Top 10 Construction Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for a construction assistant in the job market because they demonstrate a level of skill, knowledge, and experience that employers look for. Certifications can also provide an advantage when competing for jobs against other candidates. They can demonstrate that the individual is knowledgeable about safety standards, building codes, and other industry-specific topics. Additionally, certifications show potential employers that the individual has taken initiative to gain additional qualifications related to their profession. This can be especially beneficial when applying for higher-level positions that require more specialized knowledge.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Construction Assistants and explains how they can contribute to a construction assistant's career.

What are Construction Assistant Certifications?

Construction Assistant Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals develop the necessary skills and knowledge to work in the construction industry. The program provides a comprehensive overview of the field, from basic safety regulations to management strategies and leadership principles. It also covers fundamental topics such as reading plans and drawings, estimating costs, managing projects, and understanding building codes and regulations. By completing this certification program, individuals will be better equipped to handle the challenges of working in the construction industry. Additionally, having this certification may give them an advantage when it comes to job opportunities or promotions. This certification can also help ensure that individuals are up-to-date on all relevant safety regulations and best practices in the industry.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a construction assistant certification, make sure that you have the necessary experience in the industry to back it up. Many certifications require applicants to have at least two years of experience working in the field, so having this prior knowledge will help you gain the most from your certification.

Related: What does a Construction Assistant do?

Top 10 Construction Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Construction Assistants today.

1. OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health Certification

OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health Certification is a program designed to provide safety and health training to construction workers. The program is offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and is intended to help protect workers from hazards on the job site. The certification consists of 10 hours of instruction, which can be completed online or in a classroom setting.

The purpose of the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health Certification is to provide workers with an understanding of common safety hazards in the construction industry, as well as how to protect themselves from these hazards. Topics covered include but are not limited to: fall protection, scaffolding, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, electrical safety, machine guarding, ladder safety, and excavation safety.

The certification typically takes around 10 hours to complete depending on the course format chosen. Online courses are generally self-paced and can be completed at your own convenience; however, some courses may have time limits for completion. Classroom courses are typically held over two days with five hours of instruction each day.

To obtain the certification you must successfully complete an OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health Course that has been approved by OSHA or a state plan equivalent such as Cal/OSHA or MIOSHA. You can find approved courses through OSHA’s website or through third-party providers like American Red Cross or 360training.com.

The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take it and what type of course you take (online vs classroom). Online courses tend to be cheaper than classroom courses since they require less overhead costs for instructors and materials. Generally speaking, most online courses will cost anywhere between $50-$150 while classroom courses may cost up to $200 or more depending on location and instructor fees.

2. LEED Green Associate Certification

LEED Green Associate Certification is a professional credential offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a basic knowledge of green building principles and practices, and who are committed to advancing the sustainability of buildings, homes, and communities.

The LEED Green Associate certification typically takes about 3-4 months to complete, depending on how much time you can commit to studying for the exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. To become certified as a LEED Green Associate, you must pass the exam with a score of 170 or higher out of 200 possible points.

To get started on your journey towards becoming a LEED Green Associate, you will need to register for an account with USGBC and purchase an exam voucher from their website. The cost of the exam voucher is $200 USD for members and $250 USD for non-members. Once you have purchased your voucher, you can begin studying for the exam using resources such as study guides and practice exams provided by USGBC or third-party providers.

After passing the exam, you will need to pay an annual maintenance fee of $50 USD in order to maintain your certification status. This fee covers access to continuing education opportunities and other benefits offered by USGBC.

3. Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is a professional certification program that recognizes construction professionals who demonstrate excellence in the management of construction projects. It is administered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA).

The CCM program requires applicants to have at least five years of project management experience, and successful completion of the CMAA’s National Certification Examination. The exam covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, cost control, risk management, quality assurance, legal issues and ethics.

It typically takes about six months to complete the application process for the CCM certification. Applicants must submit an application form along with verification documents such as education transcripts and work experience letters. Once these are approved, applicants can register for the exam.

The cost of obtaining a CCM certification varies depending on individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 to apply for the certification and take the exam. This includes fees for registration, examination materials and any other applicable fees or charges.

4. Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)

Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) is a professional designation offered by the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). It is the highest level of certification that a construction professional can obtain. The CPC designation signifies that an individual has achieved the highest level of knowledge and experience in the construction industry.

It typically takes between two and four years to complete all requirements for the CPC designation. To be eligible, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the construction industry, hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, and pass a comprehensive examination. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also complete continuing education courses each year to maintain their certification.

The cost for taking the CPC exam varies depending on where you take it and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 to take the exam, plus any additional fees associated with taking continuing education courses.

To get started on your journey to becoming a Certified Professional Constructor, you should contact AIC directly for more information on eligibility requirements and exam dates.

5. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Core Curriculum Certification

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Core Curriculum Certification is a comprehensive program that provides industry-recognized credentials to individuals who demonstrate mastery of the core knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to work in the construction industry. It includes four levels of certification: Basic Craft Worker, Advanced Craft Worker, Supervisor/Foreman, and Project Manager.

To get NCCER Core Curriculum Certification, individuals must complete a series of assessments that measure their knowledge and skills in specific areas such as safety, blueprint reading, rigging, welding, masonry, carpentry, electrical wiring and more. The assessments are administered by NCCER-accredited training providers or assessment centers. Depending on the individual’s experience level and the type of certification they are seeking, it can take anywhere from one day to several weeks to complete all the assessments required for certification.

The cost of getting NCCER Core Curriculum Certification varies depending on the type of certification sought and the number of assessments required. Generally speaking, it costs between $100-$500 to become certified.

6. American Institute of Constructors (AIC) Certified Constructor

The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) Certified Constructor is a professional certification program for constructors and construction managers. The AIC Certified Constructor certification is designed to recognize the knowledge, experience, and skills of individuals who are actively engaged in the practice of construction management. It is the only certification program in the United States that focuses exclusively on construction management.

In order to obtain AIC Certified Constructor certification, an individual must have a minimum of five years of experience working in the field of construction management and must pass an examination administered by the AIC. The examination consists of two parts: a written portion that covers topics such as project planning and control, contract administration, cost estimating, scheduling, safety, and quality control; and a practical portion that tests an individual's ability to apply principles learned during the written exam.

The AIC Certified Constructor program also requires individuals to complete continuing education credits each year in order to maintain their certification status. These credits can be obtained through attending seminars or workshops related to construction management or through self-study courses approved by the AIC.

The cost for obtaining AIC Certified Constructor certification is approximately $1,000 USD including application fees and exam fees. It typically takes around three months from start to finish for an individual to obtain their certification once they have submitted their application materials.

7. Construction Quality Management for Contractors (CQM-C) Certification

Construction Quality Management for Contractors (CQM-C) Certification is a program offered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to certify contractors who have demonstrated proficiency in quality management practices related to construction projects. The certification is designed to help ensure that USACE projects are completed on time, within budget, and with high quality standards.

To obtain CQM-C Certification, contractors must successfully complete a three-day training course and pass an exam administered by the USACE. The training course covers topics such as quality control plans, inspection and testing procedures, contract administration, and project closeout. Upon successful completion of the training course and exam, contractors will receive their CQM-C Certification from the USACE.

The cost of the CQM-C Certification varies depending on the location of the training course and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars for larger companies or those requiring more specialized instruction.

In addition to completing the training course and passing the exam, contractors must also demonstrate that they have a quality management system in place that meets USACE requirements in order to be eligible for certification. This includes having a documented quality management plan that outlines processes for managing construction projects from start to finish as well as procedures for monitoring progress throughout each phase of construction.

Once certified, contractors must maintain their CQM-C Certification by attending refresher courses every two years or completing online courses approved by the USACE every four years.

8. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally-recognized professional certification for project managers. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is considered one of the most prestigious certifications in the field of project management. The PMP Certification demonstrates that the holder has the knowledge and experience to successfully manage projects in any industry.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the PMP exam, depending on an individual's experience and background. To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, as well as pass an exam consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions.

To get started on the path towards becoming PMP certified, individuals must first create a PMI account and complete an online application. Once approved, they can begin studying for the exam using study materials from PMI or other sources such as books, online courses, or practice exams.

The cost of getting PMP certified varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. For non-members, it costs $555 to register for the exam; for members, it costs $405. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with purchasing study materials or taking online courses.

9. Certified Professional in Construction Management (CPICM)

Certified Professional in Construction Management (CPICM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize construction professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their field. The CPICM certification is offered by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), and it is one of the most respected certifications available in the industry.

The CPICM certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in the construction industry, as well as completion of an approved course of study. The coursework must include topics such as project management, contract administration, safety, cost estimating, and scheduling. Once these requirements are met, applicants must pass an exam administered by the ACCE.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of construction management. It typically takes between four and six hours to complete the exam. After passing the exam, applicants must submit an application for review by the ACCE board of directors before they can be certified as a CPICM.

The cost of becoming a CPICM varies depending on where you take your courses and how long it takes you to complete them. Generally speaking, it will cost around $2,000-$4,000 for tuition and fees associated with completing the required coursework. In addition to this fee, there is also an application fee that must be paid when submitting your application for review by the ACCE board of directors. This fee is typically around $100-$200 depending on where you apply from.

10. American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) Estimating Certification

The American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) Estimating Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the achievement of estimators who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the field of estimating. The certification is based on a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of estimating, from basic principles to advanced techniques.

To become certified, an individual must pass the ASPE Estimating Certification Exam. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion tests knowledge in topics such as cost estimating, project management, and construction law. The practical portion requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to estimate costs for various projects.

The ASPE Estimating Certification Exam takes approximately four hours to complete. Candidates can take the exam at any one of ASPE's approved testing centers located throughout the United States and Canada.

The cost of taking the ASPE Estimating Certification Exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $250-$500 USD. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with studying for and taking the exam, such as books or online courses.

Once an individual has successfully passed the ASPE Estimating Certification Exam, they will receive an official certificate from ASPE that recognizes their achievement in estimating and demonstrates their commitment to professional excellence in the field.

Do You Really Need a Construction Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. If an individual is looking to pursue a career in the construction industry, then having a Construction Assistant Certificate can be beneficial. A certificate can provide an individual with the necessary knowledge and skills to work as a construction assistant and prove that they have been trained in the field.

Having a certificate can also help an individual stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions in the industry. It demonstrates that they have taken steps to further their education and are committed to learning more about the industry. Additionally, it may give employers reassurance that they are hiring someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in construction practices.

Ultimately, whether or not an individual needs to obtain a Construction Assistant Certificate will depend on their own career goals and how competitive the job market is within their desired field. Obtaining a certificate may be beneficial if they want to demonstrate their commitment to learning more about the industry or if they want to stand out among other job applicants.

Related: Construction Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Construction Assistant Certifications

FAQ #1: What is a Construction Assistant Certification?

Answer: A Construction Assistant Certification is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in the construction industry. It is an entry-level certification that covers topics such as safety, construction materials, tools and techniques, building codes, estimating and scheduling, blueprints and drawings, and project management.

FAQ #2: Who can benefit from a Construction Assistant Certification?

Answer: Anyone looking to gain a better understanding of the construction industry or wanting to break into the field can benefit from obtaining a Construction Assistant Certification. This certification is especially helpful for individuals looking for entry-level positions in the field, as it provides them with the foundational knowledge they need to be successful.

FAQ #3: What types of courses are included in a Construction Assistant Certification?

Answer: The courses included in a Construction Assistant Certification vary depending on the program but typically include topics such as safety, construction materials and tools, building codes, estimating and scheduling, blueprints and drawings, project management, customer service skills and more.

FAQ #4: How long does it take to complete a Construction Assistant Certification?

Answer: The length of time needed to complete a Construction Assistant Certification varies by program but typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years.

FAQ #5: What type of jobs can I get after completing my Construction Assistant Certification?

Answer: After completing your Construction Assistant Certification you may find employment at construction sites or companies as an assistant superintendent or estimator. You may also find work in related fields such as project management or engineering.