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The Certified Facility Manager® (CFM®) Candidate Handbook outlines the requirements, benefits, and examination process for obtaining the CFM credential, which is recognized globally as a standard for facility management professionals. Candidates must meet specific education and work experience criteria, complete an ethics assessment, and pass a comprehensive exam covering 11 competency areas. The handbook also provides details on certification policies, exam content, and resources for applicants.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
11 views

ifma-cfm-candidate-handbook (1)

The Certified Facility Manager® (CFM®) Candidate Handbook outlines the requirements, benefits, and examination process for obtaining the CFM credential, which is recognized globally as a standard for facility management professionals. Candidates must meet specific education and work experience criteria, complete an ethics assessment, and pass a comprehensive exam covering 11 competency areas. The handbook also provides details on certification policies, exam content, and resources for applicants.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CERTIFIED FACILITY MANAGER®

(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)

©IFMA™ P ag e |2 2/10/2025 08-3108


Table of Contents
GENERAL INFORMATION ..............................................................................................................................................................................5
SCOPE OF THE CFM CREDENTIAL ..........................................................................................................................................................5
WHY EARN THE CFM? ...................................................................................................................................................................................5
COMPETENCY-BASED ...................................................................................................................................................................................5
RECOGNIZED GLOBALLY .............................................................................................................................................................................5
INDIVIDUAL AND WORKPLACE BENEFITS........................................................................................................................................6
ABOUT IFMA ......................................................................................................................................................................................................6
PROMETRIC – IFMA’S TESTING PARTNER .........................................................................................................................................7
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ...................................................................................................................................................................................8
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE ................................................................................................................................................8
ETHICS REQUIREMENT ................................................................................................................................................................................8
COMPETENCY AREAS .................................................................................................................................................................................10
TEST CONTENT OUTLINE ..........................................................................................................................................................................11
CFM TEST BLUEPRINT...............................................................................................................................................................................11
CANDIDATE EXAMINATION PROCESS ............................................................................................................................................14
1. Meet Eligibility Requirements .....................................................................................................................................................14
2. Prepare for the CFM Exam.............................................................................................................................................................14
3. Complete the CFM Exam Application .......................................................................................................................................14
4. Submit the Application and Payment ......................................................................................................................................14
5. Approval/Denial of Application ..................................................................................................................................................15
6. Exam Scheduling.................................................................................................................................................................................16
7. Sitting for the Exam ...........................................................................................................................................................................16
8. Comply with Exam Administration Requirements ...........................................................................................................17
9. Obtain Certificate................................................................................................................................................................................20
10. Recertification ................................................................................................................................................................................20
What if my CFM designation is expired? ...........................................................................................................................................22
What is the Retired CFM (RCFM) program?....................................................................................................................................22
CFM Inactive Status......................................................................................................................................................................................22
CERTIFICATION POLICIES ........................................................................................................................................................................23
Exam Policies ..................................................................................................................................................................................................23
Candidate Fairness Policies .....................................................................................................................................................................24
Security Policies .............................................................................................................................................................................................28
Managing Bias Policies ...............................................................................................................................................................................29
Professional Conduct Policies .................................................................................................................................................................30
APPENDIX ................................................................................................................................................................................................................32
Initial Certification........................................................................................................................................................................................32

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Recertification ................................................................................................................................................................................................32
CFM Tiered Pricing - Country Listing A-1 ..................................................................................................................................33
CFM Application A-2 ...............................................................................................................................................................................35
CFM Retake Application A-3 ...............................................................................................................................................................39
Ethics Requirement for CFM Exam Candidates and Recertifications A-4 ..................................................................40
The Retired CFM® (RCFM) Application A-5 ..............................................................................................................................42
................................................................................................................................................................................................................................42

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G ENERAL I NFORMATION
SCOPE OF THE CFM CREDENTIAL
Earners of the globally recognized Certified Facility Manager® (CFM®) have demonstrated
competence in the field of facility management (FM) by meeting the required criteria of work
experience, education and the ability to pass a comprehensive exam that covers the 11 competencies
of the FM body of knowledge. CFMs work in many different industries (i.e. healthcare, retail,
corporate, government, non-profit, etc.) and manage various types of facilities (i.e. hospitals, schools,
hotels, office buildings, etc.). CFMs may manage one facility or more than 100 and may manage
facilities in different parts of the world. The Certified Facility Manager® (CFM®) credential sets the
industry standard for ensuring the knowledge and competence of practicing facility managers.

WHY EARN THE CFM?


11 CFM Competency Areas The Certified Facility Manager® (CFM®) credential sets the
1. Occupancy and Human Factors industry standard for ensuring the knowledge and
2. Operations and maintenance
competence of practicing facility managers as the most
respected global credential in facility management.
3. Sustainability
Now more than ever, recognizing competency, establishing
4. Facility Information Management/
benchmarks and setting performance standards are vital to
Technology Management the global economy. Never have public and private sector
5. Risk Management employers relied as much on certification organizations as
they do today. Professional associations are now taking a lead
6. Communication
role in the development of credentialing programs, and
7. Performance and Quality IFMA’s CFM® program was the first, and is still the only
8. Leadership and Strategy globally recognized, certification in facility management.

9. Finance and Business IFMA’s certification process is designed to assess competency


10. Real Estate in the field through work experience, education and the
ability to pass a comprehensive exam that covers 11
11. Project Management
competency areas that make up the facility management body
of knowledge. Since the program began in 1992, more than
6,000 facility managers from 38 countries have achieved this prestigious recognition. Currently there
are approximately 3,000 active CFMs globally.

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:

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Establishing
Assuring

practice profession

ACCREDITED BY ANAB (THE ANSI NATIONAL ACCREDITATION BOARD)

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.

INDIVIDUAL AND WORKPLACE BENEFITS


The credibility and recognition that come with earning the CFM benefits both the individual who
earns the credential and the organizations that employ the CFM.

Distinguish the FM

Investment in the Future

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.

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PROMETRIC – IFMA’S TESTING PARTNER
Prometric is a test development and delivery provider that offers a vast network of quality testing
solutions. As a highly trusted test provider, Prometric has around 8,000 testing centers worldwide
allowing for a wide selection of convenient testing dates and locations. Learn more about Prometric
at the Prometric website.

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E LIGIBILITY C RITERIA
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Candidates must meet the following education and work experience requirements. Internships do
not count toward FM experience.
Option 1 Option 2
Education Bachelor’s or Master’s level Any other education level
Facility Management degree
FM Work Experience 3 years in most of the 5 years in most of the
competency areas competency areas

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.

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Ethics Assessment Options

Ethics Assessment Description Documentation


Option Required
HR Classroom Code • 1 hour e-learning program When training is
of Business Conduct complete, the applicant
• The Code of Business Ethics is a set
and Ethics Training will complete the
of principles that summarize ethical
Course Ethics Section of the
standards. Its purpose is to guide
CFM Application,
employees in making good
(available in the located in the
judgments regarding their work.
CFM application in Credential Application
This training is designed to help
the Ethics Module) and Maintenance
employers comply with the Federal
Program (CAMP) and
Acquisition Regulations (FAR),
upload the
Federal Sentencing Guidelines (FSG),
documentation.
and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX). This
course provides training on ethical
behavior for both staff and
supervisors.
RICS Ethics • 3 hour e-learning program When training is
Assessment complete, the applicant
• This course will explore the topics
will complete the
through interactive learning
Ethics Section of the
modules and case studies.
CFM Application,
located in the
Credential Application
and Maintenance
Program (CAMP) and
upload the
documentation.
Employer- • If the employer has Ethics Training When training is
sponsored Ethics that meets the framework complete, the
Training established by the International applicant will
Ethics Standards Coalition and complete the Ethics
adopted by the Certification Section of the CFM
Commission, it may be submitted for Application, located in
approval. the Credential
Application and
Maintenance Program
(CAMP) and upload
the documentation

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COMPETENCY AREAS
Successful candidates will have experience in the following competency areas. These eleven areas
have been identified as the core areas of skills and knowledge necessary for a successful facility
manager:
• Occupancy and Human Factors • Facility Information Management &
Technology Management
• Operations and Maintenance
• Sustainability
• Finance and Business
• Real Estate
• Leadership and Strategy
• Project Management
• Communication
• Risk Management
• Performance & Quality

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].

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TEST C ONTENT O UTLINE
CFM TEST BLUEPRINT
The CFM examination is based on the 11 core content areas outlined listed in the table below. To
demonstrate competence, these content areas measure the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are
necessary to pass the exam. The CFM exam will be based on the exam blueprint in terms of the proportion
of items to be included on the test from each content area.

International Facility Management Association


Certified Facility Manager® (CFM®)
Examination Specifications* # of
Items

1. Occupancy and Human Factors 14


A. Workplace environment 5
B. Occupant services 4
C. Occupant health, safety, and security 5

2. Operations and Maintenance 25


A. Buildings, building systems, infrastructure, and grounds 5
B. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment 3
C. Physical safety and security 4
D. Operations and maintenance processes 5
E. Work management support systems 4
F. Renewals and renovations 4

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

4. Facility Information Management and Technology Management 9


A. Data collection and information management 3

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B. Information protection and cyber-security 2
C. Technology needs assessment and implementation 2
D. Maintenance and upgrade of technology systems 2

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

7. Performance and Quality 8


A. Quality management 4
B. Performance management 4

8. Leadership and Strategy 28


A. Strategic planning and alignment with the demand organization 5
B. Policies, procedures, and compliance 4
C. Individual and team management 3
D. Leadership 4
E. Relationship and conflict management 4
F. Change management 4
G. Corporate social responsibility 2
H. Political, social, economic, and industry factors affecting facility management 2

9. Finance and Business 18


A. Operational and capital budgeting 4
B. Evidence-based decision-making process (e.g., business case) 4
C. Procurement (e.g., purchasing, sourcing of goods and services) 3
D. Contracting 4
E. Financial analysis and reporting 3

10. Real Estate 14


A. Real estate strategies 3
B. Real estate assessment, acquisition, and disposal 2

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C. Real estate asset management 2
D. Space management 3
E. Major projects and new construction 4

11. Project Management 11


A. Planning and design 4
B. Execution and delivery 4
C. Evaluation 3

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.

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C ANDIDATE E XAMINATION P ROCESS

1. Meet Eligibility Requirements


See Eligibility Criteria.
2. Prepare for the CFM Exam
Candidates should prepare for the exam prior to
Optional Exam Preparation
submitting the application for approval. Once the Resources
application is approved, candidates have 90 days in • Review of the CFM Exam Specifications
which to schedule and take the exam. • Facility Management Knowledge Center
Preparation methods are optional, there is no • CFM Practice Exam
required coursework for the CFM, and the • CFM Exam Prep Workshop
Certification Commission does not require or endorse • IFMA Core Competency Courses
any specific preparation resource. A partial list of
optional exam preparation resources can be found on
this page.

3. Complete the CFM Exam Application


Each candidate must complete the CFM Application before any determination can be made on
eligibility requirements. All applications MUST be completed online using the IFMA Credential
Application and Maintenance Program (CAMP). Candidates using CAMP for the first time should
read the CAMP User Guide for instructions.
If you are a member of IFMA, a past member of IFMA, OR have ever set-up an IFMA username and
password to purchase something as a nonmember, you should use the same username and
password to log into CAMP. If you do not recall your username and password but believe one was
set up in the past, please contact IFMA by calling +1-713-623-4362.
If you have never set up a username or password with IFMA, you can visit www.ifma.org and choose
Member Login to create a user account. If you encounter any issues, please call +1-713-623-4362 for
assistance

See Appendix for the CFM® Application.

4. Submit the Application and Payment


To complete the application process, the CFM Application Payment Form must be completed,
submitted, and confirmed. (Please note: If you asked for preliminary approval, you will need to go
back into CAMP and apply payment before you receive the information on making your exam
appointment.)
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.

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Tier Pricing effective 7/5/2023
1 $595 member/$880 non-member
2 $476 member/$707 non-member
3 $369 member/$546 non-member
GSA* $575

*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.

The application is current for one year after approval.

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.

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6. Exam Scheduling
If the application is approved, candidate will receive an email with instructions for scheduling an
exam appointment with IFMA’s test administration vendor, Prometric. The exam is offered via
computer- based testing at Prometric testing centers and via live-remote proctored administration
from your home or office. Steps on scheduling an exam with Prometric will be sent via e-mail with
the approval notice. Please note that IFMA has the right to require exam center testing in any area
where Live Remote Proctoring may be compromised due to security issues. Currently there are
several countries where LRP is not allowed and candidates who live or work in these areas, must
take the exam at an exam center.
The exam eligibility period is 90 days from the date the application is approved, and there are
Prometric policies regarding rescheduling and/or cancelling an exam date. This information will be
included inthe scheduling email. The candidate must take the exam during the 90-day period.

7. Sitting for the Exam Exam Format


Exam Format • 180 three-option single
The CFM Exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions answer multiple-choice
delivered in random order. There are 20 pretest items questions (includes 20 non-
which do not apply towards exam results and 160 exam scored items)
items. All questions have a single answer. There are no • 4-hour exam
pre-set sections. The test is strictly pass/fail based on the • Computer based exam
total number of correct answers. Candidates may mark • English language only
questions they wish to skip and return to later. In • Calculators and glossaries are
addition, at the end of the exam candidates will be alerted
prohibited
to any questions which have not been answered. If time
• No books/No notes
allows, candidates may return to complete those
• Scratch paper and pencil available
questions. At the present time, the exam is offered in
English only. Candidates are allowed to use scratch paper
during the exam session. Candidates taking the exam in a test center must turn in the scratch paper
prior to leaving the exam appointment. Candidates taking the exam via remote proctoring must
present both sides of the paper to the proctor before and after the exam administration to ensure no
information or test content is present.
Appointments are scheduled for 5 hours to provide ample time for the tutorial, etc., but when the
actual exam begins, the timer will count down from 4 hours. There are no scheduled breaks. Fifteen
minutes have been added to the 3.75-hour testing period to allow examinees to take “bio breaks” as
needed. Please note that the timer will continue to run.
Exhibits/Images
All exhibits depict a single item or symbol. There are no large drawings such as floor plans. However,
in some cases, examinees will still need to scroll to the limits of the exhibit window to be sure they
have seen the entire drawing. If the exhibit does not appear, please click inside the window area.

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.

8. Comply with Exam Administration Requirements


The exam is offered via computer-based testing at Prometric testing centers and via live-remote
proctored (ProProctor) administration from your home or office.
Note about Remote Proctored Administrations
Candidates testing via remote proctored administration will be monitored and recorded via video
and audio throughout the administration by a remote proctor. The recorded information is used to
maintain the security of the test administration and may be used to determine or verify if any
violations of exam procedures have occurred. The testing vendor collects facial recognition
biometrics during the check-in process and uses this information to ensure that the candidate, and
only the candidate, is present during the administration. Candidates must agree to being recorded in
order to proceed with the exam administration. Candidates who do not agree to being recorded will
not be allowed to proceed with the exam session.

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Candidates wishing to test via remote proctoring should complete the system readiness check to
ensure the computer meets the necessary technical requirements to run the ProProctor application.
Candidates must review the Pro Proctor User Guide found on the IFMA web site for additional
information about the remote-proctored technical and administration requirements. By completing
the Rules and Regulations section of the candidate application, applicants attest that they have read,
understand, and agree (if selected by the candidate as method of administration) the requirements of
the remote proctored administration.
Candidates must select a testing location that is indoors, well-lit, free from background noise and
disruptions, and does not have a third party within or entering the room. Workstations must be clear
of pens, paper (except the approved and verified scratch paper), electronic devices, etc.
Currently, there are restrictions on Live Remote Proctoring, in some locations, due to security
issues.Candidates living or working in the following countries will not be allowed to take the exam
remotely and must test in an exam center:
UAE, SAUDI ARABIA, QATAR, OMAN, JORDAN, LEBANON, BAHRAIN, KUWAIT, SYRIA,
MOROCCO, YEMEN, EGYPT, INDIA AND PAKISTAN

Arrival

Test Center Administration


It is recommended that candidates arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled
exam appointment. Candidates who arrive at the test site after their scheduled exam times will not be
admitted.
Remote Proctored Administration
Candidates testing via remote-proctoring should launch the exam 15 minutes before the scheduled
start time in order to complete the onboarding and inspection of the testing environment.
Identification

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.

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Beginning the Exam

Test Center Administration


Once the candidate’s information has been verified at the test center, candidates will be escorted to a
workstation by test center staff. Candidates must remain in the seat during the exam except when
authorized to leave by test center staff. Candidates must raise a hand to notify test center staff if:

• There are problems with the computer


• An error message appears on the computer screen (do not clear the message)
• Candidate needs to take a break (testing time will NOT be suspended)
• Candidate needs the test center staff for any other reason

Remote Proctored Administration


After passing the identification check, candidates must complete a 360ᵒ environmental check to
inspect the testing area and a candidate person check to inspect the candidate’s sleeves, pockets, and
glasses using the computer’s web cam. Additional information about the environmental and person
checks and requirements are included in the ProProctor User Guide.
Once these checks are satisfactorily completed, the candidate will be connected to the proctor to
begin the exam session.
Test Administration Conduct

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.

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• Candidates with long hair that covers ears will be asked to pull hair back to ensure nothing is
attached to the ear that could provide an unfair advantage (i.e. Bluetooth earpiece).
Exam Results

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.

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The CFM Certification is valid through December 31, three (3) years from the date of the CFM exam or the
last recertification date. To maintain the CFM credential, a list of the activities performed along with the
appropriate supporting documentation including a processing fee must be submitted to IFMA
credentialing department every three years. CFMs are required to complete at least three activities in a
minimum of two of the following four categories, for a total of six activities within the 3-year certification
period:

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.
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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.

Retired CFM Rules:


1. A Retired CFM category has been established for CFMs. This status is available to CFMs who have
retired or who have otherwise left the profession and want to indicate past certification.
2. There will be no age requirement for the Retired CFM status.
3. In order to apply for Retired CFM status, a CFM must be active and no more than six months past the
expiration date of their most recent recertification period.
4. The fee for the Retired CFM status is $95.00
5. There are no renewal requirements for Retired CFMs. The status is effective for the individual's
lifetime.
6. There will be an application form for the Retired CFM status which will indicate agreement with the
termsof the retired CFM status.
7. If a candidate chooses the RCFM status and later wishes to revert to the active CFM status, he will be
required to apply for and pass the CFM exam.
8. According to ANAB guidelines, Retired CFMs do not hold active certification and this must be
outlined in the application and on our website and other media in which certification status is
defined. Retired CFMswill not be allowed to use "CFM" in their title, but rather must use RCFM
instead.
9. Retired CFMs will receive a certificate indicating their status and a Retired CFM pin
CFM Inactive Status
It is possible for an active CFM to move to a temporary Inactive Status under the following situations:
• Serious illness of CFM or an immediate family member
• Extended unemployment (longer than 6 months)
• Active Duty Military
• Death of an immediate family member
The inactive period will last for one year from the date prior to the cancellation date of the CFM. During
this time, the CFM can obtain sufficient maintenance activities in order to renew the credential. The
expiration date will be 3 years from the last expiration date of the CFM credential.

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C ERTIFICATION P OLICIES
This section describes IFMA’s certification policies. The figure below lists the various certification
policies.

Fairness Security Professionalism

Retake Accommodations Conduct

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

For each candidate who reschedules, cancels, arrives late or does


not appear for a scheduled exam during the Cancellation/Reschedule Period set forth below, the
followingtimelines and associated fees shall apply.
If the appointment is cancelled or rescheduled:
1. 31 days or more before the exam appointment – No charge
2. 5 to 30 calendar days prior to the exam appointment – $40 fee collected by Prometric
3. Less than 5 days before the exam appointment – Candidate will be considered a "no show" and
charged the CFM Exam Retake Fee in order to reschedule the exam.
4. Fails to appear for a scheduled exam appointment or rescheduled exam appointment – Candidate
will be considered a "no show" and charged the CFM Exam Retake Fee in order to reschedule the
exam.
5. Presents himself/herself more than fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled start time for
taking the test and is refused admission – Candidate will be considered a "no show" and
charged the CFMExam Retake Fee in order to reschedule the exam.

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Within the United States and Canada, Candidates must make and confirm all cancellations/changes
through direct contact with Prometric Testing Center personnel through the Website or IVR system.
Leaving a message on a recorder or a voice mail is not sufficient to confirm a cancellation/change.
Outsideof the United States and Canada, Candidates must make and confirm all cancellations/changes
via the Website or by direct contact with the Prometric Testing Center. Candidates must retain the
cancellation confirmation number provided by Prometric for use rescheduling the exam and to provide
verification of the cancellation if needed.

Candidate Fairness Policies


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. 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.

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The credentials staff shall confirm receipt of the complaint via email upon receipt along with a copy of the
document explaining the process.
Complaints should be submitted to [email protected].

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.

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First Level of Review – Staff Review

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.

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Once a decision is reached, the designee will notify the certification holder, complainant, and the certificant's
employer (if involved in the investigation) of the written decision.
The certificant may appeal the decision following the procedures outlined in the Appeals Policy.
Submission, investigation and decision on complaints shall not result in any discriminatory actions against
those involved.
Reprimand in the form of a written notice from the designee normally is sent to a certificant who has
received his or her first substantiated complaint. Suspension normally is imposed on a certificant who has
received two substantiated complaints. Termination normally is imposed on a certificant who has received
two substantiated complaints within a two year period, or three or more substantiated complaints. The
Commission may at its discretion, however, impose any of the sanctions, if warranted, in specific cases.
Certificants who have been terminated will have their certification revoked and may not be considered for
IFMA certification in the future. If certification is revoked, any and all certificates or other materials
requested by the Commission must be returned promptly to the Commission.
Appeals

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.

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Appeal Procedure
Only facts and conditions up to and including the time of the initial determination are considered during
an appeal. The appeal will not include a hearing or any similar trial-type proceeding. Legal counsel is not
expected to participate in the appeal process, unless requested by the appellant and approved by the
Commission and the Appeal Committee. The Commission and Appeal Committee may consult legal
counsel.
Written appellate submissions and any reply submissions may be made by authorized representatives of
the appellate and of the Commission. Submissions are made according to whatever schedule is reasonably
established by the Appeal Committee. The decision of the Appeal Committee either affirms or overrules
the determination of the Commission but does not address a sanction imposed by the Commission. The
decision of the Appeal Committee, including a statement of the reasons for the decision, is reported to the
Commission and the IFMA Board of Directors.
Once a decision is reached, the designee shall send the appellant a letter, via email, communicating the
Appeal Committee’s decision. The decision of the Appeal Committee will be final and binding upon the
Commission, the certificant who is subject to the termination, and all other persons. Submission,
investigation and decision on appeals shall not result in any discriminatory actions against the appellant.
Security Policies
Privacy: Confidentiality and Security of Individual Information

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

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procedures, monitoring digital communication for exposed items and monitoring psychometrics and
managing item banks such as retiring items that have been frequently used.
All candidates are required to provide identification documents, and individuals who fail to provide valid
identification will be refused admission to test.
Applicants must attest to maintain the confidentiality of exam content when completing the exam
application.
Records Control

Scope of Records Control System

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.

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A conflict of interest may exist when the interests or concerns or potential interests or concerns of any
staff member, contractor or volunteer, or any individual, group or organization to which one of these
people has allegiance, may compete with the interests or concerns of the Certification Commission and
its committees, or may impair these people's independence or loyalty to IFMA’s credential program
and its committees.
The integrity of the Certification Commission and IFMA’s credential programs rest on the fact that
stakeholders who have a specific interest do not participate in credential-related decisions from which
they may benefit. This is accomplished by self-declaration of the individual as well as implementation
of policies that define conflicts of interest for the Certification Commission and the personnel
associated with it, whether volunteer, staff or contractors.
The presence of, and potential for, a conflict of interest is reviewed and addressed on an ongoing basis.
Professional Conduct Policies
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, 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.

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Ownership of the Certification Mark and Logo Use

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.

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A PPENDIX

Tiered Pricing Country Listing PAGE A-1

Initial Certification
CFM Application Page A-2

IFMA CFM Re-take Application Page A-3

International Ethics Standards Coalition (IESC) Requirements Page A-4

Retired CFM Application Form Page A-5

Candidate Form for Special Accommodation Requests

Physician Form for Special Accommodation Requests

Facility Management Knowledge Center

CFM Practice Exam

CFM Exam Prep Workshop

FM Training Online Courses

Recertification
CFM Maintenance Program Worksheet (pdf)

CAMP System
CAMP User Guide
CFM FAQs

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CFM Tiered Pricing - Country Listing A-1

Prices effective July 5, 2023


Tier Application Fee in USD Recertification Fee in USD
$595 member / $880 non- $290 member / $365 non-
1 Member member
$476 member / $704 non- $232 member / $292 non-
2 Member member
$369 member / $546 non- $180 member / $227 non-
3 Member member
GSA* $575.00 $280.00

Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3


Australia Bahrain Algeria
Austria Botswana Argentina
Bahamas Brunei Bangladesh
Belgium Bulgaria Barbados
Bermuda Chile Bosnia and Herzegovina
Canada Colombia Brazil
Cayman Island Costa Rica Burma
Denmark Curacao China
Finland Cyprus (Greek area) Croatia
France Estonia Czech Republic
Germany Faeroe Islands Dominican Republic
Holland Greece Ecuador
Hong Kong Israel Egypt, Arab Rep.
Iceland Lebanon Fiji Island
Ireland Mauritius Ghana
Italy Portugal Guinea
Japan Puerto Rico Guinea-Bissau
Kuwait Republic of Macedonia Guyana
Liechtenstein Romania Haiti
Luxembourg Saint Lucia Hungary
New Zealand Slovak Republic India
Norway Spain Indonesia
Oman St. Kitts Ivory Coast
Qatar Taiwan Jamaica
Saudi Arabia Thailand Jordan
Singapore Uruguay Kenya
Slovenia Venezuela Malaysia
South Korea Virgin Islands Mexico
Sweden Morocco
Switzerland Nigeria
The Netherlands Pakistan
United Arab Emirates Papua New Guinea
United Kingdom Philippines
United States Poland
Polska
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Samoa
Serbia and Montenegro
Sierra Lione
Sri Lanka
Syria
Tanzania
Trinidad and Tobago
Turkey
Uganda
Vietnam

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CFM Application A-2

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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 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.

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Rules and Regulations
All information in this application is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I agree to comply
with the certification requirements and will inform IFMA, without delay, of any matter that might affect my
ability to continue to fulfil the requirements of certification.

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)

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CFM Retake Application A-3

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Ethics Requirement for CFM Exam Candidates and Recertifications A-4
All CFM Exam Applicants are required to take an Ethics Assessment prior to issuance of the CFM
certificate. Additionally, all CFMs recertifying, will be required to take the Ethics Assessment once
every 6 years, or with every other recertification period.

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.

1. Confidentiality: Practitioners shall not disclose any confidential or proprietary


information without prior permission, unless such disclosure is required by applicable laws
or regulations.

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.

3. Fiduciary Responsibility: Practitioners shall be honest, transparent and


trustworthy in all their financial dealings.

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.

7. Responsibility: Practitioners owe a duty of care to their clients and due


consideration to the rights and interests of third parties and stakeholders.

8. Transparency: Practitioners shall not misinform over the products or terms of


service to be provided, and shall present relevant documentary or other material inplain
and intelligible language.

9. Trust: Practitioners shall be truthful in their professional communications and


recognize that their professional conduct bears upon the maintenance of public trustand
confidence in the real estate professions.

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.

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The Retired CFM® (RCFM) Application A-5

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