Top 10 Construction Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for a construction consultant in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge, experience, and expertise that employers look for when hiring. Certifications also show potential employers that a construction consultant is dedicated to their career and has taken the initiative to learn more about their field. In addition, certifications can help construction consultants stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs and make them more attractive to employers. Finally, certifications can open up opportunities for higher-level positions or specialized roles within the industry.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Construction Consultants and explains how they can help to advance a Construction Consultant's career.

What are Construction Consultant Certifications?

Construction consultant certification is a professional credential offered by organizations such as the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the construction industry. The certification program is intended to enhance the credentials of those who provide consulting services to clients involved in construction projects.

Having a construction consultant certification can be beneficial for both the individual and their clients. For individuals, it provides them with a competitive edge in the job market, as well as recognition from their peers and employers. It also demonstrates that they have obtained specialized knowledge related to construction project management and consulting services.

For clients, having a certified construction consultant on staff or working with an outside firm that has certified consultants can give them confidence that their project will be managed according to best practices. Certified consultants are knowledgeable in areas such as contract law, risk assessment, cost estimation, dispute resolution, scheduling, and project delivery methods. This expertise can help ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget while meeting all necessary requirements.

Pro Tip: When considering construction consultant certification, make sure to research the requirements, including any prerequisites or experience that may be required. Additionally, look into the cost of the certification and how long it will take to complete. Finally, confirm that the certifying organization is accredited and recognized in your industry.

Related: What does a Construction Consultant do?

Top 10 Construction Consultant Certifications

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

1. Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is a professional designation awarded to those who demonstrate proficiency in the principles and practice of construction management. It is the highest standard of professional achievement in the construction industry.

The CCM credential is administered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including a minimum of four years of experience in construction management or related fields, and successful completion of an examination.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the certification process. The first step is to submit an application and supporting documentation that demonstrates eligibility for the program. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete an online course and pass a three-hour exam. The cost for this process varies depending on whether you are a CMAA member or non-member; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1,000.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their credentials by completing continuing education credits every three years.

2. Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)

Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) is a certification program offered by the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). It is a professional credential that recognizes an individual's knowledge and experience in the construction industry. The CPC certification is designed to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in the field of construction management.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by AIC. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project management, contracts, risk management, safety, and legal issues. Individuals must also have at least five years of full-time construction experience or equivalent education in order to qualify for the exam.

The cost of taking the CPC exam varies depending on whether you are an AIC member or not. For non-members, the fee is $450; for members, it is $400. The cost includes access to study materials and online practice exams. It typically takes about two months to prepare for the exam and about three hours to complete it.

Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded your CPC certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed through continuing education credits or retaking the examination.

3. LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) is a professional designation from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of green building principles and practices. LEED APs are qualified to lead the design, construction, and operation of buildings that meet the highest standards of sustainability.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to become a LEED AP. To get it, you must first complete a LEED Green Associate course and then pass the LEED AP exam. The exam consists of 125 multiple choice questions covering topics such as energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, indoor air quality, and more.

The cost to become a LEED AP varies depending on which certification program you choose. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1,000 for the courses and exams needed to become certified.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and respected project management certification in the world. PMP certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and experience to successfully manage projects of any size and complexity.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam. This includes studying, taking practice tests, and completing 35 hours of professional development courses.

To get your PMP certification, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by PMI. These include having a four-year degree or higher, at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of formal project management education. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply to take the PMP exam online through PMI’s website.

The cost of getting a PMP certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. For non-members, it costs $555 USD for the application fee plus $405 USD for the exam fee. For members, it costs $405 USD for the application fee plus $275 USD for the exam fee.

5. American Institute of Constructors Certified Constructor (AIC-C)

The American Institute of Constructors Certified Constructor (AIC-C) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of construction professionals. It is the highest level of certification offered by the AIC and requires a minimum of five years of experience in the construction industry.

In order to become an AIC-C, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as project management, contracts and legal issues, safety, cost estimating, scheduling, quality control, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To get certified as an AIC-C, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it to the AIC with supporting documents such as proof of education and work experience. Once approved, applicants will be required to pay a fee for the exam which currently costs $395 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate from the AIC.

The process from start to finish typically takes about six months depending on how quickly you can submit all your documentation and take the exam.

6. Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS)

Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge in the areas of construction risk management and insurance. The CRIS designation is awarded by the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI).

To obtain the CRIS designation, individuals must pass an exam administered by IRMI. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as contract risk transfer, surety bonds, construction insurance coverage, and more. Candidates must also complete a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education credits every three years to maintain their CRIS designation.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on whether you are an IRMI member or non-member. For members, the cost is $395; for non-members, it’s $495. The exam typically takes two to three hours to complete.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least five years of experience in construction risk management or related fields.

7. Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP)

Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) is a certification program offered by the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). It is designed to recognize and reward individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the financial management of construction projects. The CCIFP designation is recognized throughout the industry as a mark of excellence in financial management and provides those who hold it with an advantage when competing for jobs and promotions.

The process to become a CCIFP takes approximately six months to complete. To be eligible, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the construction industry, including four years of direct financial management experience. They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as accounting, finance, law, taxation, contracts, insurance, risk management, and project management.

To get started on the path towards becoming a CCIFP, applicants must first submit an application to CFMA. This includes providing documentation about their education and work history as well as references from employers or colleagues in the industry. Once their application has been accepted by CFMA, they will receive access to online study materials and can begin preparing for the exam.

The cost of becoming a CCIFP varies depending on whether you are already a member of CFMA or not. For non-members, the cost is $1125 plus applicable taxes; for members it is $875 plus applicable taxes.

8. Certified Cost Engineer/Estimator (CCE/CSE)

Certified Cost Engineer/Estimator (CCE/CSE) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEI). The CCE/CSE certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in cost engineering and estimating.

The CCE/CSE certification requires passing an exam that tests knowledge in the areas of cost engineering, project control, risk management, and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is administered online. Candidates must achieve a score of 70% or higher to pass the exam.

In order to become certified, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of experience in cost engineering or estimating, holding an undergraduate degree in engineering or related field, and being a member of AACEI. Candidates must also complete an application form and submit it along with supporting documentation such as transcripts and letters of reference.

It typically takes between six months to one year for candidates to prepare for the CCE/CSE certification exam. During this time, candidates should focus on studying relevant materials such as textbooks, practice exams, webinars, workshops, etc., in order to gain a thorough understanding of cost engineering concepts and practices.

The cost for the CCE/CSE certification exam is $450 USD for members of AACEI ($550 USD for non-members). This fee covers the cost of administering the exam as well as providing access to study materials such as textbooks and webinars.

9. Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP)

Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP) is a certification program offered by the Building Commissioning Association (BCA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in building commissioning.

Building commissioning is a process that ensures newly constructed or renovated buildings are operating as intended. This includes verifying that all systems, components, and equipment are installed correctly, operating properly, and meeting the owner’s needs.

The CBCP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of building commissioning through an exam. The exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as energy efficiency, indoor air quality, safety systems, and building codes. The practical exam tests the applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge of commissioning in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CBCP certification process. To get started, applicants must first become members of the BCA and pay an application fee of $250 USD. After submitting their application, they will be assigned a mentor who will guide them through the process and help them prepare for the exams. Once they have passed both exams they will receive their CBCP certification from the BCA.

The cost of obtaining the CBCP certification varies depending on where you live and how much assistance you need from your mentor during the process. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,500 USD to complete all requirements for certification.

10. American Society of Civil Engineers Certification in Construction Management (ASCE-CM).

The American Society of Civil Engineers Certification in Construction Management (ASCE-CM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of civil engineers who specialize in construction management. The certification program is administered by the ASCE Board of Direction and is open to all civil engineers with at least five years of experience in construction management.

To become certified, applicants must submit an application, pass a written examination, and complete a portfolio review. The written exam covers topics such as project management, scheduling and budgeting, contract administration, risk management, quality control and assurance, safety management, and dispute resolution. The portfolio review requires applicants to provide evidence of their experience in construction management through examples of their work.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the entire certification process.

The cost for the ASCE-CM certification varies depending on the level of membership with ASCE. For non-members, the fee is $750; for members it is $500; and for senior members it is $250.

Do You Really Need a Construction Consultant Certificate?

Whether or not you need a construction consultant certificate is largely dependent on the kind of work you intend to do. If you plan to provide consulting services to companies, then having a certificate can be helpful in demonstrating your knowledge and expertise in the field. It can also help you stand out from other potential candidates for positions that require a certain level of experience or education.

On the other hand, if you are already working in the industry and simply want to gain additional knowledge, then obtaining a construction consultant certificate may not be necessary. Many experienced professionals have gained valuable experience without ever having obtained such a certificate. In some cases, employers may even prefer to hire someone with extensive hands-on experience over someone who has only obtained an academic certification.

In general, it is beneficial to have some sort of recognition for your skills and knowledge in the construction field. Having a construction consultant certificate can help demonstrate your commitment to the profession and may open doors for potential job opportunities or career advancements. However, it is ultimately up to you as an individual to decide whether or not it is worth pursuing such certification.

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FAQs About Construction Consultant Certifications

1. What is a Construction Consultant Certification?

Answer: A Construction Consultant Certification is a credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who provide consulting services in the construction industry. These certifications are offered through professional organizations or educational institutions and demonstrate to employers that an individual has the necessary expertise to effectively advise clients on various aspects of construction projects.

2. What type of skills do I need to become a Construction Consultant?

Answer: To become a successful Construction Consultant, you should have strong knowledge in areas such as project management, contract negotiation, financial analysis, risk assessment, and safety regulations. Additionally, you should be able to work well with teams and possess excellent communication skills.

3. How long does it take to get a Construction Consultant Certification?

Answer: Depending on the certification program you choose, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all of the required coursework and receive your certification. It is also important to note that some certifications may require additional exams or continuing education credits in order to maintain your certification status.

4. How much does a Construction Consultant Certification cost?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Construction Consultant Certification varies depending on the organization or institution offering the certification program. Generally speaking, fees may range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars for more comprehensive programs.

5. Are there any online courses available for becoming a Certified Construction Consultant?

Answer: Yes! Many organizations and educational institutions offer online courses for those interested in becoming certified as a Construction Consultant. These courses typically cover topics such as project management, contract negotiation, financial analysis, risk assessment, and safety regulations in order to prepare students for their certification exams.