Grade Structure FAQs
Welcome to our new Qualifications and Membership structure FAQ pages.
These should answer all your questions about the new structures. We will update these regularly - in response to developments, feedback and further questions from you. One of the first places to look at would be our BIFM Guide to Membership Grades document.
If you do not find the answers you are looking for in these pages, please email us with your query at membership@BIFM.org.uk.
General
Assessment, Documentation and references
Process and Timescales
General
Why is the BIFM changing its membership grades?
To streamline the membership structure and to align the BIFM’s new qualifications with membership grades. To map entry requirements alongside academic achievement and to recognise formally the Institute’s professionally qualified members.
Which grades are changing?
The Institute has introduced the new Certified member grade, replacing the BIFM (Qual) grade. The entry requirements and application process for other grades have also changed.
Why is the new grade called Certified?
Certified denotes that this member grade can only be achieved through qualification at Level 6 or equivalent.
Does the Certified grade entitle me to use post nominals?
Yes, those awarded this grade can use the post nominals CBIFM
I have Member grade membership (MBIFM) – what does this mean for me?
The changes do not directly affect current holders of the Member grade. However, the Institute hopes that many will aspire to achieve the new Certified grade.
I have BIFM (Qual) grade – what does this mean for me?
You will automatically have been transferred to the new Certified grade and can now use the post nominals CBIFM.
Is there a simple diagram summarising the new membership structure and entry requirements?
Yes, there is a diagram on the Grades page within Membership – go to diagram
When do these changes take effect?
The new membership structure will take effect from 1st January 2010.
Members who have transferred from the BIFM (Qual) grade can use the designation Certified Member and the post nominals CBIFM immediately.
The new BIFM qualifications will be available from January 2010.
When will the Other Relevant Qualifications (MBIFM) and Exempting Qualifying Criteria (CBIFM) routes be available?
These routes are now open. Please see below for links to the pages for further explanation:
MBIFM Route C - Other Relevant Qualifications
CBIFM Route D - Exempting Qualifying Criteria
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Assessment, Documentation and references
What is required for membership at MBIFM and CBIFM?
In addition to a BIFM (or exempting) qualification and demonstrable experience, applicants are required to provide a Personal and Professional Review (PPR) CV, reflective CPD record and current job description.
What is a Personal Professional Review (PPR)?
This is a detailed, structured account of the FM roles you have undertaken and the experience you have acquired. The statement is based on the 20 revised BIFM competences
What is a “reflective CPD Record”?
A record which demonstrates you have an active Continuing Professional Development plan which has enabled you to develop the knowledge and expertise which is important for maintaining your knowledge and currency.
This could include events such as conferences and seminars you have attended, any formal training undertaken, any groups of which you are a member etc. It should show what you have gained from these activities and how they have helped you keep up to date in the FM industry. BIFM provides an online CPD record to support members in tracking their professional development.
How is my CPD record assessed – what are the criteria for this?
Your CPD record should demonstrate reflective thinking and planning regarding your professional development. We look for evidence of reflection on outcomes of development, not just a list of activities. Your CPD record must be current, cover the last 12 months and should follow the format of Plan/Record/Reflect.
If I apply for CBIFM and am not successful will I be awarded Member or Associate?
New applicants will always be awarded Associate on application, to enable them to access services immediately If you apply for CBIFM and are not successful you will remain at Associate grade as we cannot be sure that you fulfil the criteria for Member grade. If you subsequently wish to apply for Member grade you will need to pay 50% of the relevant assessment fee.
Who are the assessors – what is their background?
These will be your peers in the FM industry who have considerable experience of both FM and the assessment process. CBIFM will be assessed by a member at CBIFM grade and MBIFM by a member at MBIFM grade.
I am an international student with a qualification from an international education provider - what entry route is available to me?
This will be covered by the Exempting Qualifying Criteria (CBIFM) and the Other Relevant Qualifications (MBIFM) routes.
If I wish to upgrade my membership, when will the increased subscription fee be payable?
You will need to pay all relevant assessment fees when you apply for upgrade but the subscription rate for your new grade will only be payable at your next renewal.
What does PLR stand for?
Personal Leadership Review. This has been designed to enable applicants to demonstrate their leadership within FM, what innovations and trends within FM they have been responsible for and how they have influenced business strategy. For further information on guidance for a PLR please click here.
Who does a PLR?
Applicants for Fellow will have to complete the PLR
What does PPR stand for?
Personal Professional Review. This has been designed to record work experience by giving examples of projects and or task undertaken and how these demonstrate BIFM competences.
What does FAP stand for?
FAP is the Fellowship Assessment Panel
Who does a PPR?
Applicants who apply for Member Grade or Certified Member will have to complete one of these. For further information on guidance for a PLR please click here.
Is there an Exemplar for In Depth PPRs for reference purposes?
Yes, there is an In Depth PPR Exemplar for CBIFM. To view this, please click here.
How can I get help and guidance on upgrading and supporting materials?
The BIFM offers a FREE OF CHARGE guidance and advice service to all who wish to upgrade their BIFM Membership, or simply join the BIFM. If you are unsure of the process or would like further help on completing any required supporting documents, we can help you through this.
For help or further information please contact the Membership Team on 0845 058 1358 or via email to membership@bifm.org.uK
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Process and Timescales
If I apply and pay in December 2009 but do not submit my documents until January will I be assessed against the old or new requirements?
Pre-January applicants will have until the end of January to complete their applications under the old system. After the end of January they will have to be assessed under the new criteria and structure.
How much time do I have to submit all the documents for my application under the new structure?
From January 2010 we will allow up to 75 days after you have applied for submission of all supporting documentation. If your application is still not complete after that time, you will be awarded Associate grade but your fees will NOT be refunded.
How long will it take to process my application and give me feedback?
This will depend on the grade for which you applying, your qualifications, your length of experience and your level of experience. Please refer to our Routes to Membership page for more information.
We have set maximum processing time for applications to the different grades as follows:
| Grade and route | No. of working days |
| Associate | 10 |
| MBIFM (a) | 7 |
| MBIFM (b) | 10 |
| MBIFM (c) | 14 |
| MBIFM (d) | 14 |
| CBIFM (a) | 7 |
| CBIFM (b) | 10 |
| CBIFM (c) | 10 |
| CBIFM (d) | 14 |
Fellow - 3 months (14 working days to process all paperwork and to notify you of the Peer Review Panel which you must attend.) There are 4 Peer Review Panel in the year – April, July, October and December. Providing you attend the first PRP you are offered, the process will take 3 months.
Please note that the processing of your application will not begin until we have received all required documentation, full payment and receipt of authentication from your supplied referee.
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Ex-Members and Rejoining
If I fail to renew my membership but then wish to rejoin, what is the process - will I have to be re-assessed?
If you rejoin within a year of your subscription renewal date, you will not need to
be re-assessed, but you will need to submit an up to date CPD record showing activities in the previous 12 months. If you rejoin after one year you will need to be re-assessed under the new structure.
If I want to rejoin, will an assessment fee be payable?
If you rejoin within one year of your subscription renewal date, you will not need to pay an assessment fee. However if you rejoin after one year, you will need to be re-assessed under the new structure and therefore assessment fees will be payable.
I am currently a Fellow, if I leave membership, what grade could I then rejoin at?
If you rejoin within a year of your subscription renewal date, you will not need to be re-assessed, but you will need to submit an up to date CPD record showing your activities during the previous 12 months. However, if you rejoin after one year, you will need to be re-assessed under the new structure.
What if I left membership during 2009?
All those who left membership after December 2008 and before January 2010 will have until the end of December 2010 to rejoin without submitting documentation (apart from an up to date CPD record) under the new structure.
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Fees
If I apply for CBIFM and am not successful will I be awarded Member or Associate grade?
New applicants will always be able to gain Associate grade on application. If you apply for CBIFM and are not successful you will be awarded Associate grade as we cannot be sure that you fulfil the criteria for Member Grade. If you subsequently wish to apply for Member Grade you will then have to pay 50% of that assessment fee. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all the criteria for your required grade and submit all relevant documentation with your application.
What are the Assessment fees for each grade?
The detailed information about costs of assessment and current subscription rates are available on our website.
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Governance, Audit & Appeals
If I apply for CBIFM and am not successful will I be awarded Member or Associate grade?
New applicants will always be awarded Associate grade on application. If you apply for CBIFM and are not successful you will be remain at Associate grade as we cannot be sure that you fulfil the criteria for Member Grade. If you subsequently wish to apply for Member Grade you will then have to pay 50% of that assessment fee. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all the criteria for your required grade and submit all relevant documentation with your application.
What is the process for awarding of Honorary Fellow Status?
The awarding of Honorary Fellow status will be decided by the Executive or the Board. The Chairman will then approve the decision. This process was approved by the Board on the 17th December 2009.
How will assessments be audited?
Sampling by the Audit committee will cover the external assessor’s processes as well as the membership team’s processes/assessments.
Can I appeal if my application for Certified membership is rejected?
Yes. The appeals process will be defined and posted on the website early in 2010.
How do I appeal if I am not happy with the process or the grade awarded?
All appeals must be made in writing and received within 30 days of our feedback to you regarding your grade. Appeals should be addressed to:
The Member Services Manager
BIFM
Number One Building
The Causeway
Bishop’s Stortford
Hertfordshire
CM23 2ER
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Upgrading
Why is the BIFM changing its membership grades?
BIFM’s membership grades have been changed as part of a new streamlined membership structure and to align the BIFM’s new qualifications. This allows the membership team to map entry requirements alongside academic achievements and to formally recognise the Institute’s professionally qualified members.
Which grades are changing?
The Institute has introduced the new Certified member grade, replacing the BIFM (Qual) grade. The entry requirements and application process for other grades have also changed and are available here.
What level of the new qualifications do I have to complete if I want to upgrade my membership?
To become either a Member Grade (MBIFM) or a Certified Member Grade (CBIFM) you will need to complete the following
BIFM Level 6 – Diploma level for CBIFM
BIFM Level 5 – Diploma Level for MBIFM
BIFM Level 4 – Diploma Level for MBIFM
Upgrading to Member grade can also be achieve via vocational, BIFM Part I Qualification, and other relevant qualification routes. Upgrading to Certified grade can also be achieved via BIFM Part II Qualification, BIFM accredited HE qualifications or other exempting qualifying criteria. However there is no vocational route to Certified grade.
How much do I need to pay to upgrade my membership?
Details of all assessment fees and current subscription charges are available on our website. The difference in annual membership fee’s (i.e. from Associate to Member) will only be charged if you are applying to upgrade within the initial 6 months of attaining your current grade status.
When can I upgrade to Fellow?
Upgrade to Fellow is only available to Certified members. As soon as you are a Certified member you are instantly eligible to upgrade as long as you meet the BIFM criteria for Fellowship.
How can I get help and guidance on upgrading and supporting materials?
The BIFM offers a FREE OF CHARGE guidance and advice service to all who wish to upgrade their BIFM Membership. If you are unsure of the process or would like further help on completing any required supporting documents, we can help you through this.
For help or further information please contact the Membership Team on 0845 058 1358 or via email to membership@bifm.org.uK
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Qualifications
What are the new BIFM qualifications?
The new qualifications have been developed following extensive research with employers, tuition providers, the sector skills council, FM consultants, examiners and learners.
The Institute is introducing a flexible suite of qualifications at Level 4 (Award, Certificate and Diploma); Level 5 (Certificate and Diploma) and Level 6 (Diploma).
Are the new qualifications recognised by government?
BIFM is recognised as an Awarding Organisation by Ofqual. The new qualifications have been approved by the sector skills council for FM Asset Skills and will be accredited onto the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) see http://www.qcda.gov.uk/19674.aspx for an explanation of the QCF.
Once accredited, the BIFM qualifications will be listed on the National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ) http://www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk
What are the benefits of doing the new BIFM qualifications?
The new BIFM qualifications will offer increased flexibility by giving greater recognition of work based learning.
They are designed to meet the needs of learners within the Facilities Management industry according to their role within their organisation.
There will be more opportunities to undertake specific units relevant to their work role and accumulate credits towards the achievement of an award, certificate or diploma.
It will be possible for a variety of assessment methods to be used, particularly where learners and employers are keen to use the learning within the occupational role to count towards their evidence of achievement.
It will enable learners to complete units at a pace to suit their individual needs.
Employers have the opportunity to have their in-house training programme recognised and also to have bespoke units developed to suit specific industry requirements.
Who are the BIFM levels 4/5/6 designed for?
The BIFM level 4 qualifications is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the facilities management industry for operational staff who have some experience, are middle managers or are responsible for a broad range of facilities management functions.
The BIFM level 5 qualifications is targeted at facilities management staff with considerable experience and who have responsibility for more specialized and/or complex functions within the facilities management industry.
The BIFM level 6 is for senior managers within facilities management who have strategic and high level responsibilities for development and change within facilities management in the industry.
What do I have to do for BIFM Level 4?
For full course information please click here
What do I have to do for BIFM Level 5?
For full course information please click here
What do I have to do for BIFM Level 6?
For full course information please click here
I am currently studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Facilities Management; will my qualification entitle me to Certified member grade?
If your course is already accredited by BIFM, (click here for details of accredited university courses), when you complete your studies, your qualification will fulfill the qualification requirement for CBIFM.
Do I have to have an FM qualification to join the BIFM?
No, you can join at Member grade through the non-academic route, although you will be required to demonstrate considerably more experience than is needed for the academic routes to membership. Alternatively, if you do not yet have the requisite number of years experience required for Member grade, you can apply for Associate grade.
What level of the new qualifications do I have to complete if I want to upgrade my membership?
To become either a Member Grade (MBIFM) or a Certified Member Grade (CBIFM) you will need to complete the following new BIFM qualifications at the specific level.
BIFM Level 6 Diploma = CBIFM
BIFM Level 5 Diploma = MBIFM
BIFM Level 4 Diploma = MBIFM
Upgrading to Member grade can also be achieve via vocational, BIFM Part I Qualification, and other relevant qualification routes. Upgrading to Certified grade can also be achieved via BIFM Part II Qualification, BIFM accredited HE qualifications or other exempting qualifying criteria. However there is no vocational route to Certified grade.
Why do I have to demonstrate my experience as well as achieving an FM qualification to join the BIFM?
Membership of the BIFM (other than at Associate grade) requires applicants to demonstrate that not only have they achieved formal qualifications but that they have experience gained through practice. The experience required is adjusted to reflect the level of the qualification.
Where is the list of BIFM Accredited Higher Education courses?
There are 2 lists, one for currently accredited courses, and the other for previously accedited courses. These also state from when they were accredited, and for past courses, when this accreditation ended.
How does this Accreditation work?
If you started or completed a course, whilst it is BIFM accredited you qualifty for the relevant grade of BIFM membership, subject to all other criteria being met. This means that if, for instance, you started a course on the basis that is was accredited you qualify. Likewise, if the course is accredited during your course of study you also qualify. If your course was accredited previous to you starting the course, or after you have completed the course, this does NOT qualify you as the BIFM does not acknowledge the core competencies of this qualification at the time of your study.
What else is required for membership?
In addition to a BIFM (or exempting) qualification and demonstrable experience, applicants are required to provide a Personal and Professional Review (PPR), CV, reflective CPD record and current job description.
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Definitions
What do you mean by Middle or Senior management?
Middle Managers head up departments and specialist teams, have widespread responsibilites for resources, staff, finances and work performance to achieve operational and organisational objectives. They may be responsible for allocating work to others, for achieving specific results by using resources effectively, for controlling financial budgets (with limits) and for contributing to broader activities, such as change programmes or recruitment.
Senior managers run large departments, business units or functional areas, and are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to achieve organisational goals. They have operational responsibility for substantial programmes and resource with a broad span of control which may be across several different areas. They generally pro-actively identify and implement change and quality improvements, negotiate budgets and controls and lead high level meetings.
What does PPR stand for?
Personal and Professional Review. This has been designed to demonstrate your experience of the BFIM competencies through specific examples of projects and or tasks you have undertaken.
Who completes the PPR?
Applicants who apply for Member Grade or Certified Member will have to submit a completed PPR
What does PLR stand for?
Personal Leadership Review. This has been designed to allow applicants to show their leadership within FM, what innovations and trends within FM they have been responsible for and how they have influenced business strategy.
Who completes a PLR?
Applicants for Fellow grade have to submit a completed PLR.
What does SVE stand for?
SVE is the Senior Volunteer Engagement group. This is the group that will be assisting with the list of Exempting Qualifying criteria and the other relevant qualifications route.
Why is the new grade called Certified?
Certified denotes that this member grade can only be achieved through qualification at Level 6 or equivalent.
What is a “reflective CPD Record”?
A record which demonstrates you have an active Continuing Professional Development plan which has enabled you to develop the knowledge and expertise which is important for maintaining your knowledge and currency.
This could include events such as conferences and seminars you have attended, any formal training undertaken, any groups of which you are a member etc. It should show what you have gained from these activities and how they have helped you keep up to date in the FM industry. BIFM provides an online CPD record to support members in tracking their professional development.
What does FAP stand for?
FAP is the Fellowship Assessment Panel – responsible for assessing applicants for Fellow grade.
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Glossary of Terms/Acronyms
CBIFM
Certified Member of the British Institute of Facilities Management
FBIFM
Fellow of the British Institute of Facilities Management
CV
Curriculum Vitae
CPD
Continuing Professional Development
JD
Job Description
FAP
Fellowship Assessment Panel
HEI
Higher Education Institution
HonFBIFM
Honorary Fellow of the British Institute of Facilities Management
ILM
Institute of Leadership and Management
MBIFM
Member of the British Institute of Facilities Management
NDAQ
National Database of Accredited Qualifications
NQF
National Qualifications Framework
PLR
Personal Leadership Review
PPR
Personal Professional Review
PR Mtg
Peer Review Meeting
PS&E
Professional Standards & Education Department
QCF
Qualification Credit Framework
SVE
Senior Volunteer Engagement Group
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BIFM Guide to Membership Grades document is located on the below link:
Documents
Note:
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Guidelines to MBIFM PPR
