Top 10 Maintenance Director Certifications

Certifications are important for a maintenance director in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and professionalism that employers look for. Certifications provide evidence that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a maintenance department. They also serve as a signal of credibility, reliability and trustworthiness for potential employers. Additionally, certifications can help set a maintenance director apart from other applicants and give them an edge when competing for positions.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Maintenance Directors and explain how they can benefit their career.

What are Maintenance Director Certifications?

Maintenance director certification is a program designed to ensure that those who manage maintenance operations in buildings, facilities, and other structures have the necessary skills and knowledge to do so effectively. This certification is achieved through a combination of education, practical experience, and testing. It covers topics such as safety procedures, building codes and regulations, energy management systems, preventive maintenance programs, and more.

Having maintenance director certification helps those in charge of managing maintenance operations to better understand their roles and responsibilities. They gain the knowledge needed to properly maintain buildings, facilities, and other structures so they remain safe for inhabitants. Those with this certification can also recognize potential safety hazards before they become an issue. Additionally, it provides them with the ability to create preventative maintenance programs that can help reduce costly repairs or replacements in the future. Ultimately, having a maintenance director certification gives those responsible for managing these operations greater confidence in their abilities and ensures that all work is done properly.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the various maintenance director certifications available and determine which one is most appropriate for your industry. Be sure to check the requirements for each certification and make sure you meet them before applying.

Related: What does a Maintenance Director do?

Top 10 Maintenance Director Certifications

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

1. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a professional certification program offered by the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP). CMRP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge, experience, and expertise in the maintenance and reliability field.

The CMRP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of maintenance and reliability principles through a combination of education, work experience, and examination. The exam consists of two parts: Part 1 covers maintenance management principles, while Part 2 covers reliability engineering principles.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CMRP exam. During this time, applicants should study the SMRP Body of Knowledge (BOK), which outlines all topics that may be covered on the exam. Additionally, applicants should review any materials provided by their employer or other sources related to maintenance and reliability principles.

To get certified as a CMRP, applicants must pass both parts of the exam with a score of at least 70%. Once an applicant passes both parts of the exam, they will be awarded their CMRP certification.

The cost for taking the CMRP exam varies depending on whether you are an SMRP member or non-member. For members, it costs $395 for Parts 1 & 2 combined; for non-members it costs $495 for Parts 1 & 2 combined.

2. Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM)

Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) is a professional certification program designed for maintenance and reliability professionals who work in industrial plants. The program is offered by the Association for Maintenance Professionals (AMP), an international organization dedicated to advancing the maintenance profession.

The CPMM certification requires candidates to have at least five years of experience in plant maintenance, reliability, or asset management. Candidates must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as safety, operations, preventive/predictive maintenance, and root cause analysis.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CPMM program. To get started, candidates must first register with AMP and purchase the study materials. Once registered, they can begin studying for the exam at their own pace.

The cost of the CPMM certification varies depending on whether you are an AMP member or non-member. For members, it costs $495 USD; for non-members it costs $595 USD.

3. Certified Plant Engineer (CPE)

Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) is a professional certification program administered by the Association of Facilities Engineering (AFE). It is designed to recognize professional engineers who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of plant engineering. The CPE certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence and provides employers with an assurance that their employees are qualified to work in the plant engineering field.

It takes approximately six months to complete the requirements for the CPE certification. To become certified, applicants must pass an AFE-administered written exam, which covers topics such as plant design, operation and maintenance, safety management, environmental regulations and codes, and project management. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge and experience in plant engineering.

The cost of obtaining the CPE certification varies depending on whether or not you are already an AFE member. For non-members, the cost is $400 for the written exam plus $200 for the portfolio submission. For members, it is $300 for the written exam plus $100 for the portfolio submission.

4. Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM)

Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Maintenance Professionals (AMP). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in maintenance management. CMM certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence and professionalism in the field of maintenance management.

The CMM certification program consists of two parts: the CMM Knowledge Exam and the CMM Performance Exam. The knowledge exam tests an individual’s understanding of maintenance management principles, while the performance exam evaluates their ability to apply those principles in practice. In order to be eligible for the CMM certification, applicants must meet certain prerequisites, such as having at least five years of experience in maintenance management or related fields.

It typically takes about 8-12 weeks to complete both exams and receive your CMM certification. To get started, you must first register with AMP and pay the registration fee of $350 USD. This fee covers both exams, as well as access to study materials and other resources. Once you have registered, you can begin studying for the knowledge exam using AMP’s online study materials or other resources available on their website. After passing the knowledge exam, you will then need to take and pass the performance exam within six months in order to receive your CMM certification.

The cost of obtaining your Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM) certification depends on several factors such as how long it takes you to prepare for each exam and whether or not you choose to use additional study materials or resources beyond what is provided by AMP. In total, it typically costs around $500-$600 USD to become certified depending on these factors.

5. Certified Reliability Leader (CRL)

Certified Reliability Leader (CRL) is an international certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in reliability engineering. The CRL certification is awarded by the Society of Reliability Engineers (SRE), and it is recognized as a mark of professional achievement in the field.

The CRL certification requires applicants to pass two exams: the Certified Reliability Engineer Exam and the Certified Reliability Leader Exam. The Certified Reliability Engineer Exam focuses on technical knowledge, while the Certified Reliability Leader Exam focuses on leadership and management skills. Both exams must be passed with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive the CRL certification.

In order to apply for the CRL certification, applicants must first register with SRE and pay an application fee of $250 USD. After registering, applicants will be given access to online study materials and practice exams that can help them prepare for both exams. Once they are ready, they can schedule their exams at any SRE-approved testing center around the world.

The entire process typically takes between 3-6 months, depending on how quickly an individual can study and pass both exams. The cost of taking both exams is $400 USD each, plus any additional fees associated with scheduling or rescheduling tests at a testing center.

6. Certified Maintenance and Operations Management Professional (CMOMP)

Certified Maintenance and Operations Management Professional (CMOMP) is a certification program offered by the Association for Maintenance Professionals (AMP). The certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of maintenance and operations management.

The CMOMP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as safety, quality assurance, cost control, asset management, preventive maintenance, reliability engineering, and project management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must also submit proof of at least two years of professional experience in maintenance or operations management.

The cost of the CMOMP certification varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. In the United States, it costs $495 USD to apply for the certification. This fee includes the application fee, exam fee, and one year's membership in AMP.

In order to maintain their certification status, CMOMPs must complete 20 continuing education credits every two years. These credits can be obtained through attending conferences or seminars related to maintenance and operations management or by taking courses offered by AMP or other organizations approved by AMP.

7. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals become more effective in their roles as process improvement specialists. The certification focuses on the principles of Six Sigma, which is a data-driven approach to improving processes and eliminating waste.

The certification typically takes between three and six months to complete, depending on the individual’s experience level and the specific requirements of the organization offering the certification. To get certified, individuals must complete a combination of classroom training, online courses, and hands-on projects or assessments.

The cost of getting Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. However, some organizations may offer discounts or other incentives for those who pursue the certification. Additionally, many employers will cover at least part of the cost for employees who are interested in obtaining this certification.

8. Facility Management Professional Certification

Facility Management Professional Certification (FMP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). It is designed to recognize those who demonstrate knowledge and competency in the field of facility management.

The FMP certification consists of two parts: an online exam and a portfolio review. The online exam covers topics such as facility operations, maintenance, safety, security, sustainability and financial management. The portfolio review requires applicants to submit a portfolio that demonstrates their experience in the field of facility management.

The entire process typically takes between three and six months to complete. To get started, applicants must first register for the FMP program through IFMA's website. Once registered, applicants will be provided with access to study materials and resources to help them prepare for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants must submit their portfolio for review by IFMA's Certification Board.

The cost of obtaining an FMP certification varies depending on whether you are already an IFMA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $1,200 USD; for members it is $800 USD.

9. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Training Course

The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Training Course is a comprehensive safety program designed to provide workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to help protect themselves from workplace hazards. The course covers topics such as hazard recognition, accident prevention, emergency response, and personal protective equipment. It is intended for entry-level workers in general industry settings such as manufacturing, construction, retail, hospitality, and healthcare.

The course typically takes 10 hours to complete and can be taken online or in person (depending on the provider). Upon completion of the course, participants receive an OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health card.

The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $50-$100. In some cases, employers may cover the cost of the training for their employees.

10. LEED Green Associate Certification

LEED Green Associate Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge of green building principles and practices. It is offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the way buildings and communities are designed, constructed, and operated to promote sustainability.

The LEED Green Associate certification is designed for professionals who work in the green building industry or those who want to learn more about green building principles and practices. This certification demonstrates that an individual has a basic understanding of green building concepts and strategies, as well as an ability to apply them in their work.

The LEED Green Associate exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions based on the USGBC’s LEED Rating System for Buildings & Communities v4.1 (LEED v4). To become certified, individuals must pass the exam with a score of 170 or higher out of 200 possible points.

In order to take the exam, individuals must first register with the USGBC's website and pay an application fee of $100 USD for non-members or $50 USD for members. After registering, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access their online study materials and schedule their exam date at one of USGBC's testing centers around the world.

Once applicants have passed their exam, they will receive their official LEED Green Associate certificate from USGBC along with other recognition items such as digital badges and certificates of completion. The certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Maintenance Director Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your particular career goals. If you are looking to become a Maintenance Director, then a Maintenance Director Certificate would likely be beneficial. It could provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully lead a maintenance team.

Having a certificate may also help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in this field. It can demonstrate that you have taken the time and effort to gain additional qualifications, which may give employers more confidence in your abilities and make them more likely to hire you.

On the other hand, if you already have experience leading a maintenance team or have other qualifications that relate to the role of a Maintenance Director, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a Maintenance Director Certificate. In this case, it would depend on what kind of positions you are looking for and whether or not employers will consider any alternative qualifications as valid substitutes.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they need a Maintenance Director Certificate in order to reach their career goals. If obtaining such certification will help open doors for new job opportunities or give an edge over other applicants, then it may be worth considering.

Related: Maintenance Director Resume Examples

FAQs About Maintenance Director Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a Maintenance Director?

Answer: To become a Maintenance Director, you must have at least 5 years of experience in a maintenance-related field and complete an approved training program. In addition, you may need to pass a certification exam and meet any other local, state or federal requirements.

2. How do I obtain a Maintenance Director Certification?

Answer: You can obtain your Maintenance Director Certification by completing an approved training program and passing the certification exam. Depending on your location, you may also need to meet additional local, state or federal requirements.

3. How long does it take to become certified as a Maintenance Director?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Maintenance Director will vary depending on the specific requirements for your area and how quickly you are able to complete the training program and pass the certification exam. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year or more to become fully certified.

4. Is there an age requirement for obtaining a Maintenance Director Certification?

Answer: No, there is no age requirement for obtaining a Maintenance Director Certification; however, most certifying organizations require that applicants have at least 5 years of experience in maintenance-related fields before they can apply for certification.

5. Is there continuing education required after obtaining my Maintenance Director Certification?

Answer: Yes, many certifying organizations require that certified professionals participate in ongoing professional development activities such as attending conferences or taking courses in order to maintain their certification status.