IFMA CFM - Certified Facility Manager

An Emergency Notification System (ENS) is the best technology for emergency alerts as it:

Delivers real-time notifications via multiple channels (SMS, email, alarms, mobile apps).

Ensures rapid dissemination of critical alerts to all occupants.

Allows automated and pre-configured messaging for various emergency scenarios.

Social media (A) and email (C) lack urgency and reach in critical situations. Incident management systems (D) track incidents but are not primarily designed for mass notification​.

The risk assessment process involves three primary steps:

Identification: Recognizing potential risks that may impact the facility.

Analysis: Determining the severity, probability, and potential impact of identified risks.

Evaluation: Prioritizing risks based on their significance and deciding on mitigation measures.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(B) Consultation and review are valuable but do not define the core steps of risk assessment.

(C) Treatment is a separate step that follows assessment.

(D) Likelihood, consequence, and rating are part of risk analysis but do not form the complete risk assessment process​.

Off-gassing the carpet off-site (Option C) is the best approach to reduce indoor air quality (IAQ) issues caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Why Option C is Correct?

New carpets release VOCs, which can cause headaches, respiratory issues, and poor indoor air quality.

Off-gassing before installation reduces exposure to occupants.

IFMA’s Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability Core Competency emphasizes proactive indoor air quality management.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

Option A (Wrapping carpet in plastic): Trapping carpet in plastic may intensify VOC buildup and does not remove harmful chemicals.

Option B (Opening windows): While ventilation helps, off-gassing before installation is the most effective solution.

Analyzing cost and performance is the foundation of outsourcing success as it:

Defines the scope of services required.

Identifies efficiency gaps in current operations.

Ensures financial feasibility and aligns expectations.

Without proper analysis, negotiation (A), planning (B), and provider selection (C) could lead to unrealistic contracts, cost overruns, or service failures​.

Fiber optic cables are the best choice for long-distance, high-speed data transmission. The IFMA Technology competency states that copper-based cables (such as CAT 6) degrade over long distances, whereas fiber optic maintains speed and signal integrity​.

Option A (Fiber optic) is correct because it supports long-distance, high-speed transmission without signal loss.

Option B (Wireless) is prone to interference and not reliable for large data loads over long distances.

Option C (Server purchase) is not a network solution.

Option D (CAT 6 cable) has a maximum effective distance of 328 feet (100 meters) and would require signal boosters.

Fiber optic cables offer superior bandwidth, security, and reliability for facility networking​.

A real estate master plan is a long-term planning document that provides a conceptual layout to guide future growth and development. It includes considerations for infrastructure, zoning, transportation, and land use. Local governments and planning agencies typically require a master plan before issuing permits. This plan aligns with strategic facilities management and ensures sustainable development by integrating urban planning principles​.

Load shedding (C) is the primary function of a BAS that supports energy management by reducing electrical demand during peak periods.

How does it work?

BAS automatically adjusts or turns off non-essential loads to avoid high peak charges.

Reduces strain on the grid and lowers operating costs.

Why not other options?

(A) Thermal coupling deals with heat transfer, not peak demand control.

(B) Capacity management optimizes energy use but does not actively reduce peak loads.

(D) Cycle management refers to operational sequences, not energy reduction.

Fire doors should never be propped open (Option B) unless they have an automatic closing mechanism tied to the fire alarm system.

Why Option B is Correct?

Fire doors are designed to contain fires and prevent smoke from spreading.

Propping open fire doors compromises building safety and violates fire codes (NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code).

IFMA’s Emergency Preparedness & Business Continuity Core Competency highlights fire safety compliance as a critical FM responsibility.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

Option A (Can be propped open during the day): Fire doors must remain closed unless controlled by an approved automatic release mechanism.

Option C (Need to be locked when not in use): Fire doors should not be locked in a way that prevents emergency egress.

The Facility Condition Index (FCI) is a key metric for assessing facility health, calculated as:

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Deferred maintenance costs (D) directly increase FCI and indicate poor facility conditions.

Utility distribution (A) and building openings (C) are secondary factors.

Real estate value (B) does not directly impact FCI, as FCI focuses on physical condition, not market value.

A higher FCI signals greater maintenance backlog, impacting operational planning and funding decisions​.