IFMA CFM Exam 2025: What Changed and What It Means for Facility Managers

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has updated its flagship Certified Facility Manager® (CFM®) exam, and the new exam format will be effective as of October 8, 2025. These changes are part of a larger effort to keep the credential relevant, globally competitive, and aligned with evolving industry demands.

In this blog

  • What Changed 
  • Why These Changes Matter
  • How to Prepare for the CFM in 2025
  •  Changing the Study plan 
  • Why BEI’s current course 
  • The Best Way to Prepare in 2025

Here’s a summary of the main changes:

1. Total number of questions is now 120 (previously 180)

2. Only 100 questions are scored; 20 are unscored pretest items

3 . Each question has 3 answer choices instead of 4

4 . Exam duration reduced to 3 hours (was 4 hours)

5. Remote proctoring is no longer available; testing is in person at Prometric centers

6, The exam covers 10 IFMA competency domains instead of 11

7, English remains the delivery language; global standard is maintained


These updates were driven by years of feedback and psychometric analysis conducted by IFMA, including a major global job task analysis with over 1,700 FM professionals. The intent is to streamline the testing experience without compromising on the depth or credibility of the certification.

Why These Changes Matter?

• A shorter exam can reduce fatigue and stress during testing

• Fewer answer options make decision-making faster, but also potentially trickier

• By eliminating remote testing, IFMA increases exam security and standardization

• The consistency in content domains ensures that current study materials and strategies are still relevant

For candidates preparing to take the exam after 2025, understanding these changes is crucial not just for passing but for approaching the preparation process strategically.

How to Prepare for the CFM Exam in 2025: The Built Environment Institute Approach

1. Enhanced Career Prospects

If you have not yet scheduled your exam, we strongly recommend booking before October 8th, 2025. Candidates who sit for the CFM exam before that date will still take the current version—180 questions, four answer choices, and a 4-hour duration.

For those planning to take the exam after October 8th, there’s good news. The Built Environment Institute (BEI) is launching an updated CFM course and simulator in September 2025, fully aligned with the new format.
But here’s the key point:
If you're already enrolled in BEI’s current course or using the study toolkit, you are still fully covered, with extra depth and challenge to give you a real edge.
The current course prepares you well beyond the difficulty level of the new exam. That means you don’t need to wait or switch; your training is valid, effective, and trusted by thousands of professionals across the FM industry.

Should You Change the Way You Study for the New CFM Exam?

Many candidates are asking:
“If the 2025 exam is shorter and has fewer options, should I study differently?”
Our answer: No, not if you're using the BEI method.
Most exam failures occur not because the content is difficult, but because candidates underestimate the demands of the test environment, especially under time pressure and mental fatigue.

Here’s why BEI’s current course and simulator still give you a strategic edge:

1-Our simulator includes 180 questions, 60 more than the new exam, so you train at a higher threshold than required
2-We still use four-option logic, forcing better reasoning and sharper decision-making
3-Our format builds endurance, preparing you to stay focused across IFMA domains
4-Our real-life, case-based training ensures you think like a Certified Facility Manager, not just memorize content
And if you’re waiting for the new course release in September, know this: BEI’s current training already over-prepares you. The updated version will streamline the experience, but the core learning remains equally powerful.
So, whether you're already studying or just getting started, you don’t need to change your study approach. You need to stay consistent and stay ahead.

The Best Way to Prepare for the IFMA CFM Exam in 2025: The Built Environment Institute Approach

The Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credential remains one of the most respected qualifications in the facility management industry, recognized across various sectors, including healthcare, real estate, government, and education. While the 2025 exam format has been shortened, with fewer questions, fewer choices per question, and reduced time, the standards it reflects remain high.
To address these changes, a structured and proven preparation method has been developed by the Built Environment Institute (BEI). This method emphasizes competency-building and applied understanding over rote memorization. The goal is not just to pass the exam, but to think and operate as a professional facility manager.
The following components are included in the current BEI training program:
• A 36-hour expert-led CFM exam preparation course
•  More than 1,000 practice questions aligned with IFMA’s 11 competency domains
•  A 180-question exam simulator to develop mental endurance
• A digital toolkit featuring checklists, planning templates, and real-world case scenarios
•  Lifetime access to all materials, with a 30-day money-back guarantee
•  Ongoing support from certified instructors
This program has been designed to meet and exceed the current CFM exam requirements. Preparation remains valid and highly effective for candidates sitting for the CFM exam before or after the October 2025 update.

Start your journey to earn your CFM title today!

Why Choose the Built Environment Institute?

The Built Environment Institute is a trusted partner for professionals seeking to grow their careers. With its comprehensive resources and industry-leading instructor, this course not only ensures exam success but also equips you with practical knowledge to excel in your role.
Take the next step in your facility management career—enroll today for just $479 (regular price: $1,107), download the course brochure, or book a free consultation with our expert instructor. Don’t wait—join the elite ranks of facility management professionals and invest in your future today!