Overview
CIMS: The Roadmap to Quality, Efficiency, and Customer Trust.
The Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) is the gold standard for cleaning operations. It’s the first consensus-based framework built to define what makes a cleaning organization truly effective—and respected.
CIMS isn’t just a checklist. It’s your blueprint for building a customer-focused, high-performing business.
Therefore, CIMS helps them set up a management system that allows an organization to meet those goals. Designed to align your services with client needs, CIMS helps you:
- Build a proven management system that drives quality and consistency.
- Create clear, documented policies and procedures that boost performance.
- Deliver measurable results that inspire customer confidence.
Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, stand out in RFP’s, or prove your commitment to excellence, CIMS gives you the tools and structure to lead with impact.
CIMS Process:
Step 1
Commit to achieve CIMS and speak with a CIMS Account Executive to define your price & timeline.
Step 2
Fill out your complete application and provide a non-refundable deposit.
Step 3
Complete payment for non-refundable 50% deposit toward your assessment and receive notification of your assessor.
Step 4
Scheduled your assessment and begin review of your documentation.
Step 5
Assessment is completed, and your assessor sends approval notification to ISSA.
Step 6
Receive CIMS certification and begin communication plan with your stakeholders.
Who can be Certified in the CIMS Standard?
- Organizations
This Standard applies, without respect to the size of the organization, both to cleaning organizations that self-perform cleaning and to cleaning contractors. It is designed for facility services professionals: In-house Service Providers (ISP) and Building Service Providers (BSC). Download the Standard. - People
Cleaning professionals can become CIMS Certified Expert (CCE) ® through online and virtual training. Learn More
What people are saying about CIMS
“The CIMS program is a tremendous tool to maintain a constant and fluid pathway on standardized methods and processes. The program initiates growth and visionary changes for future business practices.”
“The program is very important, increasing the professionalism of the company and providing a safer and healthier work environment to employees and customers. the process is extremely well done by ISSA and its staff is competent, professional and pleasant to deal with. Thank you.”
“The CIMS program is a tremendous tool to maintain a constant and fluid pathway on standardized methods and processes. The program initiates growth and visionary changes for future business practices.”
