BOMI International has launched two new designations for suppliers and service providers to the facilities and property management sectors. Holders of the new Property Partner Advisor (PPA) and/or Facility Partner Advisor (FPA) credentials can signal that they have successfully completed eight courses that give them a basic grounding in their clients’ daily routines and business responsibilities.

Proponents of the new program note that suppliers and service providers to the commercial real estate industry have often found it insightful to study the course material for the Real Property Administrator (RPA) or Facility Management Administrator (FMA) programs. The new designations offer formal recognition of such efforts.

“BOMI’s coursework provides service and product vendors the opportunity to understand the day-in-the-life of their clients, as well as a way to truly support them,” says Bobbi McGowan, executive director of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of New York.

The PPA curriculum provides an overview of building design, operation and maintenance from a property manager’s perspective, including budgeting, risk management, procurement, leasing, marketing and relationships with owners/investors. FPA courses explore the building environment from the facility manager’s perspective, including project management, cost control, maintenance, tenant comfort and health and safety.

“In commercial real estate, property and facility management teams are fueled by quality partnerships with product and service providers,” maintains BOMI International’s president and chief executive officer, Jeffrey Horn. “BOMI is proud to offer these new designations.”

The eight courses can be taken in any order through self-directed online learning, which will culminate in an exam. The initial enrollment fee is CAD $252.