What are Facilities Manager Qualifications?

Facilities managers are responsible for the planning and maintenance of an organization’s buildings and grounds, as well as all associated services such as plumbing, security, utilities, and more. To become a facilities manager, one must have the necessary qualifications to ensure that people are safe and comfortable in their environment. In this article, we will cover what these qualifications typically look like and how they can help you become a facilities manager. From certification requirements to industry-specific skills and knowledge, read on to learn more about the qualifications needed to enter this profession.

What is a Facilities Manager?

A Facilities Manager is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of a facility, such as a office buildings, schools, or hospitals. They oversee the janitorial staff, and make sure that the building is clean and safe. Additionally, they may also be responsible for managing the budget for the upkeep of the facility.

What are the qualifications for a Facilities Manager?

In order to be a Facilities Manager, one must have a minimum of an Associate’s degree in a related field, although a Bachelor’s degree is preferred. In addition, several years of experience in progressively responsible positions in facilities management are required. Certified Facility Manager (CFM) certification from IFMA is also highly desired.

Education

Facilities managers are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of buildings and grounds. They may also be responsible for managing staff, budgeting, and safety. In order to qualify for a position as a facilities manager, most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management or a related field. Some employers may also require certification from professional organizations such as the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).

Certifications

There are several professional organizations that offer certification for facilities managers. These include the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA), Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI) International, and the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).

Each organization has different requirements for certification, but they typically include completing a certain number of hours of coursework and passing an examination. Some also require experience working in the field.

The benefits of becoming certified include gaining recognition from peers and employers, expanding your knowledge of best practices, and networking with other professionals.

Experience

Facilities managers are responsible for ensuring that buildings and other structures are well-maintained, safe, and comfortable. They supervise maintenance and repair staff, develop budgets, coordinate construction projects, and implement green initiatives.

Most facilities managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field such as engineering, architecture, or business administration. Some also have master’s degrees or certification in facilities management. Many facilities managers have experience working in various roles within the facility before being promoted to management.

Skills

There are several key skills that every successful facilities manager must possess. These include:

-Strong organizational and time management skills. A facilities manager must be able to juggle multiple tasks and prioritize accordingly.

-Excellent communication skills. A facilities manager must be able to effectively communicate with a variety of people, from building maintenance staff to upper management.

-A working knowledge of building systems and operations. A facilities manager should have a good understanding of how a building works, from the HVAC system to the electrical wiring.

-The ability to troubleshoot problems and find solutions quickly. When something goes wrong in a facility, it is the responsibility of the facilities manager to find a solution as quickly as possible.

-The ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain a positive attitude. A facilities manager often has to deal with difficult situations, so it is important that they are able to stay calm and collected under pressure.