online exam. To obtain the Certified Professional or Certified Fellow level, individuals must have at least two years of professional experience in facility management and pass an online exam.

The cost for the CFMP program depends on which level you are seeking certification at. For example, the cost for the Certified Associate level is $425 while the cost for the Certified Professional or Certified Fellow level is $595.

It typically takes between one and two months to complete all requirements for obtaining a CFMP certification depending on your experience level and how quickly you can complete your self-study course.

2. Certified Professional in Facility Management (CPFM)

Certified Professional in Facility Management (CPFM) is a professional certification program that recognizes and validates the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced facility management professionals. The CPFM designation is awarded by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), a global organization dedicated to advancing the practice of facility management.

The CPFM program consists of three parts: an online exam, a work experience portfolio review, and an oral interview. To be eligible for the CPFM designation, applicants must have at least five years of full-time professional experience in facility management or related fields.

The online exam is designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge of the core competencies required for successful facility management. It covers topics such as project planning and execution, financial analysis, operations and maintenance, sustainability practices, workplace strategies, and risk management. The exam can be taken at any time during the application process but must be completed before submitting the work experience portfolio.

The work experience portfolio review evaluates a candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations. Candidates are required to submit evidence of their professional accomplishments over the past five years in order to demonstrate their proficiency in facility management. This includes projects they have managed or been involved with, as well as any awards or recognitions they have received for their work.

Finally, candidates must complete an oral interview with a panel of IFMA-certified professionals who will assess their ability to effectively communicate about facility management topics. The interview typically lasts about one hour and covers topics such as leadership skills, problem solving techniques, team building strategies, and customer service approaches.

It typically takes up to six months from start to finish to complete all requirements for the CPFM designation. The cost varies depending on whether you are an IFMA member or not; members pay $495 while non-members pay $595 for application fees plus additional fees for each part of the program (exam fee $195; portfolio review fee $295; oral interview fee $195).

3. Certified Facility Manager (CFM)

Certified Facility Manager (CFM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge, skills and abilities required for successful facility management. The CFM program is administered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).

The CFM program requires applicants to demonstrate their competency in nine core areas of facility management: Operations and Maintenance; Finance and Business; Human Factors; Project Management; Quality; Environment Systems; Communication; Emergency Preparedness/Business Continuity Planning and Leadership.

The process of obtaining a CFM typically takes about six months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first submit an application package that includes a resume, three professional references, transcripts from any relevant courses or seminars, and payment of the application fee. Once accepted into the program, applicants must pass an examination that tests their knowledge in each of the nine core areas.

The cost to become certified as a CFM varies depending on IFMA membership status. For non-members, the fee is $1,200 USD while members pay $600 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the exam ($300 USD for non-members and $150 USD for members).

4. 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 professionals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of green building principles and practices. The LEED Green Associate credential is the first step in becoming a LEED-accredited professional and provides an entry point into the green building industry.

It typically takes about 6-8 weeks to complete the requirements for earning the LEED Green Associate credential. To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that tests their knowledge of green building concepts and strategies. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and has a two-hour time limit.

To get started, applicants must create an account on the USGBC website and register for the exam. The cost of registration is $200 USD for USGBC members or $250 USD for non-members. After registering, applicants can access study materials such as practice exams, study guides, webinars, and more to help them prepare for the exam. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their LEED Green Associate credential in the mail within 4 weeks.

5. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who are responsible for managing maintenance, reliability, and asset management programs. The CMRP certification is offered by the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP), an international non-profit organization that provides professional development resources to those in the maintenance and reliability industry.

To get the CMRP certification, you must have at least five years of experience in maintenance or reliability engineering, management, or related fields. You must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as safety, preventive/predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, failure analysis, lubrication principles, asset management systems, and more.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. It costs $450 USD to take the exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your CMRP certification. Your certification will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

6. Building Commissioning Professional (BCxP)

Building Commissioning Professional (BCxP) is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform commissioning activities on building systems. Commissioning is the process of verifying that a building’s systems are installed, calibrated, and operating according to design specifications. The BCxP certification program is offered by the Building Commissioning Association (BCA), an international organization dedicated to promoting the practice of commissioning in buildings.

The BCxP certification requires candidates to pass two exams: one focused on general knowledge about building commissioning and another focused on specific technical aspects of the process. Candidates must have at least 5 years of experience in building commissioning or related fields in order to be eligible for the certification.

The cost of taking the exams is $400 for members of BCA and $500 for non-members. The exams can be taken online or at a proctored testing center. Candidates who successfully complete both exams will receive their BCxP certificate within 4-6 weeks after passing their exams.

In addition to passing the two exams, applicants must also complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain their BCxP certification status.

7. 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 and energy efficiency. The CEM certification is one of the most widely recognized and respected certifications in the energy industry.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having at least five years of experience in energy management, engineering or related fields. They must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as energy auditing, project management, economics and finance, and regulatory compliance.

The CEM exam typically takes about four hours to complete and can be taken either online or in-person at an AEE-approved testing center. The cost for the exam varies depending on whether it is taken online or in-person, but typically ranges from $500-$600 USD.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam, they will receive their CEM certification which is valid for three years. Renewal requires completion of continuing education credits every three years to maintain active status.

8. Professional Engineer (PE)

Professional Engineer (PE) is a designation given to engineers who have met the requirements of their particular engineering discipline and have been licensed by a state board. To become a PE, an engineer must complete a four-year college degree in engineering, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and gain four years of work experience in their field. After these requirements have been met, the engineer must then pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The PE exam is administered twice a year by each state’s board of licensure and typically covers topics such as mathematics, ethics, engineering design, and safety.

The time it takes to become a PE varies from person to person depending on how quickly they can complete their education and gain work experience. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 4-7 years to become a PE.

To get your PE license you must meet all the requirements listed above as well as submit an application with supporting documents to your state’s board of licensure. The cost of getting your PE license will vary depending on which state you are applying in but generally ranges from $100-$500.

9. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in project management. PMP certification holders have demonstrated their ability to plan, execute, and manage projects according to industry standards.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam. The preparation process includes studying for the exam, completing the application process, and taking practice exams. To become certified, you must meet certain eligibility requirements set by PMI and pass a 200-question multiple-choice exam.

To get started with the PMP certification process, you must first apply online through the PMI website. You will need to provide evidence of your education and professional experience in project management. Once your application is approved, you can register for the exam and pay the associated fees.

The cost of obtaining a PMP credential varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. For non-members, the cost is $555 USD; for members, it is $405 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing study materials or taking practice exams.

10. Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)

Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) is a professional certification program offered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The CFPS certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in fire protection principles, practices, and technologies.

The CFPS program consists of two parts: an online self-study course and an exam. The self-study course covers topics such as fire safety systems, fire prevention, building construction, hazardous materials management, emergency response planning, and more. The exam is administered at approved testing centers throughout the United States.

It typically takes about four months to complete the self-study course and pass the exam. The cost for the self-study course and exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

To become certified as a CFPS, you must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least three years of full-time experience in fire protection or related fields within the past 10 years. You must also pass both the self-study course and the exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive your certification.

11. Certified Healthcare Facilities Manager (CHFM).

Certified Healthcare Facilities Manager (CHFM) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in the management of healthcare facilities. It is offered by the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) and is recognized as the premier credential for healthcare facility managers.

To obtain CHFM certification, individuals must have at least five years of experience managing healthcare facilities, including two years in a supervisory role. They must also complete an approved training program and pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as facility operations, safety and security, environmental services, maintenance and engineering, construction and renovation, financial management, and regulatory compliance.

The cost to take the CHFM exam varies depending on whether or not you are an ASHE member. For non-members, the cost is $495; for members it is $395. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

Do You Really Need a Facility Coordinator Certificate?

Whether or not you need a facility coordinator certificate depends on the job that you are seeking and the qualifications required for it. Depending on the organization or company, a facility coordinator certification may be necessary to obtain the position. A facility coordinator is someone who is responsible for overseeing operations in an office building, warehouse, or other similar environment. They typically manage a variety of tasks including cleaning and janitorial services, maintenance and repairs, providing security, and managing any special events that may occur.

If you are looking to become a facility coordinator in an organization that requires certification, then yes, it would be beneficial to obtain a certificate. It shows potential employers that you have taken the initiative to learn about the responsibilities associated with the job and have taken steps to gain knowledge about how to effectively run such an operation. Additionally, having a certificate can demonstrate your commitment to excellence when it comes to managing all aspects of facility coordination.

On the other hand, if you are applying for positions where certification is not required then it may not be necessary for you to obtain one. In this case, it could still be beneficial as it will help demonstrate your knowledge of facility coordination and give you an edge over other applicants who do not have any formal credentials related to this field. Ultimately, whether or not you need a facility coordinator certificate depends on what type of job you are applying for and what qualifications they require from candidates.

Related: Facility Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Facility Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Facility Coordinator Certification?

Answer: A Facility Coordinator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates competency in the field of facility management. It certifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of facility operations, maintenance, safety, security, and emergency preparedness.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Facility Coordinator Certification?

Answer: The requirements vary depending on the specific certification program; however, they typically include passing an exam that covers topics related to facility management and having a certain amount of experience in the field. Additionally, some certifications require continuing education credits or other professional development activities.

3. How long does it take to get my Facility Coordinator Certification?

Answer: This depends on the specific certification program you choose; however, most programs can be completed within 1-2 years.

4. How much does it cost to get a Facility Coordinator Certification?

Answer: The cost varies depending on the program you choose; however, most certifications range from $100-$400 USD.

5. What types of jobs can I get with a Facility Coordinator Certification?

Answer: A Facility Coordinator Certification is beneficial for anyone who wants to pursue a career in facility management or related fields such as construction management or property management. With this certification, you may be able to find positions such as facility manager, building engineer, project manager, or safety coordinator.