Top Five Reasons to Earn Your FMP

IFMA's Facility Management Professional (FMP) designation is a knowledge-based credential demonstrating a proven comprehension of the basics of facility management.  A springboard for obtaining certification, the FMP designation will help to accelerate an FM's transition into the profession.

1. Build a solid foundation.
   The course curriculum required to achieve the FMP will prepare you for the unique challenges of the profession, focusing on competencies essential to an FMís day-to day responsibilities.
2. Start your career in the right direction
   Facility management is a constantly evolving profession. A commitment to continuing education and professional development ensures an up-to-date skill set throughout your career.
3. Prepare for the CFM exam.
   FMPs who maintain their professional growth have a greater chance of successfully completing the CFM exam.
   Facility managers must be proficient in a wide range of competencies. The CFM program articulates the level of skill and talent required of the profession.
4. Set yourself apart from the competition.
   Whether you are applying for a position or promotion in the field, or if you plan to do business with an FM, having the letters ìFMPî after your name demonstrates your professional knowledge.
5. Establish your professional network.
   Enjoy opportunities to network during on-site courses and at special FMP events. IFMA chapter and council members who achieve the designation receive special recognition for their achievements.

The 3 Step Program

Step 1 -Complete the required coursework
Program requirements for the FMP are available through IFMA and approved providers in a variety of learning formats.  The FMP requires the completion of four approved IFMA courses which are The Business of FM course, Operations and Maintenance course, Planning and Project Management course and Leadership and Management course.

The FMP courses will be held on the following schedule and offered through IFMA National Headquarters:

The following courses are not required for the FMP and available online through IFMA National Headquarters at anytime:
-Real Estate
-Finance
-Technology
-Communication
-Human & Environmental Factors
-Planning & Project Management
-Quality Assessment & Innovation

The FMP courses will be held on the following schedule and offered through the Northern Illinois University and IFMA Partnership:

Other classes provided by Northern Illinois University and IFMA Partnership:

IFMA's Finance Competency Course - April 9-10 - NIU Campus, Naperville, IL
IFMA's Real Estate Competency Course - April 23-24 - NIU Campus, Naperville, IL
IFMA's Human and Environmental Factors Competency Course - July 16-17, University Center, Chicago, IL
IFMA's Communication Competency Course - July 23-24, University Center, Chicago, IL

CFM Exam Review Course - April 30 & May 1 - NIU Campus, Naperville, IL
IFMA's Sustainable FM: A Practitioner's Guide to Greening Your Facility - May 18 & 19, University Center, Chicago, IL - IFMA Guest Presenter: Archer "Kit" Tuveson, IFMA Fellow

Step 2 - Submit your Application. Application can be found on the IFMA national website (IFMA.org)

Fee: IFMA member $125.00
        Nonmember $199.00
         Young Professional IFMA Member: $99.00

Step 3 - You have the FMP designation!!
            You can start using the FMP after your name!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Should Apply?

• Facility management practitioners with less than 5 years of experience
• Transitioning professionals with significant experience in related careers
• Partner practitioners such as architects, designers and safety engineers
• Associated corporate providers of FM products and services
• Students entering the profession from college, universities, certificate or technical programs

Where can you take the courses?

1. IFMA Facility Fusion in the Spring, IFMA National Headquarters in Houston, TX and NIU Naperville Conference Center.
2. IFMA National Headquarters online learning center
3. IFMA recognized programs through colleges, universities or technical programs
4. IFMA approved providers through partner associations, community colleges or training companies- such as National Illinois University.

What are the costs of the courses?

How long does it take to achieve the FMP designation?
If you decide to take the courses in person, the average time to get the designation is about 1 year.  If you decide to take the courses on line, it could be less than year.  It's really up to you and your pace you set for yourself.

Do I need to do any maintenance or upkeep on the designation?
No. This program only requires the 4 areas to be taken. 

How long do I have to complete the FMP process once I begin?
Once you complete your initial application for becoming an FMP, you must finish the required coursework within three years. If you do not complete the coursework within that timeframe, you will be required to repeat the application process.

Can I take any seminar at my chapter/council meeting and apply it as credit toward the FMP?
Unfortunately, no.  The FMP requires that you complete a course that has been structured to test what you have learned.  Since most seminars are informational only and do not provide an assessment or test at the end, they will not qualify for credit towards the FMP.

Contact Information:

Northern Illinois University Contact:
Donna Mann
815-732-6249
[email protected]

IFMA Chicago Chapter Education Committee Contact:
Michael Galliani, LEED GA
773-235-0803 x101
[email protected]

IFMA Chicago Chapter Contact:
Caree Martens, FMP
312-601-8451
[email protected]