Introduction
Technically, certification isn’t strictly needed in the construction industry. Anyone can start a career in construction without the highest level of education. Crew members can start working after finishing training, or some even get their training while already deployed at the site.
But for those in the management level positions, there are a lot of opportunities to further their careers.
Those who continue with their education give their employers the impression that they are deeply dedicated to their roles. And by taking the right training and certification, you will have an edge over the others, hence increasing your worth in the industry.
Many people in the construction industry covet the construction managerial position. And why not? It pays very decently and earning the respect of many crew members comes as a bonus.
But what does it take to be a certified construction manager? Is there a bachelor’s degree in this position?
Can anyone apply for the position or is it earned through a long process?
Should You Aim to Become a Certified Construction Manager?
The road towards this attainment is long and pretty much rocky. You can’t simply decide to become one, take a certification program, and then you’re already a certified construction manager.
As we mentioned, before you can take a certification there is a required work experience you need to complete and that depends on which organization you decide to get certified from.
Generally, you have to master all the tasks of a construction manager including:
Hiring and supervising crew members
Estimate project costs
Write progress reports
Set schedules
Check that safety codes are met
How to Become a Certified Construction Manager
There are a lot of organizations in the U.S. that offer certification for construction managers like the Construction Management Association of America or the American Institute of Construction. And as we mentioned earlier, these organizations have their requirements for construction educational level attained, minimum construction work completed, and construction management experience gained. Of course, an applicant for certification should also be familiar with reading blueprints and proficient in using basic Office apps and other computer programs useful in construction like construction project management software.
There are other prerequisites before you can finally be allowed to take a certification. These are the steps you need to take to qualify for the certified construction manager position:
1. Finish a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management
Most people working at the construction site didn’t go to college or are undergraduates. They’d rather pursue studying construction-centered disciplines like construction management. To become a certified construction manager, you have to finish such a course or other related courses like building science or civil engineering.
2. Gain Construction Experience
To become a certified construction manager, you also need to have rich experience in construction. You can take internship programs after taking up a construction management course to kick start your experience in construction. Volunteer to take on roles because it is from first-hand experience that you will gain true knowledge in construction. Keep in mind that the things you learn in the classroom are mostly theoretical while the things you learn by doing an actual project are the reality behind the theories.
So be proactive and don’t hesitate to accept tasks.
3. Get a Certification
After gaining enough experience in the field, it’s time to try to get a certification. Most organizations
would require a bachelor’s degree holder to complete a 4-year management experience, while a no bachelor’s degree holder needs 8 years of experience before applying for certification.
Those who are already certified construction managers also need to apply for re-certification every three years where the main requirements include professional development and work experience.
But before you take the certification, be sure to study for the exam. Applicants are only allowed three attempts and those who still fail after the third attempt will be barred from certification.
Top 5 Construction Certifications Providers
Now that you know the three steps to becoming a certified construction manager, the next thing we’ll help you with is finding the right organizations you can take certification from. This list is based on the search popularity among construction managers seeking to take their certification.
1. American Institute of Constructors (AIC)
This organization primarily offers certification for constructors. People who are coming from managing other industries and are now looking into working in construction are the ones who usually get their certification from the American Institute of Constructors. Taking the certification for Associate Constructor is what’s best for them. Meanwhile, constructors who are seeking to advance their careers also take this certification.
2. Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
This certification program is offered by the Construction Management Association of America. The organization claims this certification to be the only program accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and describes it as the “gold standard” in construction management. Generally, applicants to this program learn about management techniques to help keep projects within the budget and
schedule.
3. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
Construction professionals who seek to gain certification in a specific field in construction like drywall or electrical can take the NCCER program. This program offers over 70 craft areas or trades that are essential in construction.
4. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
If you are a construction engineer or a professional in the security system, fire protection, and other engineering fields in construction, then the NICET is perfect for you. It teaches all the expertise you need so that you can further your career in the construction industry and increase your worth.
5. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
One of the well-known organizations related to safer construction, the OSHA offers the Outreach
Training Program that covers health hazards at the site and on-the-job safety. They have a 10-hour course designed for entry-level applicants. The other is the 30-hour course designed to provide a variety of training and instill safety responsibility in a greater depth to applicants.
Expanding your knowledge of construction management
A construction manager has more responsibilities to fulfill, hence there are more certifications out there that he can take. Being a master of some fields like safety and construction crew management won’t only help a construction manager to prosper in his career but will also help the firm he is affiliated with to succeed So if you wish to gain a certification or two, help you grow your skills, and boost your knowledge in running a safer and more efficient workplace, then the certification programs we listed are good places to start
Professional Construction Management Course
In coordination with CMAA, GIPMD offers one of the best virtual education opportunities for Construction Managers who are preparing for the CCM exam, looking to maintain their current certification, who would just like to expand on their construction management skills
Broaden your knowledge and improve your understanding of professional Construction Management with this virtual training course based on the CMAA Standards of Practice
Certification
Program participants who successfully complete the course are issued a certificate of Completion from
Global institute of Projects Management & Development – GIPMD