News
Changes to BIFM membership structure and qualifications
06-10-09 16:15 BIFM
The BIFM has overhauled its membership structure, introducing a new grade of Certified Member, denoted by the post-nominals CBIFM, that replaces the BIFM (Qual).
The new grade structure and the launch of a complete new suite of facilities management qualifications in January next year are major components of BIFM’s mission to advance the profession.
These changes are the culmination of a two year development programme which has resulted in a new membership structure aligned to the new qualifications.
They respond to calls for clarity and transparency from the BIFM’s membership, employers and tuition providers. The new qualifications at levels 4, 5 and 6 have been approved by Asset Skills, the sector skills council for facilities management, and are due to be accredited onto the Qualifications and Credit Framework later this year.
The change from Qual grade to Certified, was approved at BIFM’s AGM in June, along with other changes to the Institute’s constitution. Members who previously held the BIFM(Qual) grade have automatically been transferred to the new Certified grade and can use the post nominals CBIFM.
From January 2010, BIFM will have five grades of membership: Associate, Member, Certified, Fellow and Honorary Fellow. The first three grades can be achieved through direct entry ie applications can be made to join at those grades.
Those who hold the current Member grade will retain this but the Institute hopes that many will aspire to the new Certified grade.
The new Certified grade can be gained only through qualification, in one of four ways:
- Achievement of the current BIFM Part II examination
- Award of the new BIFM Level 6 Diploma in Facilities Management
- Completion of a BIFM accredited higher education course at level 6 and above
- Award of an exempting qualification*
All applicants for CBIFM will also need to demonstrate three years experience in facilities management, including two at middle management level. They will also need to provide additional information, including a Personal Statement, current job description and reflective CPD record. A summary of the entry requirements for all grades is on the BIFM website - see below - detailed entry requirements will be available later this year.
Entry to Member grade is available to both academic and non-academic applicants. For the academic route, achievement of either the new BIFM Level 4 or 5 Diploma in Facilities Management will fulfil the qualification entry requirement.
For the non-academic route, the Institute has retained an experiential option which requires applicants to have a greater number of years experience than is required of academic entrants. These applicants will also need to demonstrate their experience across the BIFM’s revised competences.
The Institute believes the new grade structure offers clear pathways through professional membership and career development opportunities.
Click the link below for answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
See below for link to table of entry requirements
