ifma-cfm-candidate-handbook (1)
ifma-cfm-candidate-handbook (1)
(CFM®)
CANDIDATE HANDBOOK
© IFMATM 2025
CFM Exam Contact Information
To contact the IFMA Credentials Department:281-974-5632, 281-974-5669
[email protected]
To access the online Credentials Application and Maintenance Program(CAMP) in order to complete the CFM
Application or the CFM Recertification Form:
www.ifma.org/credentials/manage-my-credentials/
To download the CAMP User’s Guide:
CAMP User’s Guide (.pdf)
COMPETENCY-BASED
The CFM® Exam is competency-based, testing what a candidate can do compared to standards that
define the practice of facility management. One cannot take a course or a simple knowledge-based
exam to earn the credential. IFMA’s competency-based program is at a higher level than a knowledge-
based program, reflecting the growing importance of facility management in the international
business world.
RECOGNIZED GLOBALLY
In addition, the CFM® is the only global facility management certification available. Goals of IFMA's
certification program include:
practice profession
The CFM credential has been accredited by ANAB since 2019. ANAB is the largest accreditation body in
North America and provides services in more than 75 countries.
Distinguish the FM
Establish standards
Demonstration of
Achieving the CFM is not easy. The CFM
lea ve
expertise.
ABOUT IFMA
Founded in 1980, IFMA is the world's largest and most widely recognized international association
for facility management professionals, supporting 24,000 members in 105 countries. IFMA’s Certified
Facility Manager® (CFM®) credential is globally recognized as the most reliable standard for
distinguishing the achievements of facility management, reinforcing the association’s claim for facility
management and strengthening the CFM’s position as the ultimate authority in facility management.
ETHICS REQUIREMENT
An Ethics Assessment is required for all CFM credential applicants. Those holding the CFM credential
are required to complete an Ethics Assessment every other renewal cycle or every six (6) years.
Candidates have an option of two current Ethics Assessments which have been approved by the
Certification Commission. If a candidate’s employer requires an Ethics training/ assessment, and the
training meets the requirements of the International Ethics Standards Coalition (IESC), the program
can be submitted, along with the Ethics Submission Form, for approval and applied towards the
Ethics requirement. All Ethics Assessments can be used towards maintenance activities for the
recertification form. See the table on the following page detailing the options for satisfying the Ethics
Requirement.
Candidates have up to 30 days from the date on which they pass the exam to complete the Ethics
Requirement and submit the required documentation. Any individual who does not complete the
Ethics requirement and submit the required documentation to the CAMP record will have the status
of the CFM credential moved to inactive and will not be in good standing. Candidates are notified and
reminded of the requirement in the email received upon passing the CFM exam and again the week
prior to the 30-day period.
Ideally, candidates should have knowledge of and experience in all 11 areas; however, it is possible for a
candidate to have experience in most competency areas, and knowledge of the others, and still pass the
exam. (See Test Content Outline, below)
Unsure if you meet eligibility requirements? You can request a review of application BEFORE you submit
the application (please see Step 3 on completing the CFM Application). To do this, you must complete the
application and send an email request to Rhonda Hager, IFMA Credentials Team Lead, at
[email protected] and request a preliminary review.
More questions about CFM Exam eligibility? Contact Rhonda Hager, IFMA Credentials Team Lead, at
[email protected].
3. Sustainability 16
A. Energy management 3
B. Water management 3
C. Materials and consumables management 3
D. Waste management 3
E. Workplace and site management 4
5. Risk Management 11
A. Risk management planning 3
B. Emergency preparedness, response, and recovery 4
C. Facility resilience and business continuity 4
6. Communication 6
A. Planning 2
B. Delivery 2
C. Evaluation 2
Total 160
* Each test form will include 1 set of 20 unscored pretest items in addition to the 160 scored items. 4
hours of testing time is allowed. The exam is offered in English only.
*The passing score for the CFM exam is initially determined based on a criterion referenced
procedure, the Angoff method. To ensure fairness of the examination process, a statistical method
called equating is used for all new versions of the test.
*GSA fees applicable to Federal Agency Employees eligible for GSA pricing.
Payment Options
• If the exam payment has been pre-paid by an employer, the candidate should choose the
“PO” option and in the PO# field, enter the name of the PO# provided when payment was
made. An email may be sent to [email protected] requesting that the payment be
processed.
• If the employer or candidate is paying for the application fee by check, the candidate should
complete the form choosing "Pay with Check." The application will be processed when
payment is received. An invoice may be requested for the payment if necessary
• If either the employer or the candidate is paying the application fee by credit card, “Pay
Fees” should be chosen and the prompts followed to process the payment. Credit card
payments are processed immediately, and the application moves into the approval queue.
• If you will be seeking reimbursement for the CFM Exam through the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) under the G.I. Bill, click here for more details and instructions.
5. Approval/Denial of Application
After submitting your application and payment online, the approval process can take up to 21 days. If
an application is denied, Credentials Staff will follow-up with the applicant accordingly. In the event
an application is denied, any payment that has been processed will be refunded. Applicants who fail
to demonstrate that they meet all of the eligibility requirements will not be permitted to take the
exam.
Once the application is approved, the candidate has 90 days in which to schedule and complete the
exam. If an extension is necessary, the candidate can submit the Extension Module, at the bottom of
the exam form, and receive another 90 days in which to schedule and take the exam. There is a $50
fee for each extension.
Note: candidates have 30 days from the date on which they pass the CFM exam to complete the
EthicsTraining requirement and submit the required documentation in the CAMP record. Any
candidate who does not fulfill this requirement within the 30-day period following the exam date
will not earn the credential and exam results will be inactivated.
A portion of applications will be selected for random audit. If selected for audit, the applicant must
provide documentation to 1) verify the applicant’s work experience by providing written or verbal
documentation to verify employment history and 2) verify the applicant’s FM degree (if applicable)
by providing an official transcript.
Exam Development
IFMA adheres to common and best-practice testing and psychometric theory to ensure validity,
reliability, and fairness. To meet this standard, the CFM® exam was developed through typical steps.
First, a job analysis was conducted to identify the critical, important, and frequent task and
knowledge measures of a facilities manager by a representative group of subject matter experts
©IFMA™ P a g e | 16 2/10/2025 08-3108
(SMEs). The results of the job analysis provided the basis of an examination specification including
the number of questions that should be allocated for each of the 11 competency areas. Using the
examination specifications, SMEs wrote and reviewed questions. Next, exam forms were assembled
and finalized. A standard setting study was also conducted to determine a passing score for the CFM
exam. Prior to the release of the exam, an item analysis was conducted on the previous CFM exam
forms. Items not performing well were flagged and reviewed by SMEs to determine if they were
appropriate to be used on the exam. Finally, all forms developed are equated to ensure that the
examsare equally difficult.
Special Accommodations
The Certification Commission and its testing vendor, Prometric, comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) which requires that the examination is offered in a place and manner that is
accessible to candidates with disabilities. This may require reasonable modifications. Prometric will
provide candidates reasonable auxiliary aids and services, except where it may fundamentally alter
the validity of the exam results. Available accommodations include, but are not limited to, a reader, a
scribe, and extended testing time.
If you are seeking special accommodations, you must indicate this on your application and submit a
request form for accommodations (see appendix). To request accommodations, you and your health
care provider will each need to complete one form, the Candidate Form: Request for Special Exam
Accommodation and the Provider Form: Request for Special Exam Accommodation-Physician
Statement, to document the disability and the need for accommodation. These forms can be found in
the applicant record in CAMP. Medical documentation of the specific needs must be submitted no
more than 7 days after the request using the required form. The request must be specific as to the
nature of the problem and based on testing that is not older than 4 years prior to the application.
There is no additional charge for special accommodations. Each request will be evaluated individually
by IFMA. If approved, IFMA will alert Prometric of the necessary accommodations. Once a candidate
has requested special accommodations, he/she will not be able to schedule an appointment with
Prometric until the request is processed. The candidate will be contacted by email regarding the
approval status of the special testing accommodations request.
Arrival
Candidates must provide two forms of identification, with one being a valid, unexpired government-
issued ID with a signature, a photograph that looks like the candidate, and an expiration date.
Acceptable examples of government-issued, photo ID include:
• Driver’s license
• Passport
• Military ID
• Alien ID/Resident Alien Card (*If the ID has picture but no signature, it must be provided with
a form of signature ID (Credit Card) in the same name.)
Unacceptable forms of ID include but are not limited to an expired ID, an ID without an expiration
date, Social Security Card, or an ID with no photo.
Additionally, one form of ID with candidate’s name and a valid signature is required. A credit card
with signature will satisfy this requirement at Exam Centers only. For Live Remote Proctoring, credit
cards and not accepted due to security concerns.
Note: The name on the IDs must match the name used to apply for the exam, or the candidate
will not be allowed to take the exam.
Any candidate who engages in misconduct or does not comply with the test proctor’s warning to
discontinue inappropriate behavior may be dismissed from the test site/administration, have exam
results invalidated, or be subject to other sanctions. Fraud, deceit, dishonesty, or other irregular
behavior in connection with taking the exam is strictly prohibited.
Enhanced Exam Security – A Stringent Focus on Protecting the Honest Test Taker and Ensuring
a Fair Test Experience
Prometric conducts strict inspections of all eyeglasses, jewelry and other accessories to inspect for
camera devices that could be used to capture exam content. All candidates will be required to remove
their eyeglasses for close visual inspection by the TCAs/remote proctors. These inspections will take
a few seconds and will be done at check-in and again upon return from breaks. In addition:
• Jewelry outside of wedding and engagement rings is prohibited. Candidates should not wear
other jewelry to the administration.
• Hair accessories are subject to inspection. Candidates should refrain from wearing ornate
clips, combs, barrettes, headbands, and other hair accessories as they may be prohibited
from wearing them in the testing administration. Test center candidates may be asked to
store them in their locker.
• If a candidate is caught with a camera device prior to entering the testing administration, it
will be confiscated (test center), and the candidate will not be allowed to test.
• If a candidate is caught with a camera device during the testing administration, it will be
confiscated (test center), and the exam will be terminated.
• Leaving the camera view (remote proctored administrations) while the exam is in progress
is strictly prohibited.
Upon completion of the exam, the candidate is notified immediately, by email, regarding pass/fail
status. IFMA Credentials staff will confirm the results within 20 days for those candidates who have
completed theethics assessment prior to taking the exam. Candidates who have not completed the
ethics requirement prior to taking the exam must do so and submit the required documentation in
the CAMP record within 30 days of the date on which the candidate took the certification exam.
Candidates who have met all requirements for certification should receive certificate packets within
30 days of the successful testing date or completion of the ethics assessment, whichever occurs last.
9. Obtain Certificate
A paper certificate shall be issued to all credential holders who pass the exam, and shall include the
following:
• Credential holder’s name
• Credential holder’s ID number and credential serial number
• Credentials program title
• IFMA as the certification issuer
• Signature of Certification Commission Chair
• Certificate term of validity
The certificate is the sole property of IFMA and must be returned if certification status is suspended or
revoked.
A secure digital badge will be issued to credential holders as well as instructions for claiming the badge.
Candidates who have earned the CFM® certification must abide by IFMA’s policy concerning the use of the
designation for various purposes including logos and trademarks (See Ownership of the Mark and Logo).
Additionally, all credential holders shall be listed in IFMA’s Public Credentials Registry. If the CFM allows
the credential to cancel due to neglecting to meet recertification requirements, or the CFM credential is
cancelled by the CFM governing body for non-adherence to the CFM Code of Conduct, the candidate will
not use the designation or logo in any way. Violation may be cause for legal action.
10. Recertification
Recertification through continued study or participation in Recertification Requirements
industry sponsored events demonstrates that designees are Achieve 6 activities in two areas:
using the knowledge and skills represented by the certification.
• Practice
By using the designation, you are promoting your high level of
experience and knowledge. If no program were in place to keep • FM Related Education
up with the dynamic changes in facility management, then the • Professional Leadership
power and prestige of the designation would be • Development of the Profession
diminished. The CFM is a constant reflection of expertise and
Recertification is required every 3 years
professionalism; thus, worth maintaining.
Tiered Pricing
Tiered pricing for the CFM application and recertification fees is regionally based. To determine which
fee(s) apply to you, view the Tiered Pricing chart in the appendix, find the country associated with your
home address, and determine the applicable fee. Discounted rates apply to tiers 2 and 3.
Tier Recertification Fee in USD
1 $290 member / $365 non-member
2 $232 member / $292 non-member
3 $180 member / $227 non-member
GSA* $280.00
*GSA fees applicable to Federal Agency Employees eligible for GSA pricing.
Candidates must complete the recertification process below to maintain their credential:
• Complete and submit the CFM® Recertification Form and required supporting documentation. (See
Appendix for link to the Recertification Maintenance Worksheet.)
• Complete and submit the CFM® Recertification Payment Form.
• Meet the Ethics Training requirement every 6 years (every other renewal cycle) by completing an
Ethics Assessment (see Ethics Requirement, p20). Ethics Training may be used towards the FM-
related Education Category.
• IFMA staff will review the submitted documentation and notify the CFM of the recertification
outcome by email within 30 days of submission. Those who successfully re-certify will receive
a certificate packet following approval.
• IFMA sends out recertification notices, as a courtesy, beginning 6 months prior to the CFM
expiration date for all active CFMs. It is imperative that CFMs keep their contact information
current with IFMA. It remains the responsibility of the CFM to submit the
recertification documents on time.
• Renewal applications will not be accepted from individuals whose certification is in a state of
suspension or has been revoked.
• A portion of applications will be selected for random audit. If selected for audit, the applicant
must provide documentation as requested by the certification program to validate the
information submitted with the application.
Upon expiration, the CFM term moves into a 3 month “grace period” during which a certified individual
may renew the certification without penalty. After the 3 month grace period, there is a 3 month
“cancellation pending” period during which the CFM can still submit recertification documents, there is,
however, a $100 late fee charged during this period.
See appendix for Recertification Worksheet, CFM® Maintenance Program, and CAMP Access
Instructions.
©IFMA™ P a g e | 21 2/10/2025 08-3108
CFM ® E XPIRATION AND RCFM © P ROGRAM
What if my CFM designation is expired?
After your official CFM® expiration date, there is a three-month grace period in which you may renew
without penalty. If a recertification package is received anywhere from three months and one day to six
months after the expiration date, it will also need to include a late fee of US $100.00. The rules of the
Certification Commission mandate that CFMs who go more than six months past their expiration date
without renewing their CFM, will lose the credential, and must retake the CFM Exam in order to reinstateit.
Reminder notices are sent out as a courtesy; it is each CFM’s professional obligation to renew their CFM ina
timely manner. It is also the CFM’s responsibility to ensure that address records are kept current.
What is the Retired CFM (RCFM) program?
A Retired CFM category has been established for CFMs who have retired or who have otherwise left the
profession and want to indicate past certification. There are no age or renewal requirements for RCFM,
however the CFM must apply no more than 6 months past the expiration date of the most recent
recertification period. The RCFM application form is available through IFMA's CAMP system
Rules and Policies for RCFM - The Retired CFM designation is only appropriate for those who do not
intend to continue representing themselves as CFMs in the practice of FM. The Retired CFM status will
allow individuals to show their association with the certification even though they are no longer
maintaining it.
Nondiscrimination Privacy
Complaints Records
Appeals
Exam Retake Attempts
Exam Policies
Fees
Retaking the CFM© Exam
• US $265 (member) - IFMA
Unsuccessful CFM® exam candidates have up to 12 months to members receive a 27% discount
retake the exam at a reduced fee. There is no limit to the number • US $365 (nonmember)
of times a candidate can sit for the exam. To retake the exam,
candidates will complete CFM Exam Retake Application, found in Retake Period
the CAMP system at Manage My Credentials (ifma.org) The CFM Must retake exam within 12 months
Exam Retake Application and Payment Forms, must be to be eligible for the reduced fee
submitted and approved before the candidate may schedule the
exam retake appointment. Number of Retakes Permitted
Unlimited
Rescheduling/Cancelling a CFM exam appointment with
Prometric
The Certification Commission and its testing vendor, Prometric, comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) which requires that the examination is offered in a place and manner that is
accessible to candidates with disabilities. This may require reasonable modifications. Prometric will
provide candidates reasonable auxiliary aids and services, except where it may fundamentally alter the
validity of the exam results. Available accommodations include, but are not limited to, a reader, a scribe,
and extended testing time.
If you are seeking special accommodations, you must indicate this on your application and submit a
request form for accommodations. Specific instructions for requesting exam accommodations are found in
Sitting for the CFM Exam in this handbook.
Nondiscrimination
IFMA adheres to the principles of fairness and due process and endorses the principles of equal
opportunity.
IFMA credentials programs shall not discriminate or deny opportunity to anyone on the grounds of
gender, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or
disability.
It is essential that an equal opportunity for success is provided to every participant in each program, and
that no person or group is given special treatment in the attainment and continuation of any credential.
Program Complaints and Feedback
Complaints Definition
Individuals with feedback regarding the assessment process, personnel or other elements of the
credentials process are encouraged to discuss these with the individuals involved, to try to resolve the
matter informally. In some cases, however, informal resolution is not possible, and individuals may wish
to file a formal complaint.
A complaint is a formal request pertaining to a grievance in the assessment process, personnel or other
elements of the certification process that is not related to the certification or recertification itself, refer to
Appeals.
First Level of Complaint – Staff Review
A complaint shall be submitted in writing to the credentials staff within 30 days of the incident’s
occurrence. The written submission shall include sufficient objective evidence to substantiate the claims
which will allow for a decision to be made and request the appropriate action to be taken. Dissatisfaction
based on hearsay shall not be considered as a complaint. Anonymous complaints shall not be considered.
When possible, the credentials staff will seek staff resolution related to the complaint. If action is required,
the credentials staff will refer the matter to an appropriate staff member to resolve if possible. A staff
member who rendered the original decision should not be the same individual responsible for reviewing
the complaint. Any matters of confidentiality, conflict of interest, and impartiality will be taken into
account. The responsible staff member shall take action to resolve the issue and communicate the
resolution to the individual and the credentials staff within 30 calendar days of receipt of the complaint.
If informal resolution cannot be achieved, the Review Committee process below will be followed.
Complaints that cannot be resolved by certification staff to the complainant’s satisfaction within thirty
(30) days of receipt will be forwarded by the credentials staff to the Chair of the Certification Commission
along with any relevant information used in making the initial decision.
Second Level of Complaint – Review Committee
The Chair of the Certification Commission will appoint an ad-hoc Review Committee of three or more
individuals, who may or may not be members of the Commission and who will review the evidence in the
case and make a determination within sixty (60) days of the original receipt.
Once a decision is reached, the credentials staff shall send the complainant a letter, via email,
communicating the Review Committee’s decision. The decision of the Review Committee will be final.
Submission, review, and resolution of the complaint shall not result in any discriminatory actions against
the complainant.
Disciplinary Proceedings
In order to maintain and enhance the credibility of the certification program, the Certification Commission
has adopted the following procedures to allow individuals to bring complaints concerning the conduct of
CFM certificants to the Commission.
In the event of a violation as defined below, the Commission may reprimand or suspend the individual or
may revoke certification.
Grounds for Sanctions and Invalidation
Sanctions may be imposed and/or a certification earned by completing IFMA’s certification requirements
may be invalidated by the Certification Commission when it has been discovered that the certification
should not have been issued in the first place and/or for any of the following reasons:
• Obtaining the certification through the use of fraud or deceit or assisting another person to do so; or
• Unauthorized possession, distribution, or use of any assessment-related materials or assisting
another person to do so; or
• Failure to cooperate reasonably with any disciplinary investigation by the designee or Certification
Commission; or
• Violation of the Code of Conduct for CFMs, Commission certification rules, requirements, and/or
policies.
Individuals may file a complaint against a certification holder by submitting a written document to the
Credentials Designee which includes the stated complaint and relevant supporting materials. Anonymous
complaints shall not be considered.
Upon receipt of a written complaint, the complaint shall be reviewed by the designee to ascertain if the
criteria for acceptance of a complaint are met. All three (3) of the following acceptance criteria must be
met:
1. Complainant must have personal knowledge of the alleged violation or misbehavior or must be in a
position to supply relevant and reliable documentation.
2. Complainant must demonstrate by documentation and factual evidence that the complaint involves
an issue(s) directly related to the certification program standards or Code of Conduct for CFMs.
Matters of a personal nature or matters not related to the criteria set forth will not be considered.
3. The complaint will not be processed if certification records show that the named person is no
longer a certification holder unless the complaint is related to such person representing him- or
herself as having a current certification.
Accepted complaints will be first processed by the designee within sixty (60) days of receipt for the
purpose of attempting to resolve the complaint informally. A written notice will be sent to the individual
who is the subject of the complaint, who shall have the opportunity to respond to the complaint. The
individual submitting the complaint shall also receive notice that the complaint is being reviewed. If
resolution by the designee is not possible, the situation will be escalated to the Certification Commission
Chair.
Details of a complaint shall be confidential throughout the resolution process. Staff, Commission, and
Committee members who hear a complaint shall keep all information confidential, available to others only
on a need-to-know basis.
Second Level of Review – Review Committee
The Certification Commission Chair will appoint an ad-hoc Review Committee of three or more
individuals, who may or may not be members of the Commission and who will review the evidence in the
case, including the initial determination, and make a determination within sixty (60) days of the original
receipt. The Review Committee may be assisted in the conduct of its investigation by members of the
Commission, IFMA credentials staff, or legal counsel. The designee exercises general supervision over all
investigations.
Both the individual submitting the complaint and the certificant who is the subject of the investigation
(and his or her employer, if applicable) may be contacted for additional information with respect to the
complaint. The Review Committee, or the Commission on its behalf, may at its discretion contact such
other individuals who may have knowledge of the facts and circumstances surrounding the complaint.
Upon completion of an investigation, the Review Committee makes a determination whether there has
been a violation of Commission policies and rules. The Review Committee will make a recommendation of
its findings to the Commission and recommend a sanction, if it determines a violation has occurred. The
Commission will review the determination and recommended sanction and may elect to accept, reject, or
modify the Review Committee’s recommendation. These sanctions may include, but are not limited to:
written reprimand, suspension, revocation, or permanent revocation.
Appeal Definition
An appeal is a formal request for reconsideration of an adverse decision made by the certification program
related to an individual’s achievement of certification or recertification or disciplinary issues.
First Level of Appeal – Staff Review
Applicants, candidates, or certificants who are notified of an adverse decision related to certification,
recertification, and/or disciplinary issues may appeal the decision by sending a written notice of the
appeal to the certification program within 30 calendar days of the adverse decision notification. The
appellant shall clearly set forth the reasons he or she believes the decision was improperly decided,
including documentation to support such claim. The designee shall confirm receipt of the letter of
appeal via email upon receipt along with a copy of the document explaining the process.
Appeals should be submitted to [email protected].
Appeals that cannot be resolved by certification staff within thirty (30) days of receipt will be forwarded
by the designee to the Chair of the Certification Commission along with any relevant information used in
making the initial decision.
Second Level of Appeal – Appeal Committee
The Chair of the Certification Commission will appoint an ad-hoc Appeal Committee who will review the
evidence in the case and make a determination within sixty (60) days of the original receipt. No current
members of the Commission or Review Committee may serve on the Appeal Committee; further, no one
with any personal involvement or conflict of interest may serve on the Appeal Committee. Members of the
Appeal Committee may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the activities
of the Appeal Committee.
Basis for Appeal
The Appeal Committee may only review whether the determination was inappropriate because of:
• material errors of fact, or
• failure of the Commission or Review Committee to conform to published criteria, policies, or
procedures.
IFMA shall safeguard the privacy of individuals and shall hold in confidence and in a secure manner the
information obtained in the course of credentials program activities, including those of all volunteers
and contractors acting on its behalf.
Information about an individual shall not be disclosed to a third party by IFMA personnel without the
written consent of the individual. Where the law requires information to be disclosed to a third party,
the individual shall be notified of the information provided.
Requests for verification of progress in attaining credentials shall be provided only to the participant,
unless his/her permission is granted in writing allowing release to others. Progress information shall
be provided in writing and/or electronically.
Requests by any person for verification of an individual’s credential status may be responded to by
phone, online or in writing. Only an indication of whether an individual has a valid credential, the
candidate ID number, and issuance/expiration date shall be provided; the status of in-progress or
unsuccessful participants is not disclosed; even the fact that an application has been submitted shall not
be disclosed.
Confidentiality and Security of Assessment Instruments and Scoring Keys
To ensure the security of the examination, all test materials are confidential and will not be released to
any person or agency. IFMA shall safeguard the assessment instruments and scoring keys/rubrics during
the course of credentials program activities at all levels of the organization, including those of all
volunteers and contractors acting on its behalf. Personnel handling the assessment instruments and
scoring keys shall be provided procedures for the secure handling of exams and shall attest to reading and
understanding them prior to their handling of the materials.
Exam Security
IFMA uses several methods to prevent cheating and to ultimately ensure that the exam items are intact
and individuals are not cheating. The methods include managing and monitoring the test sites and
A credentials records control system shall be maintained to ensure that credentials program records are
identified, managed, and disposed of in a manner designed to ensure integrity of the program and
confidentiality of the information.
No Retention Required
Documents and other materials (including originals and duplicates) that are not otherwise required to
be retained, are not necessary to the functioning or continuity of IFMA and which have no legal
significance may be destroyed when no longer needed. Examples include draft documents, duplicate
copies of records that are no longer needed, reminder messages, miscellaneous correspondence not
requiring follow-up or action. No specific retention requirements are assigned to these types of
documents.
Security of Records
IFMA shall restrict access to the credentials records maintained in IFMA's database system to those
personnel requiring access to accomplish credentials-related duties. Access to credentials records shall
be by authorization of the department head or designee only.
Managing Bias Policies
Impartiality
IFMA places the utmost importance on integrity and impartiality in carrying out its activities.
It is essential that an equal opportunity for success is provided to every candidate in each program,
just as it is of paramount importance that all policies and procedures contribute to the development,
oversight, evaluation, and maintenance of fair and equitable credentials and assessments which
advance the profession of facility management.
Responsible for ensuring impartiality in all credentials activities, the Certification Commission shall
exercise due diligence in recognizing and acting on threats to impartiality, which include but are not
limited to, self-interest, activities with related bodies, relationships of personnel, financial interests,
favoritism, conflict of interest, familiarity and intimidation.
The Certification Commission shall periodically conduct a threat analysis to determine the potential,
both real and perceived, of an individual or an organization to influence the certification process for
their own gain.
Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest may be defined as an interest that might affect, or might reasonably appear likely
to affect, the judgment or conduct of an individual associated with the Certification Commission and its
committees.
I shall have as my primary goal developing and managing safe, human, and functional workspaces.
I shall integrate the needs of management with the needs of people in the workplace to develop and
manage humane and effective work environments.
I shall have as an achievable goal maintaining objective, professional judgments. I shall not compromise
this judgment by undertaking any activity, accepting any contribution or having any conflict of interest
that would prevent acting in the best interest of my employer, clients, or those people for whom I provide
or maintain workplaces.
I shall practice in a manner that supports the rights of employers, employees and clients, and shall not
discriminate because of race, sex, creed, age, religion, disability, national origin or sexual orientation.
I shall continually seek new information to maintain and upgrade my professional skills relative to the
design, construction, maintenance and management of the built environment as it relates to people and
processes.
Sanctions and Invalidating a Certificate
Sanctions may be imposed and/or a certification earned by completing IFMA’s certification requirements
may be invalidated by the Certification Commission when it has been discovered that the certification
should not have been issued in the first place and/or for any of the following reasons:
• Obtaining the certification through the use of fraud or deceit or assisting another person to do so;
or
• Unauthorized possession, distribution, or use of any assessment-related materials or assisting
another person to do so; or
• Failure to cooperate reasonably with any disciplinary investigation by the designee or
Certification Commission; or
• Violation of the Code of Conduct for CFMs, Commission certification rules, requirements,
and/or policies.
If a CFM credential is invalidated, the person previously holding the credential will cease using the
designation and logo immediately. Violation may be cause for legal action.
Property
The credential marks and logos are the property of IFMA. Permission to use the credential marks or logos
is granted to credentialed persons at the discretion of IFMA for permissible uses only.
Persons Authorized to Use the Marks
Use of the IFMA credential marks and logos is limited to those persons who have been granted a credential
by the Certification Commission and who satisfy all established requirements. Use of the mark and logo by
individuals who have not been granted the credential with a current term of validity is expressly
prohibited. Individuals may not use the credential until they have received specific written notification
that they have successfully completed all requirements, including passing the exam. Certificants must
comply with all recertification requirements to maintain use of the credential.
Non-Assignability and Non-Transferability
Permission to use the credential mark is limited to the credential holder, and shall not be transferred to,
assigned to, or otherwise used by any other individual, organization, or entity.
Mark and Logo Use
Those persons who have been granted permission to use a credential mark and logo shall do so pursuant
to the rules and guidelines established by IFMA. Persons granted permission to use a credential mark and
logo must familiarize themselves with the established rules and guidelines for use and must execute
approved agreements setting forth such rules and guidelines for use.
After meeting all eligibility requirements and passing the examination, individuals may use Certified
Facility Management (CFM) credential in all correspondence and professional relations. The credential is
typically used after the certificant’s name following any academic degrees and licensure (e.g. Mary Smith,
MBA, CFM or Mary Smith, CFM).
The IFMA marks and logo may not be revised or altered in any way. They must be displayed in the same
form as produced by IFMA and cannot be reproduced unless such reproduction is identical to the mark
provided by IFMA.
The mark or logo may be used only on business cards, stationary, letterhead and similar documents on
which the name of the individual credentialed is prominently displayed.
The mark or logo may not be used in any manner which could bring IFMA into disrepute or in any way
considered misleading or unauthorized. The mark or logo may not be used in any manner which would
tend to imply a connection between any business and the credential which, in fact, may not exist. This
includes any use of the mark or logo that the public might construe as an endorsement, approval or
sponsorship by IFMA of a credential holder's business or any product or service thereof.
Initial Certification
CFM Application Page A-2
Recertification
CFM Maintenance Program Worksheet (pdf)
CAMP System
CAMP User Guide
CFM FAQs
I have read and understand IFMA's policy on Request for Special Exam Accommodations.
IFMA, in adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990), provides reasonable and appropriate
accommodations for disabled individuals who supply appropriate documentation. An applicant may request
accommodation due to disability, handicap or other reason. Candidates must complete the Request for Special
Exam Accommodations Form and submit it, in the Credentials Application and Maintenance Program (CAMP)
record of the applicant. Medical documentation of specific needs must be submitted no more than 7 days after
the request. The request must be specific as to the nature of the problem and based on testing that is not older
than 4 years prior to the application. Accommodation requests must be submitted with the CFM exam
application. The applicant is responsible for demonstrating that the request should be granted. The IFMA
Credentials Team will review the request and notify the candidate in writing of its determination within 2-3
business days of receipt of the medical documentation.
I am requesting Special Exam Accommodation for the CFM exam and will complete and submit the Request for
Special Exam Accommodation Form
Exam candidates with special needs are encouraged to inform IFMA of these needs using the process outlined
here and in the CFM Candidate Handbook.
Code of Conduct
I shall have as my primary goal developing and managing safe, human, and functional workspaces.
I shall integrate the needs of management with the needs of people in the workplace to develop and manage
humane and effective work environments.
I shall have as an achievable goal maintaining objective, professional judgments. I shall not compromise this
judgment by undertaking any activity, accepting any contribution or having any conflict of interest that would
prevent acting in the best interest of my employer, clients, or those people for whom I provide or maintain
workplaces.
I shall practice in a manner that supports the rights of employers, employees and clients, and shall not
discriminate because of race, sex, creed, age, religion, disability or national origin.
I shall continually seek new information to maintain and upgrade my professional skills relative to the design,
construction, maintenance and management of the physical environment as it relates to people and work
processes.
I have read and agree to adhere to the CFM® Code of Conduct and will comply with the disciplinary and
appeals process.
Upon request, I will provide any additional information that may be needed by IFMA to process this application.
I agree to maintain the confidentiality of the CFM exam content. I will not disclose exam items, answers, or any
confidential exam information during or after the exam. I will not attempt to remove materials from the
testing room, aid other persons taking the exam, or create a disturbance during the test administration. I
understand that any possible or suspected security violations will be reported promptly to IFMA for
investigation and may result in the cancellation of my exam score and/or eligibility for the CFM credential.
I will not represent myself as a Certified Facility Manager® or use the CFM® logo until such time as this
credential is awarded to me by IFMA. I understand that I must renew my CFM credential every three years,
according to the recertification policies then in effect. If I fail to renew my CFM by the deadline, it will be
revoked.
In the event my certification is revoked or withdrawn, I agree that I will discontinue all claims to
certification,will not use the designation or logo in any way, and will return any certificates issued by the
CFM program. I understand that violation of this agreement may be cause for legal action.
I have read and understand the CFM Candidate Handbook. I understand that there are some areas in which
the Live Remote Proctoring option, for the CFM exam, is not allowed, and exams must be completed in a
Prometric Exam Center.
NOTICE: DUE TO A SECURITY ISSUE, CANDIDATES WITH WORK OR HOME ADDRESSES, ON THEIR APPLICATION, FROM:
UAE, SAUDI ARABIA, QATAR, OMAN, JORDAN, LEBANON, BAHRAIN, KUWAIT, SYRIA, MOROCCO, YEMEN, SUDAN, EGYPT, INDIA AND
PAKISTAN
WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TEST REMOTELY. YOU MUST TAKE THE EXAM AT A PROMETRIC EXAM CENTER. IF YOU SCHEDULE
AND TAKE THE EXAM USING LIVE REMOTE PROCTORING, YOUR EXAM RESULTS WILL NOT BE RECORDED.
I agree to adhere to all certification program policies and procedures. I will not use the certification in such a
manner as to bring the certification body intodisrepute and will not make any statement regarding the
certification which the certification body considers misleading or unauthorized.
Release of Information
I understand that IFMA recognizes new credential holders in many ways, including a feature in each issue of
the Facility Management Journal, notices to IFMA chapters, and directories both online and printed. I hereby
authorize IFMA to publish my name, company and location in recognition of my achievement. I understand
that my candidate ID number, and issuance/expiration date are also published on the IFMA web site and are
available to the public as verification of my credential.
I have read and agree with the IFMA Information Release Policy
I hereby apply to become a candidate for certification as a facility manager by the International Facility
Management Association. As a condition of this application, I authorize IFMA to investigate statements made
within this application.
Initials Required
Date of Application
(MM/DD/YYYY)
Rationale: IFMA is a member of the International Ethics Standards Coalition (IESC), which has
created an ethical framework for the global property market. As a result, the CFM Scheme
Committee has determined that an Ethics Assessment will be required for all current CFMs, as
well as CFM credential applicants.
Process: The CFM Scheme Committee has determined the criteria for programs meeting the
standards of the IESC, and thus far, have chosen two programs which meet the requirements, one
is the RICS Ethics Assessment and the other is HR Training Courses
– Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Training.
The HR Training Course is accessed through your CAMP record. Login to your CAMP record
and first complete the CFM Ethics Training Pmt Form - HR Classroom. You will receive a link
and instructions for the training. It takes about 30 minutes to complete. Whenyou finish, upload
the certificate into this form: CFM Ethics Training Completion Form
If a CFM’s employer has an Ethics Assessment which employees take as part of in-service training,
the course can be submitted in the CAMP program using the CFM Ethics Completion Form and the
Ethics Submission Form for approval. Please contact [email protected] for additional
information.
Impact:
• All CFM applicants are required to complete an Ethics Assessment before achieving the CFM
credential.
• All recertifying CFMs will complete the assessment to recertify.
• CFMs will be required to complete the assessment every six (6) years, or every other
renewal term.
• Employer sponsored in-service training Ethics Courses can be submitted for approvaland
used to meet this requirement.
The ethical principles below must be included in Employer Sponsored Ethics Training.
2. Disclosure: Practitioners shall make all appropriate disclosures before and during
the performance of a service. If, after disclosure, a conflict cannot be removed or
mitigated, the practitioner shall withdraw from the matter or obtain written consent ofthe
parties affected to continue.
4. High Standard of Service: Practitioners shall only provide services for which
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they are competent and qualified, and shall ensure that any employees or associates
assisting with the provision of services have the necessary competence to undertake
those services.
5. Integrity: Practitioners shall act with honesty and fairness in all their dealings, and
shall not mislead or attempt to mislead. They shall base their advice on valid evidence.
6. Respect: Practitioners shall provide services that honor client, third party and
stakeholder interests in the context of applicable rules of law and social and
environmental concerns.
10. Verification: Practitioners shall continually evaluate the services they provide to
ensure they are consistent with the spirit and evolution of ethical principles and practice
standards.