IREM Blog

IREM® extends new offering: Association for Facilities Engineering’s Certified Professional Maintenance Manager® credential

Written by IREM | Mar 30, 2026 5:00:00 AM

IREM is excited to partner with the Association for Facilities Engineering® (AFE) to offer the esteemed Certified Professional Maintenance Manager (CPMM®) certification.

By strengthening maintenance leadership skills and connecting them to property management expertise, the CPMM program helps professionals improve building performance while advancing their careers in the real estate industry.

The CPMM live online review course prepares facilities and maintenance professionals to pass the CPMM certification exam and strengthens their ability to lead building operations. Through a structured instructor-led program and guided self-study, participants build practical skills in maintenance planning, reliability strategies, safety, and cost control that directly impact property performance.

Offered in partnership with the AFE, the program complements IREM’s commitment to advancing the entire property management profession from strategic leadership to the technical expertise required to operate buildings efficiently and safely.

According to IREM President Mindy Gronbeck, CPM®, CCIM, strengthening technical operations expertise is essential for the future of the industry.

“High-performing properties depend on strong collaboration between property management and maintenance teams. By partnering with the AFE to offer CPMM certification, IREM is expanding opportunities for professionals to deepen their operational expertise, improve building performance, and deliver greater value to owners and occupants.”

This partnership reflects IREM’s commitment to supporting the professionals who keep properties operating safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

 

Why maintenance leadership matters in property management

Strong maintenance leadership directly affects operating costs, asset reliability, tenant satisfaction, and risk management. When maintenance programs are reactive or poorly planned, properties experience higher repair costs, more downtime, and increased safety risks.

The CPMM review course helps professionals implement maintenance practices that lead to measurable results, including:

  • Reduced equipment failures through preventive and predictive maintenance

  • Better scheduling and labor efficiency for maintenance teams

  • Lower operating costs through data-driven maintenance planning

  • Improved compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards

  • Stronger documentation and operational consistency across properties

For property managers and building engineers alike, these capabilities help protect asset value while improving day-to-day operations.

Who should enroll

The CPMM program is designed for professionals responsible for building operations and maintenance, including:

  • Facilities managers

  • Maintenance managers and supervisors

  • Property and building operations professionals

  • Chief engineers

  • Candidates should meet one of the following eligibility requirements verified by AFE:

    • Five years of experience in maintenance, facilities, or engineering

    • A bachelor’s degree in a related field

    • Three years of relevant experience combined with post-secondary education

Program format and schedule

Participants complete a structured learning process that combines self-study with live online instruction. IREM is offering two cohorts in 2026, and registration for both opened in March. Learn more, including full cohort schedules and test dates.

Cohort 1 Spring 2026
Enrollment period: March 10 – May 9, 2026
Live online review course: June 2 – 4, 2026
Exam: June 4 -7, 2026

Cohort 2 Fall 2026
Enrollment period: July 1, 2026 – October 23, 2026
Live online review course: November 17 – 19, 2026
Exam: November 19 – 22, 2026

The CPMM exam is administered online and is open book. One complimentary retake is included if needed.

Study materials include:

  • Printed CPMM Review Book

  • Secure digital access to the review book

  • Structured study outline

  • Live instructor-led review sessions

  • Knowledge checks through pre-tests and post-tests

How to register

Registration, eligibility verification, and payment are completed through IREM.

The program’s academic delivery, including study materials, instructor-led sessions, examination administration, and credential issuance, is managed by the AFE.

Participants who successfully pass the exam will receive both digital and printed CPMM credentials issued by AFE.

 

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