The Certified Facility Manager® (CFM) is the highest globally recognized credential for facility management professionals, awarded by IFMA (International Facility Management Association).

It demonstrates mastery of the FM core competencies — from operations & maintenance to leadership & strategy — proving that you can manage facilities at a strategic and professional level.

• Facility managers aiming for global recognition
• Operations, real estate, and workplace professionals managing multiple facilities or large portfolios
• Senior-level FM professionals moving into leadership roles (Director, VP, Head of FM)
• Professionals seeking career mobility across countries and industries

• Global credibility: The CFM is recognized in 100+ countries
• Career growth: Higher-level roles and salary potential
• Professional validation: Demonstrates advanced FM knowledge & leadership skills
• Networking: Part of IFMA’s 24,000+ member global network
• Competitive edge: Many employers require or prefer CFM-certified professionals for senior roles

The CFM shows that you can:

• Lead across all 10 FM core competencies, including:
  • Operations & Maintenance
  • Finance & Business
  • Leadership & Strategy
  • Project Management
  • Real Estate & Property Management
  • Risk, Communication, Sustainability, and Technology
• Apply FM principles to strategic business goals
• Bridge the gap between operations and executive leadership

Eligibility is based on education + work experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher + 3 years of FM experience, OR
• Two-year degree/diploma + 5 years of FM experience, OR
• No degree + 8 years of FM experience

(Unlike some certifications, CFM does not require a training course first — but documentation of FM experience is mandatory.)

• Submit application via IFMA’s Credential Management System
• Provide:
  • Proof of education
  • Documented work experience in facility management
• Pay the application fee
• Once approved, schedule exam at a Prometric testing center or online (remote proctoring)

(Membership is not required, but it provides discounts and access to study resources.)

• Format: Computer-based exam, delivered via Prometric
• Duration: 3 hours
• Questions: 120 multiple-choice, scenario-based questions (100 questions are scored, and 20 are unscored pretest items)
• Coverage: All 10FM core competencies tested through real-world case scenarios

• The exam is challenging — it tests applied knowledge, not memorization
• Candidates must analyze scenarios, solve problems, and make decisions
• Success requires broad FM experience across multiple competencies

• Use IFMA’s CFM Exam Prep Workshop or online self-study tools
• Review the CFM Exam Reference List (IFMA provides official reference books)
• Join study groups or IFMA local chapter sessions
• Practice with mock exams and sample scenario questions
• Focus on application of FM knowledge, not rote theory

• IFMA does not publish an exact passing percentage
• Scores are reported as pass/fail only
• Performance is measured across all FM competencies

• ✅ Yes. Candidates can choose between:
  • Prometric Test Centers (worldwide)
  • Online Remote Proctoring (requires webcam, microphone, stable internet, and a private workspace)

• Valid for 3 years
• Renewal required to maintain credential

• Earn 120 hours of Continuing Education (CEUs/PDHs) within the 3-year cycle
• Submit proof of activities such as:
  • FM training, workshops, or academic courses
  • Professional contributions (publishing, presenting, teaching)
  • Participation in IFMA activities
• Pay the renewal fee before expiration

• Candidates may retake the exam after paying the retest fee
• IFMA provides performance feedback to identify weak areas
• Recommended: targeted study on low-scoring FM competencies before reattempt

• No. Membership is not mandatory
• But it is highly recommended because:
  • It lowers exam and renewal fees
  • Provides access to exclusive study resources
  • Offers networking opportunities in local IFMA chapters

• Senior Facility Manager / Director of Facilities
• Head of Real Estate / Corporate Services
• Operations Director
• Workplace Strategy Leader
• Sustainability & Risk Manager
• Higher salaries and leadership opportunities in global FM organizations

• FMP (Facility Management Professional): Entry-level credential for those new to FM
• SFP (Sustainability Facility Professional): Specialized in sustainable FM practices
• CFM (Certified Facility Manager): Advanced, comprehensive, globally recognized credential covering all aspects of FM

• The CFM is NOT about memorization — it’s about demonstrating applied FM experience.
• Candidates should have broad exposure across FM competencies before attempting.
• Membership saves costs and helps with prep, but it’s not required.
• Recertification requires ongoing learning — CFM is a career-long commitment to excellence.