Get certified

How to earn your CEFP.

Earning the CEFP takes three steps: confirm your eligibility, choose how you want to prepare, and pass the exam.

Everything you need to work out where you stand and what comes next is on this page.

Download the qualification spreadsheet View pricing

The path to your credential

Step one

Confirm your eligibility

You need eight points, earned through a combination of education, work experience, and professional development.

Step two

Choose your preparation path

Two options are available: a self-paced course or instructor-led exam training.

Step three

Take the exam

Complete the online proctored exam during your access period and earn your credential.

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

You need eight points to qualify. Points come from education, facilities work, and APPA professional development.

Facilities-related work. One point per year.

Education level. Graduate degree 6 points, bachelor's 4, associate's 2, high school diploma 1.

Institute for Facilities Management cores completed. One point each.

Leadership Academy levels completed. One point each.

Other certifications and licenses. One point each, up to eight.

An example

A bachelor's degree, worth four points, plus four years of facilities experience gets you to eight.

Not quite there? Each Institute for Facilities Management core you complete earns a point toward eligibility and builds your foundation in the Body of Knowledge.

Calculate your points

Step 2: Choose your preparation path

Two options prepare you for the CEFP exam. Both include the exam fee.

	CEFP Self-Study Course	CEFP Exam Training
Self-paced prep materials	Included	Not included
CEFP exam	Included	Included
Instructor-led sessions	Not included	Included, 20 hours
Best for	Self-motivated learners and those already familiar with the Body of Knowledge	Those new to the Body of Knowledge, teams, and anyone who prefers structured learning

Prepare for the exam View pricing

Step 3: Take the exam and earn your credential

The exam tests your knowledge across the four core areas of APPA's Body of Knowledge.

General Administration and Management

Operations and Maintenance

Energy, Utilities, and Environmental Stewardship

Planning, Design, and Construction

Exam details

110 questions, with up to four hours to complete.

Passing score of 61 out of 110.

Online proctored through Strasz.

Flexible scheduling during your access period.

Government ID required. The name must match your registration.

Results within seven business days.

When you pass

A digital certificate.

A digital badge for LinkedIn.

A listing in the CEFP Directory.

Permission to use CEFP after your name.

Questions about eligibility, points, or scheduling your exam?

certification@appa.org