Free IFMA CFM Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 2

The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle is a well-established strategic life-cycle model used for continuous improvement and operational strategy development. IFMA’s Leadership and Strategy competency incorporates this methodology in facility planning​.

Option D (PDCA) is correct because it ensures iterative improvement in strategy execution.

Option A (Understand, analyze, plan, act) is a general problem-solving approach but not a standard strategy model.

Option B (Initiate, plan, execute, close) is the project management lifecycle, not a strategic model.

Option C (Introduction, growth, maturity, decline) describes the business product lifecycle, not a strategy lifecycle.

PDCA is widely used in facilities management, quality control, and performance improvement​.

A SWOT analysis (A) is the first step in aligning facility management with organizational strategy.

It identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, ensuring that the facility strategy aligns with business needs.

Defining success (B) comes after evaluating strategic positions.

Vendor-client profiles (C) relate to procurement, not strategic alignment.

Data compilation (D) is important but is used to support strategy, not initiate alignment.

Minimizing intrusion while maintaining security (B) is the best approach for a densely populated area to balance facility needs and community well-being.

Considerations for urban landscaping projects:

Avoid excessive noise/light pollution

Maintain adequate security and emergency alert capabilities

Why not other options?

(A) Providing energy back to the grid is beneficial but not a primary landscaping concern.

(C) Excessive lights/sirens disturb residents and are unnecessary.

(D) Security patrols are important but should not interfere with community dynamics.

For a technology-focused office retrofit, the design must enhance collaboration, connectivity, and security. The correct answer includes:

Open, colorful meeting spaces to foster creativity and teamwork.

Redundant internet connectivity to ensure reliability for high-performance computing.

Increased security measures to protect intellectual property.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(A) Minimal traffic flow and density considerations do not prioritize tech work needs.

(B) Private offices with minimal windows restrict collaboration and natural lighting.

(D) Public transportation is valuable, but minimal decor and high density are not key priorities for a software workspace​.

Root cause analysis (RCA) (Option C) is NOT a standard evaluation method for new equipment investments.

Why Option C is Correct?

RCA is used to identify failures, defects, or inefficiencies in existing systems, rather than to evaluate new investments.

Equipment investment evaluations focus on financial and economic assessments, such as Net Present Value (NPV) and Net Benefit Analysis (NBA).

IFMA’s Finance & Business competency states that FM professionals must use financial metrics like NPV and NBA when making capital investment decisions.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

Option A (NPV analysis): Net Present Value (NPV) is a key financial metric to determine the long-term return on investment (ROI) for new equipment.

Option B (Net Benefit analysis): This method assesses total benefits vs. total costs of acquiring new equipment.

In owner-contractor agreements, contract documents outline the legal and technical expectations of a project. The correct answer is:

Specifications detail the materials, workmanship, and performance criteria required for the project.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(A) Bidding requirements apply before contract execution and are not part of the agreement itself.

(B) Notice to bidders is used in procurement but is not included in the formal contract.

(D) Shop drawings provide detailed fabrication and installation instructions but are submitted after contract award​.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are essential for measuring the success of outsourced facility management services. The IFMA Finance and Business competency emphasizes performance-based contracts and measurable service levels​.

Option C (KPIs) is correct because quantifiable metrics ensure objective performance evaluation.

Option A (Checklist in Scope of Work) provides clarity but does not measure ongoing performance.

Option B (Describing Expected Performance) is important but lacks measurable targets.

Option D (Researching Best Practices) informs strategy but does not provide direct evaluation mechanisms.

KPIs enhance accountability, ensure service quality, and align contractor performance with business goals​.

A low incident rate typically indicates a strong safety program (Option C).

Why Option C is Correct?

Contractors with well-implemented safety programs minimize workplace accidents.

IFMA’s Risk Management Core Competency stresses the importance of evaluating vendor safety records.

When awarding a contract, the key evaluation criteria should include:

Capability and capacity – The contractor must have the expertise, workforce, and financial strength to complete the project.

Required insurance and bonds – Ensures financial protection against liabilities and project risks.

Qualified, licensed, and trained staff – Guarantees compliance with industry regulations and project quality standards.

This aligns with best practices in procurement and risk management for facility operations​.

A strategic facility management plan should align with the organization’s business plan (Option A) to ensure that facility operations support overall business goals.

Why Option A is Correct?

Facility Management (FM) must be integrated with the organization’s objectives to enhance efficiency, productivity, and financial sustainability.

IFMA’s Leadership & Strategy Core Competency emphasizes that strategic facility planning must be in alignment with the organization’s future needs and direction.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

Option B (Reducing FM costs): Cost reduction is a factor, but not the main driver of strategic planning.

Option C (Obtaining a larger budget): A budget increase may help, but a strategic plan must first justify business alignment before funding is considered.