CFM
Certification
The most respected global credential in facility management
The Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credential sets the industry standard for ensuring the knowledge and
abilities of practicing facility managers.
More than ever, recognizing competency and high performance—establishing benchmarks, defining competence and
setting performance standards—is vital to the global economy. Never before have the public, employers and
government agencies relied as much on certification organizations as they do today. Professional associations are
now taking a lead role in developing these credentialing programs, and IFMA’s CFM program was the first in facility
management.
“Establishing my position as a well-rounded, competent facility management
professional is of the utmost importance to my organization. The CFM designation has
absolutely increased my credibility with my management team, FM staff and my customer
base.”
- Scott S. Tibbo, CFM, Director, Real Estate Advisory Services, Expense Management
Solutions Inc., Southborough, Mass. |
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IFMA’s certification process is designed to assess competency in the field through work experience, education
and the ability to pass a comprehensive exam. Since the program began in 1992, more than 3,100 facility managers
from 32 countries have achieved this prestigious recognition.
Competency-Based
The CFM Exam is competency-based, testing what a person can do compared to standards that define the practice of
facility management. One cannot take a course or a simple knowledge-based exam to earn the credential. IFMA’s
competency-based program is at a higher level than a knowledge-based program, reflecting the growing importance of
facility management in the international business world.
Recognized Globally
In addition, the CFM is the only global facility management certification available. Every country that chooses to
localize the exam must maintain a certain percentage of global questions on their exam; however, they also include
a number of regional/local questions, allowing facility managers to practice in their own countries and have the
skills and knowledge to practice globally as well. There are currently five different exams available: United
States, Canada, European Business English, Dutch and German, with localizations for other countries under way.
Goals of IFMA's certification program:
- Assure professional excellence
- Establish standards for global professional practice
- Promote the added value of the profession
- Influence the future direction of the profession
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“Why CFM?”
Contributed by - Christine H. Neldon, CFM, CFMJ, IFMA Fellow, Regional Project
Manager for Travelers
You have a great job. Your employer is rock solid. Your last performance rating
was excellent and the future looks bright. One day, you go to work and your job no
longer exists. It happens easier and faster than you can imagine.
When you enter a tight job market, what will distinguish you from the crowd?
Employers look for leaders and demonstrated skill in an area of practice. Your CFM
shows you have the interest and skill in facility management to be the best. It
shows you have the tenacity to keep those skills sharp year after year. What better
example of leadership than to choose to be the best and advertise it.
When I recently entered the job market after years with the same job, I was very
concerned about my marketability. How could I be sure my skills would translate to
a new place and were they even still valid in the current market? By becoming a CFM
and maintaining the designation, I was forced to update my skills yearly to keep
the designation. Without realizing it, I was preparing for the day when a job
change became essential.
Where would I be now if I had been forced to find a new job and had not stayed
current in my profession? How could I answer a prospective employer’s questions
about my education in facility management? What could I offer to separate me from
the pack? A CFM is more important than you think!
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For more information, please contact enquiry@fms-1.com
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