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CFM Certification
Download
the CFM Brochure
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
“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 certification@ifma.org.
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