BOMI FMA
BOMI FMA® (Facilities Management Administrator)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The FMA® (Facilities Management Administrator) designation is one of the five designations offered by BOMA International through BOMI, listed alongside the RPA®, SMT®, SMA®, and BOMI-HP® credentials. It is aimed at professionals who carry property, facilities, and building engineer responsibilities and who want a recognized mark of training and experience in the commercial real estate industry. BOMI describes its designation curricula as time-tested courses and proven curriculum, and positions designations as a stamp of credibility that signals you have the proper training and experience to do the job at the highest level. Candidates typically enter through BOMI courses, which are described as highly specific and actionable, and can be taken in person or virtually depending on schedule and learning preferences. Certificate programs, which require completing three relevant courses and passing an exam, are presented as a stepping stone toward a designation. Preparation therefore means working through the designation's course sequence, focusing on the courses most relevant to a facilities role, and using supporting resources such as webcasts and ShortCourses to close specific skill gaps. BOMI also publishes policies and fees and an FAQ section, which candidates should consult directly for current administrative details, since exam format, length, scoring, and retake rules are not stated on the public education page summarized here.
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About BOMI FMA preparation
What is the FMA® credential?
It is one of five designations BOMA International offers through BOMI, alongside the RPA®, SMT®, SMA®, and BOMI-HP®. BOMI describes each designation path as including time-tested courses and proven curriculum intended to help professionals advance. The FMA® focuses on facilities management administration for people with property, facilities, or building engineer responsibilities.
Who should pursue the FMA® rather than another BOMI designation?
BOMI frames its designations as marks of excellence in distinct professions and advises learners to focus on courses most relevant to their role. If your responsibilities center on facilities management administration rather than real property administration or building systems maintenance, the FMA® path is the natural fit. Compare the course lists for each designation before committing.
How many courses and exams are required?
The public BOMI education page does not state the course or exam count for the FMA® designation. It does state that certificate programs require three relevant courses plus an exam, and that certificates are a stepping stone to a designation. Treat certificate requirements as separate from designation requirements and confirm the FMA® sequence with BOMI directly.
What is the exam format, length, and passing score?
These details are not published on the BOMI education page summarized here, so no figures should be assumed. BOMI maintains a Policies and Fees section and an FAQ section, which are the appropriate places to confirm current exam format, timing, scoring, and any retake rules before you schedule.
How hard is the FMA® exam?
BOMI does not publish a difficulty rating or pass rate on this page. Difficulty depends on your background in facilities operations and how recently you completed the coursework. The practical approach is to take the courses in sequence, keep up with the assigned material, and use webcasts and ShortCourses to reinforce weak topic areas.
Can I retake an exam if I do not pass?
Retake policy is not stated in the source material available here, so it should not be assumed. Check BOMI's Policies and Fees page and its FAQ section, or contact BOMI directly, for the current rules on retakes, waiting periods, and any associated charges before you sit for an exam.
In what order should I take courses and prepare?
BOMI recommends starting with courses and focusing on those most relevant to your role, then progressing to a certificate and ultimately a designation. A sensible order is foundational courses first, then the FMA®-specific sequence, using ShortCourses and webcasts to fill gaps. Review each course's objectives before enrolling.
Are courses available in person or online?
BOMI states that courses are offered both in person and virtually, so you can choose based on your schedule and learning preferences. This flexibility matters for working facilities professionals who cannot travel. Confirm current delivery options for each specific FMA® course when you register, since availability can vary by course and term.
What is a common reason candidates struggle?
A frequent mistake is treating the designation as a single exam to cram for rather than a sequenced curriculum. BOMI positions designations as built on proven curriculum taken over time. Skipping foundational courses, or choosing courses unrelated to your actual responsibilities, leaves gaps that surface later. Follow the recommended sequence and stay current with each course.
Does BOMI membership help, and where do I confirm details?
BOMI notes that BOMA membership provides access to designations and information plus a professional network and exclusive events, though the page does not state that membership is required for the FMA®. For authoritative details on requirements, fees, and scheduling, use BOMI's Policies and Fees and FAQ pages or contact BOMI directly.