CIMS FAQ's                                                                                                Return to Achievements page

1. What is the Cleaning Industry Management Standard?

The Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) was created for facility service provider (FSP) organizations and applies to an organization’s management structure and performance systems and processes. It should be thought of as a framework to help facility service providers develop customer-centered organizations. Compliance with the Standard demonstrates that the organization is structured to deliver consistent, quality services.

2. How does CIMS differ from other industry standards and certification programs?

Existing programs apply to:

• People (managers and technicians)

• Products

• Cleaning Procedures

CIMS applies to an entire cleaning organization. It focuses on the organization’s management systems and processes used to deliver service.

3. How does it interact with other industry standards?

The Cleaning Industry Management Standard recognizes and complements existing industry programs. Since CIMS is a framework for assessing an entire organization, existing certification programs should play an important role in helping an organization demonstrate compliance with the Standard. For example, certifications from IEHA or IFMA may be used to satisfy the management training element. Similarly, IICRC certification could be used to support the service personnel training component.

5. Does the Standard recommend products, procedures, and systems?

No. ISSA cherishes the diversity that is woven into the fabric of our industry. The Standard, therefore, is “non-prescriptive” and its goal is to act simply as a quality framework. As such, product, equipment, procedure, and system recommendations are explicitly not part of CIMS and each organization retains the flexibility to choose how it can best meet the Standard’s requirements. Cleaning organizations are free to select manufacturers, distributors, products, and educational tools that best assist them in complying with the Standard.

6. How is the Standard administered?

The Standard is administered by ISSA. ISSA, a not-for-profit association founded in 1923, prides itself on being the leading association for the cleaning industry worldwide. ISSA administration ensures that there is no commercial bias to any group.

7. Who developed the Standard?

The Standard was developed through a true consensus-based process. Experts, representing all sectors of the industry, including the facility management and purchasing communities, were selected by the ISSA Board, staff, and alliance partners to participate on standard-development Technical Committees. The committees worked directly with ISSA and its partner, the American Institute for Cleaning Sciences (AICS) to draft the Standard, which was subject to full peer review prior to official publication.

8. What was ISSA’s role in developing the Standard?

ISSA provided organizational oversight by leveraging its unique role in the industry.  ISSA’s diverse membership is comprised of:

• Manufacturers

• Distributors

• Manufacturer Representatives

• Facility Service Providers

• Industry Consultants

The shared interests of its membership base enabled ISSA to provide the necessary oversight. In addition, the many alliances that ISSA has developed with leading organizations in the cleaning and facilities management industries lent valuable insight to ensure a balanced and comprehensive approach.

9. What does the Standard consist of?

The Standard is based on universally accepted management principles and consists of five sections of management best practices:

1. Quality Systems

2. Service Delivery

3. Human Resources

4. Health, Safety, and Environmental Stewardship

5. Management Commitment

10. What does it mean to become certified to the Standard?

Certification indicates that an organization conforms to the requirements set forth in the Standard and has successfully demonstrated compliance to an independent, accredited assessor.

11. Does an organization need to meet every element in order to earn certification?

No. The Standard was designed to focus on performance and recognizes the need for flexibility and practical application. Organizations seeking certification must demonstrate compliance with all mandatory provisions and at least 60%, per section, of those provisions that are included as recommended elements of the Standard.

12. What is the process for an organization to become certified?

An organization achieves certification by demonstrating that its management structure and processes conform to the Standard. The certification process is simple.

1. The organization decides that it wants to develop a quality management system that complies with CIMS, and requests an application. 

2. The organization conducts an internal review to be sure that it meets CIMS certification requirements.

3. The organization undergoes a comprehensive assessment by an independent third-party and demonstrates compliance with CIMS. The independent third party that assesses compliance is known as an assessor.

4. An organization applies for re-certification every two years.

13. Who will determine whether a cleaning organization is in compliance with the Standard and eligible for CIMS certification?

Cleaning organizations are encouraged to have their systems and processes reviewed by an “assessor.” An assessor is an independent third-party that has earned accreditation by demonstrating that he/she can competently and independently verify that an organization meets the Standard’s requirements.

14. Does the Standard apply to all FSP market segments?

Yes. The Standard applies to all FSP organizations – building service contractors (BSCs) and in-house organizations – regardless of organization size.

15. How will the ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard benefit FSPs?

The process of complying with the Standard provides the greatest benefit. While certification to the Standard will likely be the end goal, the process itself challenges and improves an FSP’s operation.

In-house organizations will use the Standard to:

• Develop an organization master plan

• Operate more efficiently

• Develop best practices

• Validate performance and quality

Building service contractors will find that the Standard will help them:

• Distinguish themselves from their competitors

• Improve their bottom line

• Better meet the demands of their customers

• Improve the overall quality of their services

16. What role will distributors and manufacturers play?

Distributors, manufacturers and manufacturer representatives will play an essential role. Since the Standard rewards systemic approaches to product selection, training, and management it will be a catalyst for sales. Other benefits include:

• Closer ties to customers

• Enhanced professional image for the industry

• Growth opportunities

• Distinctive marketing position

• Business resource to customers

Distributors, manufacturers, and others are encouraged to become “ISSA Certification Experts” (I.C.E.) to uniquely position themselves to assist their facility service provider customers in preparing for CIMS certification

17. What is the role for industry consultants?

The Standard creates numerous opportunities for industry consultants. Consultants benefit as FSP organizations seek expertise to assist them in developing programs to meet the Standard, thereby creating a vast array of service opportunities. Training, documentation, and quality assurance are just a few of the services that will be needed.