Top 10 Facility Director Certifications

Certifications are important for a facility director in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certification programs provide an opportunity to learn new skills, stay up-to-date with industry changes, and gain recognition from peers and potential employers. Certifications also show that the individual is committed to their career and has taken the time to develop their skills. Additionally, certifications can help facility directors stand out from other candidates and give them an edge in the job market.

This article reviews top certifications for Facility Directors and explains how they can help advance their career.

What are Facility Director Certifications?

Facility director certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in managing the operations of a facility. It is designed to assess the skills necessary to manage all aspects of a facility, including safety, security, maintenance, customer service, personnel management and budgeting. Facility directors are responsible for ensuring that the facility runs efficiently and effectively while meeting all applicable regulations.

Having this certification can help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in these areas to employers and clients. It can also open up opportunities for advancement within a company or organization as well as provide higher earning potential. Earning this certification may also increase job satisfaction since it shows that one has achieved a certain level of expertise in their field. Lastly, it can lead to increased credibility with clients and colleagues, as they will know that the holder of the certification has met specific standards set by an industry-recognized organization.

Pro Tip: When considering a facility director certification, make sure to research the experience and qualifications necessary for the certification. It is important to choose a certification program that is recognized by your state or national governing body, as well as one that provides comprehensive training on relevant topics such as safety and operational procedures.

Related: What does a Facility Director do?

Top 10 Facility Director Certifications

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

1. Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM)

Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hospital Association (AHA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of healthcare facility managers. The CHFM credential is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of healthcare facility management principles, practices, and regulations.

The CHFM program consists of an online exam that covers topics such as healthcare operations, safety and security, environmental services, human resources management, financial management, and strategic planning. To earn the CHFM credential, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. The exam typically takes between two to four hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CHFM program, applicants must have at least three years of experience in a healthcare facility management role or equivalent education/training. They must also submit a completed application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts or letters of recommendation from employers.

The cost for the CHFM program varies depending on whether you are an AHA member or non-member. For AHA members, it costs $350 for the application fee plus $400 for the exam fee. For non-members, it costs $550 for both fees combined.

2. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in healthcare quality management. The CPHQ certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and commitment to quality improvement and patient safety.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least two years of full-time experience in healthcare quality management or related field. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as healthcare quality management principles, performance measurement, data analysis, and process improvement.

The exam is offered four times per year and takes approximately three hours to complete. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. In addition to the exam fee, there may be additional fees for study materials and other services associated with taking the exam.

Once an individual has passed the exam and met all other eligibility requirements, they will receive their CPHQ certification from NAHQ. This certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

3. Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM). The CPHRM certification is designed to recognize healthcare risk management professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field. It is intended to demonstrate an individual's commitment to excellence and dedication to the profession.

It typically takes approximately two years to complete the CPHRM program, depending on the individual’s experience and educational background. To qualify for the CPHRM exam, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and have at least two years of full-time healthcare risk management experience.

The CPHRM exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as legal issues, patient safety, quality improvement, risk assessment, claims management, insurance coverage, and financial management. The exam is administered twice a year at various locations across the United States.

The cost of taking the CPHRM exam varies depending on when it is taken and which study materials are purchased. The cost for taking the exam without any additional study materials is $350 for ASHRM members and $450 for non-members. Additional study materials can range from $50-$500 depending on what type of material is purchased.

4. Certified Medical Facility Executive (CMFE)

Certified Medical Facility Executive (CMFE) is a certification offered by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). It is designed for healthcare executives who have at least five years of experience in a healthcare facility. The CMFE certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to lead their organizations effectively.

It takes approximately six months to get the CMFE certification. To become certified, you must first complete an application, which requires information about your educational background and professional experience. You must also submit a professional resume and three letters of recommendation from current or former supervisors or colleagues. Once your application is approved, you will be required to take an online exam that covers topics such as management principles, financial management, operations management, legal and ethical issues, quality improvement initiatives, and strategic planning.

The cost of the CMFE certification varies depending on where you live and whether you choose to participate in ACHE's self-study program or attend one of its seminars. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $400-$800 USD.

5. Certified Health Care Administrator (CHCA)

A Certified Health Care Administrator (CHCA) is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field of health care administration. The certification is awarded by the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA). It is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a high level of professional knowledge and experience in the field of health care administration.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum of three years of full-time experience in health care administration, completing an approved program in health care administration, and passing the CHCA examination. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that cover topics such as organizational management, human resources management, financial management, operations management, and quality assurance.

The certification process typically takes six to nine months to complete. Applicants must submit their application materials to ACHCA for review and approval before they can take the exam. After successfully passing the exam, applicants will receive their CHCA certification from ACHCA.

The cost for certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of ACHCA. For non-members, it costs $350 for the application fee plus $450 for the exam fee. For members, it costs $250 for the application fee plus $350 for the exam fee.

6. American Society for Healthcare Engineering Certification (ASHE-C)

The American Society for Healthcare Engineering Certification (ASHE-C) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of healthcare engineering professionals. It is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a high level of competency in the field. The ASHE-C certification is offered by the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), which is an affiliate of the American Hospital Association.

To obtain ASHE-C certification, applicants must meet certain requirements, such as having at least two years of experience in healthcare engineering or related fields, passing an exam, and completing continuing education units (CEUs). Applicants must also submit a completed application form and pay a fee.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safety management, environmental systems, infection control, construction project management, and maintenance management. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any Prometric testing center.

The cost for the ASHE-C certification varies depending on whether you are an ASHE member or nonmember. For members, it costs $350; for nonmembers it costs $550. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at a Prometric testing center.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification by completing 24 CEUs every three years in order to remain certified.

7. Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST)

Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST) is a professional certification program for individuals who work in the environmental services industry. The certification is offered by the National Environmental Services Association (NESA).

The CEST program is designed to provide environmental service technicians with an understanding of the fundamentals of environmental regulations and safety practices, as well as the skills needed to perform their jobs effectively. The program consists of four core courses: Environmental Regulations and Compliance, Hazardous Materials Management, Air Quality Control, and Waste Management.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CEST program. To obtain certification, applicants must pass all four courses with a grade of at least 70%. In addition, applicants must have two years of relevant experience in the field or have completed an accredited environmental services training program.

The cost for the CEST program varies depending on which state you are located in. Generally speaking, it will cost between $500 and $1,000 to become certified. This fee covers all course materials, registration fees, and examination costs.

8. Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)

Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) is a certification program offered by the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in patient safety and quality improvement. The CPPS credential is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed a rigorous examination that tests their knowledge of patient safety principles, practices, and strategies.

The CPPS certification process includes an online application, payment of fees, completion of an online exam, and submission of a professional portfolio. The application fee is $450 for NPSF members and $550 for non-members. The exam fee is $475 for NPSF members and $575 for non-members.

The online exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient safety culture, risk management, incident reporting, root cause analysis, quality improvement processes, and communication skills. Candidates must receive a score of at least 70% to pass the exam.

Candidates must also submit a professional portfolio that demonstrates their knowledge and experience in patient safety and quality improvement. The portfolio should include evidence of at least three years' experience in the field; examples of projects or initiatives related to patient safety; letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors; and other relevant documents such as publications or presentations on patient safety topics.

Once all requirements are met, candidates will be notified within two weeks if they have passed the exam and been awarded the CPPS credential. The credential is valid for five years from the date it was issued.

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

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional (LEED AP) is a professional designation awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED APs are recognized as having the knowledge and skills to successfully lead projects through the LEED certification process.

It typically takes 3-6 months to become a LEED AP, depending on the individual's experience and background. To become a LEED AP, one must first register with USGBC and then pass an exam that covers topics such as sustainable building design, green building materials, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and water conservation. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

The cost of becoming a LEED AP varies depending on the type of registration chosen. For individuals who are already members of USGBC or have taken a qualifying course from USGBC, the cost is $250 for the exam registration fee plus $50 for each specialty credential chosen. For non-members, the cost is $500 for both the exam registration fee and any specialty credentials chosen.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also complete continuing education credits every two years in order to maintain their LEED AP designation.

10. American College of Health Care Administrators Certification (ACHCA-C).

The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) is a professional membership organization that provides certification to healthcare administrators. The ACHCA-C certification is a nationally recognized credential that indicates a professional has achieved the highest level of competency in the field of health care administration.

To obtain the ACHCA-C certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of three years of experience in health care administration and passing an exam. The exam consists of two parts: a written assessment and an oral assessment. Applicants must pass both parts in order to receive their certification.

The process typically takes 6-9 months from start to finish, depending on the individual’s experience and preparation for the exam. In order to prepare for the exam, applicants may choose to take one or more courses offered by ACHCA or other organizations.

The cost for obtaining the ACHCA-C certification varies depending on whether you are an ACHCA member or non-member. For members, the cost is $395; for non-members, it is $495. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking courses and/or exams which vary depending on what type of course/exam you take.

Do You Really Need a Facility Director Certificate?

Whether or not you need a facility director certificate depends on your individual situation. If you are already working as a facility director or are looking to start a career in that field, having this certificate may be beneficial in helping you secure employment and furthering your career. Having the certification can demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a facility.

The Facility Director Certificate is offered by many accredited organizations and schools, such as the International Association of Facility Managers (IAFM). This certification requires candidates to pass an exam which covers topics such as facility operations, safety management, budgeting and financial management, human resources management, and customer service. The exam also has an ethics component which evaluates a candidate’s ability to make decisions that adhere to the IAFM Code of Ethics.

Although having this certification can be beneficial for those looking for employment opportunities in the field of facility management, it is not always necessary. It may be possible for those with relevant experience in other fields or even those who have worked their way up through the ranks at their current place of work to gain employment as a facility director without having this certification. Additionally, some employers may prefer candidates who have additional experience or qualifications outside of this certificate program.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Facility Director Certificate depends on your individual circumstances. Having this certification can make it easier for potential employers to recognize your capabilities and hire you for positions related to managing facilities; however, it is not always necessary if you have other qualifications or experience related to the field.

Related: Facility Director Resume Examples

FAQs About Facility Director Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become a Facility Director?

Answer: To become a Facility Director, you must have a minimum of five years of experience in facility management and meet the certification requirements set by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). These requirements include passing an exam, completing continuing education credits, and completing the IFMA’s Certified Facility Manager program.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Facility Director?

Answer: Generally, it takes about two years of study and preparation for most candidates to become certified as a Facility Director. This includes taking the IFMA exam, completing continuing education credits, and completing the Certified Facility Manager program.

3. Is there an age limit for becoming a Facility Director?

Answer: No, there is no age limit for becoming a Facility Director. However, you must meet all other certification requirements set by the IFMA.

4. Can I work in any country once I am certified as a Facility Director?

Answer: Yes, once you have obtained your certification as a Facility Director from the IFMA, you are qualified to work anywhere in the world where facility management positions are available.

5. Are there any special benefits that come with being certified as a Facility Director?

Answer: Yes, being certified as a Facility Director can open up many opportunities in terms of career advancement and recognition within the field of facility management. Additionally, having this certification can also increase your earning potential and make you more attractive to employers looking for experienced professionals in this field.