Online Building Maintenance Courses and Training Programs
Online training to become a building maintenance worker is typically available through programs in facility management. Courses in these programs explore topics like personnel, janitorial duties and building operations. Read on to find out how you can become a certified maintenance professional and complete training online.
What You Need to Know
Training programs in building maintenance can cover many topics, from equipment repair all the way to energy conservation. While you can learn many of the skills required for this career on the job, certification and continuing educations programs can help further develop your potential.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Programs</b></td><td>Certificate and continuing education programs are available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td>Building and plant maintenance, building energy conservation, facilities operation and maintenance, janitorial services, emergency preparedness planning, real estate planning and project management and managing building maintenance personnel</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td>Programs prepare you for to become a Certified Maintenance Technician, Certified Maintenance Professional, Certified Maintenance Manager and Certified Facility Manager</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatDoBuildingMaintenanceCoursesCover">What Do Building Maintenance Courses Cover?</h3><p>You could take a Web course in building and plant maintenance to study technical procedures for major equipment. You might also learn about the scheduled maintenance and proper operation of
</p><p>various systems found within a building.
</p><p>You can also take an online course in building energy conservation if you're interested in ways to reduce consumption.
</p><p>Additionally, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) offers a number of online training modules to members and the interested public (<i>www.ifma.org</i>). Web courses cover topics such as these:
</p><ul><li>Facilities operation and maintenance
</li><li>Janitorial services
</li><li>Emergency preparedness planning
</li><li>Real estate planning and project management
</li><li>Managing building maintenance personnel
</li><li>Elevators, plumbing systems and safety components
</li><li>Waste disposal and potable water systems
</li><li>Electrical distribution systems
</li><li>Energy-efficient landscaping and lighting
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatTrainingProgramsCanIFindOnline">What Training Programs Can I Find Online?</h3><p>If you're currently working as a building manager, you may wish to earn an online certificate in facility management. Certificate programs teach you how to improve building efficiency, manage a productive team through effective communication and enhance real estate property values. You could learn the basic principles of management, operation budget planning and improving safety. These programs prepare you for the IFMA certification exam. If you're already certified, certificate courses may satisfy continuing education requirements for IFMA certification maintenance.
</p><h3 id="section---DoINeedCertification">Do I Need Certification?</h3><p>You can obtain certification from the International Maintenance Institute (IMI) by meeting education and experience prerequisites and by taking written exams (<i>www.imionline.org</i>). The IMI confers three certifications for general industrial maintenance, including Certified Maintenance Technician (CMT), Certified Maintenance Professional (CMP) and Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM). The CMT certification is offered in three levels. As a CMP, you'll need to take continuing education classes in order to be eligible for recertification by the IMI.
</p><p>Additionally, the IFMA awards a certified facility manager credential. IFMA certification validates your knowledge and skills, demonstrated by passing a comprehensive, competency-based exam.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAboutLicensing">What About Licensing?</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), you may need a state license in order to perform some maintenance tasks, such as plumbing or electrical wiring (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The BLS suggests that while maintenance training often occurs on-the-job, continuing education and certification may lead to professional advancement in a number of industries.</p>