Both the Facility Management Professional (FMP) and Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credentials are widely recognized in the facility management industry, but they serve different purposes. The FMP focuses on building foundational knowledge across core FM competencies, while the CFM is intended to test your expertise as a facility manager. 

If you’re trying to determine which credential is right for you, this guide breaks down the key differences to help you make a confident, informed decision.

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1. Experience Requirements

CFM Eligibility

The CFM has specific eligibility requirements tied to professional experience.

To apply for the CFM exam, candidates must have:

  • At least three years of facility management experience with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in FM, or
  • Five years of facility management experience with no degree requirement.

FMP Recommendation

For the FMP, we recommend that candidates have at least one year of experience in facility management. The program is structured to support professionals who are early in their careers or transitioning into the FM field.

For more information about CFM exam eligibility, you can contact IFMA's support team.

2. Program Focus and Learning Outcomes

What the FMP Is Designed to Do

The FMP is a knowledge-based credential that helps build competency across four foundational areas of facility management:

  1. Finance and business
  2. Operations and maintenance
  3. Leadership and strategy
  4. Project management

The program is designed to strengthen both technical and soft skills. Participants learn practical best practices they can apply immediately to improve facility performance and team productivity. After completing your FMP, you will feel confident implementing real-world solutions in your facility that make a big impact on your organization.

Best suited for: Professionals building their FM foundation or expanding their skill set.

Related: 5-Step Formula to Earning Your FMP Certification

What the CFM Is Designed to Do

The CFM, by contrast, is an exam-based credential that evaluates a candidate’s mastery of the full facility management body of knowledge. Rather than teaching content, the CFM exam assesses how well experienced facility management professionals understand and apply industry standards in the built environment.

The CFM certification is widely recognized and sets the industry standard for knowledge and competence in facility management.

3. Learning and Exam Format

FMP Format

We offer courses for the FMP in a variety of formats including:

To complete the FMP program, the student must pass the final assessment online at the end of each competency course (4 in total). 

CFM Exam

There is no required online or in-person training needed to take the CFM exam. The candidate only needs to meet the eligibility requirements to apply for the CFM Exam. The CFM credential is designed to recognize the qualifications and expertise of facility managers in the field. IFMA does provide online and classroom courses to help a candidate prepare for the CFM Exam, but it is not mandatory.

To obtain the CFM certification, the candiate must schedule their exam at an approved Prometric testing center (available globally). IFMA also offers proctored exams virtually after the candidate has met the requirements.

Related: 4-Step Formula to Earning Your CFM Credential

4. Credential Maintenance

  • CFM: Requires recertification every three years. Credential holders must complete and report approved maintenance activities to IFMA.
  • FMP: A lifetime credential with no recertification or maintenance requirements.

Not sure which credential is right for you?

IFMA’s Self-Assessment Tool helps identify your strengths and weaknesses across the facility management knowledge base. The results can guide decisions about whether to pursue an industry credential or targeted courses to support continued growth. 

Need more help?

Our credential specialists can help you confirm eligibility, understand timelines, and choose the option that best aligns with your experience and goals. Fill out the form below to chat with a training specialist!

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