Georgetown University Study shows that men who complete a certificate program in their field of employment earn roughly 10% more than those who do not. NAHLE is offering a limited time only 'Back To School' special. Use the Coupon Code: Summer25 for a discount of $100 off the list price.

Certified Director of Facility Maintenance (CDFM) Program

Our new CDFM program has been developed with the input of industry professionals, lodging-facility management companies, and ownership groups  Real Estate Investment Trusts (R.E.I.T.s) to create a focused curriculum for facilities serving our nation’s growing senior population.

This training is tailored for directors of maintenance in senior citizen housing communities, residential-care facilities, including assisted-living centers, and nursing homes.

For more on the value of certification programs, see Georgetown University’s study (click here).

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Program Description

The Certified Director of Facility Maintenance (CDFM) program is a self-paced professional development course designed for engineers and maintenance professionals in residential-care facilities. It is developed by the National Association of Hotel & Lodging Engineers (NAHLE) in collaboration with vendors, CDC, standards organizations, and industry experts.

Originally developed with partners such as the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI), Apple REIT, and Grainger, the program has been expanded to meet the needs of senior-care lodging operations.

CDFM Curriculum

Section 1: Management

  • Introduction To Hotels
  • Prioritize Tasks & Time Management
  • Project Management
  • Environmental Health & Safety
  • Emergency Response Planning
  • Preventive Maintenance

Section 2: Building Systems

  • Plumbing Systems
  • Electrical Systems
  • Lighting Systems
  • HVAC & Refrigeration
  • Fire and Life Safety Systems – Mag-Card Locks
  • Packaged Terminal AC (PTAC) Units
  • Vertical Transport Systems
  • Test Section 2

Section 3: Building Envelope & Grounds

  • Low-Rise Wood Construction
  • Through-Wall Penetrations
  • Swimming Pools and Spas – Saline / Dehumidification
  • Integrated Pest Management
  • Outdoor Parking Facilities
  • Mold & Mildew
  • Webinar Videos with Orkin and CDC/ASHRAE
  • Appendix: Legionella Risk Mitigation
  • Test Section 3

Want to Learn More?
Please contact:
Robert Elliott
National Association of Hotel & Lodging Engineers
Phone: 703-922-7105

© 2025 National Association of Hotel & Lodging Engineers (NAHLE) — All Rights Reserved.

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