Facility management has given me a lot. It’s a profession that has shaped my career, connected me to incredible people and given me a sense of purpose that I never take for granted. Because of that, I care deeply about how we present this work to the world. I want people to understand that FM is not a commodity, but rather a discipline built on skill, pride and a commitment to taking care of people; certification plays a major role in that, giving our people the credentials necessary to excel in this industry

Certification creates trust, strengthens our profession and gives our people an opportunity to advance their careers while also providing exceptional service to our clients.

Certifications Show That FM Is More Than a Commodity

In a competitive market for facility services, it’s easy for clients to assume the work is interchangeable. A bid may come in lower, and along with it a temptation to believe the service delivery will be at the same level of quality. But the truth is that the work we deliver is not interchangeable. The quality of FM depends on the professionalism and preparation of those doing the work.

Certifications communicate to a client that we’ve invested in our people and trained them to industry standards. They know what they’re doing, and we’re proud to stand behind them. When everything else looks similar on paper, certifications help clarify the difference between a straightforward commodity versus service delivery rooted in expertise.

I’ve seen firsthand how this changes conversations during the sales process. When a client says, “Help me understand what I risk if I cut the budget by 5%,” that’s a moment where certifications make the stakes clearer. It allows us to talk about broader outcomes, not just line items.

Strengthening a Hospitality Mindset

One of the most exciting shifts in FM is the growing alignment between technical services and hospitality. It’s something we talk about a lot because it resonates so strongly with clients. When our technicians, engineers or cleaners show up with both technical skill and a service mindset, it elevates the entire experience of being in a building.

Certifications support that approach. They demonstrate that our people are qualified, prepared and proud of their craft. Whether someone is maintaining a chiller or troubleshooting a system, a certified professional communicates confidence and care. Clients notice that difference immediately, and pairing strong technical skills with a hospitality lens is something many FM providers still struggle to do well. It’s an area where we can distinguish ourselves in a meaningful way.

Certifications Create a Path for Pride and Growth

The FM profession has opened so many doors for me and I want others to feel that same sense of possibility. Certifications are one of the clearest ways we can show employees that they’re valued and their future matters.

When someone earns a credential — whether it’s in HVAC, electrical work, safety, compliance or broader FM leadership — it shifts how they view themselves. It builds confidence and identity, and it sends a message that this work is worth taking seriously. Supporting employees through certification is also one of the most reliable ways to improve retention. People stay when they feel like the organization is investing in them and where they feel like they’re part of something bigger. FM can offer that, but only if we treat it like the profession it is. For the profession to maintain its relevancy, those working in the industry should feel as knowledgeable and capable as possible to do their best work.

Procurement-Driven Environments

Many FM deals start through procurement, where the process is designed to evaluate options side by side. Certifications help make our value tangible in those moments, giving us a story grounded in standards, not just anecdotes or promises.

When we can state clearly, “Our people are certified, trained and supported at every level,” we give procurement teams a reason to think beyond cost alone. It also prepares us for the follow-up conversations that really matter — the ones where a client asks what certain trade-offs will mean for service, safety or reliability.

Those are powerful conversations, but they only happen when the client sees us as experts, not just vendors. Certifications help set that expectation.

Certifications Reinforce Who We Are

At ISS, our identity is built on care. It shows up in how we serve clients, how we treat people and how we maintain assets. You can’t peel that identity away just to deliver a cheaper solution because it’s part of who we are culturally.

Certifications reinforce that identity because they formalize the standards we expect across every account. They help ensure that whether we’re working in life sciences, corporate environments or food services, the quality of our work reflects our culture.

This is also why I get so energized working with our sales teams. When we package solutions for clients, I want them to see not only what we can do but who we are. Certifications help tell that story in a credible, concrete way.

FM is evolving quickly. Buildings are more complex, expectations are higher and clients want partners they can trust. Certifications help us meet that moment. They strengthen credibility, support  people and elevate the entire profession.

I believe in this work. I believe in the people who do it. And I believe that when we commit to certification, we strengthen the future of FM for everyone involved.