CAFM Candidate Network

That is definitely a good quote and very much the truth. I'd take it a little deeper though, study to pass the exam, then return and study to master understanding the materials. Passing the exams is important, but once you have the exam completed, take one last pass of the materials and really understand--it truly helps at work!

Second tip, take your time, but be diligent about completing the goal. You have 3 years, focus to get one exam done per quarter (or more if time allows). Schedule study time, schedule test time, and make sure your head is in the right space when you go test; testing tired, hungry, or when in a time crunch typically works against you.

Third and final tip, share what you study. I've found that you really get a grasp on a subject when you discuss the information presented and get other people's point of view. We all learn differently, we all pick up on different things being more important, and we all struggle, why not work together and share the strengths and be humble enough to admit your weaknesses.

CAFM isn't just a certification, it is a foundation to continue expanding knowledge and experience. It has a culture of support and camaraderie built through the shared difficulties each CAFM candidate went through. We all understand how difficult it can be, we also understand how great it feels when completed--and once completed we get the honor of continuing the culture of education, support, and camaraderie with our peers. 

If you've made it this far, awesome! You'll do great things and get your CAFM completed soon. Let's walk together at I&E '27. 

Good Morning Brenton,

Great post. Very inspiring. I have struggled greatly since I began studying in October. SO much to learn with the fear of not passing an exam. It's been many years since I've had to study and prepare for exams and it's been challenging. 

That is definitely a good quote and very much the truth. I'd take it a little deeper though, study to pass the exam, then return and study to master understanding the materials. Passing the exams is important, but once you have the exam completed, take one last pass of the materials and really understand--it truly helps at work!

Second tip, take your time, but be diligent about completing the goal. You have 3 years, focus to get one exam done per quarter (or more if time allows). Schedule study time, schedule test time, and make sure your head is in the right space when you go test; testing tired, hungry, or when in a time crunch typically works against you.

Third and final tip, share what you study. I've found that you really get a grasp on a subject when you discuss the information presented and get other people's point of view. We all learn differently, we all pick up on different things being more important, and we all struggle, why not work together and share the strengths and be humble enough to admit your weaknesses.

CAFM isn't just a certification, it is a foundation to continue expanding knowledge and experience. It has a culture of support and camaraderie built through the shared difficulties each CAFM candidate went through. We all understand how difficult it can be, we also understand how great it feels when completed--and once completed we get the honor of continuing the culture of education, support, and camaraderie with our peers. 

If you've made it this far, awesome! You'll do great things and get your CAFM completed soon. Let's walk together at I&E '27. 

That is definitely a good quote and very much the truth. I'd take it a little deeper though, study to pass the exam, then return and study to master understanding the materials. Passing the exams is important, but once you have the exam completed, take one last pass of the materials and really understand--it truly helps at work!

Second tip, take your time, but be diligent about completing the goal. You have 3 years, focus to get one exam done per quarter (or more if time allows). Schedule study time, schedule test time, and make sure your head is in the right space when you go test; testing tired, hungry, or when in a time crunch typically works against you.

Third and final tip, share what you study. I've found that you really get a grasp on a subject when you discuss the information presented and get other people's point of view. We all learn differently, we all pick up on different things being more important, and we all struggle, why not work together and share the strengths and be humble enough to admit your weaknesses.

CAFM isn't just a certification, it is a foundation to continue expanding knowledge and experience. It has a culture of support and camaraderie built through the shared difficulties each CAFM candidate went through. We all understand how difficult it can be, we also understand how great it feels when completed--and once completed we get the honor of continuing the culture of education, support, and camaraderie with our peers. 

If you've made it this far, awesome! You'll do great things and get your CAFM completed soon. Let's walk together at I&E '27. 

One thing I would suggest is to focus on what is optimal for you and do it.  I took the exams slowly as I wanted to not just pass the exams, but also master the material and put it to use.  Everyone is unique in this sense.  In the line to receive the CAFM certificate, I overheard a bragging match regarding how quick several folks got all the exams done.  None of that really matters as we all earned the same certificate.  Do what is optimal and know that the learning is more important than the certificate on the wall. 

I had several questions come up while I was working the CAFM booth at I&E this year and thought I would share some of highlights of those discussions.

1.  When starting the CAFM/CAFS program where should I start?  This process can be very intimidating if you have not had to study or take tests in a long time.  I recommend starting with one or two modules which you are either highly interested in or somewhat knowledgeable in.  The first condition provides a motivation and a higher level of mental engagement or connection.  The second condition allows you to build on a existing knowledge base reducing the learning curve.  In both cases though, it allows you to experience the course and learn how the material is produced and what the tests are like before moving on to less familiar or more challenging material.

2.   What information should I study?  I learned very quicky that there were two types of information:  information which I thought was important and information that the instructor(s) thought was important.  Information which you believe to be important is the information that you have already identified as having an impact on your specific operation and is valuable.  However, it may not be the same information which the program wants you to know for the certification.  Focus on the material that the instructor(s) provide(s) and the study materials for the certification, but highlight the information you believe is important to you for later.

3.  What is the best way to study?  I cannot say for certain.  Each person learns in a different way.  Some are more visual while other tend to learn better audibly.  Though for most people, repetition is key.  The more exposure to the information, the more information you will retain.   Study in the way that works best for you, but don't discount the other methods as well. Take advantage of the various opportunities NAFA provides to dive into the module(s) you are working on, but don't try to do too much at one time.  It can be overwhelming!

4.  Last tip:  Find others who have completed the program who can help you with areas you do not fully understand.  A number of our CAFM graduates are more than willing to help with some of these more challenging concepts -- we just need to know that you need help.  Connect with some mentors and reach out to them to help you work your way through the program.

One final reminder:  "Our fleets are unique, our issues are not" (my quote).  The CAFM Program is designed to teach about the issues that each fleet has to face.  It is our task, as a fleet manager, to determine how this information applies to our own fleet.

Wayne

Hi Don. I'm interested in learning more about your study experience utilizing AI as a tool. Are you available next week for a quick discussion?

Hey Don, 

I'am also interested in knowing what prompts you used to build you AI study guide. If you could please share that would be really helpful!

Thank you,

Eric

I've attached an example of one of the recent Study Guides I compiled (Business Mgt) for anyone interested. I've been tweaking the instructions passed to AI but the attached is a really good example and template. The AI Instruction sheet is at the end of the doc. Let me know if anyone has questions.

Hey Don, 

I'am also interested in knowing what prompts you used to build you AI study guide. If you could please share that would be really helpful!

Thank you,

Eric

Thank you for the information and discussion regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. As NAFA continues to evaluate how AI may support learning and professional development, it is important to protect the integrity of our educational content and intellectual property.

CAFM content is provided for the exclusive use of authorized users. No part of these publications may be reproduced, distributed, uploaded, transmitted, or incorporated into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or large language model system, including but not limited to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or similar platforms, without the express written permission of NAFA Fleet Management Association.

NAFA is currently evaluating and testing AI-powered learning tools for participants enrolled in the CAFM programs. Unless expressly authorized by NAFA as part of those programs, users may not upload or submit NAFA CAFM content or other proprietary resources to third-party AI platforms.

Please feel free to reach out if you have questions.

Thank you.

Mary Beth

I've attached an example of one of the recent Study Guides I compiled (Business Mgt) for anyone interested. I've been tweaking the instructions passed to AI but the attached is a really good example and template. The AI Instruction sheet is at the end of the doc. Let me know if anyone has questions.

Hey Don, 

I'am also interested in knowing what prompts you used to build you AI study guide. If you could please share that would be really helpful!

Thank you,

Eric