Top 10 Facility Maintenance Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important asset for a facility maintenance manager in the job market, as they demonstrate a commitment to excellence and provide proof of proficiency in their field. Certifications can be used to prove to employers that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their position. They also help employers assess whether a potential hire is qualified for a certain role or not. In addition, certifications can provide facility maintenance managers with access to higher-level positions, such as supervisory roles, as well as more competitive salaries. Finally, certifications also serve as evidence of ongoing professional development, which demonstrates an individual’s dedication to staying current on best practices and technology related to facility maintenance.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Facility Maintenance Managers and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Facility Maintenance Manager Certifications?

Facility maintenance manager certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of facility management. This certification is offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and is one of the most widely recognized certifications in the facility management industry. This certification can be beneficial for those looking to demonstrate their expertise in this field, as well as for employers looking for qualified facility managers.

The certification demonstrates proficiency in managing all aspects of facility operations and maintenance including safety, budgeting, energy efficiency, environmental issues, contract management, staff supervision, project management, construction and renovation projects, and more. It also requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam that covers key areas related to facility management such as strategic planning, risk assessment and mitigation strategies, operations and maintenance processes, customer service principles, sustainability practices and metrics. In addition to demonstrating an understanding of the fundamentals of facility management functions and responsibilities, certified professionals must also demonstrate ongoing commitment to continuing education in order to maintain their certification status.

Overall, obtaining a facility maintenance manager certification can benefit both individuals seeking recognition of their knowledge and skillset in this field as well as employers looking for qualified personnel who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in this area.

Pro Tip: Get certified in a facility maintenance manager certification program to stay ahead of the competition. This will help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge required to manage a facility, while also showcasing your commitment to professional development. Certification programs may include topics such as safety regulations, energy efficiency, and preventative maintenance.

Related: What does a Facility Maintenance Manager do?

Top 10 Facility Maintenance Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a professional certification offered by the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in maintenance, reliability and physical asset management.

To become CMRP certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The eligibility requirements include a minimum of five years of experience in maintenance, reliability or physical asset management; completion of at least two SMRP courses; and a bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, business, or related field.

The CMRP exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as asset management strategies, predictive maintenance technologies, root cause analysis techniques, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), preventive/corrective maintenance strategies, lubrication fundamentals, safety standards and regulations, and more. The exam typically takes about three hours to complete.

The cost to take the CMRP exam varies depending on whether you are an SMRP member or non-member. For members the cost is $300 USD; for non-members it is $400 USD. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center outside of North America.

Overall obtaining your CMRP certification can be beneficial if you are looking to advance your career in maintenance and reliability management as it provides employers with evidence that you have the necessary skillset to succeed in this field.

2. Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM)

Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who manage plant maintenance operations. The certification is offered by the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE), an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the practice of facility engineering.

The CPMM program consists of two parts: a written examination and a practical application review. The written exam covers topics such as safety, maintenance planning and scheduling, preventive maintenance, repair procedures, inventory management, cost control and more. The practical application review evaluates an individual’s ability to apply the concepts learned in the written exam to real-world situations.

It typically takes around 6 months to complete the CPMM program. During this time, individuals must study for and pass both the written exam and practical application review in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you are an AFE member or not. For AFE members, it costs $695 for the written exam and $395 for the practical application review. Non-members pay $795 for the written exam and $495 for the practical application review. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with travel expenses if you need to take either part of the exam at a location other than your local chapter's testing center.

3. Certified Facility Manager (CFM)

Certified Facility Manager (CFM) is a professional certification offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). It is designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of facility managers who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field. The CFM credential is recognized as the industry standard for facility management professionals.

To become a Certified Facility Manager, individuals must meet certain qualifications and pass an exam. To qualify, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in facility management, or a combination of education and experience totaling five years. They must also demonstrate competency in 11 core areas of facility management, including operations & maintenance, finance & business, human factors, project management, communications & technology, emergency preparedness & business continuity, environment & sustainability and leadership & strategy.

The CFM Exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The exam fee is $450 for IFMA members and $650 for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their CFM certification from IFMA.

4. Certified Professional Maintenance Manager (CPMM)

Certified Professional Maintenance Manager (CPMM) is a certification program offered by the Association for Maintenance Professionals (AMP). The CPMM program is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of maintenance professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field.

The CPMM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as maintenance management principles, asset management, reliability engineering, preventive/predictive maintenance, safety practices, and more. The exam is administered online and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. It typically takes three to four hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CPMM certification program, applicants must have at least five years of experience in a maintenance-related role and must demonstrate that they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully manage a maintenance operation.

The cost of the CPMM certification exam is $395 USD ($495 USD for non-members). After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from AMP along with access to exclusive networking opportunities with other certified professionals.

5. Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Facility Management Professional Certification

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Facility Management Professional Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, experience, and commitment to the facility management profession. The certification recognizes those who have achieved a level of competence in the areas of facility operations, maintenance, safety, security, sustainability, and energy management.

To obtain this certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as building systems and operations; maintenance and repair; safety and security; sustainability; energy management; budgeting and finance; human resources; customer service; communication; and legal/regulatory compliance. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

It typically takes about six months to complete the requirements for the BOMA Facility Management Professional Certification. This includes completing an online application form, passing the exam, submitting references from two employers or colleagues in the field of facility management, providing proof of at least four years of full-time work experience in facility management or related fields (or equivalent part-time work experience), and paying all applicable fees.

The cost for obtaining this certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of BOMA International. For members, it costs $400 USD while for non-members it costs $600 USD. Additionally there is an annual renewal fee of $50 USD for members and $75 USD for non-members which must be paid each year to maintain your certification status.

6. Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) Certified Plant Engineer

The Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of those who are involved in the management, operation and maintenance of industrial plants. The CPE designation is the highest level of certification available from AFE and is recognized as a mark of excellence in the field.

To become an AFE Certified Plant Engineer, applicants must have at least five years of experience in plant engineering or related fields. They must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as safety, maintenance, operations, energy management and environmental compliance. The exam is offered twice per year and requires a minimum score of 80% to pass.

The cost to take the exam is $500 for members of the Association for Facilities Engineering and $800 for non-members. Once certified, there are no additional fees or costs associated with maintaining the CPE designation.

In order to maintain their certification status, CPEs must complete 24 hours of continuing education every three years. This can be done through attending seminars, workshops or conferences related to plant engineering or other relevant topics; taking classes or courses; reading technical publications; or completing self-study programs.

Overall, becoming an AFE Certified Plant Engineer requires dedication and commitment but can offer significant rewards in terms of career advancement opportunities and increased job security.

7. International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Facility Management Professional Certification

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Facility Management Professional (FMP) Certification is a professional credential designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of facility management professionals. The FMP demonstrates an individual’s competency in the key areas required for successful facility management, including operations and maintenance, finance and business, project management, human factors, communication and technology. The certification is intended to provide a competitive edge for those seeking career advancement in the field of facility management.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the FMP Certification. To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as operations and maintenance, finance and business, project management, human factors, communication and technology. In addition to taking the exam, applicants must also submit two letters of reference from employers or clients attesting to their experience in facility management.

The cost of obtaining the FMP Certification varies depending on several factors such as whether you are an IFMA member or not. For non-members, there is a one-time application fee of $250 USD plus a $400 USD exam fee. For members of IFMA there is no application fee but they still need to pay the $400 USD exam fee.

8. American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) Health Care Facilities Manager Certification

The American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) Health Care Facilities Manager Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in the field of health care facilities management. This certification is designed to help healthcare facilities managers stay current on the latest trends and best practices in health care facility management, as well as provide them with a way to demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

To obtain ASHE’s Health Care Facilities Manager Certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete a comprehensive exam. Eligibility requirements include having at least three years of experience in health care facility management, or at least two years of experience plus a relevant degree or certificate from an accredited college or university. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safety and security, maintenance and operations, environmental services, emergency preparedness, budgeting and finance, personnel management, and regulatory compliance.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken either online or in person at an approved testing center. The cost of the exam is $395 for members of ASHE or $495 for non-members. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your certification within six weeks.

9. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certified Fire Protection Specialist

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of fire protection principles and practices. The CFPS credential is designed to recognize the expertise of individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of fire protection engineering and management.

It typically takes about three years to become an NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist. During this time, candidates must complete a minimum of 80 hours of continuing education in fire protection-related topics, such as fire prevention, detection, suppression, and investigation. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by the NFPA that tests their knowledge of fire protection principles and practices.

To become an NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist, candidates must first meet all eligibility requirements set forth by the NFPA. These include having at least four years of experience in the field or completion of an approved college degree program related to fire protection engineering or management; passing an examination administered by the NFPA; and completing 80 hours of continuing education in fire protection-related topics within three years prior to application for certification.

The cost for becoming an NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist varies depending on where you live and which materials you need to purchase for study purposes. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD.

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

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional (LEED AP) is a professional certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The LEED AP credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices, principles and techniques, as well as knowledge of the LEED Rating System.

It typically takes between 4-6 months to become a LEED AP, depending on how quickly you can complete the necessary coursework and exam preparation. To become a LEED AP, you must first take an approved LEED Green Associate Exam Prep Course or attend an accredited university/college program that includes LEED training. Once you have completed the required coursework, you can register for and take the LEED Green Associate Exam. After passing the exam with a score of 170 or higher, you will be eligible to apply for the LEED AP credential.

The cost of becoming a LEED AP varies depending on which route you choose to take – whether it’s taking an online course or attending an accredited university/college program that includes LEED training. For example, online courses range from $200-$500 while university/college programs can cost up to $2,000+. Additionally, there is also a fee associated with taking the actual exam ($200).

Do You Really Need a Facility Maintenance Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the specific job position and the individual's experience. Generally speaking, a facility maintenance manager certificate is not required for most positions in this field. However, if you are applying for a higher-level position or have limited experience in the industry, having such a certification may be beneficial.

Having a certificate can demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the day-to-day operations of a facility. It can also show potential employers that you are up-to-date on industry standards and practices. The certificate may also provide an advantage when competing against other candidates with similar qualifications.

In addition to these benefits, having a facility maintenance manager certificate can also make it easier to find work in the field since most employers prefer candidates who have formal training and credentials. Earning such a credential can also open up more opportunities for advancement within the profession as well as increase your earning potential over time.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a facility maintenance manager certificate depends on your particular situation and goals. If you feel like having such certification would help advance your career, then it may be worth considering getting one.

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FAQs About Facility Maintenance Manager Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Facility Maintenance Manager?

Answer: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as experience in the maintenance field and knowledge of safety regulations. Some certifications may also be required depending on the position.

2. Is there an exam I need to take to get certified as a Facility Maintenance Manager?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require you to pass an exam that tests your knowledge and skills related to facility maintenance management.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Facility Maintenance Manager?

Answer: Depending on the certification program, it can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to complete all requirements for certification.

4. Are there any online programs available for Facility Maintenance Manager Certification?

Answer: Yes, there are several online programs available that provide training and certification in facility maintenance management.

5. What is the cost of getting certified as a Facility Maintenance Manager?

Answer: The cost of certification depends on the program you choose, but it usually ranges from $100-$500 USD per course or exam.