Facilities manager : Training

The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM)  offers a number of qualifications. These include the level 5 facilities management qualification, which is aimed at those who deal with specialised and complex functions, and the level 6 qualification, aimed at facilities managers with high levels of responsibility who wish to develop their strategic skills.

Graduates with degrees approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)  and who have relevant employment experience can become chartered surveyors within the Facilities Management (FM) Faculty by completing the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This work-based professional training scheme usually lasts for two years.

Graduates aiming for RICS chartership who do not have an accredited degree will usually complete a conversion course before beginning to work towards chartered status, although it may be possible to study for the APC and academic qualifications at the same time.

Facilities managers are also involved in continuous professional development, usually made up of external short courses and in-house training. As well as practical and business skills training, some courses in areas such as health and safety, legislation and regulation, will be essential for relevant certification. Specialist training opportunities are offered by organisations such as the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) and the Facilities Management Association (FMA) . In addition, Masters degrees are increasingly popular qualifications for the sector.

For further ideas about training, go to Asset Skills .