Join TodayBecome an IFMA member

Great careers begin by learning the essentials

The FM Essentials is the perfect course for facility professionals just entering the industry or transitioning from a different career.

Get Started

Learn the lingo.
Build your confidence.

Facility management is an in-depth industry with a lot of nuance. And, to newcomers, it can be a lot to take in and sometimes even seem a bit intimidating.

But it doesn’t have to be. Learn to talk the talk and strengthen your understanding of key concepts and fundamentals of facility management.

Understand key concepts of facility management

Learn tactical planning and daily FM tasks to support your organization.

Introduction to FM

The core concepts, terms and competencies that all facility professionals use in the workplace and day-to-day

Focus Area

1

Operations & Maintenance

Understanding building systems, maintenance practices and personell management are key to effective facility management

Focus Area

2

Workplace Management

Strong facility professionals have the skills to lead effectively, manage productivity, time and other resources to positively impact the triple bottom line

Focus Area

3
 
 
 
 

10 comprehensive modules to learn at your own pace.

The courses are broken up into three easy-to-follow workshops so you can learn at your own pace, on your own time. Get a solid intro and build your foundation. ​

Focus Area 1
1
Module

Introduction to Facility Management

Topicsbasic functions | technical skills

2
Module

Introduction to Operations & Maintenance

Topicsmaintenance tactics | facility expenses

Focus Area 2
3
Module

The Basics of Building Systems

Topicssystem maintenance | interior | exterior

4
Module

The Application of Technology

Topicsautomation | energy | IWMS

5
Module

Implications of Health & Safety in Managing Buildings

Topicsrisk assessment | emergency response | building codes

Focus Area 3
6
Module

Supervisory Roles in Facility Work Management

Topicscommunication | planning | productivity

7
Module

Applying Work Management to Building Systems

Topicssystem inspection | KPIs | maintenance

8
Module

Work Management Tools in Facility Management

Topicsproductivity | metrics | life cycle processes

9
Module

Managing Contractors in Facility Mangement

Topicscontracts | proposals | quality

10
Module

Managing and Tracking Customer Relations in Facility Management

Topicscustomer expectations | feedback

What others are saying about our training

Livsie

Stewart Livsie, CFM, FMP

Manager, Maintenance & Construction, The University of New Mexico

“The process of achieving both the FMP and CFM credentials has contributed significantly to my practice of the FM profession, and driven a desire to achieve true operational excellence.”

Reiter

Sarah Reiter, FMP

Office Administrator; Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver

“I learned so many things that I can immediately take back to my organization. I kind of fell into being an FM without a lot of prior knowledge. I can now confidently return to my org with best practices and recommendations.”

Estrella

Estrella Martinez, FMP

Facilities Operations Specialist, US Court of Appeals for Veteran Claims

“Because of getting my FMP, I was able to now create a list of what we were going to ask for in our contract, upcoming contract, when we renew. Without the FMP I wouldn’t have been able to know as far as some of the services amenities.”

G Williams

Geoff Williams, CFM, FMP, SFP, IFMA Fellow

Director, Operations, Angus Consulting Management Limited

“I undertook becoming an IFMA Qualified Instructor because I am convinced of the value that IFMA credentials bring to the future leaders of our industry. I am proud to share my applied knowledge in teaching both the FMP and SFP courses!”

Cunningham

Jan Cunningham, CFM

Facilities Manager and Director; Waters & Kraus LLP

“It really made a difference in my job search. Now, I am taken more seriously. It’s like your CPA, only this is the facilities equivalent of a CPA.”

Smith

Cynthia Smith

Facility Manager; Bradshaw District at County of Sacramento Department of General Services

“I can represent any of the core competencies because of my experience in the training that I’ve gotten.”

 
 
 
 

Take the first step in your learning journey

Get a foundational understanding of FM key concepts and skills to help you succeed.​

 

INDIVIDUAL MODULES

essential

start at
$70/$80 USD

MEMBER/NONMEMBER

Purchase individual modules that make up the collection of Essentials

View the GSA schedule

See pricing details

27%
OFF!

BUNDLE AND SAVE

essentials-bundle-logo

Essentials ® Bundle

group-3317

starts at
$510 USD/Members

$590 USD/NONMEMBERS

The complete bundle includes all 10 course modules

View the GSA schedule

See pricing details

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A.

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

A.

Each module takes about 2-4 hours to complete with a brief 10-question assessment at the end of each one. You can complete them at your own pace. 

A.

You will have access for 6 months (180 days) and can complete the modules in any order you prefer. 

A.
No! The Essentials of Facility Management bundle is designed for you to fill in your knowledge gaps. For those seeking the strongest foundation in FM, we do recommend that you complete all 10 modules.  
A.
Although the workshop series is a convenient and affordable way to become acquainted with the FM profession, it is not a credential or certification and carries no designation or post-nominal letters. If you complete all 10 modules in the series, you will receive an electronic certificate of completion. 
A.

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. 

Need help finding the right training?

Take our 2-minute quiz

asset1

Get your questions answered

Enter your email address below and a Credentials Sales Specialist will follow up with you shortly.

Group 2797

Talk to a Credentials Specialist

Talk with an expert who can recommend the perfect program based on your expertise and goals.

+1-713-623-4362

IFMA Corporate Sustaining Partners

Do you have products or services that can provide solutions to FMs? Contact our Corporate Sustaining Partner Team today at ​csp@ifma.org or for more details, visit: Become an IFMA Corporate Sustaining Partner (CSP).

Platinum Level

OTIS

Gold Level

C&W Services energilogo KCP

Silver Level

ABMAecomAl-Hajry Overseas ARC Document Solutions CityFM logoConnectracLogo_220x110CORTDavies Office emcor excel FM: Systems freeaxezHoneywell Logo IBM ISS Kastle NewPig18OpenSensors PlanonSCLogic LogoSodexoSpaceIQ Logo SpacewellSteelcase LogoTangram_logoTarkett Logo ufm Varidesk

800 Gessner Road, Suite 900, Houston, TX 77024-4257 USA | Phone: +1-713-623-4362 | Fax: +1-713-623-6124
Web Support | Privacy Policy | Brand Standards