3 Facilities Management Certification Programs to Pursue This Year
Today’s facility managers have the opportunity to pursue many certifications, designations and credentials to accentuate their skills in the building management industry. Extracurricular learning about facilities is a great way to grow your knowledge base and stay ahead of the industry’s ever-changing requirements and expectations.
But with so many certification programs to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Which programs are worth your time, effort and budget? We’ve gathered a list of three facilities management certification programs that will boost your success as a facilities professional.
3 Facilities Management Certification Programs You Should Know About
1. The Certified Facility Manager® (CFM) Credential
The Certified Facility Manager® (CFM) credential is perhaps one of the most well-known and respected certification programs available today. Offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), this certification sets the industry standard for ensuring the knowledge of practicing facility managers. The program is designed to assess a person’s competency in the field through work experience, education and the ability to pass a comprehensive exam. The CFM® exam covers 11 core competencies that are critical to successful facility management. Since the program began in 1992, more than 3,100 facility managers from 32 countries have achieved this prestigious recognition.
What recognition will I earn through the Certified Facility Manager® program?
Completing the CFM® program shows that you are an experienced facility management professional with demonstrated industry expertise. Once you finish the program, you will receive a digital badge which can be displayed on digital media platforms, like LinkedIn. Many facility managers who complete this course see an increase in salary following their certification. IFMA reports that CFM® credentials can lead to an average salary increase of $6,000 USD within the first year of certification.
More Resources
- Read Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the program.
2. The Facility Management Professional® (FMP) Certificate Program
The Facility Management Professional® (FMP) designation, offered by IFMA, is a knowledge-based credential for facilities professionals and industry suppliers seeking to increase their core knowledge of facilities-related topics deemed most critical by employers. IFMA reports that earning the FMP® credential is a great way to improve your knowledge, enhance your skills and gain immediate credibility with your employers, clients and peers.
Is the Facility Management Professional® certificate program right for me?
The FMP® certificate program is a great option for entry-level and transitioning facilities professionals who do not yet have the hands-on experience required for obtaining the CFM®. There are also no prerequisites to join the program. Participate if you fall within one of the following categories:
- You’re a facility management practitioner with less than five years of experience.
- You’re transitioning into facility management, but have experience in related industries.
- You’re a facilities-related professional such as an architect, designer or safety engineer.
- You’re a corporate provider of facility management products and services.
- You’re a student entering the profession from a college, university or technical program.
How much does the FMP® certificate program cost?
Fees for this program vary depending on your professional background, whether you want a hard copy or e-copy of the course material, and whether or not you are a member of IFMA. Click here for more specific pricing options.
More Resources
- Read Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the program.
- Explore the four knowledge domains covered within the program.
3. The Sustainability Facility Professional™ (SFP) Certificate Program
IFMA’s Sustainability Facility Professional™ certificate program
is an assessment-based certificate program focusing on sustainability in the built environment. Earning the SFP™ credential allows facilities professionals to gain recognition for their expertise in sustainable building management practices, while also impacting their organization’s economic, environmental and social bottom lines.
What recognition will I earn through the Sustainability Facility Professional™ program?
Much like the Certified Facility Manager® (CFM) credential, the SFP™ certificate program provides a digital badge for online recognition and instant verification once you’ve completed the program. You’ll also gain credibility as an informed professional with a unique sustainability-based skill set.
What benefits come with completing the SFP™ certificate program?
IFMA reports that program participants will be able to maximize their facility’s efficiencies and streamline operations to boost their “triple bottom line”: people, planet and profit. There are many perks of the program including no prerequisites, no renewal costs and the ability to earn 30-70 general continuing education (CE) hours towards your LEED certification maintenance.
How much does the Sustainability Facility Professional™ program cost?
Available products and pricing for this program vary based on course material type (i.e. online or print) and whether or not you are a member of IFMA. Pricing ranges from $695 to $2095 for the full course kit.
More Resources
- Read Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the program.
Is Becoming a Certified Facility Manager Worth It?
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that credentials help facility managers differentiate themselves, earn higher salaries, advance in their careers and prove the value they bring to a business. If this isn’t reason enough to complete your certification, here are five reasons to complete a facilities management certification:
- You’ll put yourself ahead of the competition.
Today’s job market is competitive, and facility management jobs are no exception. Your status as a certified facility manager will make you stand out from your competitors and give you the push you need to land the job (or promotion) you’ve been working towards. - You’ll actively invest in your career and financial stability.
More often than not, the return on a facility management certification increases over time. According to IFMA, certified facility managers earn, on average, 13% more than non-certified facility managers. - You’ll demonstrate leadership skills and the drive to succeed.
Organizations like to see their employees take initiative, and pursuing a facility management certification is a great way to start. Earning a certification takes time, effort and dedication. Your program completion will stand as a testament to your drive to succeed in your profession. - You’ll advance your career and prove your achievement.
The best facility managers are proficient in a wide range of competencies. A certification program will prove your skills and abilities, as facility managers must demonstrate their knowledge to complete a program. Your expertise can then be shared with other members of your facilities department.
Learn More about Facilities Management Jobs and Career Paths
Facility managers make a big impact on the integrity of buildings we use every day, and becoming certified is just one way to support that mission. Whether you’re brand-new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, check out our full Guide to Facilities Management Jobs and Career Paths. This comprehensive resource covers skills and competencies of facility managers, along with helpful information on career growth, median salaries and more.
Let Us Know: Are you a certified facility manager? Which program(s) did you complete? Would you recommend it to other facility managers? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
