Are you looking to add a new credential or upgrade your current facilities management skills?
With the ever-changing world of technology, certifications are becoming increasingly important for professionals in this field.
In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the different types of facilities management certifications available today, from entry-level apprenticeships to advanced professional certifications. We'll discuss the associated costs and benefits of obtaining a certification. We'll also provide advice on how to choose the right certification for you.
Finally, we'll break down the requirements for popular certifications. We want you to make an informed decision about which one best suits your individual career goals.
Overview of facilities management certifications
Facilities management is an important part of running any business, from small shops to large corporations. It involves functions like:
- Managing day-to-day operations
- Overseeing maintenance of a building or facilities
- Maintaining safety and security
- Maximizing energy efficiency within a facility
For businesses to effectively manage their facilities and guarantee their success, it's essential that they have qualified personnel with the appropriate certifications. Even though you might have an established career in facilities management, you should always continue to learn.
There are several types of facilities management certifications available in 2023, ranging from entry-level apprenticeships to advanced professional certifications. The most popular include Certified Facilities Manager (CFM), Certified Building Manager (CBM), Professional Certificates in Facility Management (PCFM), and Certified Energy Manager (CEM). Each certification has its own set of standards and requirements which you must meet to earn the credential.
Who should pursue one of these facilities management certifications? Anyone who wants to further their career prospects or gain recognition within the field should consider earning one of these certifications. Additionally, those who already work in facilities management may find that having a certification can help them. New certifications can help them stand out from other applicants when applying for new jobs or promotions within their current organization.
Types of facilities management certification
With the number of facilities management certifications growing every year, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. From maintenance and operation to safety, there are a variety of certifications that suit different career goals and ambitions. Let's explore some of the most popular types of facilities management certifications.
Maintenance Certifications
Maintenance certifications aim to help those who want to specialize in managing maintenance operations in a facility. These certifications focus on topics such as:
- Repair
- Inspection
- Equipment installation
- Diagnostics
- Preventive maintenance practices
They also teach individuals the basics of budgeting, scheduling, and inventory management. Popular maintenance certifications include Facility Maintenance Professional (FMP) from IFMA Foundation and Certified Facility Manager (CFM) from International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
Operations Certifications
Operations certifications are for those interested in managing the day-to-day operations of a facility. They cover topics such as:
- Customer service skills
- Communication techniques
- Problem solving strategies
- Team building activities
Additionally, they focus on developing other skills. Such skills include budgeting, scheduling tasks to optimize resource usage, and understanding of industry codes and regulations for compliance purposes. Popular operations certifications include Facility Operations Professional (FOP) from IFMA Foundation and Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) from National Society for Professional Engineers (NSPE).
Safety Certifications
Safety Certifications provide individuals with a comprehensive understanding of safety protocols within commercial or industrial facilities. These certificates cover topics such as:
- Hazard identification methods
- Risk assessment
- Accident prevention programs
- Emergency planning
- Workplace inspections
- Occupational health & safety regulations
- Fire prevention & control systems
- Workplace security measures
- Hazardous materials handling & storage requirements
- Environmental protection practices
- Quality assurance procedures.
Popular safety certifications include Certified Safety Professional (CSP) from Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), Occupational Health & Safety Technician Certification (OHST) from Institute For Safety & Health Management (ISHM), and Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner Certification Program (CEHP) from National Environmental Health Association(NEHA).
When choosing which type of certification is best suited to your individual career goals, consider the following. It is important to consider factors like cost, time commitment required, as well as potential job opportunities available upon receiving a certification. Additionally, it is important to research what specific requirements each company has before applying for any positions related to your chosen field. Some companies may require more specialized credentials than others so make sure you have all the necessary documents ready when applying!
Costs and benefits of obtaining a facilities management certification
Obtaining a facilities management certification like the ones mentioned above can be a great asset to any individual's career in this field. To make the best decision for your situation, it is important to understand the costs and benefits associated with obtaining a facilities management certification.
Let's first review the financial costs. The cost of obtaining a facilities management certification varies depending on the type of certification you are looking at and the organization offering it. Generally speaking, certifications can range from $200-$2,000, depending on the type of exam and materials required.
Additionally, some organizations may offer discounts or scholarships for those pursuing certifications. It is important to do your research before committing to any certification so that you can get the best deal available.
Another cost to consider is the cost of your time. Obtaining a certification comes with planning, learning new material, studying, and taking exams to show progress. Are you working full time now? Do you have the time to invest in learning new material and becoming certified?
While there is a benefit to getting new facilities management certifications, think of your time to acquire them as a cost.
The benefits of having a professional facilities management certification include increased job security, higher salaries, and access to more job opportunities. Certified professionals typically have an edge regarding getting hired or promoted over non-certified individuals. This reason would be due to their specialized knowledge base and experience in this field.
Additionally, certified professionals benefit from industry recognition by employers as well as colleagues in their profession. Industry recognition alone can lead to networking opportunities or new positions.
Beyond financial gains, having a professional facilities management certification provides individuals with confidence in their abilities and skills. You gain this confidence because of the specialized and specific material. You won't get this depth of learning with generic courses that lay a foundation for facilities management certifications.
A certificate is proof that you have achieved mastery of certain topics within this field.
Choosing the right facilities management certification for you
Finding the ideal facilities management certification for your career path can be a challenging process. To make it easier, taking a few steps is key to selecting the right option for you.
To do this effectively, conducting research into available certifications and assessing their requirements, benefits, and costs, is step one. This research will provide an informed perspective on which credentials best align with professional goals.
Considering job opportunities is also important when deciding on a certification. Certain employers may require applicants to have specific qualifications before they are considered for roles. Taking a self-assessment should help determine any additional training or courses needed to obtain the desired certificate.
Next, individuals can compare programs regarding cost and time commitment. This comparison makes sure that they can fit getting the certificate into their existing schedule.
By taking these steps into account, you can feel confident that you are making an informed choice about the best facilities management certification for you.
Popular certifications and their requirements
As mentioned, there are a variety of different facilities management certifications available in 2023, each with its own prerequisites, cost, and time commitment. Let's highlight some here.
The most sought-after certifications currently include the Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP), Certified Energy Manager (CEM), and Professional Engineer (PE).
The CFM is a globally recognized certification. This certification is designed to recognize practitioners who have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in the field of facilities management. It requires a minimum of five years of experience working in or managing a facility, as well as the completion of an online exam.
Two benefits of this certification are that it doesn't require any coursework or additional training, and it is valid for 3 years. The cost for this certification is around $400.
The CMRP certification is aimed at professionals who specialize in areas like:
- Maintenance
- Operations performance
- Reliability engineering
- Production/manufacturing systems management
- Asset use optimization
- Sustainability efforts within organizations
This certification requires a minimum of three years' experience working in or managing maintenance operations. It also requires passing an online exam as well as completing three additional courses related to maintenance and reliability topics. The cost for this certification is around $500.
The CEM certification is primarily sponsored by the Association of Energy Engineers. It focuses on energy management principles and practices across all types of buildings and industries.
Some requirements to qualify for this certification include:
- Have relevant work experience or education credentials
- Pass two exams
- Show knowledge on two required subjects
- Complete a qualifying project
- Provide evidence of continuing professional development activities
The cost for this certification ranges from $650-$1300, depending on whether you opt for physical publications or digital certificates/handbooks only when taking the exams.
Lastly, there is the Professional Engineer (PE) Certification. This certification recognizes engineers who have demonstrated their competency in two ways. Professional Engineers meet certain educational requirements as well as pass written examinations administered by their state board's licensing agency.
Obtaining the certification also requires at least four years' post-graduation professional engineering experience under another PE's supervision before applying for licensure. To maintain licensure, individuals must meet continuing education requirements every year which can range anywhere from 15-30 hours depending on their state board's regulations. The cost for this license ranges from $25-$200, depending on your state board's fees structure.
Choosing which facilities management certifications best suit your individual career goals is vital. It is important to consider not only the costs but also how much time you are willing to commit to studying for each one. Additionally, you should research what job opportunities require each type of licensure, especially if you plan on working in multiple states or countries. Ultimately, choosing which certifications best suit your individual needs will help you achieve success long term.
Topics: Facilities Management