The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) offers globally recognized
Certified Facility Manager (CFM) Certification and the exam is competency-based, evaluates the candidate on the knowledge and practice standards that define facility management. It establishes the norm for evaluating the skills and knowledge of facility managers in the field.
Determine Eligibility – CFM Certification
Work experience, assessment, and continuous education are prerequisites to obtain the certificate. Candidates for the CFM exam must have completed at least some years of post-secondary study.
Determine your eligibility from the below pointers.
- Candidates with 3 years of industry experience and a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in FM
- Candidates with 5 years of industry experience and any education
The Examination Format
IFMA CFM Exam consists of 180 Questions (160 scored items, and 20 pre-test non-scored items). The 160 items are in the form of multiple-choice questions. The exam is administered by computer at a testing center and takes four hours to complete. The questions are based on specific practical applications related to the specific areas in which experience is necessary.
- 180 multiple-choice questions, each with a single correct answer, and a total of four alternative choices
- The total number of right answers determines whether an exam is passed or failed. The questions that candidates want to skip and come back to, can be marked within a time frame.
- Candidates will be informed of any unanswered questions at the conclusion of the test.
- 4 hours of computerized testing
- Candidates are permitted to use scratch paper throughout the exam session. Only accessible in English
- Dictionary and calculator use is not permitted.
- No books or notes are allowed.
- Exams passing rate is 79%.
You will not be allowed to choose more than one option, as the exam is composed of single-response questions for every multiple-choice question.
Exam Content Outline
There are sets of competence within the 11 major competency areas that are further broken down into performance domains that make up the category. The purpose of the exam questions is to gauge how proficient the candidates are in each performance. Once you choose our Certified Facility Manager training, you will gain proficiency in the following areas.
- Occupancy and Human Factors – 14 items
- Operations and maintenance – 25 items
- Sustainability – 16 items
- Facility Information Management/Technology Management – 9 items
- Risk Management – 11 items
- Communication – 6 items
- Performance and Quality – 8 items
- Leadership and Strategy – 28 items
- Finance and Business – 18 items
- Real Estate – 14 items
- Project Management – 11 items
The proportion of items to be included on the CFM exam from each content area will be determined by the exam blueprint. Please keep in mind that the percentage of exam questions on each skill is subject to change by IFMA.
The CFM test passing score is initially obtained using a criterion-referenced approach known as the Angoff method. For all new editions of the test, a statistical procedure known as equating is utilized to assure the fairness of the examination process.
Preparatory Guide for CFM Exam
Earning your CFM certifies that you have mastered the whole FM body of knowledge. Are you ready to stand out as an FM leader? Read the below steps for preparing to acquire FM certification.
- Analyzing the curriculum will allow you to better match yourself with the exam’s main objectives. Furthermore, this will allow you to get the necessary command to earn your chosen qualification.
- More information on the exam, including accommodations, impartiality, and conflicts of interest, can be found in the CFM Handbook.
- Explore the full list of titles that contributed to the creation of the CFM test for more information to help you pass the exam and develop your grasp of the FM key competencies.
- Exam prep workshops focus on exam tactics rather than knowledge-based education covering competency areas.
- Evaluate and assess yourself with the free practice tests provided by Quadra Plus in the certification course.
- Apply with Confidence!
Quadra Plus prepares you to become a Certified Facility Manager (CFM) in Dubai with a training program that improves your management abilities and demonstrates your competence.
How to Self-Evaluate Your Expertise
Within each of the 11 major competency areas, there are sets of competencies that are further subdivided into the individual performances that make the category. The exam questions were designed to assess students’ ability to apply their knowledge of the competencies.
You can use this as a self-evaluation by asking yourself the following questions.
- Have I performed this function?
- Have I managed this function?
- How many people worked on this project?
- How many of these individuals reported to me?
- How much money was set aside for this project?
- Did I prepare the budget?
- Did I maintain the budget?
- How many employees were affected?
- How many square feet were involved?
- Have I done this for more than one company or in more than one environment?
These questions won’t all apply to every performance, but they will act as a guide as you carefully evaluate each component of your performance. In at least 9 of the 11 competency areas, the majority of exam passers have both breadth and depth of expertise. The other two are likewise generally covered.
If you discover that you lack proficiency in two or more of the competency categories, taking courses that will broaden your knowledge may be a great way to strengthen your understanding.
