IFMA CFM - Certified Facility Manager

A Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) System is designed to manage real estate portfolios, space planning, and asset tracking. It provides centralized data on owned and leased properties, making it easier for facility managers to track leases, maintenance, and space utilization. This system supports strategic decision-making regarding property management​.

Hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint, and airborne contaminants must be addressed before renovation. The IFMA Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability competency highlights the importance of hazardous materials management and regulatory compliance​.

Option C is correct because older buildings often contain asbestos, lead-based paint, or other hazardous substances that require special handling and removal procedures.

Option A (Licensed Architect Review) is essential but does not address environmental hazards.

Option B (Salvage Company) is not required unless hazardous materials must be safely removed.

Option D (Water and Sewer Compliance) is relevant but not the primary concern in facility renovation.

Proper hazardous materials assessment ensures regulatory compliance, worker safety, and environmental protection​.

The project charter is the first step in initiating any office relocation project. It serves as the formal authorization that outlines:

Project scope – Defines what is included/excluded.

Objectives – Establishes the purpose and expected outcomes.

Key stakeholders – Identifies project sponsors, decision-makers, and involved teams.

Preliminary timeline and budget – Provides a high-level cost estimate and schedule.

Without a project charter, there is no official approval or framework for developing the program, securing budgets, or signing new leases​.

The correct action is to follow the organization's established policies (Option C) regarding uniforms and reimbursements.

Why Option C is Correct?

The employee handbook outlines uniform issuance, return policies, and potential reimbursement obligations.

Ensures consistent and legally compliant HR practices.

IFMA’s Human Factors Core Competency emphasizes fair employment policies and adherence to company guidelines.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

Option A: Requesting reimbursement without policy backing may create legal and HR issues.

Option B: Absorbing the cost without policy review is not a sound business practice.

Mediation (Option A) is a voluntary dispute resolution process where a neutral third party helps parties reach a mutually agreeable settlement.

Why Option A is Correct?

A mediator does not impose a decision but guides discussions toward a resolution.

Mediation is widely used in workplace disputes, contract negotiations, and FM conflict resolution.

IFMA’s Human Factors Core Competency highlights mediation as an essential skill in managing workplace and vendor disputes.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

Option B (Management escalation): Involves escalating the issue to higher-level decision-makers, rather than resolving it voluntarily.

Option C (Arbitration): A legally binding process where a neutral arbitrator makes a final decision, rather than facilitating a mutual agreement.

Adding resources (C) is the most effective way to accelerate project completion by increasing workforce capacity.

Adding skilled personnel reduces bottlenecks and increases productivity.

Why not other options?

(A) Outsourcing can help but may introduce coordination challenges.

(B) Reducing scope affects project deliverables.

(D) Overtime leads to fatigue and may not sustain efficiency long-term.

The most immediate and critical message in a fire emergency is the location of emergency exits (Option B), as evacuation is the top priority.

Why Option B is Correct?

Fire evacuation must happen quickly and efficiently to ensure occupant safety.

Emergency exit signs must be visible, illuminated, and unobstructed as per fire codes (NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code).

IFMA’s Emergency Preparedness & Business Continuity Core Competency prioritizes clear exit signage and emergency egress planning.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

Option A (First Aid kits): First aid is important but secondary to ensuring occupants can safely exit the building.

Option C (AED location and usage): AEDs are for medical emergencies, not fire evacuation.

The Facility Manager is responsible for implementing the Strategic Facility Plan (SFP), ensuring alignment with corporate goals while managing infrastructure, operations, and services.

Strategic Facility Planning (SFP) involves:

Assessing current and future space needs

Aligning facility operations with organizational objectives

Ensuring compliance with budget constraints and regulations

Coordinating with vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders

Why the other options are incorrect:

(A) Operations Managers oversee daily functions but do not handle long-term strategy.

(C) Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) focus on financial oversight rather than facility execution.

(D) Chief Operations Officers (COOs) have a broader corporate scope, not direct facility management responsibilities.

Facility managers bridge strategic planning with operational execution, ensuring that facility assets support business continuity and efficiency​.

Position power and personal influence are distinct concepts that originate from different sources:

Position Power refers to authority derived from a formal role or title within an organization (e.g., facility manager, director, or executive). It allows individuals to make decisions, allocate resources, and enforce policies.

Personal Influence stems from an individual's expertise, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to inspire and motivate others. It is not dependent on rank but on relationships and credibility.

While position power can enhance personal influence, it does not guarantee it. Conversely, personal influence can exist without formal authority, as seen in subject matter experts or influential team members. Effective facility managers leverage both to drive strategic initiatives and foster a positive work culture​.

Negotiation (B) is the quickest and most cost-effective way to resolve disputes in a facility contract.

Negotiation fosters a direct dialogue to reach a mutual agreement before escalating to formal legal procedures.

Why not other options?

(A) Mediation involves a third party, which can prolong the process.

(C) Litigation is costly and time-consuming.

(D) Arbitration is binding and may remove flexibility in decision-making.