Getting certified in facility management is a beneficial move for your career growth. It showcases your skills, passion, and dedication to keeping up with industry standards. By earning a certification, you gain the expertise, skills, and credibility necessary to thrive in this fulfilling field. Whether it’s job prospects, increased earnings, or enhanced respect and acknowledgment at work, obtaining a facility management certification can pave the way for advancement. Let’s dive into the advantages and various certification options to unleash your potential as a facility manager.
What is a facility management certification?
A facility management certification is a designation that demonstrates your proficiency, understanding, and capability in the field of facility management. These thorough certificate programs are crafted to provide the skills and knowledge required to succeed in this multi-faceted leadership position. The course content covers subjects such as project management, upkeep, property management, building construction oversight, maintenance budgeting, sustainable business practices, and other relevant areas.
This credential proves your dedication and that you’ve gained insight into the methods, technologies, and approaches needed for successful facility management. Whether you oversee one building or a diverse property portfolio, obtaining certification guarantees you possess the competency and expertise needed to enhance efficiency, cut expenses, and establish a pleasant and efficient work environment for occupants.
Additionally, obtaining a certification in facility management demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and ongoing education. In a field that is constantly changing, keeping abreast of innovations and effective approaches is essential for achieving success. By dedicating yourself to obtaining certification, you communicate to employers, clients, and peers your dedication to providing top-notch service and expertise as a facility manager.
Types of facility management certificates
Many different organizations provide certifications in facility management, each with different areas of emphasis and prerequisites. Some of the most well-known certifications are:
- Certified Facility Manager (CFM) offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA): This certification is tailored for experienced facility management professionals aiming to showcase their skills and dedication to the field. Applicants need to fulfill professional experience criteria, successfully complete an exam, and uphold ethical standards.
- Facilities Management Certificate (FMC) from BOMI International: Enrollment in the certification program is perfect for individuals who are just starting out in the industry or aiming to enhance their fundamentals in facility management. The FMC delves into subjects like infrastructure systems, upkeep, financial matters, and environmental sustainability.
- Certificate in Facilities Management from the University of California, Irvine: This internet-based course provides a syllabus that includes the latest developments and top strategies in facility management, making it a convenient choice for employed individuals.
These certifications vary in their prerequisites, coursework, and exam structures, letting you choose the one that best aligns with your career goals and experience level. Other specialized certifications, such as the LEED Accredited Professional (AP) for sustainable facility management and the Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) for healthcare facilities, are also available.
More organizations that offer similar certifications
In addition to the IMFA, BOMI International, and UC Irvine, there are other reputable institutions that provide certification programs:
- RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors): Offers a Facilities Management Certification globally, focusing on strategic and sustainable practices.
- The Facility Management Institute (FMI): Provides a Certified Facility Manager (CFM) program that covers a wide range of topics, from operations and maintenance to finance and leadership.
- The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and Facility Management Accreditation Commission (FMAC) Jointly offer the Sustainability Facility Professional™ (SFP®) certification, which focuses on sustainable practices in facility management.
Research these options, along with others available in your region, to determine which one aligns best with your goals and experience.
Why get a facility management certification?
In today’s competitive job market, holding a certification can set you apart from other candidates. It demonstrates to employers that you possess and are dedicated to the core competencies, skills, and innovations required to excel in your role. A certification can boost your credibility, making you a more attractive hire or candidate for promotions. But that is not all.
It expands your professional network
Enrolling in a facility management certificate program provides opportunities to connect with other professionals in the space. You’ll interact with instructors who are experienced facility managers and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds and industries. These connections can lead to valuable networking opportunities, mentorship relationships, and exposure to new ideas and perspectives.
It helps you evolve with the industry
Facilities operations is a dynamic field that constantly evolves with new technologies, regulations, and sustainability initiatives. Coursework covers a wide range of topics, from building systems and space planning to ethics, risk management, and occupant well-being, equipping you with a skill set designed to adapt to changes in the field.
Who should get a facilities manager certification?
Facility management certifications are beneficial for professionals at various stages of their careers, including:
- Aspiring facility managers looking to break into the field: A certification can offer the foundational knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a tough industry and help you stand out to potential employers.
- Existing facility managers seeking to validate their skills and advance their careers: Earning a certification shows you’re dedicated to staying current with best practices and helps you qualify for higher-level positions or increased responsibilities.
- Professionals from related fields like real estate or engineering who want to transition into facility management: A certification can be a step in filling the knowledge gap between current skills and what is needed for success in the field.
How will a facility manager certification impact career growth?
Whether you’re at the beginning of your career journey or have been working for years, getting certified can elevate your status, boost your credibility, and pave the way for career growth and progression. Here are some key advantages:
- More job options and marketability: Having a certification showcases your expertise and dedication, making you a more desirable job candidate.
- Higher earning potential and salary negotiations: Certified facility managers often command higher salaries than non-certified counterparts. The recognition and credibility that come with certification may give you leverage in salary negotiations and help you secure better compensation packages.
- Eligibility for leadership positions and promotions: A certification can position you for leadership roles and promotions within your organization. It demonstrates your ability to take on additional responsibilities and can help you advance to higher-level positions with greater influence and impact.
- Greater respect and recognition within your organization and industry: Earning a certification showcases your dedication to professional development and your mastery of the skills and knowledge required for success. This can earn you greater respect and recognition from colleagues, supervisors, and industry peers.
How to earn a facility management certificate?
Certification opens doors to new and exciting opportunities, positioning you for long-term success. Research and evaluate the program best suited to your experience and career goals. Then, begin the certification process.
The certification process can differ based on the organization. Here is a broad outline of considerations.
Prerequisites and eligibility
Facility management certifications come with requirements that applicants need to meet. These criteria often involve a mix of background, practical work experience and professional recommendations. For instance, to obtain the CFM certification, candidates must hold a bachelors degree and must have at least three years of facilities management experience. Additionally, some certifications mandate participants to complete a number of continuing education units (CEUs) or professional development hours to uphold their certification status in the long run.
Costs
Certification programs usually come with fees for study materials, exams or joining the certifying body. The expenses vary from a couple of hundred to thousands of dollars depending on the program. Certain employers might even provide tuition reimbursement or support, so it is advisable to ask your organization. Also, certain certifications might have discounts for registration, group packages, or installment options to make costs more affordable.
Steps
- Research the qualifications for the certification you want and determine whether or not you meet those requirements. This might involve having a certain level of education, work experience, or professional recommendations. Once you know you qualify, submit an application along with any paperwork.
- After your application is accepted, sign up for the courses. Finish all the coursework. Depending on the certification program this could mean attending classes in person, participating in online modules, or studying at your own pace.
- Once you finish all required courses, you’ll have to take the certification exam. This could be one comprehensive test or a set of exams spread out over the program depending on the type of certification.
- After passing the certification exam, you’ll receive your facility management certification. To keep your certification active and current you’ll have to meet ongoing education and renewal criteria set by the certifying body.
Exams
Certification exams assess your knowledge and understanding of facility management principles and practices. They typically consist of multiple-choice questions and may be administered in-person or online. Exam preparation materials and study guides are often available through the certifying organization.
Invest in your future with a facility management certification
Obtaining a certificate in facility management is a smart move to advance in your professional growth. It demonstrates your expertise, credibility, and commitment to staying at the forefront of your field. Selecting the right certification program and fully engaging in the journey can open doors to possibilities and propel your facility management career to greater success.
