2023 Web Banner FAQ

Certificate and Designation Programs

 

How will earning a BOMI certificate or designation benefit me?

 

From reducing operating expenses to increasing overall efficiency, our programs are proven to provide the in-depth knowledge you need to perform your everyday job more effectively, add value to your organization's bottom line, and achieve professional goals. Learn more.

How do I get started with a program? 

 

There are a few ways to enroll in one of BOMI International's certificate and designation programs. Learn more.

How long will it take me to complete a program? 

 

The duration of a program depends on how often you take a course and the course delivery option chosen. You have seven years from initial enrollment date to complete your designation and three years from initial enrollment date to complete your certificate.

How much does a certificate or designation program cost? 

 

The cost of a program varies depending on the course delivery options that the student chooses. Our fee schedule breaks down these costs. Learn more.

Please note BOMI courses are offered throughout the country through partnerships with local Building Owners and Managers Associations (BOMA Locals). BOMA Locals that sponsor BOMI International courses set their own prices, so if you register for a BOMA Local course, prices may vary.

Can I apply college credits or work experience toward a program? 

 

Students enrolled in the Real Property Administrator (RPA®), Facilities Management Administrator (FMA®), or Systems Maintenance Administrator (SMA®) Designation programs are eligible to apply for competency and transfer credits. Note that credits for courses awarded through a competency option do not qualify for most certificate programs. Learn more.

Can I earn a certificate once I complete my designation? 

 

No, if the certificate is in your designation learning path you may not apply for a certificate after designation completion. For example, you've completed your Real Property Administrator (RPA®), but would now like to pursue your Property Administrator Certificate (PAC).

Yes, if the certificate isn't in your designation learning path. For example, you've completed your Real Property Administrator (RPA®), but would now like to pursue your Facilities Management Certificate (FMC).

Once I earn my certificate or designation, do I have to maintain it? 

 

Once you earn the Real Property Administrator (RPA®), Facilities Management Administrator (FMA®), or Systems Maintenance Administrator (SMA®) Designation, you must maintain active status of the designation by earning 18 points of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit every three years. You will receive a complete CPD information package after you complete your designation program. CPD is not required for the Systems Maintenance Technician (SMT®) Designation, High-Performance Sustainable Buildings (BOMI-HP®) Designation, or for BOMI International certificates. Learn more.

Courses

 

Registering for a Course

 

How do I register for a course? 

 

There are several ways to register for a BOMI International course. Learn more

How long is a course open for registration? 

 
  • Collaborative Virtual Learning (CVL) registration closes on the last business day before the start of the class.
  • Accelerated Review registration closes ten (10) business days prior to the course start date so you have time to receive and review your course material. A $100 late fee will be applied to registrations received thereafter. Additional shipping fees may apply.
  • Online Self-Paced (OSP) registration is continuously open year-round.
 

Which course should I take first? 

 

Courses may be taken in the order you prefer. To start, we suggest you choose a course that complements your immediate responsibilities. You may take multiple courses at a time. However, we do not suggest taking more than two courses at once, especially if you are working full time.

How does online access work for virtual courses? 

 

Once registered, you will receive an e-mail with your credentials to login to BOMI's Learning Portal. You will have access to online content for six (6) months from the start date of the course. If you do not successfully complete the exam within this initial six-month window, you can pay the exam administration fee (see our Price Sheet) to extend your exam eligibility period.

What is the nature of the Online Self-Paced delivery method? 

 

An independent learning experience enhancing the former Self-Study delivery method by allowing students the freedom to use BOMI's eLearning resources, including micro-learning lessons, digital chapter review quizzes and a digital Practice Exam, to strengthen their grasp of key concepts.

How does online access work for Online Self-Paced courses? 

 

Once registered, you will receive an e-mail with your credentials to login to BOMI's Learning Portal. You will have access to online content and the digital coursebook for six (6) months from the course registration date.

Refer to "eBook Access and Features" guide in BOMI's Learning Portal on how to access your digital coursebook.


Are Online Self-Paced courses still available in the traditional Self-Study delivery method?


No. Our programs are no longer available in the Self-Study delivery method. OSP is an enhanced version of our former Self-Study method, allowing students access to BOMI's Learning Portal.

Can I apply BOMI courses toward other continuing education credit? 

 

Yes. Many courses have been approved toward maintaining your LEED, CFM, CPM, CCIM, and many other industry credentials.

Preparing for Your Course

 

I just registered for a BOMI course. Now what? 

 

If you are a new student, you will be sent an introductory e-mail and your exam eligibility information two (2) days after you register for a course.

If you are a returning student, you will be e-mailed your exam eligibility information two (2) days after you register for a course.

Once you have access to your coursebook, review its content to familiarize yourself with the layout and resources available for you to be successful in mastering the content. For accelerated review and semester-length classroom delivery options, it is suggested that you complete the Key Concept Study Guide questions and practice exam prior to the first day of the course so you can gauge your knowledge and focus more on areas you may find challenging.

 Other tips that can support a positive learning experience include:

  • Reviewing the student information at the front of the book and reading each chapter's Introduction.
  • Reviewing the learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter.
 

How early should I begin preparing for the course? 

 

To ensure success while participating in the course, it will be important to take advantage of some pre-course preparation strategies:

  • If you are taking the course in a traditional classroom, be sure to arrive ½ hour to 45 minutes early so you are able to locate parking and the classroom, meet your instructor, and get settled with your materials.
  • Prior to beginning the course, be sure to review your coursebook in its entirety to understand the content sequencing and resources to assist you in mastering the topic areas. There are many tools available for your success.

 

I have lost my exam eligibility e-mail. Whom do I contact to receive another? 

 

Contact service@bomi.org or call BOMI at 1.800.235.BOMI (2664) to speak to an Education Coordinator.

Your Learning Experience

 

Should my instructor contact me before I start the course? 

 

In most instances, BOMI instructors personally reach out to students prior to the beginning of the course, but some wait until the first day of class to review details.

Am I able to contact my instructor prior to the course starting? 

 

Once your instructor has reached out to you with an introductory e-mail for classroom courses, you will be able to communicate with him or her. For online courses, the initial course e-mail enables you to do this from the beginning.

Can I call the instructor any time I get stuck? Are there open office hours? 

 

Instructors typically review these housekeeping items on the first day of class, regardless of how the program is being delivered. They will let you know parameters for how quickly to expect a response to your questions.

Is there online support to answer Online Self-Paced course-related questions? 

 

Because the courses are self-paced, there isn't instructor support to answer learner questions. OSP courses are designed so that there shouldn't be a need for support outside of materials made available through the coursebook and resources in the online course environment.

What learning format will I be using? 

 

For all online Virtual Learning delivery options, you will learn using your coursebook and additional Learning Portal resources, which include online interactive modules, video presentations, key concept reviews, practice assessments, and 24/7 access to these resources.

For Accelerated Review and Semester-Length Classroom delivery options, you will be learning in an interactive, in-person environment with your instructor and peers in the industry. This is a way for you to network with your instructor and peers to discuss real-life challenges related to the course topic areas.

Am I required to spend a certain amount of time on the Learning Portal for the online class? 

 

You are not required to spend a certain number of hours on the BOMI Learning Portal, but it is recommended that you take advantage of the lesson plans and course syllabus to ensure that you are maximizing your time and using all the tools to enhance your knowledge and skills.

Class commitments are 24-30 hours depending on which course you have elected to take.

How many hours a week does BOMI feel I should be working on this online class-outside of the Learning Portal? 

 

It is recommended that you spend an additional 50 hours, over the entire course, reviewing materials outside of the structured learning events to ensure you are successful in mastering the content, especially if you plan to take a final exam.

How long does it take to complete a course? 

 

Courses range from 24-30 hours, except for Ethics Is Good Business® ShortCourse™ which is six (6) hours. The actual time it takes to complete a course depends on the delivery option chosen:

  • Online self-paced courses are to be completed within a six-month timeframe.
  • Collaborative Virtual Learning and Live Virtual Learning courses consist of two 4-hour live virtual sessions per week, for 4-6 weeks.   
  • Accelerated Review courses generally run four days.
  • Semester-Length and Corporate Onsite Instruction (group education) vary depending upon the course.
 

Who teaches BOMI's courses?
 

 

BOMI instructors are accomplished leaders in the property and facility management industries. All instructors go through an extensive review process to ensure they have a high level of technical competence in the subject matter to be taught.

Course Materials and Resources

 

Is the coursebook included for an Online Self-Paced course? 

 

Yes. When registered, you can access a digital coursebook via a link to the VitalSource Bookshelf through BOMI's Learning Portal.

Please note: OSP tuition includes a digital coursebook, which is accessible for six months from the registration date. Students have the option to purchase a printed coursebook for an additional $50 fee.

When will I receive my coursebook? 

 

All courses include access to a digital coursebook. If you are new to BOMI's learning portal, you will receive your login credentials within two business days of registration for your digital course and coursebook. If you have taken a course in the learning portal previously, your login credentials remain the same.

Print coursebooks are available for an additional fee and will arrive 7-10 days after processing. 

Do I really need to follow along with a coursebook? Can't I complete the course by just using the Learning Portal?

   

The coursebook is the foundation of all BOMI learning experiences. The Learning Portal materials are aligned with and support the coursebook, but do not cover all items that will be relevant to the final exam. The Learning Portal does offer valuable resources to enhance the learning experience through videos, discussions, and online quizzes to support success on the final exam.

When will I receive my syllabus and course schedule? 

 

Once you are registered for an online course and can access the Learning Portal during orientation week, your syllabus and course schedule will be available there. For accelerated review or semester-length classes, a high-level overview is often provided by instructors in advance of the first session.

 

Do I need to have a tablet or computer?

 

Depending on your method of study, one or both may be required. A computer is required to complete the course level final exam.

 

Yes. This calculator is the only one that is compatible to the formulas presented in the course and is also used industry wide.

May I purchase a coursebook without taking the course? 

 

You may only purchase books for courses you have registered for. If you have completed a BOMI International course, you may purchase an updated book (if available) for that course at a discounted price.

Pricing and Fees

 

How much does a course cost? 

 

For a list of all course fees, view our Price Sheet.

I need to drop out of a course, what do I do? Can I transfer to a different section? 

 

It is best to contact BOMI at 1.800.235.BOMI (2664) or e-mail service@bomi.org because situations tend to vary and there are typically fees associated to transfer/cancel.

If you have questions, please call 1.800.235.BOMI (2664) Monday-Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM ET to speak with a member of BOMI's Education Coordinator Team, or e-mail your question to service@bomi.org.