Certified Facility Manager (CFM) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Resource for Exam Success!

Preventive maintenance is characterized as scheduled maintenance aimed at preventing equipment failures before they occur. This proactive approach involves routine inspections, adjustments, and replacements based on manufacturers' recommendations or historical data regarding equipment performance. The objective is to extend the lifespan of assets, reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, enhance safety, and improve operational efficiency.

By systematically maintaining equipment, organizations can minimize downtime and associated repair costs, thus ensuring that facilities operate smoothly and effectively. This contrasts with reactive maintenance, which occurs only after a failure has happened, resulting in potentially greater disruption and expense. Effective preventive maintenance programs also contribute to improved reliability and performance of equipment, leading to increased productivity in facility operations.