FM Career Framework

IFMA is building a comprehensive framework that includes all of the career advice and activities you need to advance and enrich all stages of your FM career. With this framework, IFMA is continuing its commitment to lead and sustain the facility management profession through supporting the education and career growth of its members and facility professionals around the world.

What You Need to Build a Successful FM Career

Basic FM Knowledge
We have identified the nine areas critical to the knowledge base of facility managers. These nine competencies are the building blocks of all of the educational opportunities IFMA offers, as well as recognized programs, the Facility Management Professional (FMP) designation and the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credential.

Overall Career Competence
The Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credential sets the industry standard for ensuring the knowledge and abilities of practicing facility managers. As the only global facility management certification available, the CFM integrates the broad knowledge-base of the nine competencies with the work experience of seasoned FM professionals.

IFMA is committed to improving the stature and influence of the facility management profession and will continue to develop career-related tools, focusing on the needs of professionals at all career levels. By providing certification and recognition opportunities to FM professionals, we not only enhance your professional career, but the reputation of the facility management profession as a whole.

Demonstrate Specialization
IFMA offers a variety of opportunities to explore and expand your knowledge related to the specific area of FM that you practice. Our councils meet your industry-specific networking and information needs, providing opportunities for interaction that transcend chapter and regional boundaries.

IFMA’s research department also provides you with the opportunity to discuss the best of the best in your area of expertise at best practice forums throughout the year. These forums are unique in that the participants provide all of the material for discussion, allowing knowledge sharing, networking and formation of benchmarking partnerships.

As part of our commitment to your career enhancement, IFMA is also developing programs to recognize the accomplishment of being an expert at a variety of facility-related specialties.

Demonstrate Leadership and Build Legacy
Advancements in the FM profession are being set by IFMA and its members. Participating and demonstrating your leadership qualities in a variety of the opportunities provided by IFMA enhances your standing in the FM community and contributes to the education and development of your peers. Volunteer to be a chapter or council leader, use your expert knowledge to present at IFMA’s summits and conferences or become an IFMA instructor. In addition, you can mentor FM students through our recognized programs and FMP/CFM mentoring opportunities.

Where is Your Career Now and What Does the Future Hold?

IFMA’s professional development department can assist you in assessing your current career, help you develop as an FM professional and enhance your career in the future. If you are seeking a credential or designation, or you are looking to transition to FM from another career or within the facility profession, we have the tools and information to put you on the right track.

As part of this career assistance initiative, IFMA’s World Workplace Conference & Expo 2007 features a Career Planning and Professional Development track designed to provide the information, resources and tools you need to begin, revisit or change your career development strategies and enhance your professional skills. Visit www.worldworkplace.org for more information on these sessions.

Contact IFMA’s professional development department by calling 713-623-4362 or e-mail education@ifma.org. You can also visit the Learning section for more information about the educational opportunities available now.