The Certified Facility Manager (CFM) , awarded by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), is the global benchmark of excellence in facility management. It validates a professional’s expertise across key areas such as operations, maintenance, project management, and strategic planning.
Recognized in over 40 countries, the CFM reflects international standards of quality, professional ethics, and continuous learning. Research shows that credential holders experience significant career growth and salary advancement, proving its strong industry value.
Our International Diploma in Facility Management (IDFM) is structured in alignment with the CFM competency framework and covers an even broader scope of learning. Upon completion, learners gain the knowledge and confidence required to pursue the IFMA CFM examination or advance directly in professional facility management roles.
The CFM is earned by passing a comprehensive exam based on the facility management body of knowledge competency areas.
Follow the steps below to earn the CFM credential.
STEP 1: Meeting the Eligibility Requirements
STEP 2: Taking Preparation
STEP 3: Filling out the CFM Application
STEP 4: Submitting the Application and Payment
STEP 5: Application Approval/Denial and Scheduling the Exam
STEP 6: Sit for the CFM Exam and Exam Results
STEP 7: Recertification
STEP 1: MEETING THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must meet education and work experience requirements outlined in one of the categories below in order to eligible to sit for the CFM Exam. Candidates will include this information in the CFM Exam application. Once the application is approved, individuals have 90 days to sit for the exam.
CFM Eligibility
Education Years of FM Experience
FM Masters or Bachelors 03 Years
All other education Level 05 Years
STEP 2: PREPARING FOR THE CFM EXAM
Candidates should prepare for the exam. OSHTREE Training and Consultancy is the largest tuition provider of CFM and More than 100+ qualification provider in Qatar and the one with the highest pass rates. We produce more Facility Management professionals than any other training center in the country. All candidates will be getting the Local approved Facility Management training Certificate which is approved and recognized in Qatar, After the course completion.These eleven areas have been identified as the core areas of skills and knowledge necessary for a successful facility manager:
- Occupancy and Human Factors
- Operations and Maintenance
- Finance and Business
- Leadership and Strategy
- Communication
- Performance and Quality
- Facility Information Management & Technology Management
- Sustainability
- Real Estate
- Project Management
- Risk Management
STEP 3: FILLING OUT THE CFM APPLICATION
EACH candidate must complete the CFM Application before any determination can be made on eligibility requirements. All applications MUST be completed online using the IFMA Credential Application and Maintenance Program (CAMP) found at http://www.ifma.org/my-account/camp. We strongly encourage anyone using CAMP for the first time to please read the CAMP User Guide, and follow the instructions.
STEP 4: SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION AND PAYMENT
To complete the application process, the CFM Application Payment Form must be completed, submitted and confirmed.
(Please note: If you asked for preliminary approval, you will need to go back into CAMP and hit Submit and apply payment before your application can move into the approval queue.)
If the exam payment has been pre-paid by an employer, the candidate should see the approved CFM Exam Payment form in the “Completed Forms” section of Applications and Forms.
STEP 5: APPLICATION APPROVAL/DENIAL AND SCHEDULING THE EXAM
If the application is approved, the candidate will receive an email with instructions for scheduling an exam date at a one of Prometric Testing Center in a convenient location. The exam eligibility period is three months (90 days) from the date the application is approved, and there are policies regarding rescheduling and/or cancelling an exam date. This information will be included in the scheduling email. The applicant must take the exam during the three month (90 day) period.If an application is denied, the Credentials Manager will follow-up with the candidate accordingly. Any payment that has been processed will be refunded.
STEP 6: SITTING FOR THE CFM EXAM AND EXAM RESULTS
The CFM Exam, which takes 4 hours to complete, consists of 180 multiple-choice questions delivered in random order. The test is strictly pass/fail based on the total number of correct answers. At the present time, the computerized exam is available in English only.Testing must occur within 90 days of candidate acceptance.If you need to reschedule or cancel your exam date you must contact to Prometric direclty (not IFMA). To review Prometric’s policies, click here. If you do not cancel before their deadlines, you will be considered a “no show” and may incur additional charges to reschedule your exam.The candidate is notified immediately after completing the exam regarding pass/fail status. IFMA credentialing staff will confirm the results and process the credential certificate packet if applicable. Candidates should receive certificate packets within 30 days of the successful testing date.
STEP 7: RECERTIFICATION
The CFM Certification is valid for three (3) years. To maintain the CFM credential, a list of the activities performed along with the appropriate supporting documentation including a processing fee must be submitted to IFMA credentialing department every three years.
How do I become credentialed?
1. Meet specific eligibility requirements.
2. Assess your readiness and prepare for the exam. Although no specific coursework is required, IFMA provides a variety of resources to help prepare CFM candidates.
3. Submit your application through the IFMA website.
4. Schedule and pass the exam. After receiving IFMA approval, schedule an appointment to take the exam at one of Prometric’s centers. The 4-hour exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions, administered through a computer-based testing (CBT) format.
Are there prerequisites or eligibility requirements to take the CFM Exam?
Announcement – CFM Eligibility Requirements have changed !To be eligible to sit for the CFM Exam, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. As expectations in the world of FM become increasingly complex, IFMA strives to make it simpler for FMs to make the most of professional development opportunities. The eligibility requirements for the CFM Exam have changed. While the requirements for this respected certification are still rigorous, the policy has been simplified. Revised requirements
CFM Eligibility
Education Years of FM Experience
FM Masters or Bachelors 03 Years
All other education Level 05 Years
Beginning January 1, 2018: An Ethics Assessment will be required for all CFM credential applicants as well as all current CFMs.
Those holding the CFM credential will be required to complete an Ethics Assessment every other renewal cycle or every six (6) years. Candidates have an option of two current Ethics Assessments which have been approved by the CFM Scheme Committee. If a candidate’s employer requires an Ethics training/assessment, the program can be submitted to the CFM Scheme Committee for approval and applied towards the Ethics requirement.
All Ethics Assessments can be used towards maintenance activities for the recertification form. Learn more about Ethics Assessment options here
After submitting my CFM Exam application, how long will it take to get my CFM credential?
Once your CFM Exam application and payment are submitted, IFMA will review your application and you will be notified of the outcome by email. The approval process may take up to 21 business days.
Once approved, you will receive an email with instructions for registering for the exam. You will need to schedule and pass the exam.
The CFM application should be completed only when you are sure that you are ready to sit for the exam. If you need assistance in determining whether your education and experience fit the exam requirements, please contact credentials@ifma.org
WHAT IS THE IFMA CFM EXAM APPLICATION FEE?
CFM Recertification Fee:
IFMA members – $550 (Members receive a discount on the exam fee)
Non-members – $815
GSA fee – $529.49 (GSA fees apply to Federal Agency Employees who are eligible for GSA pricing)
Visit www.ifma.org for the most up to date schedule & fees. Application fees are charged immediately and are only refunded if the application is denied. How many questions need to be answered correctly to pass the exam?The test is pass/fail, we do not release the passing cut score.
WHAT IF I DON’T PASS THE FIRST TIME? WHEN CAN I RETAKE IT?
Individuals who have taken the CFM Exam but have not passed it within 12 months are eligible to retake the CFM exam at a reduced retake fee. All other applicants should complete the standard application.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO TAKE THE EXAM ONCE I APPLY? DOES IT EXPIRE?
Candidates must take the exam within three months of application acceptance and payment.
DO I HAVE TO RECERTIFY?
The CFM certification is valid for three years. Visit https://www.fm.training/cfm-recertification for more details.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CERTIFICATION AND A CERTIFICATE PROGRAM?
It is the role of TRAINING and its relationship to credentialing that sets these two types of credentials apart. The primary focus of a knowledge-based and/or assessment-based certificate program is to deliver education and training. This credential is directly linked to a training course, that the student must complete, and the credential is proof that its holder has completed the course and achieved its prescribed outcomes. Hence, the purpose of a certificate program is to educate participants, and the assessment is used as a mirror to prove that the associated learning outcomes have been completed. A professional certification, on the other hand, is independent of a training course. The primary focus of a professional or personnel certification is an assessment.
Moreover, the assessment conducted by a certification program is independent of a specific class, course, or other education/training program and also independent of any provider of classes, course or programs. With professional certification, the examination is used not as a mirror but as a screen – to separate those who meet the assessment standards from those who do not.
HOW DO I BECOME AN IFMA MEMBER?
Go to www.ifma.org/membership to learn more about becoming an IFMA member. Membership in IFMA shall consist of individuals who support the purposes, vision, mission, goals, core values and Code of Ethics of the Association. You may join as a Professional Member, Associate Member, Young Professional Member, or a Student Member. Join online and become a member by completing the online membership application at www.ifma.org/membership/mem_apps.cfm.
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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.
CERTIFICATE DELIVERY
Upon successful verification of your work, we will organize the delivery of your certificate.