NJIFMA EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
The field of facility management demands adaptability to change.
How do I keep up?
The Education Committee is committed to assisting chapter members develop and grow in the facility management profession. We do this by helping to ensure that the majority of the monthly chapter meetings include programs with valuable educational content. We also support programs addressing the following areas:
Preparing new and transitioning
facility professionals for the demands of today’s dynamic workplace.
The premier internationally
recognized certification in facility management.
Any
measure of success for us as an organization and for our members must include
our ability to positively affect the economic, environmental and social impacts
of the building for which we are responsible.
If you would like to assist the chapter in advancing the professional development of its members – either by joining the Education Committee or participating in a specific program – please contact:
Joel Orton, AIA, CFM
Chairperson, Education Committee
New Jersey Chapter, IFMA
Phone: 908-981-4489
e-mail: joel.orton@sanofi-aventis.com
Facility Management Professional (FMP)
Preparing new and transitioning
facility professionals for the demands of today’s dynamic workplace.
Top 5 Reasons to Earn Your FMP
1) Build a solid foundation.
The course curriculum required by the FMP program will prepare you for the unique challenges of the profession, focusing on competencies essential to an FM’s day-to-day responsibilities.
2) Start your career in the right direction.
Facility management is a constantly evolving profession. A commitment to continuing education and professional development ensures an up-to-date skill set throughout your career.
3) Prepare for the CFM Exam.
FMPs who maintain their professional growth have a greater chance of successfully completing the CFM Exam and joining the elite circle of Certified Facility Managers.
4) Set yourself apart from the competition.
Whether you are applying for a position or promotion in the field, or if you plan to do business with an FM, having the letters “FMP” after your name demonstrates your professional knowledge.
5) Establish your professional network.
Enjoy the opportunities to network during on-site courses and at special FMP events. IFMA chapter and council members who achieve the designation receive special recognition for their achievements.
Who Should Apply?
· Facility management practitioners with less than five years of experience.
· Transitioning professionals with significant experience in related careers.
· Partner practitioners such as architects, designers and safety engineers.
· Associated corporate providers of FM products and services.
· Students entering the profession from colleges, universities, certificate or technical programs.
The Program
STEP 1: Complete the required coursework.
Program requirements for the FMP are available through IFMA and approved providers in a variety of learning formats. The FMP requires the completion of four approved IFMA courses, designed to provide attendees with critical skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in facility management. These competency areas are essential to anyone working as, or with, a facility manager. The following courses can be taken in any order:
The Business of FM Course
This practical introduction to the nine competencies of facility management immerses participants in the principles, characteristics, theories and concepts that make up the business of FM. Discuss how to manage facilities and people, advance the business and lead the organization. Pre- and post-course self-assessment checklists assist you in determining your degree of knowledge in each competency area. The course concludes with a group case study experience.
Operations and Maintenance Competency Course
Operations and maintenance functions are the source of 95% of day-to-day FM issues and therefore comprise 95% of a facility manager’s daily opportunities to increase customer satisfaction and enhance the value of the facility and the facility department. Acquire best practices you can apply to the management of O&M services, including building systems, grounds, exteriors and interiors, as well as work process improvements.
Planning and Project Management Competency Course
Construction, renovation and relocation projects are some of the most visible efforts of a facility department, and well-managed projects will reinforce the value that you and your team bring to the company. Gain the technical skills you need to manage the programming and design phases of a project as well as the management skills to lead and motivate your team to bring in your projects on time and on budget.
Leadership and Management Competency Course
Want to establish a best-in-class FM operation? Understanding people, places and processes can help you create a new FM department or improve the effectiveness of an existing one. Learn about the facility manager’s role as a planner, organizer, leader, coordinator and evaluator.
STEP 2: Submit your application.
Download the online application form at www.ifma.org. Candidates may fax or mail the application with payment to IFMA Headquarters.
Fee: IFMA Member: US$125
Young Professional-
IFMA Member US$99
Nonmember: US$150
STEP 3: You are a Facility Management Professional
Once you receive your official notification, you may begin leveraging the FMP after your name (i.e., John Smith, FMP).
Need to determine how the chapter can sponsor the four FMP preparatory courses. What are the costs & minimum participation requirements? Can we team-up with nearby chapters to sponsor a regional class?
The
premier internationally recognized certification in facility management.
The Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credential sets the industry standard for ensuring the knowledge and abilities of practicing facility managers. It is the only globally recognized certification for the facility management profession.
Top
5 Reasons to Get Certified
1) Distinguish yourself.
In today’s competitive job market, your CFM status puts you ahead of the competition. Certified Facility Managers have proven their abilities and demonstrated their commitment to achieve excellence in the profession.
2) Invest in your future.
On average, CFMs earn 18% more than non-certified facility managers. Earning your CFM is one of the most important career decisions you can make.
3) Demonstrate your leadership and initiative.
It’s not easy to achieve CFM status. The CFM designation is a tangible sign of your success. Share your expertise and mentor up-and-coming members of your organization.
4) Advance the profession.
Facility managers must be proficient in a wide range of competencies. The CFM program articulates the level of skill and talent required of the profession.
5) Enhance your professional network.
Enjoy opportunities to network during special CFM events. IFMA chapter and council members receive special recognition for their achievements.
Benefits to Your Organization
· Defines
your search and assures quality.
Organizations that require the CFM credential ensure that their facilities are being managed by competent, experienced professionals.
· Maintains
professional standards.
IFMA has led the way in establishing recognized standards of knowledge and skills critical to the profession.
· Focuses
and maps professional development.
All CFMs are required to continue to grow professionally to maintain certification.
Who Can Apply?
You do not have to be a member of IFMA to take advantage of the program, nor do you automatically become an IFMA member upon receiving your designation.
All facility management practitioners who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply. Individuals who work in related fields (architecture, interior design, etc.) and meet the requirements also may qualify to take the exam.
IFMA wants all candidates to be successful! Review the nine core competency areas on the IFMA Web site and estimate your level of knowledge.
Competency Areas
Successful candidates will have experience in the following competency areas. These nine areas have been identified as the core areas of skills and knowledge necessary for a successful facility manager
· Communication
· Finance
· Human and environmental factors
· Leadership and management
· Operations and maintenance
· Planning and project management
· Quality assessment and innovation
· Real estate
· Technology
Ideally, candidates should have experience in all nine
areas, however, it is possible for a candidate to have experience in most
competency areas, minimal exposure to others and still pass the exam.
By using questions that have been retired from the actual CFM Exam, the CFM Online Self-Assessment serves as a roadmap for your exam preparation. Candidates are able their strongest competency areas as well as the areas that require additional development through training and/or job experience. The self-assessment results are customized to provide options for additional training at a local level, through online courses or at an IFMA-sponsored event
Why should you take the CFM Online Self-Assessment?
The online assessment is designed to help you:
· Asses your current level of facility management knowledge and experience.
· Familiarize yourself with the types of questions you will see on the certification exam.
· Determine if you have the right balance of experience and knowledge to successfully complete the exam
STEP 2: Submit your application.
Once you have determined your readiness to take the exam, you may submit your CFM application through the IFMA Web site.
STEP 3: Schedule and pass the exam.
Within several days of submission, approved candidates are e-mailed instructions on how to contact the IFMA testing provider to schedule an appointment to take the exam. Candidates must take the exam within three months of acceptance.
STEP 4: You are a CFM.
Once you receive your official notification, you may begin using the CFM after your name. You will also receive a certificate, lapel pin and press release in your welcome packet
Application/Exam Fees
IFMA Members $525
Nonmembers $77
Candidate Requirement
The CFM is a competency-based certification. Candidates must first meet the education and experience requirements outlined below. Once the application is accepted, the candidate must pass the exam
Candidates must fall into one of the following education or work experience categories:
Education*
Years
of FM Experience
Facility management master’s degree 3 years
or bachelor’s degree from an IFMA
recognized program
Related bachelor’s degree 4 years
Non-related bachelor’s degree or 5 years
associate degree
Some post-secondary education 8 years
* All categories require some form of continuing
education within the past five years.
CFM Exam Information
The computerized exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions related to the nine areas of competency. Candidates must pass the entire exam in one sitting.
Accepted
candidates may schedule the exam at their convenience* at one of IFMA’s testing
centers in the
* Testing must occur within 90 days of candidate
acceptance.
CFM Exam Approved for V.A. Benefits
Active military, veterans, eligible spouses and dependents may now use their G.I. Bill education benefits to pay for the cost of approved licensing and certification exams. Eligible persons may apply to the Veterans Affairs Office for reimbursement of CFM Exam fees. If you are entitled to military benefits, now is the perfect time to take the CFM Exam! To learn more about your V.A. benefits, visit www.gibill.va.gov.
Candidate Assistance
Online
If you are unsure of your readiness to take the exam, you may go to the IFMA Web site and take the Online Self-assessment test. This self-assessment allows candidates to look at their experience in detail as it relates to each competency.
Courses
IFMA offers the CFM Exam Review course at different locations throughout the year. IFMA also offers courses for each of the nine competencies both online and at instructor-led events. The course schedule is posted on the IFMA Web site, or you may call 713-623-4362 for information.
The New Jersey Chapter sponsors the 2-day CFM Exam Review course locally each year. This is typically held in the late-Spring or early-Summer. Contact Joel Orton at joel.orton@saonif-aventis.com for additional information.
The New Jersey Chapter organizes study groups and mentors prospective CFMs based on member interest. If you are interested contact Joel Orton at joel.orton@sanofi-aventis.com .
What if I Don’t Pass the First Time?
Maintaining Your CFM
· Practice
· Continuing education
· Professional involvement
· Development of the profession
There is a
proven connection between buildings and their impact on the environment, how it
relates to reducing cost and making facilities healthy for the people who work
there. IFMA is committed to providing sustainability knowledge and resources to
its members to advance the facility management profession and nurturing this
connection.
Any measure of success for us as an organization and for our members must include our ability to positively affect the economic, environmental and social impacts of the building for which we are responsible. For more information visit: