Editor’s Note:  This is another in a series of articles of informative topics specifically for facility management professionals.  This article, however, is one every chapter member should read and weigh.  The articles, entitled Vice President Practices, are prepared by Joyce Strait, vice president, Central Ohio IFMA Chapter.

This is a series of fun statements to test where you are on your FM career pyramid.

There are four choices per statement. Write down your choice. Once you have decided on your response there will be a scoring key for points assigned to that answer. Progression up and down the FM pyramid will be determined by these scores. Every time you score 20 points you go up one level.

Ready? Sound interesting? Let's see how you do?

8. A fellow professional has just achieved a CFM Certification. This FM has less experience than you do and has come to you in the past for advice on how to manage a facility.

A. You already are a CFM. You extend your congratulations and reconfirm the fact that you will continue to help when needed.
B. You've thought about attempting the CFM exam, and now you are sure it's time to take it.
C. You don't know that much about the CFM, but you will start to investigate.
D. CFM is only a pretty title. It's what you know that counts and a CFM credential is only a selfish attempt to get noticed.

If you answered A. Bonus Answer! You get 20 points. B. 10 points. You realize the importance of the CFM, not only for the honor, but also because of the complete overview of the facilities profession that is needed to attain it. C. 5 points. Anyone who is aware of development in the facility profession should be aware of what CFM means. D. -5 points. Self-delusion and disparagement of others' accomplishments is negative and defeating.

9. Your local chapter has just started up a CFM Study Group to aid professionals in preparation for the exam.

A. You are already part of this group and was an organizer
B. You can't be bothered. If you want to take extra time at lunch or after work, it will be for something you want to do like video games or TV.
C. You heard this was in the works and you are trying to carve out time in your schedule so you can attend.
D. You don't have time to attend but are studying on your own.

If you answered A. 10 points. Your leadership and priorities are already in place for success on the exam. B. -5 points. Your priorities are definitely not aimed at professional growth. If you're not careful, you might be reverted to minimum wage. C. 7.5 points. You understand the importance of interaction with other professionals and the need to get external input if you want to succeed. D. 5 points. Your intentions may be good, but you can't always be self-sustaining.