How IFMA Membership Can Help With Your Facilities Management Education

Introduction

Whether you’re already working in facilities management or you’re considering a career in the field, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). But you may still be wondering how an IFMA membership can help with your facilities management education. We’re here to explain what IFMA is, what the organization does and why it matters for your professional growth.

IFMA is the leading professional association for facility managers worldwide. It offers certifications, training and a global network of professionals who are shaping the future of the built environment.

When you pair an IFMA membership with a strong academic foundation – like the one you’ll get from UT San Antonio Online’s Facilities Management master’s and graduate certificate programs – you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.

UT San Antonio Online offers flexible, fully online programs designed for busy working adults like you. You’ll learn from expert faculty and gain industry-relevant skills, while preparing for IFMA’s credentials. When you join IFMA as a UT San Antonio Online student, you’ll receive a 10% discount on your IFMA membership AND on tuition.

Now let’s get into the details. We’ll walk you through what IFMA is, as well as the benefits of membership. We’ll also explore how combining the membership with one of our programs can help you excel in your facilities management career.

What Is IFMA and Why It Matters in Facilities Management

IFMA is the largest and most recognized professional association for facilities managers in the world. For 45 years, IFMA has worked hard to provide exceptional support, education and resources to facilities management professionals across the globe.

When you join IFMA, you’ll be part of an organization with 25,000+ members across more than 140 countries. Regardless of where you live or build your career, you’ll be connected to a global network of professionals who are shaping the future of facilities management.

Being involved as a student can help you connect to other IFMA members. In 2022, Shalita Myrick was the first graduate of UT San Antonio Online’s Master of Science in Facility Management program. She was also the Young Professionals Chair of the IFMA Academic Facilities Council Board. Now, she serves as VP of Administrative Services at Pacific Lutheran University. Her journey shows how education and professional recognition go hand-in-hand.

As a facilities manager, it’s important to stay current with best practices, technologies and certifications. That’s where IFMA and UT San Antonio Online both come in. You can stay  current with industry changes, emerging technologies and sustainability standards, all critical as you’re managing today’s complex facilities.

Benefits of IFMA Membership

Now that we know an IFMA membership is important, let’s look at some of the benefits you’ll get when you join.

Access to Exclusive Resources

As an IFMA member, you’ll gain access to key professional tools, including:

• Research reports
• Industry insights
• Online courses
• Certification prep materials
• And more

You’ll be able to stay competitive and informed with these resources, whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance.

Professional Connections

As we mentioned above, IFMA has more than 25,000 members. There are also chapters around the world, including IFMA San Antonio, IFMA Austin, IFMA Dallas/Fort Worth and IFMA Houston.

By connecting with other professionals in the industry, you can find mentors, job opportunities and lifelong friendships.

Support for Credentials

IFMA isn’t just a member organization, though. It sets industry standards, defines best practices and provides the certifications that employers will look for when you’re applying for jobs. A few of their certifications include:

• FMP (Facility Management Professional) – for those building foundational FM knowledge
• CFM (Certified Facility Manager) – for experienced professionals demonstrating mastery
• SFP (Sustainability Facility Professional) – for those focused on sustainable operations

When you have one or more credentials from IFMA, you’ll stand out in the competitive job market.

At UT San Antonio Online, our Facility Management programs are designed to prepare you for these certifications. We’ve worked hard to align our courses with IFMA’s core competencies. You won’t just learn theories, you’ll gain skills employers actually want.

Career Advancement Tools

While the average age of facilities management professionals is currently about 48 years old, over 40% of those are 55 and older. This means approximately 40% of the workforce will be retired in the next 10-15 years. You have a prime opportunity to join the ranks, learn from seasoned professionals and be part of the next generation.

IFMA and UT San Antonio Online are both set up to help you succeed. IFMA provides job boards and training programs, while UT San Antonio’s courses are taught by faculty who have worked in the facilities management space for decades.

Whether you’re looking to move up in your current organization or transition into a new role, these resources are designed to support your journey.

Credibility and Recognition

Being part of IFMA and earning certifications through the organization builds your credibility in the facilities management community. IFMA recently awarded its 20,000th FMP certification, showing it has set the standard for facilities management.

Here are a few additional ways IFMA is the leader of facilities management professionals:

• Accredited as an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Program Certificate Issuer (includes FMP and SFP)
• Accredited by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) for the CFM
• Credential programs have been approved by the Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act (FBPTA) for use by U.S. federal employees.
• Member of the International Ethics Standards Coalition.
• International Association for Continuing Education & Training (IACET) Authorized Provider

UT San Antonio Online is one of only 11 master’s programs worldwide, and one of only 6 in North America, recognized by IFMA.

Additionally, UT San Antonio Online was on Online Masters’ Colleges’ list of Best Online Master’s Programs in Texas for 2024. The fully online program was also listed at No. 85 in Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs according to the 2025 U.S. News and World Report.

As you can see, IFMA is the standard for facilities managers, and UT San Antonio is setting the standard in facility management education. Whether you’re in the field or interested in being in the industry, both organizations are here to help you succeed.

Tips for Maximizing Your IFMA Membership

Joining IFMA is important, and there are ways you can get the most out of your membership. We have a few tips for you.

Join a Local Chapter

There are more than 140 local IFMA chapters around the world, including five in Texas alone. Finding the closest chapter to you and engaging can expand your network. This may even lead to mentorships or region-specific training opportunities.

Use On-Demand Learning

Take advantage of IFMA’s webinars, virtual training sessions and more to continuously build your knowledge.

Attend Global Events

Participate in conferences like World Workplace, IFMA’s annual summit, to stay informed about emerging trends and strengthen your professional connections.

Explore IFMA’s Knowledge Library

IFMA has an expansive Knowledge Library, as well as blogs, podcasts and a YouTube channel. Use these resources to stay up-to-date with best practices and industry insights.

Pursue Further Education

Through partnerships with institutions like UT San Antonio Online, IFMA offers educational pathways that align with industry standards. Take advantage of these partnerships to deepen your expertise.

How IFMA Membership Enhances Your UT San Antonio Online Education

UT San Antonio Online offers 100% online Facility Management programs designed for busy working professionals, like you. You may be new to the field or have years of experience. Either way, we have options that fit your goals.

When you combine an IFMA membership with your UT San Antonio Online education, you get the best of both worlds:

• Academic learning from a respected university
• Professional resources from a global industry leader

And here’s a bonus: IFMA members receive a 10% tuition discount on UT San Antonio Online’s Facility Management programs. Plus, UT San Antonio Online students get 10% off IFMA membership fees.

How to Get Started With IFMA as a UT San Antonio Online Student

Here’s how to begin:

1. Apply to UT San Antonio Online – Choose the Facility Management program that fits your goals.
2. Become an IFMA Member – After you’re accepted as a UT San Antonio Online student, visit IFMA’s membership page and select the membership type that fits your career stage.
3. Let Us Know – Once you’re an IFMA member, notify your UT San Antonio Online advisor to receive your tuition discount.

We recommend joining IFMA early in your studies so you can start accessing resources, networking events and certification prep opportunities immediately.

We also suggest you consider joining a local chapter or virtual student community to start building professional relationships before you graduate.

Boost Your Facilities Management Education with IFMA Membership

IFMA is the top professional association for facility managers. It offers certifications, resources, and a strong global network.

UT San Antonio Online prepares you for those credentials through quality teaching and flexible, 100% online programs.

Together, the two organizations give you access to tools, discounts and connections that will support your career growth for years to come. You’ll gain knowledge, credibility and a community that helps you succeed in facilities management.

Don’t wait to invest in your future. Explore UT San Antonio Online’s programs and join IFMA today. Start strengthening your future in facilities management today.