Top 10 Facility Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for facility managers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of commitment to their profession. They show employers that the individual has taken the time to learn and understand the industry standards and best practices, as well as having a solid understanding of the regulations and laws governing facility management. Certifications also provide credibility, making a facility manager more attractive to potential employers. Furthermore, certifications can help open doors to additional career opportunities such as higher-level positions or consulting engagements.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Facility Managers, highlighting how they can help to further a Facility Manager's career.

What are Facility Manager Certifications?

Facility manager certification is a professional designation that recognizes the knowledge and experience of facility managers. This certification provides an independent verification of a facility manager's qualifications and demonstrates their ability to manage all aspects of a facility. It also serves as a form of professional recognition, which in turn can help to increase job opportunities and career advancement.

The certification typically requires passing an exam that assesses the candidate’s understanding of facility management principles, such as budgeting, staffing, safety, property management, and maintenance. The exam also covers topics related to environmental issues and sustainability practices. As part of the process, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge in areas such as risk management, operational processes, customer service, security protocols and more.

Having this certification can help to make a facility manager more attractive to employers by providing proof that they have the necessary skills for the job. It also helps them stand out from other applicants who may not have taken the time or effort to pursue this type of certification. Additionally, it can open up new career opportunities since many employers prefer candidates with this designation when hiring for complex positions. Finally, having this certification may result in higher salaries since certified professionals are often seen as more qualified than their non-certified counterparts.

Pro Tip: When considering facility manager certification, research the different options available to you. Carefully review the requirements and benefits of each type of certification to ensure that you are selecting the one that best fits your needs and experience. Make sure to also look into any potential discounts or other incentives offered by the certifying organization.

Related: What does a Facility Manager do?

Top 10 Facility Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Facility Manager (CFM)

Certified Facility Manager (CFM) is a professional certification program that recognizes the expertise and knowledge of facility managers in the field. The CFM credential is awarded by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and is recognized as an industry standard for facility management excellence.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to obtain the CFM credential, depending on your experience level and background. To become a CFM, you must have at least three years of full-time experience in facility management or related fields, such as engineering or architecture; pass a comprehensive exam; and complete continuing education requirements every three years.

The cost of becoming a CFM varies depending on your membership with IFMA. Non-members pay $595 for the exam, while members pay $395. Additionally, there are fees associated with obtaining continuing education credits every three years to maintain your certification status.

2. Certified Professional in Facility Management (CPFM)

Certified Professional in Facility Management (CPFM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of facility management professionals. The CPFM program is offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).

The CPFM program consists of four courses that cover the fundamentals of facility management: Facility Planning & Design, Operations & Maintenance, Financial Management, and Leadership & Strategy. Each course has its own set of objectives and learning outcomes. Upon completion of all four courses, participants will receive a certificate from IFMA verifying their successful completion of the CPFM program.

It typically takes about six months to complete all four courses and earn the CPFM certification. Participants can choose to take one or more courses at a time or they can complete all four courses in one go.

The cost for each course varies depending on whether you are an IFMA member or not. For non-members, each course costs $695 USD; for members, it costs $595 USD per course.

In order to get the CPFM certification, participants must successfully pass all four courses with a score of 70% or better on each exam. Once they have passed all four exams, they will receive their certificate from IFMA verifying their successful completion of the CPFM program.

3. Certified Building Maintenance Manager (CBMM)

Certified Building Maintenance Manager (CBMM) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and expertise necessary to manage the maintenance of buildings. It is designed to provide building owners, managers, and other stakeholders with an assurance that their maintenance personnel are knowledgeable in the areas of preventive maintenance, energy management, safety, and sustainability.

The CBMM certification requires successful completion of a two-day course and passing a written exam. The course covers topics such as facility operations and maintenance management, energy conservation, safety practices, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering these topics.

To obtain CBMM certification, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have at least three years of experience in building maintenance or related fields. Applicants must also submit a completed application form along with proof of experience to the International Association for Certified Building Maintenance Managers (IACBMM).

The cost for obtaining CBMM certification varies depending on the applicant's location. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 USD for the course materials and exam fees.

4. Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM)

Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE). The CPMM certification is designed to recognize the competency of plant maintenance professionals in areas such as safety, operations, and maintenance.

To obtain the CPMM certification, applicants must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in plant maintenance management and pass an exam administered by AFE. The exam consists of 160 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as safety, operations, and maintenance. Applicants must also complete a comprehensive application process that includes submitting references and completing an essay.

The cost to take the CPMM exam is $350 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with processing your application which can range from $50-$100 USD depending on your location. Once you have successfully completed the exam and submitted all required documentation, you will receive your CPMM certificate within 4-6 weeks.

5. Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

A Certified Energy Manager (CEM) is a professional who has been trained and certified to manage energy usage in buildings, facilities, and other operations. CEMs are responsible for the implementation of energy efficiency strategies that save money and reduce environmental impacts. The CEM certification is administered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), which is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the field of energy engineering.

To become a CEM, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in the energy management field. They must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as energy auditing, economics, finance, engineering principles, and management techniques. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of becoming a CEM varies depending on the country or region in which you live. In the United States, it typically costs around $750 for the application fee plus exam fees. Additional costs may include travel expenses if you need to take the exam at an off-site location.

Once you have passed the exam and received your certification, you can apply for jobs as a CEM or work as an independent contractor providing energy management services to businesses and organizations.

6. LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) is a professional designation offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and it is a certification program that recognizes buildings and neighborhoods that are designed, constructed, operated, and maintained in an environmentally responsible manner.

The LEED AP designation indicates that the individual has acquired knowledge about green building principles and practices and has demonstrated proficiency in the LEED rating system. To become a LEED AP, one must pass an exam administered by the USGBC. The exam covers topics such as sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, innovation in design, regional priority credits, and other related topics.

It typically takes about two to three months to prepare for the exam. There are several study resources available online such as practice exams and study guides from the USGBC website or from third-party providers. It is also recommended to attend a LEED training course or workshop before taking the exam.

The cost of becoming a LEED AP varies depending on how you choose to prepare for the exam. The cost of taking the actual exam is $200 USD for members of the USGBC or $400 USD for non-members. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing study materials or attending a training course or workshop.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification in the field of project management that is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized qualification that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency and knowledge in managing projects.

The PMP certification requires individuals to demonstrate their experience, education, and competency in leading and directing projects. To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, 35 hours of project management education, or an equivalent combination of both.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the PMP exam. The preparation includes studying for the exam, attending training courses or seminars, taking practice exams, and completing any required prerequisites.

The cost of getting a PMP certification varies depending on the country you are located in. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$600 USD for the application fee plus the cost of any training materials or courses you may take to prepare for the exam.

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

The International Facility Management Association’s Sustainability Facility Professional (IFMA-SFP) is a certification program that recognizes professionals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of sustainability principles and practices in the facility management field. This certification is intended for facility managers, engineers, architects, and other professionals who are responsible for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings and other facilities.

The IFMA-SFP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as energy efficiency, green building design and operations, sustainable materials selection and use, occupant health and safety, waste reduction and recycling, water conservation, indoor air quality management and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within three hours.

To become certified as an IFMA-SFP professional, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements which include having at least two years of experience in the facility management field or a related field; completing at least 30 hours of continuing education credits in sustainability topics; and passing the IFMA-SFP exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the IFMA-SFP certification program is $495 USD for members of IFMA ($595 USD for non-members). This fee includes access to study materials such as practice exams and webinars; registration for the exam; one year of membership to IFMA; access to exclusive discounts on products/services related to sustainability; and more.

9. Facilities Management Certification Program (FMCertP)

The Facilities Management Certification Program (FMCertP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of facilities managers. It is administered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).

The FMCertP consists of three levels: Certified Facilities Manager (CFM), Facility Management Professional (FMP), and Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP). To become certified, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and experience in facility management.

It typically takes two years to complete the FMCertP program. The first year involves completing the CFM exam and earning at least 24 credits of continuing education units (CEUs). The second year requires completion of the FMP exam, earning at least 24 CEUs, and submitting a portfolio that demonstrates mastery of facility management topics.

To get started on the path to certification, applicants must join IFMA as a member, pay an application fee, and submit an online application. After being accepted into the program, applicants will need to purchase study materials for each level of certification they are pursuing.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on membership status with IFMA. For non-members, it costs $395 per exam plus $50 for each CEU earned. For members, it costs $295 per exam plus $25 for each CEU earned. In addition, there are additional fees for purchasing study materials and submitting a portfolio for review.

10. Building Owners and Managers Institute’s Real Property Administrator Certification (BOMI-RPA).

The Building Owners and Managers Institute’s Real Property Administrator Certification (BOMI-RPA) is a professional credentialing program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of real property administrators. It is a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of managing and maintaining commercial real estate, including financial management, leasing, tenant relations, maintenance, risk management, and more. The program typically takes six to nine months to complete, depending on the individual’s prior experience and knowledge.

To become certified as an RPA, applicants must first pass the BOMI-RPA exam. This exam consists of four sections: Financial Management; Leasing; Tenant Relations; and Maintenance & Risk Management. Applicants must score at least 70% on each section in order to pass the exam. Once they have passed the exam, applicants must also complete a minimum number of hours of continuing education each year in order to maintain their certification status.

The cost for taking the BOMI-RPA exam varies depending on where it is taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 for individuals who take the exam at an approved testing center or online through BOMI International's website. Additionally, there are fees associated with renewing one's certification each year which range from $50-$100 depending on how many hours of continuing education are required.

Do You Really Need a Facility Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a facility manager certificate to become a facility manager. However, depending on the specific job requirements and the type of organization you are working for, having a facility management certificate may give you an edge over other applicants when it comes to getting hired.

Having a facility management certificate shows potential employers that you have taken the time to learn about the job and have acquired some specialized knowledge related to it. This can be particularly beneficial if you are trying to break into the field or if your current experience is limited. A certification can also demonstrate your commitment to the profession and your dedication to staying up-to-date with industry best practices.

That being said, there are many successful facility managers who do not have any sort of certification. Depending on their experience level, skillset and background, they may be able to provide just as much value as someone with a formal certification. Ultimately, whether or not you choose to pursue a facility management certificate will depend on your unique situation and what kind of opportunities are available in your area.

Related: Facility Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Facility Manager Certifications

1. How do I become a certified Facility Manager?

Answer: To become a certified Facility Manager, you must have a minimum of three years of experience in the field of facility management and complete an approved certification program. The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) offers the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credential, which is the most widely recognized and accepted program.

2. What types of certifications are available for Facility Managers?

Answer: The IFMA offers the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credential as well as specialty credentials such as the FMP (Facilities Management Professional), SFP (Sustainability Facilities Professional), and FSO (Facility Security Officer).

3. Are there any prerequisites to obtaining a certification?

Answer: Yes, each of the certifications offered by IFMA requires that applicants have at least three years of professional experience in facility management prior to applying for certification. In addition, applicants must meet certain educational requirements depending on their chosen certification path.

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

Answer: Completion times vary depending on the specific certification program and individual applicant’s progress. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within one year or less if study time is managed effectively.

5. What are some benefits of becoming a certified Facility Manager?

Answer: Becoming certified demonstrates that you have achieved an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in the field of facility management, making you more competitive in today’s job market. Additionally, having a professional credential may help to open doors to higher-level positions or increased earning potential within your current organization or with future employers.