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 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.
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 3,500 facility managers from 25 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
“Why CFM?”
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!
Testimonials
"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.
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.
Contributed by - Christine H. Neldon, CFM,
CFMJ, IFMA Fellow
Regional Project Manager for The
St Paul. Companies
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