IFMA's Certified Facility Manager (CFM)
IFMA’s Certified Facility Manager, CFM, is the most distinguished credential in the facility industry. A recent IFMA study found that CFMs earn 25% morethan their non-CFM counterparts and tend to occupy higher management positions.
Want to learn more about the CFM, including:
- Why earn the CFM?
- What’s Covered?
- How to earn it?
- How to prepare?
- How much does it cost?
How To Earn the CFM
Candidates must:
- Meet eligibility pre-requisites
- Prepare for the exam
- Submit an application to IFMA
- Schedule & pass the exam at a Prometric testing center
Prepare for the CFM Exam
To help CFM candidates prepare for the exam, one-day CFM Exam Prep Workshops are offered, which provide a high-level review of the eleven core competencies covered on the exam and test-taking techniques. The end goal of the CFM Exam Prep Workshop is to help candidates assess their readiness for the exam, build confidence, and think like a CFM.
In addition to the CFM Exam Prep Workshop, each of the 11 core competencies are taught as stand-alone, one-day FMLS classes. These one-day classes further prepare candidates for the CFM exam by discussing key concepts and terminology for the specific competency and by continuing to shape their mind to think like a CFM. Classes are taught in-class with many having an online Virtual Instructor-Led Training option. NOTE - IFMA’s Facility Management Learning System, FMLS, is required to attend these classes.
The Facility Management Learning System, FMLS, provides nearly 1600 pages of material that cover all 11 core competencies. In addition, to the printed material, the FMLS includes online study tools, such as e-flashcards, practice quizzes, sample tests, and Smart Study Tool.
What’s Covered?
The CFM exam is comprised of 180 questions that test the candidate’s knowledge and understanding in the below 11 core competencies:
- Technology
- Real Estate & Property Management
- Quality
- Human Factors
- Emergency Preparedness & Business Continuity
- Communication
- Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability
- Leadership & Strategy
- Finance & Business
- Project Management
- Operations & Maintenance
Click here to learn more about the CFM core competencies.
Click here to learn more about IFMA's Facility Management Professional (FMP)