Overview
IFMA’s CFM is a globally recognized credential that establishes the standard for verifying the knowledge and competence of practicing facility managers.
This competency-based certification mandates continuous professional development and periodic renewal.
Why should I be a CFM?
- Provides a digital badge for secure online recognition and immediate verification.
- IFMA credentials offer an average five-year return of 15:1 for holders.
- Typically, earning IFMA credentials results in a USD 6,000 salary increase within the first year.
- The CFM, internationally recognized and industry-trusted for nearly 25 years, signifies quality and competence, with over 2,600 CFMs worldwide.
- The CFM certification highlights your status as an experienced FM with demonstrated industry expertise.
- The renewal process ensures you maintain your proficiency in FM after certification.
Why should employers support CFM?
The Certified Facility Manager (CFM) sets the industry benchmark for validating the knowledge and competence of practicing facility managers.
IFMA’s certification process assesses competency through work experience, education, and the ability to pass a comprehensive exam covering 11 core competencies within the facility management body of knowledge. Since its inception in 1992, more than 3,100 facility managers from 32 countries have achieved this prestigious recognition.
Who should attend?
Professionals working in the following fields:
- Facility Management
- Architecture
- Design and Safety
- Operations and Maintenance
- Project Management
- Finance and Business
- Leadership and Strategy
- Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
- Communication and Technology
- Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity
- Human Factors
- Quality
- Real Estate and Property Management
Prerequisites
Candidates must meet specific education and work experience requirements outlined in the categories below to be eligible for the CFM Exam. This information must be included in the CFM Exam application. Once the application is approved, individuals have 90 days to sit for the exam.
- Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree: 3 years of experience
- Other Degree: 5 years of experience
Key features
- Comprehensive coverage of the IOSH competency framework
- Develops an optimal balance of advanced technical OSH knowledge and skills with behavioural and core business skills
- Assessment via work-based assignments
- Meets academic requirements for application for GradIOSH/CertIOSH membership and designatory letters
- Globally recognised qualification
- The Institute of Leadership approved programme, giving extra recognition of commitment to leadership practice
- Ofqual regulated
- Access to a multitude of IOSH membership benefits to support learning including the Blueprint CPD tool, mentoring and the Career Hub
- Confidence in the IOSH brand
How do remote exams work?
There is one multiple-choice knowledge exam and one scenario-based assessment. You must pass both to complete the qualification. Both the exam and assessment are undertaken online and remotely invigilated.
This means you can take them, under exam conditions, at home, work or wherever you are. Remote invigilation takes place online using a specialist exam platform and security software. This gives you flexibility on where you take your exams as long as you have a stable internet connection, but they are delivered using robust procedures just like attending a test centre. You are observed and recorded online using cameras and a shared screen.
Once your exams are scheduled, you will be sent clear instructions on how to prepare and test your equipment ahead of the exam. You will need to have a laptop with a built-in camera, microphone and speakers, along with a smart phone to use the exam platform and remote invigilation.