How often has the idea of advancing your career crossed your mind? multiple times? And if you currently hold a position as a facility manager and looking forward to a promotion and growth in your field of expertise you need to crack your Certified Facility Manager CFM Exam. The certified course is offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) immediately.
Why a Certified Course in CFM?
You have it all, the skill, the expertise, and the experience quotient to lead the team. So what difference can it make with the CFM certification? Here is what you need need to know:
The CFM exam is an evaluative assessment exam that validates the expertise, credibility, and commitment in you as a manager. The areas of competencies that the exam encompasses are facility planning and design, operations and maintenance, finance and budgeting, sustainability practices, leadership and strategy, and more.You may have it all but the certification reassures and improves your chance to hit the list of the top facility manager.
CFM Exam All You Need to Know
As a requirement to appear for the exam, you need to hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Finance management with a minimum of 3 years of experience or if you are from an engineering or business management background IFMA expects a minimum of five years of experience.
The exam covers 11 core competencies of facility management as
- Communication
- Risk management
- Sustainability finance & business
- Occupancy & human factors
- Leadership & strategy
- Operations & maintenance
- Project management
- Real estate performance & quality
- Facility information management & technology management.
Things to Take Care of While Doing the Exam
Exam preparedness is the key to being successful in the CFM exam. CFM is not any other exam but one that is the toughest and the most prestigious to crack. The exam demands significant preparedness and expertise from candidates. Have a perfect strategy that breaks down the syllabus and equally splits the time for every other subject. You have to start familiarizing yourself with the structure and pattern of the exam. Also, be aware of the time constraints. Four hours is all that you get to prove your knowledge. A smart methodology is to get familiarized with the pattern. And the only way to do that is to ‘Practice, Practice, and Practice’ until you gain the confidence to smash the exam. You can also get help from the best professional training center.
Study Resources
It’s very important to not have to muddle your head with a bunch of resources. Keep your resources limited and holistic. Have a look at the syllabus before you think of investing in study materials. For reference materials, you can go through the IFMA website. They offer resources that are tailored to navigate you. Also, invest in a test series and devote maximum hours to practice.
Main Focus Areas
The CFM exam is undoubtedly demanding. The CFM Exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions, including 20 non-scored questions from 11 major competency areas. The exam is computer-based and lasts for four hours. To become a Certified Facility Manager, you need to score at least 70%, which is not easy to achieve. However, with persistent effort and consistent practice with well-advanced guidance, you can crack the exam.
Time Management Strategies
The exam demands efficient time management skills to cover all essential topics and handle 180 questions within four hours. Start sharpening your tool of practice from day one of preparation.
- Seek Assistance from an Institute: It’s beneficial to be associated with an institute that provides study schedules, helps identify priorities, and ensures comprehensive coverage of essential areas, especially with a vast syllabus to avoid getting lost in heaps of content.
- Avoid Multitasking: Concentrate on one area at a time, as multitasking can hinder productivity and comprehension during exam preparation.
- Embrace Mock Tests: Include ample mock tests in your preparation to enhance efficiency and familiarize yourself with the exam format and time constraints.
Why Mock Tests are the Game Changer
Practice and mock tests have a significant impact on exam preparation. They revolutionize the way you approach your studies. The mock test gives you a real exam-like environment, and also it aids in getting familiar with the format, time constraints, and level of difficulty. Through these simulated exams, you can pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to concentrate on areas that need improvement. What’s more? repeated practice boosts your confidence, reduces exam anxiety, and enhances overall performance on the actual test day.
Exam Day Tips
Staying calm and composed is the prime key essence. Get sufficient rest and have a healthy breakfast before the exam.
Tips
- Arrive early at the exam center to avoid unnecessary stress.
- Manage your time wisely, allocating it to each section based on the number of questions and complexity.
- Stay calm and confident throughout the exam.
- Pace yourself while answering questions, avoiding rushing or spending too much time on any single question.
- Attempt all questions, even if you’re unsure about some answers.
- If you finish early, review your answers for mistakes or overlooked questions, and
- Be mindful of time warnings.
Bottom Line
The CFM undoubtedly serves as a lucrative gateway to corporate success. What truly matters to crack the exam is the effort you put in. Perfect strategy along with consistent effort and the right guidance can make the exam a breeze for you. Also always remember to take one step at a time without overwhelming yourself.
