You’ve
worked hard to put yourself in position to successfully complete the CHFM
examination process. As you prepare for your test, we’ve put some key details
together here to support your success. As you read on, you’ll find information
on exam registration, testing fees, items to remember on the day of the test,
and the types of questions you can expect to see on the test itself.
What is the CHFM Certification?
Those who earn the CHFM certification from the American Hospital Association demonstrate that they have attained a level of education and preparedness to uphold the highest standards in medical facility management — something that, in turn, directly impacts the ability to deliver consistent, high-quality care to patients.
How to Register for the CHFM?
You can register for the CHFM exam online at www.goamp.com.
What Does the CHFM Cost?
There are two tiers of pricing. If you’re an ASHE or AHA member, the testing fee is $275. The non-member fee is $425. Accepted payment forms include VISA®, MasterCard®, American Express® or Discover® credit cards, company checks, money order or chashier’s checks.
Times/Locations for the CHFM?
You can find more details about scheduling your exam location and time at www.AHACertificationCenter.org.
When to Arrive for the Test?
It’s important to be on time. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your scheduled exam time, you won’t be allowed to take the test, and you’ll also be required to pay a $100 rescheduling fee in addition to your original fee.
How Long is the CHFM?
You’ll have two hours to take the CHFM exam.
What to Bring to the CHFM?
- Your testing confirmation notice.
- A primary, government-issued ID, including include your name, photo and signature. Examples include a passport, a driver’s license, state/province ID, national ID or military ID). NOTE: Your name on your ID needs to exactly match the way your name appears on your test registration materials.
- A secondary ID, including your printed name and your signature. Examples include your U.S. Social Security card, an employer’s ID badge, a credit card, debit card or school ID.
- A calculator may be brought, as long it is a silent, non-programmable model with no paper printing capability.
What Not to Bring?
- Any electronic devices, including cell phones and calculators
- Personal items, including coats, hats and watches
- Pencils or pens
- Drink or food
- Notes or paper of any type
What Does the CHFM Cover?
The CHFM exam is made up of five primary content areas. Here’s an overview of each of those five areas, including the estimated number of questions each area has as part of the overall exam.
Area 1: Compliance (25 Questions)
- This section of the test covers areas such as completing and documenting code-required testing and inspection, compliance with various laws and regulations, maintenance of appropriate facility permits, certificates and licenses, staff license maintenance, environmental space evaluation, fire event review, safety and response training, compliance actions and corrective measures, fire department inspection coordination, community emergency management, spill prevention, control and countermeasure efforts, fuel storage system management, safety and building regulation compliance, equipment and utility investigation, lead, mold and asbestos abatement, hazard prevention and control, Life Safety Code management, external partner coordination, security program management, safe environment maintenance, medical equipment management, hazard surveillance tour coordination, deferred maintenance management and emergency training participation.
Area 2: Planning, Design and Construction (18 Questions)
- This portion of the exam assesses your knowledge in areas of risk assessment, feasibility designs and budgeting, project and construction delivery, professional service negotiation, renovation project coordination, construction contract award recommendations, energy use, new project coordination, plan review, project management, change order request evaluation, construction project status review, deliverable development, financial reconciliation, facility master planning, drawing review, requirement review and management, maintenance, upgrade and renovation management, facility space oversight, infrastructure need review, institutional design standard management, bidder coordination, acquisition, alteration and equipment plan review, external partner coordination, and equipment planning management.
Area 3: Maintenance and Operations (28 Questions)
- This section includes service proposal review, utility program management, energy management and evaluation, building system improvements, energy benchmarking, energy utilization reporting, building, equipment, utility and grounds maintenance management, building repair parts and supply inventory management, engineering information system management, general understanding of various building systems, external partner coordination, low-voltage system management, maintenance strategy, off-site facility management, elevator system management, facility move organization, utility shutdown coordination, maintenance and testing evaluation, medical equipment management, blueprint and schematic interpretation, facility equipment installation coordination, work performance management, locking system oversight and equipment performance management.
Area 4: Finance (15 Questions)
- This section of the test reviews items such as system-wide contracting, contract negotiation and finalization, payback potential calculation, life cycle cost analysis, budget management, building, equipment and property lease management, energy purchase coordination and monitoring, bid evaluation, bid document development and energy conservation documentation.
Area 5: Administration (14 Questions)
- This section of the exam covers items such as policy and procedure review, capital improvement allocation, capital equipment purchases, long-range capital improvement planning, needs evaluation, equipment and system improvements, labor distribution, expenditure management, project presentation development, equipment and system training development, problem identification and resolution, peer group coordination, general operational management, human resource management, strategic plan management on a department level, positive communications, department policies and procedures, external partnerships, project prioritization, safety program oversight, insurance inspections and claims and overall management guidance.
How and When do You Get Your Scores?
Test results for exams taken via computer are normally available immediately upon completion. For the latest passing score determination, see www.AHACertificationCenter.org.
How Can I Prepare for the CHFM Test?
We believe that different learning styles require different tools for success. We have compiled a list of the best study guides, flashcards, and practice tests that we’ve found on the market. Some of these guides have review videos, for you visual learners out there. Others have practice tests, which have been proven to increase student scores by a whole letter grade (in some cases more than that)!