Whether you are just getting started as a Facilities Manager or looking to move up in your career, the right facilities management courses can give you the knowledge and confidence you need to excel in your role and move up the career ladder. 

Training helps you stay ahead of industry trends, improve efficiency and ensure compliance with regulations.

This guide covers the best FM training course options, qualifications and certifications. It also looks at costs and how long different courses take.

In this article:

Let’s dive in…

What Training Should a Facilities Manager Have?

A facilities manager needs a mix of technical knowledge, leadership skills and industry experience. They must understand how to maintain buildings, manage budgets and ensure health and safety compliance. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities are also essential, as facilities managers work with teams, contractors and senior stakeholders. 

Some enter the profession through hands-on work, learning on the job and gaining experience over time. Others take formal facilities management courses to fast-track their knowledge, build confidence and gain recognised qualifications. 

A structured approach to training can help facilities managers develop a well-rounded skillset and stay competitive in the industry.

Key areas of training include:

  • Health & Safety Compliance

    Keeping a workplace safe is one of the most important responsibilities of a facilities manager. It involves understanding and enforcing health and safety laws, ensuring fire safety, conducting risk assessments and preparing for emergencies. A strong grasp of these areas helps prevent accidents, protect employees and maintain legal compliance.

    To stay on top of safety regulations, facilities managers should complete training in COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), First Aid at Work, and Fire Safety Risk Assessments. Additional courses on manual handling, PPE regulations and workplace ergonomics can further improve safety standards. Having the right knowledge means you can respond quickly to hazards, minimise risks and create a safer environment for everyone.

  • Building Maintenance & Sustainability

    Managing buildings efficiently is key to reducing costs, improving sustainability, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws. 

    Facilities managers need to stay on top of energy efficiency, waste management and building maintenance best practices to keep operations running smoothly. Understanding HVAC systems, plumbing and electrical maintenance is also essential for preventing costly repairs and breakdowns.

    Sustainability is now a major focus in facilities management. Managers should be aware of renewable energy solutions, carbon footprint reduction and eco-friendly building materials. Knowledge of asset lifecycle management is also important, helping organisations plan repairs and replacements in a cost-effective and sustainable way. Regular maintenance not only keeps a building safe and efficient but also extends the life of its assets, saving money in the long run.

  • Project & Risk Management

    Facilities managers are constantly juggling multiple projects, whether it’s a major office refurbishment, a relocation or an urgent repair. Managing these projects efficiently means keeping costs under control, sticking to schedules and ensuring contractors deliver high-quality work. Without the right approach, things can quickly spiral out of control, leading to delays, overspending and frustrated stakeholders.

    Training in project management methods like PRINCE2 or Agile can help facilities managers stay organised, set clear objectives and handle unexpected challenges. These frameworks provide tools for planning, tracking progress and making adjustments when needed.

    Alongside project management, risk management training is just as important. A good facilities manager can spot potential issues before they become serious problems. Courses in risk assessment and crisis management help professionals anticipate disruptions, whether it’s a safety hazard, supply chain delay or budget overrun. Knowing how to assess and respond to risks means fewer surprises and smoother operations.

  • Budgeting & Financial Management

    Facilities managers should know how to create budgets, track expenses, and forecast future costs. Understanding cost-saving strategies, supplier negotiations and contract management can make a huge difference in keeping operations cost-effective.

    Training in procurement, financial reporting and cost control can help develop a structured approach to managing budgets. With the right financial knowledge, they can ensure their organisation runs smoothly while keeping costs in check.

  • Leadership & Team Management

    Facilities managers juggle a mix of in-house staff and external contractors, so strong leadership is a must. Good communication helps keep everyone on the same page, while solid stakeholder management ensures projects run smoothly. Let’s don’t forget about conflict resolution skills. You’ll need to handle disagreements, keep teams motivated and make sure work gets done without delays.

Useful Course Topics for Facility Managers

Several training providers offer facility manager courses covering essential topics. 

XenZone’s online facility manager courses can provide valuable skills for daily operations and can be tailored to facility managers, covering subjects such as:

  • Fire Safety & Compliance

  • Energy Management & Sustainability

  • Workplace Security & Emergency Preparedness

  • Leadership & Stakeholder Communication

  • Space Planning & Office Design

  • Health & Safety in Facilities Management

  • Risk Assessment & Crisis Management

  • Property Management & Lease Agreements

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Which Certification Course is Best for Facilities Management?

The best certification for facilities management depends on your career goals and the level of recognition you seek.

IWFM Qualifications

The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) is the leading body for facility management professionals in the UK. Their qualifications range from entry-level to advanced certifications and are widely recognised in the industry. 

You can study for an IWFM qualification here at Xenon Group.

Level 3
A Starting Point for Facilities Managers

Study for your IWFM diploma at home

If you’re new to facilities management or looking to step up from an entry-level role, a Level 3 qualification is a great place to start. It’s designed for those who want to build a strong foundation in the key skills needed to manage buildings, services and teams effectively.

At this level, you’ll learn the basics of facilities management, including health and safety, building maintenance, budgeting and supplier management. You’ll also gain an understanding of how to keep workplaces running smoothly, ensuring compliance with regulations and making cost-effective decisions.

A Level 3 qualification is ideal if you’re working as a facilities assistant, coordinator or supervisor and want to move into a management role. It’s also a great way to show employers that you’re serious about your career and willing to invest in your skills.

Most Level 3 courses are flexible, allowing you to study part-time while working. You can complete them through online learning or in-person training, depending on what suits you best. Once qualified, you’ll have a recognised certification that can help open doors to higher-level roles and further study.

Level 4
Ideal for Supervisors or Junior Managers

Study for your IWFM diploma at home

A Level 4 qualification is a great choice for supervisors or junior managers who want to develop their skills and take on more responsibility.

At this level, you’ll move beyond the basics and learn about strategic facilities management, covering areas like contract management, sustainability, risk assessment and project planning. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of budgeting, procurement, and compliance, helping you make informed decisions that keep buildings running efficiently.

A Level 4 course is perfect if you’re looking to progress into a management role, such as a facilities manager or building services manager. It’s also a great option if you already manage a team and want to improve your leadership skills, stakeholder communication and problem-solving abilities.

Courses at this level come with options to study online or in-person. Many learners complete their Level 4 qualification while working full-time, making it a practical way to boost your career without stepping away from your job. Once qualified, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to handle larger facilities, manage teams more effectively and advance to higher-level roles.

Level 5
For Experienced Facilities Managers Ready for Senior Roles

Online facilities management training elearning on mobile

If you’ve been working in facilities management for a while and are looking to move into a senior role, a Level 5 qualification is a solid next step. This level is designed for experienced professionals who want to develop high-level strategic and leadership skills.

At Level 5, the focus shifts to managing large-scale operations and leading complex projects. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of strategic planning, financial management, contract negotiation, and risk mitigation. This level also covers sustainability and compliance, helping you ensure that facilities meet legal and environmental standards while remaining cost-effective.

This qualification is ideal if you’re looking to progress into roles like Senior Facilities Manager, Head of Facilities, or Estates Manager. It’s also beneficial if you already manage teams and want to sharpen your leadership, decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Level 5 courses are typically studied part-time and can be completed online or in-person, depending on your preference. Many professionals choose to study alongside their current job, applying what they learn directly to their workplace. Once qualified, you’ll have the expertise to lead at a higher level, manage multiple sites and take on more strategic responsibilities.

Level 6
For Strategic-Level Facilities Management Professionals

Study for your IWFM diploma at home

Are you aiming for a top-level leadership role in facilities management?  A Level 6 qualification will give you the advanced skills and knowledge you need. Designed for professionals who already have significant experience and want to move into strategic decision-making roles.

You’ll focus on high-level facilities management strategy, covering areas such as organisational leadership, financial planning, risk management, sustainability and corporate governance. You’ll also gain expertise in contract law, asset management and business continuity planning, all of which are critical when managing large estates.

A Level 6 qualification is ideal for those looking to become a Facilities Director, Head of Estates or Operations Director. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your ability to lead at a senior level, ensuring that facilities align with business goals and operate efficiently.

These courses are often studied online or through blended learning, so you can fit them around your work commitments. Many learners complete them while working full-time, using their studies to enhance their day-to-day decision-making.

With a Level 6 qualification, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to shape long-term facilities strategies, manage large teams and influence business-wide decisions.

Many employers prefer to receive CVs from IWFM-qualified candidates, as these certifications cover key competencies and demonstrate industry knowledge.

 

MSc in Facilities Management

For those looking to reach the highest academic qualification, universities such as the University of Greenwich offer an MSc in Facilities Management. 

This course is suitable for professionals aiming for executive or consultancy roles within the industry.

The duration….

How Long is a Facilities Management Course?

The duration of facility manager courses varies depending on the qualification level:

  • Short Online Courses – XenZone offers bite-sized training that can be completed in a lunch break.
  • IWFM Level 3 Qualification – Typically takes 6–12 months.
  • IWFM Level 4 Qualification – Usually 12–18 months.
  • IWFM Level 5 Qualification – Can take 18–24 months.
  • IWFM Level 6 Qualification – Generally 24+ months.
  • MSc in Facilities Management – Usually a 1-year full-time or 2-year part-time course.

Each IWFM qualification can be achieved as an Award, Certificate, or Diploma, depending on the depth of study.

  1. Awards cover essential skills
  2. Certificates provide broader knowledge
  3. Diplomas offer comprehensive learning for higher-level roles.

You can try XenZone out for free today!

Get instant access to a free trial by completing the form below.

By submitting this form, you're agreeing to let us contact you about facilities management qualifications, courses and learning events. We won't contact you for any other reason, we won't pass your data onto anyone else (ever!) and you can stop receiving communications at any time.
For more information, please see our privacy policy

How Much Do Facility Manager Courses Cost?

The cost of facilities management training varies widely based on the course type and provider:

  • XenZone Subscription – £40 per month for access to a wide range of courses.
  • IWFM Courses – Start from £800 for Level 3 and can go up to £7,000 for Level 6, depending on study method and provider.
  • MSc in Facilities Management – Fees vary but typically start from £8,000+.

It’s worth noting that many employers offer funding or reimburse training costs for employees pursuing professional qualifications. So be sure to ask your employer (and couple that request with a strong business case).

Free Facility Manager Courses

If you’re looking for free facility manager courses, there are several options:

  • FutureLearn – Offers free introductory FM courses.
  • Open University – Provides free learning resources related to management and operations.
  • Coursera & Udemy – Occasionally offer free FM-related courses.

While free courses are useful for foundational knowledge, they typically do not offer recognised certifications.

 

Investing in facilities management courses is key to advancing your career. 

From online FM courses on platforms like XenZone to formal qualifications from a University or the IWFM, there’s a learning path for everyone.

By gaining professional certifications, expanding your knowledge in key areas and exploring advanced qualifications like an MSc, you can set yourself apart in this growing industry. So start exploring course options today and take the next step in your facilities management career!

About the author
Chris at Xenon

Chris Morris – Marketing Director