The Certified Building Service Executive (CBSE) is one of the industry's most special and challenging designations to obtain. Currently, there are just over 200 CBSEs in the world. Offered by Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI), the designation is held up as a symbol of accomplishment and recognized with great respect by other building service contractors (BSCs) and customers throughout the industry.

In an era of increased competition, clients and prospective clients alike seek credentials that substantiate knowledge and experience. CBSE certifies the mastery of industry knowledge, experiences, and ethics. One such industry professional who has earned it is BSCAI President Jim Harris, Jr., President of Janitronics Facility Services. He received his CBSE in the mid-1990s.

In a recent interview, Harris remarked, "It is a big-time commitment to accomplish, but well worth the effort. Professionally, it is important, as the code of ethics is important and provides a high level of integrity in a business where we have access to many aspects of our customers' facilities. It lets our customers and our prospects know that we have standards and they are measured. It helps us differentiate ourselves."

BSCAI President-Elect Michael Diamond, owner and managing partner of Connecticut-based AffinEco LLC, also earned his CBSE several years ago. "I use it similar to the way an accountant would use a CPA designation," he stated. "CBSE is a multi-section exam that tests your overall knowledge of the industry from an executive’s perspective. I value [the CBSE] because it is the highest level certification I can get in my industry. It demonstrates value to my clients [and] shows them I know what I'm talking about."

After successfully completing the program, it's not uncommon for CBSEs to use their designation on business cards, personal stationery and, of course, in company brochures and proposals. The key is effective marketing. "We market it as part of our website and in our proposals," Harris stated. "We also have it as part of our e-mail signature and on our business cards."

Diamond agreed, "We talk about it a lot with our clients. We ask them, 'You wouldn't hire an accountant without a CPA, would you?' We actually have several CBSEs within our company. It shows how much we value training, education and industry knowledge. The CBSE certification demonstrates to our customers that we have highly knowledgeable people on our team."

He added, "This business is all about people. My favorite part of my job is meeting the variety of people, whether it be our cleaners, managers, people in the field, or the variety of clients we engage with. We get to work with a lot of different customers, whether it be educational clients, commercial office building owners, property managers, manufacturing sites, apartment and residential-type building owners, and more "

For those interested in going the CBSE route, Harris was quick to offer this advice: "Join BSCAI. Not only will you have access to the CBSE, but other designations, as well as peer groups and education by those performing at the highest level in the association." 

The first step is the application. Those interested must complete the CBSE application on BSCAI’s website. Diamond noted, "There are study guides available, and they will show you what the testing material is like." Interested applicants can also purchase webinar workshops to help prepare for the exam.

The exam can be taken online within 365 days of application and will be graded instantly. Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70 percent on each of the four sections. Any section that a candidate does not pass must be taken again within one year.

Diamond concluded, "It comes down to general knowledge of the industry. I'm not going to say that a lot of it is common sense. But there is certainly an aspect of common sense to the test. And, of course, you have to have industry experience. That helps more than anything."