Accreditation

If you have not worked for five years in the operation and maintenance of educational facilities but you meet all the other requirements, you can obtain your Registered Director of Facilities (RDF) certificate. Then, on your fifth anniversary of working as a director of school facilities, you will receive your CDF.

The Affiliate Development Certification, or ADC, enables SFA Affiliate Members (those whose duties support the director of school facilities) to broaden their knowledge, sharpen their skills and achieve a key milestone that can move their career forward. Through ADC, you prove or gain competencies across the spectrum of facility issues, from personnel management and technical systems to facilities management, safety, and codes. 

Benefits of the ADC Program:

• Gain competencies in personnel, technical systems, facilities management, safety, and codes.
• Demonstrate commitment to professional growth.
• Improve service to your school community.

Eligibility:

• Active, paid Affiliate Member of SFA in good standing
• Employed in an educational institution or in a role supporting school facilities

Who Can Become an Affiliate Member?

• All persons who are regularly employed by a public or private educational institution in the State of New York.
• All persons who perform similar duties within the scope of the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds or duties allied to this position such as health and safety coordinator, supervisor of maintenance, and supervisor of custodians.
• Eligibility for membership in doubtful cases is to be determined by the membership committee after investigation.
• Affiliate Members shall enjoy the same privileges as Active Members except the right to vote. They may hold office at the Chapter level but may not hold office as State Officers and/or State Directors.

How to Earn Your ADC:

Earning the ADC designation requires the accumulation of 300 qualifying points. Points reflect a broad range of professional development activities, education, and practical experience that demonstrate your readiness to advance in school facilities leadership. Examples of qualifying activities include completing education and training courses, attending SFMI Professional Development Conferences, producing a Personal Data Portfolio (PDP), completing college courses or certifications, and participating in an interview.

1. Submit an Application & Fee – Once submitted, SFMI staff will provide instructions and connect you with mentors. (Please note, this fee is nonrefundable).
2. Complete your Personal Data Portfolio – The PDP allows the ADC Committee to evaluate your qualifications and potential across key competency areas. You can demonstrate qualifications in two ways: through documented work experience (a detailed, chronological narrative that you prepare, with affidavits from work references) and education (a listing of schools and colleges attended, programs of study, etc., with transcripts from the schools). The ADC Committee evaluates the PDP and awards credit toward certification in certain areas, according to your demonstrated strengths.
3. Attend Required Conference – At least one annual Professional Development Conference. Participation in the conference is worth 5 points for every year an ADC attends.
4. Complete Education & Training Courses – Candidates may earn points by completing approved education and training programs in school facilities management, safety, operations, and leadership.Upon earning enough points, the applicant submits their resume to the SFMI office
5. Interview with the Accreditation Committee – The final step is an interview with the ADC Committee, where candidates demonstrate applied skills, problem-solving abilities, and readiness for future leadership roles.
6. Receive Your Accreditation – If the candidate successfully completes the interview phase they are issued a certificate of completion and recognition at the SFMI Annual Conference

Tracking Your Progress

It is the responsibility of the ADC participant to track all points earned and maintain supporting documentation for all programs, courses, and activities attended.

Note: If you later become a school facilities director, ADC points may be applied toward the pursuit of the Certified Director of Facilities (CDF) designation.

The AADC is the next step in your professional journey. After earning your ADC, you can pursue the AADC, which includes 13 additional competencies, a review by the Accreditation Committee, and an interview with the Committee.

Benefits of the AADC Program:

• Demonstrates expertise in 13 additional competencies including:
  1. Architectural Systems
  2. Transportation Systems
  3. Facility Maintenance Systems
  4. Occupational Safety and Health
  5. Civil Structural Systems
  6. Blueprint Reading
  7. Real Property Contracts
  8. Fire Protection Systems
  9. Principles of Measurement
  10. Legal Relationships
  11. Site Systems
  12. Managerial Accounting
  13. Insurance for Vendors
• Further validates your professional growth and readiness for leadership

Eligibility:

• Active, paid Affiliate Member of SFA in good standing
• Completion of ADC

How to Earn Your AADC:

To earn the AADC, you must accumulate an additional 150 points beyond your ADC (for a total of 450 points) across the 13 advanced competencies listed above. Completion of the program also includes a review and interview with the Accreditation Committee.

1. Submit an Application & Fee – Once submitted, SFMI staff will provide instructions and connect you with mentors. (Please note, this fee is nonrefundable).
2. Complete Your Requirements – Earn an additional 150 points (450 total including ADC points) Upon earning enough points, the applicant submits their resume to the SFMI office.
3. Interview with the Accreditation Committee – The final step is an interview with the Accreditation Committee, where candidates demonstrate applied skills, problem-solving abilities, and readiness for future leadership roles.
4. Receive Your Accreditation – If the candidate successfully completes the interview phase they are issued a certificate of completion and recognition at the SFMI Annual Conference

Tracking Your Progress

It is the responsibility of the AADC participant to track all points earned and maintain supporting documentation for all programs, courses, and activities attended.

Note: Points are tracked using the same professional development and training options as ADC