Thinking about earning your Certified Facility Manager® (CFM®) credential? You're not alone. The CFM is one of the most widely recognized facility management certifications and is designed for professionals looking to validate their expertise and advance their careers.

In this guide, we'll answer common questions about the CFM, explain who is eligible and walk through the steps required to earn the credential.

What Is the Certified Facility Manager (CFM)?

The CFM is IFMA's premier credential for experienced facility management professionals. Unlike a training course that focuses on learning new material, the CFM is a competency-based certification designed to validate the knowledge and experience you've built throughout your career.

The exam evaluates your understanding of facility management principles across IFMA's core competencies, making it one of the most widely recognized credentials in the profession.

Why Earn a CFM?

Facility management continues to evolve. Today's professionals are expected to balance building operations, business strategy, financial planning, leadership and workplace experience, often all at the same time.

Earning a CFM can help demonstrate that you have the knowledge and experience to navigate those responsibilities successfully.

Professionals pursue the CFM for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Strengthening their professional credibility
  • Demonstrating expertise to employers and stakeholders
  • Positioning themselves for career advancement opportunities
  • Building confidence in their decision-making abilities
  • Distinguishing themselves in a competitive job market

For many facility managers, the CFM represents both a professional achievement and a commitment to continued growth.

How to Earn Your CFM in 4 Steps

1. Determine Eligibility

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Before applying for the exam, you'll need to determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements.

Candidates can qualify through a combination of education and facility management experience. Currently, eligibility includes:

  • Three years of facility management experience with a bachelor's or master's degree in facility management

  • Five years of facility management experience without an FM degree

If you're unsure whether you qualify, IFMA's Credentials team can help review your background and determine your eligibility.

Related: Certified Facility Manager (CFM) or FMP? A Quick Guide

2. Prepare for the exam

While a candidate only needs to meet the eligibility requirements to apply for the certified facility manager exam, IFMA provides online and classroom courses within the core competencies along with other resources to help you prepare for the CFM.  

5 resources to help you prepare: 

The best preparation strategy is the one that fits your learning style and schedule.

Note: None of these are mandatory nor are they endorsed by the IFMA Certification Commission. 

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3. Apply for the exam

Once you believe you are ready to take the exam, submit your application! 

To attain the CFM Certification, the candidate must schedule their exam at an approved Prometric testing center (available globally). Once your application is accepted by IFMA, you have 90 days to test. We suggest waiting to submit your application until you feel confident to schedule a test day. 

4. Take the Exam

After all your preparation, it's time to put your knowledge to the test.

Successfully passing the exam earns you the Certified Facility Manager designation and places you among a global community of facility management professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the profession.

Once you've earned your CFM, you'll receive:

  • A digital badge

  • A digital certificate

  • Official credential verification

Don't forget to update your LinkedIn profile, resume and email signature to showcase your accomplishment.

Frequently Asked Questions About the CFM

Is the CFM a course?

No, the CFM is not a course. It is a comprehensive exam designed to demonstrate your existing industry mastery. While IFMA provides prep resources, there is no mandatory coursework required to sit for the exam.

Do I need to maintain my CFM certification?

Yes. To keep your credential in good standing, you must complete regular professional maintenance activities and report them to IFMA to demonstrate ongoing education in the field.

How long does it take to earn a CFM?

The answer depends on your experience level and how much time you dedicate to exam preparation. Once your application is approved, you'll have 90 days to complete the exam.

Ready to Earn Your CFM?

Whether you're looking to take the next step in your career, validate your experience or challenge yourself professionally, earning a CFM can help you demonstrate the knowledge and expertise you've developed throughout your facility management journey.