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Show the world your skills and mastery as a facility manager

The Certified Facility Manager (CFM) is the globally-recognized credential to help you showcase the mastery of your skills and knowledge across the entire FM body of knowledge.

Show the world your skills and mastery as a facility manager

The Certified Facility Manager (CFM) is the globally-recognized credential to help you showcase the mastery of your skills and knowledge across the entire FM body of knowledge.

Prepare. Apply. Pass. Maintain.
And get recognized.

The Certified Facility Manager (CFM) is the pinnacle achievement in facility management certification. Widely regarded as the industry standard in facility management certification.

  • Gain credibility in your professional network
  • Showcase your knowledge of 11 core competencies
  • Grow as a leader in facility management
  • Proudly join a distinguished group of FM professionals
4 Step CFM Process Card

*Please Note: Materials offered by IFMA to prepare for the CFM Exam, such as the CFM Exam Prep Workshop, the FM Learning System, and CFM practice exams, are optional study resources and are not a requirement of eligibility, nor are they endorsed by the IFMA Certification Commission.

The world's leading credential in facility management.
Trusted for over 25 years

 
 
 
 

Demonstrate your industry expertise and knowledge

The CFM exam comprehensively covers all 11 core competencies of facility management.​

Communications
Communication
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Risk Management
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Sustainability
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finance & business
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Occupancy & human factors
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Leadership & Strategy
noun_maintenance_3378488 copy
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
noun_project management_1814428 copy
Project management
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real estate
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Performance & Quality
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Facility Information Management & technology management

The industry-leading certification for facility professionals looking to advance

An internationally recognized credential, setting the standard for ensuring the knowledge and competency of practicing facility professionals.

If you have 5+ years FM experience and are looking to be recognized as an expert in the industry, the CFM may be the perfect credential for you.​

 
active
2,615+
Active CFMs
manager
68%
Manager or Director Level
experience
5 years
Work Experience
salary
55%
Receive Salary Increase
retired
554+
Retired CFMs
test
79%
Exam Pass Rate

Download the CFM Exam Prep Guide

Handbook grouping

Learn eligibility requirements, exam process, benefits and more ​

Gauer

Mary Gauer, CFM

Founding Member of IFMA

“The CFM gave me a lot of confidence in myself, because I always perceived that I wasn’t smart enough or not good enough as other people were, women especially. So, for me, it was it made me feel really good and so I started to behave that way with other people.”

 
 
 
 

Three easy steps to apply for your Certified Facility Manager credential

Everything you need to know to qualify, prepare and apply for certification.​

 
 
 
 
1-2-3 A

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Work Experience Education Ethics Training
5 years any Take the IFMA ethics assessment or submit ethics coursework within 30 days of passing the exam. Contact credentials@ifma.org for more information.
3 years bachelors degree in FM
or
masters degree in FM
 
 
 
 
1-2-3 B

Step 2: Prepare for the Exam

What You Need to Know
Practice Exam

Get an idea of what to expect in terms of the types of exam questions and the experience of taking the exam.

  • 90 questions
  • Up to 5 retakes
Exam Prep Workshops

Review the exam methodology and practice critical thinking skills.

Price: $375

Duration: 6 hours

Format: Online

 
 
 
 
1-2-3 C

Step 3: Apply and Take the Exam

Application & Payment
  • Complete your CFM Application in the CAMP platform
  • Complete the CFM Application Payment Form
  • Sit for the exam within three months (90 days) of approval
Sitting for the CFM

After you’re approved, schedule your exam at a testing center or test remotely with a virtual proctor. Download our CFM Handbook for details.

  • 4 hours to complete
  • 180 multiple choice questions
  • Pass/Fail grading
Apply Now
CFM Handbook
Recertification

The CFM is valid for three (3) years. To maintain your credential, you can take courses and online training that awards CEUs.

Recertification Fees: 

Members: $290 USD
Nonmembers: $365 USD

Learn More

For more information on exam statistics, specifications, special accommodations, impartiality, and conflict of interest click here.

 

Not sure what credential is best for you?

Use our 2-minute Career Compass survey to discover what credential or training program is best based on your experience and professional goals.

 
 
 
 

Apply today to get certified

Get your industry-leading certification from the world's largest FM association.

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Certified Facility Manager (CFM®)

Get certified today and let employers know you're serious about your career.

  • Set yourself apart from your peers
  • Internationally-recognized and trusted
  • Proudly showcase your skills with confidence
IFMA MEMBER

$550USD

NONMEMBER

$815USD

Need to retake the exam?
Exam retake fee

For GSA pricing
GSA pricing schedule

Ready to show the world what you're made of?

Need help? +1-713-623-4362

15:1 Return of Investment

The average five-year return on investment of IFMA credentials is 15:1 for credential holders*

$6,000+ Avg. Salary Increase

On average, IFMA credentials lead to a US$6,000 salary increase within the first year*

79% Pass Rate

Join the ranks of the professional elite. Get recognized by your peers and company.

 
 
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have questions on what training and resources are best for you, we’re here to help.​

A.

No, but members are given discounted pricing. Learn how to become a member today!  (https://www.ifma.org/membership

A.

The CFM is designed for experienced facility professionals who have 3 – 5 years of industry expertise. Review the full eligibility requirements to see if the CFM is right for you. You can also download the CFM Candidate Handbook for more information. 

A.

Everyone's knowledge and experience levels vary. While not required, IFMA offers a variety of resources that can assist you in preparing for the CFM exam. Consider taking our self-assessment and individual courses to help you identify areas for improvement and deepen your knowledge in specific competencies. 

A.

IFMA offers virtual CFM exam prep workshops each month that will help you understand the overall concept and methodology used on the exam. This workshop will also help you learn to apply critical thinking skills and understand the rationales used. 

A.

Yes, we do offer corporate and group training. Special pricing applies for groups of 2 or more individuals. Contact us at corporateconnections@ifma.org to learn more. 

A.

You can manage your credentials through our Credential Application Maintenance Program (CAMP). 

A.

Use our Credential Registry to find and verify what credentials potential or current employees hold.

To those that make it possible

A special thanks to all of the volunteers of the Certification Commission who help solidify
IFMA credentials as the world-leading education for facility managers.

  • Ted Cohen, CFM, MBA, MPA, PMP
    CHAIR
  • Clayton Tenbroeck, CFM, FMP
    VICE CHAIR
  • Kung Wai (Lawrence) Cheung, CFM, MRICS, HKIS
  • Jennifer Conine, CFM, SFP
  • Linda DeTienne, CFM, GRP, BOC
  • David King, CFM, SFP, AIA, LEED AP
  • Casey (Katherine) Martin, CFM, SFP, AIA, LEED AP
  • Leo Okafor, CFM

Need help finding the right training?

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