If you need help studying for the CHFM exam or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free CHFM practice test!
CHFM Eligibility
Before you can register to take the CHFM exam, you’ll have to meet ONE of the requirements below:
- You need a bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of associated engineering experience
- You need an associate degree and at least 5 years of associated engineering experience
- You need a high school diploma (or an equivalent) and at least 7 years of associated engineering experience
If you meet one of these requirements, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the CHFM Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the exam. There are 110 multiple-choice questions total, but only 100 of the questions will count toward your score. Why is that?
The 10 unscored questions on the CHFM exam are called “pretest” questions. These are added to the exam to determine if they’re good enough questions to add to future versions of the test.
The trick is that you won’t have any way of knowing which questions are scored and which ones are pretest. They will appear just like the scored questions throughout the test.
The time limit for the exam is 2 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed.
Each question falls under one of the following three cognitive levels:
- 🧠 Recall: The recall questions test your ability to recall/recognize information.
- 🛠️ Application: The application questions test your ability to apply knowledge to given situations.
- 🔍 Analysis: The analysis questions test your ability to analyze and evaluate solutions.
Let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the CHFM exam.
1. Compliance
33 scored questions
- Ensuring compliance with:
- Building Codes
- ADA
- EPA
- Accrediting organizations
- NFPA
- OSHA
- CDC
- CMS
- FGI
- Local authority having jurisdiction
- DOT
- FAA
- FEMA
- Assuring that code-required testing or inspection is completed and documented
- Ensuring healthcare facility permits, licenses, and certificates are maintained, recorded, and current
- Ensuring that all healthcare facility staff licenses and certificates are maintained, recorded, and current
- Evaluating space environmental conditions
- Identifying ligature risks
- Reviewing fire events by category
- Conducting fire safety and response training for staff
- Coordinating corrective action for compliance with fire safety codes
- Coordinating with the Fire Department for inspections, testing, and touring of healthcare facilities
- Ensuring code compliance through inspections of specific systems
- Developing and maintaining an SPCC program
- Managing primary and backup fuel storage systems
2. Healthcare Project Management
18 scored questions
- Developing a PCRA that includes ICRA and ILSM
- Developing conceptual/feasibility designs and budget estimates
- Determining the appropriate project/construction delivery method
- Negotiating contracts for professional services
- Reviewing design development, construction drawings, and specifications for construction and renovation projects
- Providing recommendations for the award of construction bids
- Assessing the use of energy-saving alternatives and options
- Developing project construction schedules
- Coordinating new project activities with architects and engineers, AHJ, general contractors and subcontractors, closeout and acceptance, and stakeholders
- Reviewing submittals and shop drawings for construction and/or renovation projects
- Managing the project planning processes
- Conducting construction project status reviews with the administration team
3. Maintenance and Operations
27 scored questions
- Reviewing service proposals
- Managing the utility management program
- Coordinating building system improvement projects
- Conducting benchmarking for energy utilization of buildings and healthcare facilities
- Reviewing energy utilization reports and system operating conditions
- Managing a maintenance management program for buildings, equipment, utilities, and grounds
- Managing building maintenance repair parts and supplies inventory
- Managing engineering information systems
- Possessing an understanding of the operation and maintenance of:
- HVAC and refrigeration systems and equipment
- Steam and hot water generation and distribution systems
- Medical gas and vacuum systems
- Electrical distribution systems
- Emergency power supply systems
- Fire alarm, fire suppression, and life safety protection systems
- Domestic and process water and sanitary systems
- Safety and security systems
- Medical equipment
- Scheduling predictive and reactive work to various trade personnel and outside contractors
- Developing preventive maintenance strategies and programs for buildings and equipment
- Understanding the operations and maintenance of off-site healthcare facilities
- Managing elevator systems
4. Finance Management
10 scored questions
- Managing budgets for capital, utilities, operations, and construction projects
- Evaluating bids for equipment and services
- Documenting energy conservation results
5. Administration
12 scored questions
- Reviewing and revising existing policies and procedures
- Developing a long-range capital improvement plan
- Evaluating and justifying needs and purchases
- Evaluating capital equipment and system improvements
- Managing labor distribution for projects and operations
- Managing actual expenditures to ensure that departmental operations fall within budget
- Developing and providing equipment and systems training programs for maintenance staff
- Coordinating department activities with other departments, outside agencies, and contractors
- Managing and overseeing operations of:
- Plant
- Maintenance
- Healthcare facilities engineering
- Building and grounds
- Construction
- Fire and life safety
- Environmental issues
- Planning
- Energy management
- Understanding operations of architecture/design, safety management, waste management, emergency management, and hazardous materials
- Managing various human resource functions to ensure effective operations
- Developing a departmental strategic management plan
- Promoting and fostering open and positive communications with staff
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam.
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application on AHA’s website. The application will ask you for your contact information and any documentation to prove your eligibility (among other things).
When you submit the application, you’ll also need to submit the testing fee, which is $425. If you’re an ASHE/AHA member, you will only have to pay $275.
CHFM Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Exam Scores
The test is scored using a the Angoff method. Here’s how it works:
The Angoff method involves a group of subject-matter experts taking an educated guess at the percentage of candidates who would correctly answer each question on the test. These estimates are then averaged to set a cut-off score, which test-takers must meet or exceed to pass.
This method aims to ensure the pass threshold reflects the level of knowledge or skill that is deemed minimally acceptable for a particular profession or field.
The passing score varies depending on which version of the exam you take.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the test after a 14-day waiting period.
Keep in mind that you will have to pay the full testing fee every time you retake the test.
FAQs
Can you use a calculator on the CHFM exam?
Yes, as long as it’s a silent, non-programmable calculator without an alpha keypad.
How many questions are on the CHFM exam?
The exam contains 110 questions.
How do you get CHFM certified?
To become CHFM certified, you need to meet the eligibility requirements and pass the CHFM exam. That’s all there is to it!
What is the time limit for the CHFM exam?
The exam is timed at 2 hours.
What is the passing score for the CHFM exam?
The passing score varies depending on which version of the exam you take.
How much does the CHFM exam cost?
The testing fee is $425 (ASHE/AHA members pay $275).