Why Get Certifications As a Facility Manager?
While there’s no mandatory certification required to be a facility manager, obtaining credentials can significantly boost your career prospects. Here’s a breakdown of certifications facility managers consider:
Highly Regarded Certifications For Facility Managers:
- Certified Facility Manager (CFM): Offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), the CFM is North America’s most widely recognized and respected certification. It validates a facility manager’s competency through experience and passing a comprehensive exam.
- Facilities Management Administrator (FMA): This credential, offered by the Independent Institute for Property and Facility Management Education (IIPFME), is another well-regarded option. It caters to facility managers with a few years of experience and focuses on planning safety and project management.
Specialization Certifications For Facility Managers:
- Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP): For facility managers focused on sustainable practices, the SFP designation from IFMA demonstrates expertise in areas like energy efficiency, green building operations, and resource conservation.
- Other specialized certifications exist for specific areas like healthcare facility management, property management, or security management. These can enhance your profile for niche roles within the facility management field.
Benefits of Facility Management Certifications:
- Increased Earning Potential: Facility managers with certifications tend to command higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts.
- Career Advancement: Certifications demonstrate your commitment to professional development and can open doors to leadership positions or specialized roles.
- Enhanced Credibility: Certifications showcase your knowledge and expertise to potential employers and clients, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
Choosing the Right Certification As A Facility Manager:
The best certification for you depends on your experience level, career goals, and area of specialization. Consider factors like:
- Your experience: Some certifications, like the CFM, require a minimum of years in the field.
- Your career aspirations: Do you want a generalist role or specialize in a particular area like sustainability?
- Local requirements: Certain regions might have specific certifications preferred by employers.
Additional Resources For Facility Manager Certification Information:
- International Facility Management Association (IFMA): https://www.ifma.org/
- Independent Institute for Property and Facility Management Education (IIPFME): https://www.bomi.org/agpom.aspx
By carefully considering these factors and exploring available certifications, you can choose a credential that aligns with your career goals and propels you forward in facility management. You can also research each certification, and pursue them at your local higher education institution or often online!
At Armour, we love partnering with facility managers at the (roof) top of their game! We hope these insights help you! If you’re a facility manager, and have some roof work you’d like us to look at, we are ready and able to help! Give us a call or shoot us an email. We can’t wait to meet you!