IFMA CFM Exam Practice Test Instant Access

Question 1

What best describes a Building Automation System (BAS)?

AA system supporting two-way communication between controllers and devices, automated decisions, and analysis.

BA one-way control mechanism for multiple core building systems.

CA system that integrates various facility management functions, including building security and facility space metrics.

DA system that does not operate third-party systems.

Answer : A

A Building Automation System (BAS) is an intelligent network of controllers and sensors that:

Monitors and automates HVAC, lighting, security, and other systems.

Uses two-way communication for real-time adjustments and analysis.

Enhances energy efficiency and reduces operational costs.

Options B and D are incorrect as modern BAS systems use two-way communication. Option C includes some BAS functions but does not fully describe BAS as an automation system.

Question 2

During the construction phase of a project you are managing, the customer wishes to add to the project scope. You think that the cost of the change is 25% greater than your contingency. What steps will you take?

AGet an estimate from the contractor for a change order. Also, review the impact this will have on the entire project's cost, schedule, quality, and risks. Present these findings to the customer along with the request for additional funds.

BTell the customer you may be able to accommodate their request if the contingency budget is not used for other issues. Try to cut other scope items or create savings in other parts of the project to fully fund this request.

CTell the customer that their request is out of scope and cannot be accommodated. The project does not have the funds for this additional work. Explain how this request impacts schedules delaying work and adding significantly to time as well as cost.

DImmediately agree to add the work to your project scope without getting an estimate from the contractor to determine the additional cost. You and the contractor can work out the differences as you go along.

Answer : A

The best practice in project management is to:

Obtain a change order estimate to assess cost and feasibility.

Analyze the impact on cost, schedule, and quality.

Present findings to stakeholders and secure additional funding.

Ignoring proper estimation (D) can lead to budget overruns. Rejecting the request outright (C) may harm client relations. Trying to cut other scope items (B) without formal analysis risks compromising project quality.

Question 3

Which type of equipment maintenance program can cause the most unplanned downtime and least predictable costs?

APreventive.

BPredictive.

CCorrective.

D24-hour.

Answer : C

Corrective maintenance (also called 'reactive maintenance') occurs only after equipment fails, leading to:

Unplanned downtime that disrupts operations.

Higher repair costs due to emergency fixes.

Shorter equipment lifespan because maintenance is delayed.

Preventive (A) and predictive (B) maintenance reduce downtime by scheduling repairs before failure. 24-hour (D) is not a recognized maintenance strategy.

Question 4

A facility manager wants to implement a centralized work request center for facility requests. After market research, the facility manager finds several different ways to prioritize requests. Which criteria should be used to prioritize work requests?

AJob classification, total cost, complexity.

BCriticality, safety, complexity.

CCriticality, total cost, completion time.

DCriticality, material cost, complexity.

Answer : B

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.

Question 5

An organization recently acquired another firm with an 88-acre campus and fourteen buildings that support government-regulated activities. The Chief Financial Officer has asked the facility manager to provide an assessment of the property and facilities. One of the assessments the facility manager will perform is the Facility Condition Index (FCI). Which has the GREATEST impact on the FCI?

AUtility distribution.

BReal estate value.

CBuilding openings.

DDeferred maintenance costs.

Answer : D

The Facility Condition Index (FCI) is a key metric for assessing facility health, calculated as:

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.

Question 6

What is NOT typically included in service level agreements (SLAs)?

AProblem management resolution procedures.

BBilling or chargeback procedures.

CDefinition of services.

DRequest for proposal.

Answer : D

According to IFMA's Finance and Business competency, Service Level Agreements (SLAs) define service expectations and performance metrics.

Option D (Request for proposal - RFP) is part of procurement and is not included in SLAs.

Option A (Problem resolution procedures) ensures service consistency.

Option B (Billing or chargeback procedures) clarifies financial responsibilities.

Option C (Definition of services) sets expectations for deliverables.

SLAs focus on performance agreements, responsibilities, and metrics, while RFPs are used for vendor selection before an SLA is created.

Question 7

What is the best option to speed up the mail delivery process?

ADecrease mailroom staff and begin sorting and delivering mail every other business day.

BKeep current mailroom staff and change the mail code process to designate floors and provide employees mail slots.

CIncrease mailroom staff to help speed up mail sorting and delivery.

DKeep current mailroom staff levels but implement overtime to speed up sorting and delivery.

Answer : B

The IFMA Operations and Maintenance competency highlights process optimization as a key element of efficient facility management.

Option B (Implementing a mail code system) streamlines delivery, reducing misdirected mail and improving efficiency.

Option A (Reducing staff and frequency) would worsen the issue.

Option C (Increasing staff) increases costs without addressing the root cause of delays.

Option D (Using overtime) is a short-term fix but is not a sustainable solution.

Using a mail coding system aligns with best practices for operational efficiency, reducing sorting time and delivery errors.

IFMA CFM Certified Facility Manager Exam Practice Test