{"id":2519,"date":"2023-10-12T11:18:40","date_gmt":"2023-10-12T15:18:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eptura.wpengine.com\/?p=2519"},"modified":"2025-09-11T12:00:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T16:00:16","slug":"how-to-become-facility-manager","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eptura.com\/discover-more\/blog\/how-to-become-facility-manager\/","title":{"rendered":"[Guide] How to become a facility manager"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a field, facility management is seeing a lot of growth as new positions open, attracting the attention of up-and-coming workplace professionals. The problem is that the facility management career track isn\u2019t always a straight line, and many find it hard to even know where to begin. Well, start here.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Until recently, facility management<\/a> wasn\u2019t a well-known career path. Large corporations and multinational conglomerates used facility managers, but it wasn\u2019t like a lot of people grew up knowing they wanted to be a facility manager \u2014 or even that the job existed at all. But things are changing. Now, companies of all sizes understand the benefits that come from well-managed facilities, and as a result, facility management is <\/span>projected to be a nearly $60 billion industry in 2023<\/span><\/a>. And as the industry is growing, so does interest in it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The most important part of those billions? To meet that estimate, the number of qualified facility managers needs to grow at an exponential rate. And it\u2019s already starting to happen. Ready to get on the facility manager career path? Here\u2019s some of the steps you can take to get started.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Institutional education<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The path to facility management certification starts with a bachelor\u2019s degree, not a high school diploma. A general degree in business will often do, however, more companies are looking for more specialized areas of study in the next generation of facility managers. Business administration is a smart choice, as is information systems management, and operations management.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ideally, it\u2019s best to pursue a business degree that emphasizes macro concepts and broad business ideals. Don\u2019t worry if you leave school feeling like you don\u2019t know too much about integrated facilities management<\/a>. The goal of institutional education is to provide you with the ability to identify and address workplace operational needs. <\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond that, a lot of the time, what you need are problem-solving skills over specific area knowledge. So, don\u2019t worry if your degree doesn\u2019t have a specific class on maintenance for buildings and grounds. Once you have a solid sense of business management and project management, those skills are transferable.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Continuing education and certifications<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Continuing education for facility managers builds on the business concepts learned in school, with a specific focus on facilities. Industry organizations and accrediting bodies like the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA) and other organizations offer continuing education and accreditation specific to facilities management.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

IFMA has <\/span>more than 50 training modules<\/span><\/a> for aspiring facility managers. Regardless of the certification you pursue, you\u2019ll take many of them. Pass and you\u2019re well on your way to walking away with a facility management certificate to go with your bachelor\u2019s degree in business.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Facility management training comes down to your area of focus. There are several certifications that emphasize different aspects of facility management\u2014from general issues, sustainability, and analytics. Almost all major FM certifications come from IFMA, including the five most popular:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Facility Management Professional\u2122 (FMP)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Certified Facility Manager\u00ae (CFM)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sustainability Facility Professional\u00ae (SFP)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RICS Chartered Qualification (MRICS)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RICS Associate Qualification (AssocRICS)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most industry professionals opt for CFM or FMP certification, since they\u2019re the most applicable when pursuing a facility management career. Some industries demand SFP designation based on company goals. MRICS and AssocRICS are extensions of CFM and FMP certification.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some universities are also opening new programs for both new and seasoned facility managers. The University of Toronto School of Continuing Education, for example, now offers <\/span>a certificate in facilities management<\/span><\/a>, where you master:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n