FAQs
How do I know whether to choose the Higher Education Route?
If you have completed (or are planning to take) a BIFM-accredited course from a higher education institution, you can use this qualification to satisfy the knowledge component of the BIFM Qualification. After you have gained at least two years’ appropriate experience in facilities management, you can then register with the BIFM and complete the portfolio stage of the BIFM Qualification.
Where can I find a list of accredited courses?
Please refer to HE Providers. BIFM-accredited courses appear at the top.
I have a full-time job. Are there any courses which offer part time or distance learning?
There is a good range of learning options. Please refer to HE Providers to see which courses are full-time, part-time and/or distance learning.
What about course fees?
You will need to contact the individual providers for questions on fees, course duration etc.
Will I be BIFM-qualified when I’ve graduated from my HE course?
Not until you’ve demonstrated your professional competence as well. The BIFM Qualification has two components – knowledge and experience. Once you’ve graduated, you’ll have completed the knowledge aspect and can move on to the portfolio stage which documents your experience.
What does that involve?
You’ll need to be accepted onto the Qualification programme by completing a Self Assessment Handbook (SAH). This will give you a personal profile of your professional experience against the criteria of the BIFM competences.
What’s the next stage?
If you have appropriate professional experience you can then register and start to build your portfolio.
What does that involve?
You’ll need to forward six separate submissions of evidence, each one based on one of the management groupings of the BIFM competences.
Why can’t I do that before I’ve graduated?
We are reviewing the process to see how the portfolio stage could be integrated into coursework. Clearly we need to work with course providers to discuss and introduce any changes.
Could I start collating evidence while I’m studying, so I can progress more quickly once I’ve graduated?
Absolutely. It’s an excellent idea to collect quality evidence from the workplace that you can use in your portfolio (click here for details of assessment). This way you could complete your portfolio in under a year.
What happens when my portfolio has been assessed?
The last stage is to attend an interview with the BIFM Qualification Panel.
What’s the fee structure for the HE Route and how can I progress?
Click here to view fees.
Click here to view fees.
For further queries or to obtain a Self Assessment Handbook, please contact the Professional Standards and Education Co-ordinator on 0845 058 1355 or e-mail pseco-ordinator@bifm.org.uk.
