Facility Management Certifications (FMC, CFM, CHFM) are Valuable Tools

The facility management industry is as competitive as it has ever been and the core competencies for a facility manager have evolved rather quickly. The days of being promoted because you are the guy who knows how the facility or power plant works are over.  Employers, including your current one, are looking for engineering degrees, business acumen, tool / equipment know-how and solid personnel management skills to go along with the real world knowledge that used to suffice.

How do I know? Last year I was in job search mode in a market full of qualified applicants.  I was confident that my 12 years of facility management experience would be enough to get me hired. However, I discovered that my experience, although critical, was not delivering immediate job offers.  Everyone I was competing against also had management skills,  on the job experience and worked extensively with tools and equipment like test instruments,  descaler systems,  industrial vacuums and so forth. I could not differentiate myself on experience alone.

One thing that always came up when I did have an interview was my CHFM (Certified Healthcare Facility Manager) designation.  Prospective employers were interested in what went into obtaining it.  It was instrumental in my landing my current position at a major pharmaceutical company. So whether you are looking to climb the ladder, or plan to stay put in your current position but want to become better at what you do, certification is a valuable tool.

Certifications like FMC, CFM or the more targeted CHFM are all quality, respected designations that can help you in the following ways:

• It confirms you have the necessary core competencies.  Even if you fail the exam, any areas of weakness are exposed, so you know where you need to improve.
• It adds credibility when dealing with management and your staff.
• It shows that you have the drive to improve and grow as a facility manager.
• It instantly gives you a peer group to network with for insight and support.  When you have a certification, you are a member of a select club.
• It gives you a leg up on much of the competition when you are looking for a new position internally or with a new employer.

So if you have been considering obtaining a certification, remember that it will not only help you become better at the job you are doing today, but could very well help get the one you want tomorrow.

Next Steps:

• Learn about the Top 10 Steps to LEED Certification for a construction project.
• Check out our learning center to help identify maintenance-related equipment and products every facility maintenance shop should have.
• Subscribe to our blog to stay informed on the latest HVAC maintenance news and insight.
• Stay up to date on facility maintenance tools such as chiller tube cleaners, boiler tube cleaners, hose/pipe cleaners, descaler systems, test instruments, industrial vacuums, commercial pressure washers, and drain cleaners.

John Thompson
Goodway Blogging Team

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