Two Northern Michigan University staff members have passed the highest level of certification testing offered by APPA, the association dedicated to leadership in educational facilities. Cheryl LaJoye, maintenance and energy management supervisor, and Herbert Brundage, building services supervisor, passed the Certified Educational Facilities Professional exam.

The CEFP is a way to validate the knowledge and competency required of an accomplished professional in the educational facilities field. The four-hour comprehensive test covers the following areas of facilities management: general administration and management; operations and maintenance; environmental and energy/utilities management; and building design and construction.

"Credentialing is important, not just to show that you are qualified, but also to show that you have enough dedication in your role to make the effort to earn a professional certification," said John Morris, chair of APPA's board for educational facilities professionals certification. "The CEFP is quickly becoming the industry standard. By obtaining and maintaining this credential, recipients will further assure forward-thinking relevancy and mastery of the best management practices related to educational facilities."

According to APPA, the association promotes leadership in educational facilities for professionals seeking to build their careers, transform their institutions and elevate the value and recognition of facilities in education.