What are the benefits of earning an FMP certification with IFMA?

The FMP (Facility Management Professional) certification is ideal for early-career facility managers or professionals with some experience who want to strengthen their FM skills. Earning an FMP through IFMA helps develop expertise in essential areas such as Finance & Business, Project Management, Leadership, and Operations, which enhances career growth, improves job performance, and increases credibility within the FM industry.

How long does it take to complete the FMP certification?

Completing the FMP certification can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months, depending on your study schedule and commitment. IFMA offers flexible study plans to help candidates fit studying into their personal schedules, but recommends aiming to finish within a year to maximize retention and success.

What are the steps to earn the FMP certification?

To earn the FMP certification, candidates follow a five-step process: set up their FM. Training account, plan a study schedule, connect with study groups, utilize online resources, and track progress to stay on schedule. These structured steps help candidates prepare effectively and earn the FMP credential with confidence.

April 17, 2023

5-Step Formula to Earning Your FMP Certification

Katherine Sproles

2 minute read

Interested in IFMA's most popular credential? We are walking you step-by-step through the process of earning your FMP.

Why is the facility management professional considered the foundational credential?

The credential covers 4 key areas that every facility manager should have experience in—Finance & Business, Project Management, Leadership & Strategy, and Operations & Maintenance. The material showcases real-world examples that specifically address challenges a facility manager would face, enhancing their knowledge in facility management education.

Who is ideal for the FMP?

Facility professionals with at least a year of experience would most benefit from this credential. The FMP materials are aimed to fill in knowledge gaps and go more in-depth into the profession.

What makes the FMP credential a wise choice?

The FMP material is sourced from global standards. It educates you on FM concepts or projects you might not have been exposed to and gives you a base of knowledge for data-driven decisions.

Additionally, the FMP credential plays a significant role in career development by improving job performance, fostering career growth, and potentially increasing salary.

5 Steps to Earning Your FMP

Step 1: Get Set Up

Verify your FM.Training account

Login and use the email address that will be associated with your training course
Access your inbox and review emails

Make sure you can access course materials

Have a question or issue?

Review the how-to video or open a help desk ticket

Step 2: Plan. Study. Pass the FMP certification exam.

Set your completion date.

When do you want to earn your credential?

Download a free FMP study guide.

We offer plans for a 4-, 8- or 12-month study schedule to help you prepare for the FMP Certification exam, ensuring you gain a comprehensive skill set, professional recognition, and access to a global network of facility management leaders for career advancement and collaborative innovation.

Pick a day(s) to study and stay consistent!

What days of the week will you study?

What time of day?

Note: You have two years to complete your FMP from purchase date, but IFMA strongly recommends that you set your completion date no more than a year out to optimize your success.

Step 3: Connect with a community.

Don't go it alone! Support exists.

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Join an International Facility Management Association (IFMA) member engage FMP study group
Create a study group at work
Join an IFMA chapter or component group
Purchase class training to study

Step 4: Understand your facility management education course's online resources.

Take a pretest at the beginning of each module to gauge your knowledge.

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Utilize all your study options including:

Flashcards
Study guides
Case scenarios
FMP final assessments
Optional printed book

Step 5: Stick to the Plan!

Keep track of the time. Are you tracking with your study schedule?
Complete each module and final assessment before starting the next one.
Adjust your schedule accordingly. Each module topic is completely different. You may take more or less time to finish a module than planned.

Congrats! You've passed and it's time to celebrate your credential.

Submit your FMP application to receive:

Digital badge
Digital certificate
Verification of your lifelong credential and FMP designation

Show off your hard work by adding your digital badge to your LinkedIn account, resume and email signature.

Best tips for success:

Don’t skip reading the material before taking the exam.
Each module has a final assessment with no proctor. It’s an open-book test; use your materials!
We recommend a virtual FMP class if you’re having trouble. Attempt the final assessment before your last virtual session.
Don’t procrastinate! Studying will take more time than you think.
Make a plan B. Where could you fit in extra time to study a particularly challenging module?
Emphasize strategic planning. Effective strategic planning can help you manage your study schedule and ensure you cover all necessary materials.

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