The Global Standard for Facility Management
The Global Standard for Facility Management
The Global Standard for Facility Management
Why IFMA Sets the Global Standard for Facility Management Professionals
In a fast-moving, highly technical profession like facility management, clarity matters. That’s why IFMA sets global standards for the knowledge, skills and abilities facility managers need to succeed anywhere in the world.
Here’s what makes IFMA’s global framework a game-changer:
Why IFMA Sets the Global Standard for Facility Management Professionals
In a fast-moving, highly technical profession like facility management, clarity matters. That’s why IFMA sets global standards for the knowledge, skills and abilities facility managers need to succeed anywhere in the world.
Here’s what makes IFMA’s global framework a game-changer:
It Builds Trust Across Borders
Whether you’re in Houston, Helsinki or Hong Kong, IFMA’s standards ensure every credentialed facility professional meets the same high expectations. Employers know they’re getting proven talent.
It Keeps You Ahead of Change
From smart buildings and AI to energy mandates and ESG goals, FM is evolving fast. IFMA’s competency model is continuously updated with global research, expert input and real-world feedback so you stay ahead of what’s next.
It Powers Credentials That Mean Something
CFM®, FMP® and SFP® aren’t just letters – they’re backed by a world-class framework. Every course, assessment and credential IFMA offers is built on these globally validated standards, so you can prove your expertise with confidence.
It Guides Career Growth
Not sure what to learn next? IFMA’s framework maps each competency to different levels of expertise so you can see exactly where you are and where to grow next.
It Shapes the Future of FM
Because the model is built on input from thousands of professionals worldwide, IFMA is able to influence education, policy and vendor strategy at a global scale. We speak the language of FM and the industry listens.
Bottom line? IFMA’s global standards are your foundation for smarter decisions, stronger teams and a future-proof FM career.
Explore IFMA’s credentials and training programs backed by these standards at ifma.org.
Understanding the Knowledge Domains of Facility Management
Facility management is a dynamic, multidisciplinary profession that ensures the functionality, comfort, safety, and efficiency of the built environment—where people work, learn, heal and live. To guide professionals in this essential role, IFMA defines knowledge domain areas that form the foundation of effective facility management (FM) worldwide.
Whether you're a seasoned Certified Facility Manager® (CFM®), new to the industry, or exploring facility management as a career path, mastering these domains equips you to lead strategic operations, adapt to technological change, and deliver impactful results in every type of facility setting.
Certified Facility Managers®
Facility Management Professionals®
Sustainability Facility Professionals®
FM Domains & Competencies Built to Work Together
In today’s complex built environment, success in facility management depends on more than mastering one area of expertise — it requires a strong foundation across all domains and competencies. While each domain represents a distinct skill set, they are deeply interconnected and designed to work in unison.
This integrated approach reflects how facility managers operate in the real world — navigating strategy, sustainability, technology, operations, and more. From project management to risk mitigation, communication to finance, the knowledge and skills in one domain influence and strengthen performance in others.
As the profession evolves, so does the need for holistic understanding. Facility managers who recognize and leverage these connections are better equipped to drive value, improve outcomes, and lead change across their organizations.
FM Domains & Competencies
Built to Work Together
In today’s complex built environment, success in facility management depends on more than mastering one area of expertise — it requires a strong foundation across all domains and competencies. While each domain represents a distinct skill set, they are deeply interconnected and designed to work in unison.
This integrated approach reflects how facility managers operate in the real world — navigating strategy, sustainability, technology, operations, and more. From project management to risk mitigation, communication to finance, the knowledge and skills in one domain influence and strengthen performance in others.
As the profession evolves, so does the need for holistic understanding. Facility managers who recognize and leverage these connections are better equipped to drive value, improve outcomes, and lead change across their organizations.
FM Domains & Competencies
Built to Work Together
In today’s complex built environment, success in facility management depends on more than mastering one area of expertise — it requires a strong foundation across all domains and competencies. While each domain represents a distinct skill set, they are deeply interconnected and designed to work in unison.
This integrated approach reflects how facility managers operate in the real world — navigating strategy, sustainability, technology, operations, and more. From project management to risk mitigation, communication to finance, the knowledge and skills in one domain influence and strengthen performance in others.
As the profession evolves, so does the need for holistic understanding. Facility managers who recognize and leverage these connections are better equipped to drive value, improve outcomes, and lead change across their organizations.
