Free Practice Questions for IFMA CFM Exam

The first step in renovation planning is to perform a gap analysis, which identifies:

Current conditions vs. required functional space needs.

Deficiencies in space utilization, design, or infrastructure.

Necessary upgrades to align with business objectives.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(A) Space programming analysis is important but follows the gap analysis.

(C) Engaging an architect comes after identifying space needs and functional gaps.

(D) Feasibility studies assess project viability but are conducted after defining requirements​.

The Facility Condition Index (FCI) is a key metric used in facility management to assess the condition of a facility. It is determined by:

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A lower FCI indicates a better-maintained facility, while a higher FCI suggests significant maintenance needs.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(B) Subtracting values does not produce a useful ratio.

(C) Dividing in the reverse order does not align with industry standards.

(D) Multiplying the values does not create a comparative index.

The FCI is commonly used in capital planning and budgeting decisions​.

The best security practice to prevent unauthorized access is Identification and Authentication. This process ensures that only authorized personnel can access a facility’s work order system by:

Using secure logins (e.g., username/password, biometrics, multi-factor authentication).

Verifying user identities before granting system access.

Implementing role-based permissions to control system functions per user authorization level.

While data encryption (Option B) secures stored data, it does not control system access. Similarly, a proprietary user interface (Option C) is not a security measure on its own, and an HR employee database (Option D) is unrelated to system security​.

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​.

The first phase of sustainable plan development focuses on defining the foundation for evaluating sustainability initiatives. The correct answer is defining criteria for considering and evaluating ideas because:

Establishing clear evaluation criteria ensures that sustainability initiatives align with organizational goals and are feasible for implementation.

This step occurs before assigning team members, reviewing business cases, or developing financial projections.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(A) Assigning team members happens after defining the scope and evaluation parameters.

(B) Reviewing business cases is done once sustainability initiatives have been identified and screened using the evaluation criteria.

(D) Developing cash flow is part of the financial assessment phase, which follows after ideas are evaluated​.

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​.

Using in-house staff with relevant skills or development interests is the most practical and cost-effective way to manage the project budget. This approach:

Reduces external labor costs by leveraging existing workforce.

Enhances staff skill development, improving organizational competency.

Balances workload across departments, ensuring optimal resource use.

While students and volunteers (A) lack reliability and expertise, 24x7 shifts (B) may lead to burnout and inefficiency. Asking contractors to cut staff (C) can compromise quality and lead to project delays​.

Rainwater harvesting is commonly used for non-potable applications, especially in healthcare facilities where strict water quality standards apply.

Landscape maintenance is a safe and effective use of rainwater, reducing the demand for potable water.

Bathing and dishwashing (Options A & B) require high-quality, pathogen-free water, which rainwater may not meet without extensive treatment.

Medical process rinses (Option D) require highly purified water to prevent contamination, making rainwater unsuitable​.

Extending occupancy hours (Option B) increases energy consumption and, in turn, a facility’s carbon footprint.

Why Option B is Correct?

Longer operational hours mean increased use of HVAC, lighting, and electrical systems, leading to higher energy consumption and greater carbon emissions.

IFMA’s Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability competency emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency in reducing carbon footprints.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

Option A (Replacing filters in air handlers): Improving air filtration enhances HVAC efficiency and reduces energy waste, thereby lowering carbon emissions.

Option C (Replacing the existing system with high-efficiency equipment): High-efficiency systems reduce energy consumption and emissions, decreasing the carbon footprint.

Work request prioritization in facility management should focus on:

Criticality – The impact on operations and safety if the issue is not addressed.

Safety – The risk level to occupants and property.

Complexity – The effort and resources required to complete the request.

Prioritizing critical and safety-related tasks ensures that high-risk issues are addressed first, minimizing downtime and liability. Cost (Options A, C, D) is a secondary factor, as urgent safety issues must be resolved regardless of cost​.