BIFM Qualification

Established to reflect the needs of a growing management discipline, the BIFM Qualification is an important benchmark (at first degree level), which recognises professional practice in facilities management.

There are two routes to BIFM Qualification (BIFM Qual) – Direct Examinations and Higher Education.  Which route to qualified status is most appropriate for you depends on your prior knowledge and experience in FM and eligibility for member concessions are detailed at the foot of this page.   

Please note our current examination structure will continue for 2009 but this is being replaced for 2010 by a completely new structure – please see further details below. 

1) Direct Examinations 2009

The BIFM exams Part I and Part II are underpinned by the BIFM competences, which determine the syllabi for the examinations. They are a test of both general management and specialist knowledge appropriate to FMs. Part I is set at an introductory level and is particularly suited to those coming into FM from other careers while Part II aims at a more strategic level and is relevant to senior managers wanting to consolidate their knowledge.  BIFM Members who hold Member grade and above can choose to be exempt from Part I of the Examinations.

Candidates who have successfully completed Part II of the BIFM Examinations and having gained a minimum of two years experience in FM, are eligible to progress to the next stage of the BIFM qualification - a submission of a Portfolio of professional evidence.*

Note:  New Qualifications for 2010

BIFM parts I and II will be replaced by a new suite of qualifications in 2010 offering a choice of qualifications at levels 4, 5 and 6.  Candidates have the opportunity to sit the existing examinations in June and December 2009 and re-sits will be available to unsuccessful candidates in June 2010.  The new qualifications, which are to be submitted to the Qualifications and Credit Framework for accreditation will be available in 2010.  Any candidate who is part way through their studies and who will not have the opportunity to complete either Part I or Part II before December 2009 will be able to transfer to the new qualifications by the granting of credits to reflect their previous achievements.  Full details will be made available as soon as possible. 

For further details of the development of the BIFM Qualifications please refer to our press release which can be located at the bottom of this page.

2) Higher Education

A number of higher education courses in FM have met the standards for accreditation by the BIFM. These qualifications satisfy the knowledge component of the BIFM Qualification. Candidates who have successfully completed their studies and have substantial experience in FM, are eligible to progress to the next stage of the BIFM qualification - a submission of a Portfolio of professional evidence.*

The submission of a Portfolio of professional evidence*

To submit a portfolio of professional evidence, you are required to complete a Self Assessment Handbook, which asks you to assess your Experience against the full range of the BIFM competences.  You will also need to send your current CV and job description to give us a fuller picture of your career to date and current role and responsibilities.  If your submission is successful you will then be invited to register onto the portfolio stage of the BIFM Qualification.

The Portfolio is designed to demonstrate your practical skills and competence in the workplace by submitting narrative and selected evidence, which verifies the range and diversity of your experience as a Facilities Manager.  It is your opportunity for you to demonstrate your professional expertise against the 20 BIFM competences, which are arranged in a framework of six management groupings.

The aim is to demonstrate a well-balanced Portfolio, with clear evidence of managerial experience and contribution for all six areas.  Each area will require a separate submission of evidence.

On completion of all six submissions, the final stage will be for you to attend an interview with the Qualification Panel to discuss your Portfolio.  Successful candidates will then be awarded the BIFM Qualification and will be entitled to upgrade to BIFM (Qual).

* Currently under review