Interested in getting a facility maintenance certification to boost your career as a facility manager? Smart move.
A credible facility maintenance certification will act as a catalyst in your career, opening many doors, regardless of where you are in your professional journey.
That’s why obtaining a facility maintenance certification is not only an excellent investment for individuals who are just starting out their careers but it is also helpful for individuals with years of experience to build from. But what certificate program is the best for your specific situation? Let’s explore.
5 Best Facility Maintenance Certification
With so many certification courses available to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Every certification is designed to attend a specific type of facility management professional, considering years of experience, area of actuation, management skills, and career goals. In order to maximize your investment, you must understand which one supports your needs.
We’ve gathered a list of 5 facilities management certification programs that are considered the best in the industry. Let’s see which one is ideal for you:
1. Facility Management Professional™ Certification
Offered by the IFMA, the Facility Management Professional® (FMP) certification is designed for entry-level and transitioning facilities professionals who want to improve their maintenance skillset and gain immediate credibility with employers, clients, and peers.
This is considered the must-have certification for individuals who are looking for professional development. By earning the Facility Management Professional credential, you will join a community of over 10,000 professionals worldwide.
The FMP credential program is made up of four modules featuring facility management topics considered vital by employers. The modules include Operations & Maintenance; Finance & Business; Leadership & Strategy; and Project Management.
After successfully completing these four modules and each of their final assessments, you must submit the FMP® Application and payment form to obtain the FMP® credential.
Who should get the FMP certification?
Facility management practitioners with less than four years of experience as a technician or professionals transitioning into a facility management position. Keep in mind that there are no required experience or prerequisites needed to take the FMP certification program.
How much does the FMP certification cost?
The cost of this certification program varies depending on whether you purchase the modules separately or together. It also depends on whether you are a member of the IFMA organization or not and whether you want a hard copy or e-copy of the course material. Click here to check the pricing options.
2. Certified Facility Manager® (CFM) Credential
Also offered by the International Facility Management Association, the CFM credential is one of the most respected certifications available in the facility maintenance industry.
Designed to assess professionals’ competency in the field through both work experience and education, this certification is recommended for experienced facility managers, with at least 5 years of field experience.
The Certified Facility Manager credential exam covers 11 core topics that are key to successful facility management. Upon successful completion of the modules, candidates take the certification exam.
As one of the pioneering certifications in facility maintenance, the CFM has been developing professionals for over 25 years. Up to today, more than 3,100 facility managers from 32 countries have achieved this prestigious recognition.
According to IFMA, this certification sets the industry standards and professionals who earn it end up receiving an average of $6,000 salary increase within the first year after the course certification completion.
Who should get the CFM certification?
In order to apply for the CFM certification, candidates must meet education and work experience requirements. Generally speaking, you should have at least 5 years of field experience to apply. But there are exceptions to this, so make sure to check the prerequisites here. Once the application is approved, candidates are allowed up to 90 days to sit for the exam.
How much does the CFM certification cost?
The cost of this certification program varies depending on whether you are a member of the IFMA organization or not. IFMA members pay an exam fee of $550 while non-IFMA members pay an exam fee of $815. Federal Agency Employees who are eligible for GSA pricing pay $529.49.
3. Sustainability Facility Professional™ Certification
The Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP), which is also offered by the International Facility Management Association as an assessment-based program that helps professionals understand how sustainable maintenance can positively impact an organization’s triple bottom lines — profit, people, and the planet.
The SFP coursework is delivered through a full kit, which can be a printed book or a digital book. This interactive certification course will teach the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to develop sustainable facility management practices. The course material also includes the final SFP assessments required to earn the SFP credential.
Who should get the SFP certification?
The SFP certification is meant for professionals with an interest in efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable practices within the facility maintenance context.
How much does the SFP certification cost?
Pricing ranges from $695 to $2095 for the full course kit. The program’s pricing varies based on course material type and whether or not you are a member of IFMA. You can check the pricing details here.
4. LEED Certification
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification is an internationally recognized green building certification system.
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED provides building owners and operators a concise framework for recognizing and implementing sustainable maintenance management, energy management, construction, and operations.
According to their institution, LEED-certified buildings have been directly contributing to about $29.8 billion to U.S. GDP.
Who should get the LEED certification?
The LEED certification is designed for projects, not individuals. If you want a project or maintenance strategy to receive a green building facilities management certificate, which focuses on resource-efficient, high-performing, healthy, cost-effective practices, LEED is the right one to invest in.
How much does the LEED certification cost?
Since every project that goes through LEED certification is different, pricing is not equal for all facilities. First, you need to register a project along with the required information. Register your project by submitting key information and pay a certification review fee.
5. Facilities Management Certificate by BOMI International
This Facilities Management Certificate (FMC) is offered by BOMI International, an institution that offers multiple courses and programs for personnel with property management and facility management responsibilities who are interested in continuing education.
The FM certificate program covers all the critical topics within the facility maintenance body of knowledge. In order to receive the FM certification, you will need to complete three courses: the Fundamentals of Facilities Management; the Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Building Systems (parts I and II).
There are many course delivery options available, including online learning, collaborative virtual learning, accelerated review, or classroom setting, where applicable. You can choose the course delivery option that works best for you.
After completing the courses, you will have a full understanding of how to maintain cost-effective facilities that operate at peak performance levels.
Who should get the FMC certification?
This Facilities Management Certificate is best for professionals who manage the ongoing operation and maintenance of facilities and want to boost their careers with a credible certification.
How much does the FMC certification cost?
This program’s cost varies depending on the course delivery options that the participants choose. You can verify the pricing details here.
Ready to Boost Your Facilities Maintenance Career?
Whether you are a general maintenance technician, maintenance manager, HVAC technician, commercial property manager, a credible certification can expand your horizons and take you to the next step in your career.
It comes as no surprise that these credentials help professionals differentiate themselves from the competition when applying for jobs, increase the chance of earning higher salaries, and prove the value they bring to a business.
And now, you know which one of these certifications is the best one for your needs.
Keep in mind that facility maintenance professionals make a big impact on the integrity of buildings that support businesses’ goals. For this reason, it’s important to take certification seriously.
Make your choice and get ready to boost your career.
