Did you know that Certified Facilities Managers (CFMs) earn 18% more than non-certified facility managers?
If you’re ready to grow as a leader, increase your earning potential, and develop the skills to improve your operations, consider adding heavy equipment maintenance training and certifications to your resume.
The knowledge gained from earning an industry certificate helps you provide value to your organization through better asset management and increased productivity and efficiency. But that’s not all.
Professional certifications are concrete proof of your knowledge and skills, helping you earn the trust and respect of your colleagues while staying current in the rapidly changing discipline of facilities management.
Heavy equipment maintenance training
Some certifications require a certain amount of previous experience in the field, a bachelor’s degree, or both. Others may have course prerequisites. You also need to allow yourself time for independent studying, practical activities, or homework. Find out as much as you can about the requirements in advance.
IFMA certifications
The world’s largest international organization for professionals in facilities management, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), offers certifications, conferences, and expositions. It also produces research and publications.
Certified Facility Manager certification
The Certified Facility Manager (CFM) certification is recognized globally as the industry standard. It covers 11 core competencies:
- Communication
- Finance and business
- Operations and maintenance
- Performance and quality
- Risk management
- Occupancy and human factors
- Project management
- Facility information management and technology management
- Sustainability
- Leadership and strategy
- Real estate
Requirements: You must have a relevant bachelor’s degree and three years of experience or any level of education combined with five years of experience. Candidates must also take an ethics assessment.
If you qualify, you must fill out the CFM application and then wait to be approved. Upon approval, you need to sit for the four-hour exam within three months. The exam is pass-fail.
Cost: $375 for exam prep workshops; and $150 (nonmembers) or $100 (members) for practice exams
FMP building maintenance certification
For a broader credential that shows you know the core competencies of facilities management, consider the Facilities Management Professional (FMP) certification.
The course includes the following four modules along with study tools, quizzes, and flashcards:
- Finance and business
- Operations and maintenance
- Leadership & strategy
- Project management
Cost: $1,850 (non-members) and $1,550 (members)
SFP certification
If your company focuses on sustainability, clean energy, or other green practices, consider the Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) credential.
The SFP certification has three focus areas:
- Strategy and alignment
- Managing sustainable facilities
- Operating sustainable facilities
This certification not only helps you develop expertise in sustainable facilities management practices and their social impact but will also ensure you can do so while still focusing on the company’s bottom line.
Cost: $1,895 (members) and $1,595 (nonmembers)
SMRP certifications
The Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP) offers three major certifications that focus on maintenance, reliability, and management of physical assets.
Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)
You should consider this certification if you are responsible for maintenance, reliability, and physical asset management. You can also take the courses in Spanish. The CMRP assess you on the five pillars:
- Business and management
- Equipment reliability
- Manufacturing process reliability
- Leadership and organization
- Work management
Exam fees: $300 for SMRP members; $250 for veteran or sustaining sponsor employee; $470 for nonmembers
CMRT certification
The Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (SMRT) certification focuses not only on corrective maintenance but also predictive and preventive maintenance. The proactive approach you develop helps you be a greater asset to your company by cutting costs and saving time.
You will be assessed in the following four domains:
- Maintenance practices
- Preventive and predictive maintenance
- Troubleshooting and analysis
- Corrective maintenance
It’s the only one accredited by American National Standard Institute (ANSI).
Exam fees: $250 for SMRP members; $195 for veterans or sustaining sponsor employees; $300 for nonmembers
CAMA certification
With a Certified Asset Management Assessor (CAMA) certificate, you can position yourself to audit asset management systems.
Exam Fees: $300 for members and $450 for nonmembers
Events
While this list is by no means exhaustive, here are some of the big events for 2021, both virtual and in-person. The live events in this list are US-based, but we’ve provided links to in-person events overseas as well.
SMRP’s Annual Conference
Although the dates and location for the 2021 conference have not yet been announced, here’s a snapshot of the previous virtual conference to give you an idea of what to expect:
Highlights
- Six workshops
- 20+ presentations with focus areas that appeal to a variety of industries
- Recorded sessions that participants could watch at their leisure
- Cost: $275 (members) or $400 (nonmembers)
SMRP Symposium
If you’re planning on doing a certification, consider combining the exam with an in-person event. SMRP’s Denver, Colorado symposium is from June 8-10, 2021, and offers workshops, networking, and exam sessions.
IFMA’s Facility Fusion
Both a conference and an expo, this virtual event takes place April 21-22, 2021.
Highlights
- Topics include compliance, competitive advantages, and industry standards
- Event content available on demand until May 11, 2021
- Live calls with exhibitors
IFMA’s World Workplace Europe
With live streaming in three different countries, this hybrid event combines the advantages of both in-person and virtual learning March 17-18, 2021.
Highlights
- Streaming of interactive, live sessions in the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain
- Virtual facility tours and breakout sessions
- Relevant content and industry best practices from dynamic speakers
Stay current with facilities management trends
In a rapidly changing world, keeping your skills sharp and learning the most cutting-edge technology, such as enterprise asset management software, helps you succeed. Staying up to date with the latest equipment maintenance training is always a step in the right direction.
But the best way to stay ahead of the trends in maintenance management is to listen to experts on a regular basis. And the perfect platform to gain the latest insights from leading maintenance and asset professionals is our Asset Champion podcast.
Never miss an opportunity to learn.
