IFMA CFM - Certified Facility Manager

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures are designed to prevent accidental energy release during maintenance. A LOTO procedure is complete when:

The equipment is fully isolated from energy sources.

Locks and tags are placed on the isolation points.

All required documentation and records are completed.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(A) Developing a written program is essential but does not complete the process.

(B) Simply securing a cable is not enough for full isolation.

(C) Training is required, but execution and documentation finalize the procedure​.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) focuses on people, property, and the environment (A).

EHS ensures workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental responsibility.

Why not other options?

(B) Compliance and legal matters are components of EHS but do not encompass its full scope.

(C) Worker rights and policies relate more to labor laws than to environmental safety.

(D) Security and assets are more relevant to risk management.

Coaching on recognition of business needs (D) ensures that creativity aligns with practical and customer-focused solutions.

Why is this the best choice?

Encourages innovation while ensuring solutions meet organizational goals.

Why not other options?

(A) Customer feedback is useful but does not guide the employee proactively.

(B) Quality training is beneficial but does not directly address the misalignment issue.

(C) Reviewing solutions in advance can be time-consuming and does not develop the employee’s decision-making skills.

Depreciation (B) is the process of calculating how much an asset loses value over time due to wear, aging, or obsolescence.

Common depreciation methods include:

Straight-line depreciation

Declining balance depreciation

Why not other options?

(A) Payback period measures how long it takes to recover the initial investment, not asset value reduction.

(C) Diminishing return refers to economic output, not asset valuation.

(D) Life cycle cost considers total ownership costs, including maintenance and disposal.

The IFMA Occupancy and Human Factors competency emphasizes that space planning and equipment layout are critical to operational efficiency, worker safety, and productivity​.

Option C (Space dimensions and equipment layout) is correct because it ensures proper workflow, safety compliance, and optimized use of space.

Option A (Desk-height outlets) is beneficial but not the primary factor in industrial design.

Option B (Sit-to-stand options) applies more to office environments, not industrial settings.

Option D (Lighting and monitors) improves ergonomics but does not define industrial workplace efficiency.

Industrial workplace design focuses on optimizing space for machinery, storage, and safety regulations​.

Benchmarking (Option C) is the process of comparing performance metrics with industry standards or competitors.

Why Option C is Correct?

Benchmarking helps facility managers measure operational efficiency and identify areas for improvement.

This approach aligns with best practices and industry standards, ensuring FM operations remain competitive.

IFMA’s Finance & Business Core Competency highlights benchmarking as an essential tool for performance evaluation.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

Option A (GAP Analysis): GAP analysis compares current performance to a desired future state, but benchmarking compares against competitors.

Option B (SWOT Analysis): SWOT focuses on internal and external factors, not industry-wide performance comparisons.

Governance focuses on guiding (Option A) through policies, oversight, and compliance within an organization.

Why Option A is Correct?

Governance involves setting policies, monitoring compliance, and providing strategic direction.

FM leaders play a governance role by guiding teams and ensuring facility operations comply with regulations and organizational goals.

IFMA’s Leadership & Strategy competency emphasizes strong governance in facility management operations.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

Option B (Execute): Execution refers to operational tasks, not governance.

Option C (Plan): Planning is a function of governance, but guiding involves overseeing the entire process.

Scope verification is the formal process of reviewing and accepting completed project deliverables to ensure they meet the required specifications and objectives.

Scope verification includes:

Reviewing work against agreed-upon project criteria

Obtaining formal sign-off from stakeholders

Ensuring deliverables comply with the project scope statement

Documenting acceptance for final project closure

Why the other options are incorrect:

(A) Scope control is about managing changes to project scope, not verifying deliverables.

(B) Scope definition is the process of outlining project boundaries, not approving results.

(D) Scope planning is part of the initial planning phase, not the completion phase.

Scope verification ensures project deliverables are accepted, documented, and closed out properly, reducing disputes and ensuring compliance​.

Community pride is best conveyed through a well-maintained and visually appealing exterior. The IFMA Occupancy and Human Factors competency emphasizes the importance of aesthetic and functional upkeep in facility management​.

Option D (Exterior wall maintenance) directly impacts public perception and conveys pride in the facility’s presence.

Option A (Automated systems) improves sustainability but does not directly enhance public perception.

Option B (Security services) affects safety but does not impact community pride.

Option C (Manager’s office condition) is internal and has little influence on public perception.

A well-maintained exterior signals respect for the community and enhances corporate image​.

Testing the cooling tower water and adjusting the frequency of chemical balancing (B) is the correct action, ensuring proper water treatment to prevent biological growth.

Regular monitoring and chemical treatment prevent Legionella and other microbial growth.

Why not other options?

(A) Scraping the walls does not address the root cause.

(C) Conducting a health survey is not an immediate maintenance action.

(D) Draining and flushing with warm water is excessive and not always necessary.