Are Facilities Management Certifications Worth The Cost?

Staying ahead in the evolving field of facilities management is not just a goal, but a necessity. As the industry adopts new technologies and best practices, professionals are increasingly seeking certifications to enhance their skills and credibility.

However, the initial investment in time and money can be significant, which begs the question:

Do the long-term benefits truly outweigh the costs?

In this post, we'll talk about the value of facilities management certifications and help you decide if they're worth the money.

Weighing the benefits against the costs

While the decision to pursue a certification can seem straightforward, the real question lies in whether the investment in time and money will yield a return that outweighs the costs. The initial expenses for facilities management certifications can vary significantly, depending on the type of certification and the organization offering it.

These costs often include fees for the exam, study materials, and sometimes preparatory courses. However, the financial outlay is just one aspect to consider; the time commitment required to prepare for and complete the certification process is equally important.

Getting a certification can be very helpful for a facility manager. It can greatly affect their job in the long run. Certified professionals often enjoy enhanced credibility, which can open doors to higher-paying job opportunities. Employers value the specialized knowledge and skills that certifications represent. This recognition can translate into better job security and more significant responsibilities.

The certification can also help you make more money and advance your career. In many cases, the financial benefits far outweigh the costs, making the certification a worthwhile endeavor.

Access to exclusive resources and continuing education is also provided by certification. These resources are crucial for staying updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. The ongoing learning opportunities ensure that certified professionals remain competitive and can adapt to the evolving demands of facilities management.

This constant improvement not only improves their skills but also helps the companies they work for, which makes them more valuable.

Now that we've looked at some of the benefits, let's look at some of the top certifications in facilities management.

Top certifications in facilities management

From FM to FMP, the alphabet soup of accreditation options can be daunting, but selecting the right certification can be a game-changer for your career. In the dynamic field of facilities management, staying ahead means not only keeping up with the latest technologies and practices but also demonstrating your expertise through recognized credentials.

Certifications like the facilities management certifications from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI) International are designed to enhance your professional credibility and expertise, making you an asset to any organization.

Globally, one of the most recognized credentials is the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) from IFMA. This certification shows you know everything about managing buildings and is respected by employers all over the world. By earning the CFM, you not only show your skills and knowledge, but you also open doors to jobs in other countries.

This makes it an asset in an industry where people are performing critical tasks. The strict process makes sure that CFM holders know everything about facilities management, from planning to efficiency. This can greatly improve your career prospects.

Valuable for newcomers to the field or those aiming to deepen their foundational knowledge, the FMP certification from IFMA is a wise choice. The FMP program covers important topics like space management, project management, and maintenance. It will help you get a good job in your future as a facilities manager. While it may not carry the same weight as the CFM, the FMP is a stepping stone that can lead to more advanced certifications and a deeper understanding of the industry.

ASHRAE certificates are essential for those with a technical focus in facilities management, especially in HVAC systems. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) offers a range of certificates that focus on energy-efficient building operations. These certifications are crucial for facilities managers who want to ensure that their buildings are not only comfortable but also sustainable and cost-effective.

ASHRAE’s expertise in HVAC systems means that their certificates are highly regarded in the industry, and they can help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in building systems.

Another valuable tool for facilities managers is the LEED certification, provided by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) encourages environmental responsibility and sustainability. This shows that more and more people are choosing green buildings.

This certification not only showcases your dedication to environmental stewardship but also aligns your expertise with the needs of contemporary, eco-conscious organizations. As more companies and institutions embrace green building standards, LEED certification can be a crucial element in securing and progressing your career in the facilities management field.

Career development: The impact of certifications

Certification in facilities management is a step toward the top of the industry. It offers real ways to build your career, and is more than just a paper document. Professionals who pursue certification often find themselves in a better position to secure higher-paying roles. This is because certification programs not only validate a candidate’s existing knowledge but also ensure they are up-to-date with the latest industry standards and best practices.

Employers are increasingly recognizing the value of certified professionals, as they bring a level of expertise and reliability that can significantly benefit the organization. For instance, a facilities manager with a recognized certification is more likely to be considered for a senior management position, where they can influence strategic decisions and lead teams effectively.

Furthermore, certifications can lead to specialized positions, improving career paths in unique ways. The facilities management field is vast and encompasses a wide range of skills and knowledge areas, from sustainability and energy management to health and safety. By obtaining specific certifications, professionals can demonstrate their proficiency in these specialized areas, making them invaluable assets to organizations that prioritize such expertise.

Crucial in a rapidly evolving industry is keeping skills relevant and competitive through certification. Facilities management is constantly adapting to new technologies, regulations, and environmental standards. Staying ahead of these changes is essential for career growth, and certification programs provide a structured way to do so.

By regularly updating their knowledge and skills, certified professionals can ensure they remain at the forefront of the industry, ready to tackle new challenges and take on more complex responsibilities. This ongoing learning not only enhances their professional capabilities but also demonstrates a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, traits that are highly valued by employers.

Networking opportunities through certification programs

Valuable networking opportunities, alongside knowledge and skills, are among the many benefits provided by certification programs. These connections can lead to new collaborations, career prospects, and insights into industry trends. Industry leaders who participate in certification programs are often willing to share their experiences and mentor up-and-coming professionals.

Certification programs often offer exclusive forums and events designed for peer-to-peer learning and collaboration. These forums are not just places to share ideas and best practices. They are also important places to build a strong professional network. Many programs host regular webinars, workshops, and conferences where participants can engage with each other in real-time.

These events often feature panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking receptions, providing ample opportunities to meet and connect with peers who share similar interests and challenges. Such interactions can lead to long-term professional relationships and collaborations that can be beneficial throughout one’s career.

By joining a certification program, you become part of a global community of facilities managers. This community is a valuable resource for shared experiences and innovative solutions. Certified managers often join online groups, forums, and social media. They can ask questions, share ideas, and work together on projects.

The global nature of these communities ensures that professionals have access to a diverse range of perspectives and practices, which can help them stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field. Additionally, being part of a global community can open up international job opportunities and partnerships, expanding one’s professional horizons.

Predicting the future of facilities management certifications

As the industry changes, the requirements and offerings of facilities management certifications will also change. It is important to stay informed about future trends that could shape your professional path.

One significant shift is the growing importance of green building certifications. As sustainability becomes a top priority for organizations worldwide, certifications that focus on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental impact are becoming increasingly sought after. These certifications not only align with global environmental goals but also help facilities managers meet regulatory requirements and improve their facility’s reputation.

For example, the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, run by the U.S. Green Building Council, is a well-known standard that can greatly improve a facility manager's skills and help make buildings more sustainable.

The integration of technology is also reshaping the landscape of facilities management certifications. Today's facilities are outfitted with sophisticated systems and technologies, from Internet of Things (IoT) devices to building automation systems. Certifications that encompass these technologies are crucial for professionals seeking to maintain a competitive edge.

Programs such as the IFMA (International Facility Management Association) Certified Facility Manager (CFM) now feature modules on technology and smart systems, ensuring that certified professionals are well-versed in the latest tools and techniques. This integration reflects the industry's need for tech-savvy managers who can improve facility operations and overall efficiency.

Furthermore, remote learning options have broadened access to certification programs, allowing facilities managers to enhance their skills without the constraints of travel or time off. Online platforms offer flexible, self-paced courses that can be completed while working full-time. This helps professionals at different stages in their careers.

This accessibility is especially crucial in a globalized industry where professionals may hail from different regions or countries. Remote learning not only democratizes education but also ensures that the latest knowledge and best practices are spread widely, fostering a more skilled and informed workforce.

In addition, the curricula of certification programs emphasize data analytics and smart systems more heavily. Using data to make decisions is becoming a key part of effective facility management. Certifications that give professionals the skills to analyze and understand data are in high demand.

Courses often include learning how to collect, analyze, and use smart systems to watch and manage the performance of buildings. This focus on data analytics helps facilities managers make smart decisions, predict maintenance needs, and plan for resources. This leads to more efficient and cost-effective operations.

Abundant opportunities exist in the promising future of facilities management certifications. By staying informed about these trends and adapting to the changing requirements, facilities managers can ensure they remain at the forefront of their field, equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an ever-evolving industry.