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.

 

If you are intending on studying for the BIFM Qualification via the Direct Examination or Higher Education routes you will be eligible for a membership concession. Refer to the attached Membership Concession chart at the bottom of this page for further details.

 

There are three routes to BIFM Qualification (BIFM Qual).  Which route to qualified status is most appropriate for you depends on your prior knowledge and experience in FM.

 

1) Direct Examination

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 complete 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

 

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.

 

In recognition of the considerable knowledge gained in the workplace, those who have been working in FM at Managerial level for at least five years may have gained sufficient experience “on the job” to satisfy the knowledge component.  This needs to be against the full range of the BIFM Competences.  Applicants for the Professional Competence route have typically completed relevant Qualifications to support their Knowledge development.  Application for registration on this route is made by a detailed assessment against the BIFM competence areas in both Knowledge and Experience. 

 

Successful applicants will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence, demonstrating practical FM skills, knowledge and experience against the full range of the BIFM Competences.  NB. The Knowledge requirement is equivalent to Part II of the BIFM Examination syllabus.

 

Candidates on the Professional Competence Route must hold Member or Fellow grade BIFM Membership.   

The submission of a Portfolio of professional evidence

To submit a portfolio of professional evidence, you are required to submit a completed Form (Self Assessment Handbook), which asks you to assess your Experience (& Knowledge for PC Route) 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 (& knowledge PC Route) 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).