Certified Facility Manager (CFM)

Prepare. Apply. Pass. Maintain.
And get recognized.

The Certified Facility Manager (CFM) is the pinnacle achievement in facility management certification. Widely regarded as the industry standard in facility management certification.

Gain credibility in your professional network
Showcase your knowledge of 11 core competencies
Grow as a leader in facility management
Proudly join a distinguished group of FM professionals

Watch Overview

*Please Note: Materials offered by IFMA to prepare for the CFM Exam, such as the CFM Exam Prep Workshop and CFM practice exams, are optional study resources and are not a requirement of eligibility, nor are they endorsed by the IFMA Certification Commission.

The world's leading credential in facility management.
Trusted for over 25 years

Apply Today

Demonstrate your industry expertise and knowledge

The CFM exam comprehensively covers all 11 core competencies of facility management.

Communication

Risk Management

Sustainability

finance & business

Occupancy & human factors

Leadership & Strategy

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE

Project management

real estate

Performance & Quality

Facility Information Management & technology management

Communication

The industry-leading certification for facility professionals looking to advance

An internationally recognized credential, setting the standard for ensuring the knowledge and competency of practicing facility professionals.

If you have 5+ years FM experience and are looking to be recognized as an expert in the industry, the CFM may be the perfect credential for you.

2,773+
Active CFMs

68%
Manager or Director Level

5 years
Work Experience

55%
Receive Salary Increase

591+
Retired CFMs

79%
Exam Pass Rate

Download the CFM Exam Prep Guide

Handbook grouping

Learn eligibility requirements, exam process, benefits and more

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Last Name *

Company *

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Mary Gauer, CFM

Founding Member of IFMA

“The CFM gave me a lot of confidence in myself, because I always perceived that I wasn’t smart enough or not good enough as other people were, women especially. So, for me, it was it made me feel really good and so I started to behave that way with other people.”

Three easy steps to apply for your Certified Facility Manager credential

Everything you need to know to qualify, prepare and apply for certification.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Work Experience	Education	Ethics Training
5 years	any	Take the IFMA ethics assessment or submit ethics coursework within 30 days of passing the exam. Contact credentials@ifma.org for more information.
3 years	bachelors degree in FM or masters degree in FM

Step 2: Prepare for the Exam

Understand the exam format

Exam Workshop

This virtual workshop reviews the exam methodology and practices critical thinking skills. (Please note that this workshop is not a subject matter review of the 11 competencies.)

Book a workshop

Practice Exam

Get an idea of what to expect in terms of the types of exam questions and the experience of taking the exam.

90 questions
Up to 5 retakes

Take practice exam

Fill Knowledge gaps

Self-Assessment

Review a breakdown of the 11 core competencies of FM and test your knowledge with sample questions in the CFM Exam Prep Guide.

View exam prep guide

Competency Courses

Fill your knowledge gaps before sitting for the exam by enrolling in our new online core competency courses.

Explore competency courses

IFMA’s preparation resources and study options are not required to take the exam. Participation with the workshops, taking the practice exam, courses or other IFMA resources does not guarantee a passing score on the exam. Exam fee not included.

Step 3: Apply and Take the Exam

Application & Payment

Complete your CFM Application in the CAMP platform
Complete the CFM Application Payment Form
Sit for the exam within three months (90 days) of approval

Sitting for the CFM

After you’re approved, schedule your exam at a testing center or test remotely with a virtual proctor. Download our CFM Handbook for details.

4 hours to complete
180 multiple choice questions
Pass/Fail grading

Apply Now

CFM Handbook

Recertification

The CFM is valid for three (3) years. To maintain your credential, you can take courses and online training that awards CEUs.

Recertification Fees:

Members: $290 USD
Nonmembers: $365 USD

Learn More

For more information on exam statistics, specifications, special accommodations, impartiality, and conflict of interest click here.

For concerns or complaints about certification activities or a certified individual, please refer to the policy found on p. 25 of IFMA’s CFM Handbook.

Find your training

Our Career Compass quiz or Self Assessment tool will help you find the FM training that’s right for you.

Career Compass

2-minute quiz to get
course recommendations

Take the quiz

Self Assessment Tool

Two-hour self-assessment
to target knowledge gaps

Learn more

Apply today to get certified

Get your industry-leading certification from the world's largest FM association.

Certified Facility Manager (CFM®)

Get certified today and let employers know you're serious about your career.

Set yourself apart from your peers
Internationally-recognized and trusted
Proudly showcase your skills with confidence

FULL MEMBER

$550USD

STANDARD PRICE

$815USD

Need to retake the exam?
Exam retake fee

For GSA pricing
GSA pricing schedule

Ready to show the world what you're made of?

Apply Now

Need help? +1-713-623-4362

15:1 Return of Investment

The average five-year return on investment of IFMA credentials is 15:1 for credential holders*

$6,000+ Avg. Salary Increase

On average, IFMA credentials lead to a US$6,000 salary increase within the first year*

79% Pass Rate

Join the ranks of the professional elite. Get recognized by your peers and company.

* Based on IFMA's ROI Credential Salary Report. Learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have questions on what training and resources are best for you, we’re here to help.

Q.Do I need to prepare for the CFM exam?

Absolutely no training or coursework is required to take the CFM exam. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements (3 years industry experience with an FM bachelors or 5 years industry experience), you can successfully apply to take the exam.

That being said, every FM’s knowledge and experience levels vary. If you need to fill knowledge gaps in any of the 11 core competencies or learn the methodology of the exam, IFMA offers a variety of resources to help you prepare for earning the gold-standard credential of FM.

Email our training support team at corporateconnections@ifma.org to learn about creating your personalized CFM exam prep plan, as well as special pricing for teams of 2 or more.

Q.Do I have to be a full member to take classes or earn a credential?

No, but full members are given discounted pricing. Learn how to become a full member today! (https://www.ifma.org/membership)

Q.Who should become a Certified Facility Manager (CFM)?

The CFM is designed for experienced facility professionals who have 3 – 5 years of industry expertise. Review the full eligibility requirements to see if the CFM is right for you. You can also download the CFM Candidate Handbook for more information.

Q.What tools are available to test and/or improve my knowledge of the 11 competencies?

If you want to test your knowledge, our CFM Exam Prep Resource has sample questions and breakdowns of the 11 core competencies. For a deeper dive into subject matter of any of the 11 competencies, check out our online, self-paced courses. You’ll earn CEUs and fill any training gaps you may have, as well as receive a digital badge to verify your new knowledge.

Q.How can I get comfortable with the standardized test?

IFMA offers virtual CFM exam prep workshops each month that will help you understand the overall concept and methodology used on the exam. This workshop will also help you learn to apply critical thinking skills and understand the rationales used.

Q.Do you offer corporate/group training? Is there special pricing available?

Yes, we do offer corporate and group training. Special pricing applies for groups of 2 or more individuals. Contact us at corporateconnections@ifma.org to learn more.

Q.Where can I manage my credentials?

You can manage your credentials through our Credential Application Maintenance Program (CAMP).

Q.Where can I look up and verify employee credentials?

Use our Credential Registry to find and verify what credentials potential or current employees hold.

Q.How do I submit a complaint about certification activities or a certified individual?

Individuals with feedback regarding the assessment process, personnel or other elements of the credentials process are encouraged to discuss these with the individuals involved, to try to resolve the matter informally. In some cases, however, informal resolution is not possible, and individuals may wish to file a formal complaint. Learn more at p. 25 of IFMA’s CFM Handbook.

To those that make it possible

A special thanks to all of the volunteers of the Certification Commission who help solidify
IFMA credentials as the world-leading education for facility managers.

Ted Cohen, CFM, MBA, MPA, PMP
CHAIR
Clayton Tenbroeck, CFM, FMP
VICE CHAIR
Kung Wai (Lawrence) Cheung, CFM, MRICS, HKIS
Jennifer Conine, CFM, SFP
Linda DeTienne, CFM, GRP, BOC
David King, CFM, SFP, AIA, LEED AP
Casey (Katherine) Martin, CFM, SFP, AIA, LEED AP
Leo Okafor, CFM

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