As we entered 2024, many facilities professionals made New Year’s resolutions to boost their careers. Some will be going back to school to get a college degree in facilities management or a specialty such as sustainability or operations management. Others will be taking classes, or simply studying on their own, so they can gain the knowledge necessary to earn a professional certification.
Here are 12 facilities management training certifications to consider for 2024:
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
Known as the “world’s largest and most widely recognized association for facility management professionals,” IFMA hosts three internationally recognized credentials, which are accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB).
1. Facility Management Professional (FMP)
Understand the four fundamental modules of facilities management, which include finance and business, operations and maintenance, leadership and strategy, and project management.
2. Certified Facility Manager (CFM)
Know all 11 core competencies of facilities management, which are communication, finance and business, operations and maintenance, performance and quality, risk management, occupancy and human factors, project management, facility information management and technology management, sustainability, leadership and strategy, and real estate.
3. Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP)
Understand sustainability trends and concepts like the circular economy; the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals; and environmental, social, and governance (ESG).
Professional Facility Management Institute (ProFMI)
ProFMI is “committed to elevating the facility management industry and serving its professionals around the world.” It has a certification program that’s aligned with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 41000 series of FM Standards and the U.S. Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act (FBPTA).
4. Professional Facility Management (ProFM)
Know the 19 functional FM knowledge areas (project management; strategic planning; capital planning; construction; technical services; occupant services; work management; utility management; space management; compliance and standards; environment, health, and safety; security; emergency management; human capital; leadership skills; financial management; contract management; procurement; and real estate) and the five cross-functional competencies (communication, sustainability, quality, innovation, and collaboration).
Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE)
The AFE, which calls itself “the leading technical education and credentialing resource for facilities management professionals,” has two popular certifications:
5. Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM)
Learn technical and management skills that lead to maintenance and reliability initiatives to reduce costs and increase operating efficiencies.
6. Certified Plant Engineer (CPE)
Understand how to accurately diagnose and resolve any maintenance or reliability issue within a facility.
Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI)
The BOMI, which calls itself the “premiere international provider of workforce development and educational products,” offers two popular certificates:
7. Facilities Management Certificate (FMC)
Know how to manage and maintain cost-effective facilities that operate at peak performance levels, as well as how to manage the ongoing operation and maintenance of building systems.
8. Facilities Management Administrator (FMA)
Understand how to create a productive work environment and handle tenant issues like daily operations, maintenance, comfort, and safety, as well as minimize maintenance costs.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
ASHRAE is “a global society advancing human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment.” It has one popular certification:
9. Operations and Performance Management Professional (OPMP)
Manage facility operations and maintenance to achieve performance goals such as indoor environmental quality, health, and safety.
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The USGBC, the “global leader in green building,” offers the LEED green building certification program, as well as three individual certifications:
Understand zero-waste policies and programs, and help projects participate in TRUE certification.
Learn about the EDGE standard, software, and certification system, which includes advice on green design and assistance, with the preparation of an application for EDGE certification.
Know how to implement strategies to reduce the energy and environmental footprint of parking facilities.
Learn More
Whether you’ll be going to a 4-year college or working to earn your certificate from a program offered by IFMA, ProFMI, AFE, BOMI, ASHRAE, or USGBC, good luck in your studies!
Learn more about continuing education by reading “Education and Training Opportunities for Facilities Management Professionals” on Facilities Management Advisor.