Phase-Out of EFP Certificate

APPA announced a change to the qualification requirements for its Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) credential which positively aligns with the phase-out of the Educational Facilities Professional (EFP) certificate effective April 1, 2019. As of that date, individuals wishing to take the CEFP certification examination will need to demonstrate a combined eight years of education and experience. Previously, a combined 15 years of education and experience were required to take the exam.

“APPA’s Certification Board made these changes based on a substantive review of the trends in the educational facilities management industry concerning one’s ability to demonstrate their knowledge and achievement earlier in their career,” explains John Morris, chair of the Certification Board.  “Accordingly, we have recalibrated our qualifications and examination requirements to address this change.”

As APPA makes the CEFP certification more accessible, the EFP certificate will be phased out effective April 1, 2019. The EFP certificate was designed as an entry-level certificate.  APPA’s research has shown that most of those working toward a credential were earning the CEFP. “Earning the EFP should have been considered a first step.  Now, we hope those EFP certificate holders will take the next step to full certification,” says Morris.  To help them achieve this milestone, APPA is offering EFP certificate holders one year to participate in the online prep course and/or take the CEFP examination at no cost.  “We are offering this significant benefit as part of our commitment to their professional development.  An individual can certainly keep their EFP designation, but it will not carry the same value as the CEFP certification,” adds Morris.

In addition to the education, experience, and examination requirements, the CEFP certification requires professionals to earn 120 APPA units of continuing education every four years demonstrating acquisition of new and relevant knowledge. Earning the CEFP certification from APPA is one way facilities professionals can distinguish themselves in their career. Moreover, it carries significant benefits for the employer.

“When an employee demonstrates his or her competence and professionalism through the CEFP, an institution can expect that an APPA certificant will leverage that knowledge and expertise to transform their institution into an inviting and supportive learning environment and in turn, elevate the value and recognition of the facilities profession,” says Morris.

To find out more information about the CEFP credential and see how you can qualify, please visit us at https://credentialing.appa.org.