I am a certified facility manager. I earned my certification from CIDB in 2019. As someone with CIWFM (a certified member of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management, UK), I went straight to the interview process via Method 3.
It was a very tense session with 3 panelists. I passed, but on top of that, I started a friendship with all of them. In fact, one of the panellists later became my research supervisor for my master’s degree.
That experience taught me that being certified isn’t about the title; it’s about proving you’ve walked the walk.
I often get asked, “Should I get certified as a Certified Facility Manager (CFM)?” It’s a great question because certifications like this can open doors.
But here’s my take: certifications should reflect your competency, not replace it.
Ask yourself:
Have I spent enough time understanding what it takes?
Do I have hands-on experience managing assets, people, and processes—not just engineering problems?
Certifications are valuable, but they’re only as good as the knowledge and skills you bring to the table.
Imagine wearing a medal without running the race—it looks nice, but it doesn’t mean you’re a champion.
When the pressure is on, those with real experience and practical know-how are the ones who shine.
So, how do you get there?
Understand the challenges of facility management—strategies, budgeting, finances, human resources, maintenance, sustainability, compliance, contract management, and technology.
Learn the rope. Build competency and use certifications to validate your expertise.
The industry values those who deliver results.
I’d love to hear your perspective, what certifications are you working on now and why?