Top 10 Construction manager Certifications

Certifications are important for construction managers in the job market because they demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and competency in the field. Certifications can also provide a competitive edge when applying for positions, as employers may prefer to hire candidates with certifications over those without. Certifications also allow construction managers to stay up-to-date on industry best practices and trends, which is essential for success in the field. Additionally, certifications can help increase an individual’s earning potential and open up opportunities for advancement within their organization.

The purpose of this article is to review the best certifications for Construction Managers and explain how they can help further a career in the field.

What are Construction manager Certifications?

Construction manager certification is a credential that demonstrates a construction manager's knowledge, experience, and commitment to their profession. It shows employers, clients, and other industry professionals that the individual has met certain standards of excellence and is capable of managing complex projects.

Certification can also help construction managers develop their skills and stay current on industry trends. By taking classes or workshops related to the field, they can gain an understanding of best practices, technology advancements, safety regulations, and more. Additionally, certification can open up new career opportunities for those who hold it. Having a certification can make individuals more attractive to employers looking for knowledgeable professionals with expertise in specific areas such as project management or risk management.

Finally, having a certification can give construction managers an edge when it comes to salary negotiations. Employers are often willing to pay higher salaries for certified professionals because they know these individuals have the knowledge and experience necessary to complete projects successfully and efficiently.

Pro Tip: When considering a construction manager certification, make sure to check the accreditation of the program you are considering. Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain professional standards, and will better prepare you for success in your career.

Related: What does a Construction manager do?

Top 10 Construction manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is a professional certification awarded by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). It is designed to recognize experienced, competent construction managers who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in their field.

To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of five years of full-time construction management experience and must pass an examination that covers topics such as project management, contracts, safety, cost control, and scheduling. The examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the exam is $395 for CMAA members or $495 for non-members. In addition to the exam fee, there is also an annual renewal fee of $50.

Once certified, CCMs are required to earn continuing education credits (CECs) every three years in order to maintain their certification. CECs can be earned through attending seminars or conferences related to construction management or through self-study courses offered by CMAA or other organizations.

2. Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)

Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) is a professional certification program offered by the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the construction industry. The CPC designation is awarded to those who demonstrate their expertise in areas such as project management, contract administration, risk management, safety, and quality assurance.

It typically takes up to two years to obtain the CPC designation. To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by the AIC. Applicants must have at least three years of experience in construction or related fields and must also complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education credits within the past three years.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $250-$450 USD. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $50 USD for maintaining your certification status.

3. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in project management. PMP holders are considered to have the highest level of proficiency in project management and are sought after by employers.

In order to become certified as a PMP, one must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least four years of project management experience, or three years of project management experience with a minimum of 35 hours of formal project management education.

Once the eligibility requirements are met, an applicant must take and pass the PMP exam. This exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within four hours. The cost for taking the exam is $405 for members of PMI and $555 for non-members.

The process of getting certified as a PMP can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on how quickly one meets all the requirements and passes the exam. Once certified, it is important to maintain your certification by earning PDUs (Professional Development Units) every three years in order to remain current with industry standards and practices.

4. Certified Cost Engineer (CCE)

Certified Cost Engineer (CCE) is a professional certification offered by the American Association of Cost Engineers (AACE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage cost engineering projects. The CCE credential is highly sought after by employers in many industries, including construction, aerospace, defense, and manufacturing.

To become a Certified Cost Engineer, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam administered by AACE. The exam covers topics such as cost estimating, project management, scheduling and control, risk assessment and management, and value engineering. It typically takes about three months of study to prepare for the exam.

The cost of the exam varies depending on whether you are a member of AACE or not. For non-members, the cost is $395 USD; for members it is $295 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at certain locations.

Once an individual has passed the exam they will receive their CCE credential from AACE which will remain valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain their certification status they must complete continuing education requirements every three years.

5. Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS)

Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) is a professional certification program that provides an understanding of the insurance and risk management needs of the construction industry. The CRIS program is designed to help professionals understand the complexities of construction risk management, including contract language, claims management, insurance coverage and more.

The CRIS program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an exam. The self-study course includes six modules covering topics such as insurance principles, construction contracts, project finance and risk management. Each module includes a comprehensive study guide with practice questions to help prepare for the exam.

The CRIS exam is administered by the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI). It consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in three hours or less. To pass the exam, applicants must score at least 70% correct answers.

The cost for taking the CRIS exam varies depending on your location; it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. There are also additional fees associated with obtaining study materials or retaking the exam if necessary.

It usually takes between four to six months to complete all requirements for obtaining the CRIS certification; however, this timeline may vary depending on individual circumstances and preparation time needed for studying and taking the exam.

6. Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP)

Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) is a professional certification program that was developed by the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in financial management within the construction industry.

The CCIFP designation is awarded to individuals who have met rigorous educational, experience, and ethical requirements and have demonstrated their knowledge of financial management principles and practices as applied to the construction industry. To obtain the CCIFP designation, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as accounting, finance, law, economics, business operations, project management, and taxation.

It typically takes two to three years for an individual to complete all of the requirements for the CCIFP designation. The first step is to become a member of CFMA and then complete the required courses offered through CFMA’s online learning platform or through approved third-party providers. Once all of the courses are completed, applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating their mastery of financial management principles as they apply to the construction industry. Finally, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by CFMA in order to receive their CCIFP designation.

The cost of obtaining the CCIFP designation varies depending on whether you choose to take courses through CFMA or through third-party providers. For those taking courses through CFMA’s online learning platform, there is an initial membership fee plus course fees ranging from $250-$500 per course. For those taking courses through third-party providers, there may be additional costs associated with those courses. Additionally, there is an application fee of $150 for those applying for the CCIFP designation.

7. LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) is a certification program offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It recognizes professionals who have demonstrated expertise in green building practices and technologies, as well as a commitment to sustainability. The LEED AP credential is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge of green building principles and their ability to apply them in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings.

It typically takes between two to four months to get your LEED AP credential, depending on how quickly you can complete the required courses and exams. To become a LEED AP, you must first complete an approved course or training program that covers the fundamentals of green building principles and practices. After completing the coursework, you must then pass a three-hour exam administered by USGBC.

The cost for becoming a LEED AP varies depending on the type of training or course you take. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD for online courses or trainings, while in-person courses may cost more due to additional expenses such as travel and lodging costs. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $250 USD that must be paid upon registration for the exam.

Overall, becoming a LEED AP is an investment in your professional development that can pay dividends over time as more organizations prioritize sustainable building practices and look for qualified professionals with green building credentials like LEED APs.

8. American Institute of Constructors Designated Design-Build Professional (AIC DDP)

The American Institute of Constructors Designated Design-Build Professional (AIC DDP) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the design and construction of projects using the design-build delivery method. The AIC DDP is awarded to those who have achieved a level of knowledge, experience, and proficiency in design-build project delivery that sets them apart from other professionals.

To become an AIC DDP, applicants must meet certain qualifications including:

• Having a minimum of five years of professional experience in the design and/or construction industry;
• Holding a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university;
• Passing an exam administered by the American Institute of Constructors; and
• Completing at least 24 hours of continuing education related to design-build project delivery.

The process for becoming an AIC DDP typically takes between three and six months to complete. Once all qualifications are met, applicants can then submit their application for review by the American Institute of Constructors. Upon approval, applicants will be notified and can then take the exam.

The cost to become an AIC DDP varies depending on whether you are already a member of the American Institute of Constructors or not. For non-members, there is an initial application fee as well as fees associated with taking the exam and completing continuing education courses. The total cost can range from $500-$1,000 depending on your individual situation.

9. OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification

OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification is a program developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to provide safety training and education to construction workers. It is designed to help them recognize, avoid, and prevent potential workplace hazards. The certification consists of 30 hours of instruction in topics such as: fall protection, scaffolding, electrical safety, hazardous materials, personal protective equipment, and more.

The course typically takes 4 days to complete. There are several ways to get certified including online courses or in-person classes offered through OSHA-authorized providers. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but can range from $150-$400.

10. American Society of Civil Engineers’ Construction Manager Certification Program (ASCE CMCP)

The American Society of Civil Engineers’ Construction Manager Certification Program (ASCE CMCP) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of construction managers. The program is designed to provide a standard for the practice of construction management in order to ensure quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness in the built environment.

To become certified as an ASCE Construction Manager, applicants must meet certain criteria. This includes having at least three years of experience in the field or completing a minimum of 28 hours of continuing education courses related to construction management. Applicants must also pass an examination that covers topics such as project management, risk management, contracts and agreements, and legal issues.

The process of obtaining certification can take up to six months from start to finish. During this time, applicants must complete all required steps such as submitting an application form and providing documentation proving their experience or completion of continuing education courses. Once these steps are completed and approved by ASCE, applicants will be eligible to register for the exam which is administered by Prometric Testing Centers located throughout the United States.

The cost for certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of ASCE. Members pay $450 while non-members pay $550. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees and proctoring fees which range from $25-$50 per session.

Overall, obtaining certification through ASCE’s CMCP is an excellent way for construction managers to demonstrate their expertise in their field and gain recognition from peers in the industry.

Do You Really Need a Construction manager Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not necessarily need a construction manager certificate in order to be successful in the field. However, having such a certificate can demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge that employers may find attractive. A construction manager certificate can also provide the necessary credentials for obtaining higher-level positions or even specialized jobs.

Having a construction manager certification can help show potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge needed to manage projects effectively. This could include project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management as well as coordination with other professionals such as architects and engineers. Additionally, certifications can also provide evidence of your commitment to continued professional development and growth in the field.

In addition to providing credentials, having a construction manager certification may also provide access to job opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable without the additional qualifications. Many employers look for candidates with certificates when filling higher-level positions or specialized roles due to their increased level of expertise and knowledge. In some cases, having a certificate may even make you more competitive for certain roles than candidates without one.

Ultimately, whether or not you should pursue a construction manager certification depends on your individual goals and career aspirations within the field. If you are looking for higher-level positions or specialized roles then it is worth considering getting certified as it could open up new job opportunities and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth in the field. However, if these are not important considerations then it may not be necessary for you to get certified at this time.

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FAQs About Construction manager Certifications

1. What qualifications are needed to become a Construction Manager?

Answer: To become a construction manager, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture or a related field. You may also need to obtain certifications and licenses specific to the area of work you plan to do and pass an exam administered by the American Institute of Constructors (AIC).

2. What is the difference between a Construction Manager and a Project Manager?

Answer: The main distinction between these two roles is that construction managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the physical construction process from start to finish. On the other hand, project managers focus more on the planning, organizing and controlling of project activities while working closely with other stakeholders such as clients and contractors throughout the entire process.

3. How long does it take to complete a Construction Management Certification Program?

Answer: This can vary depending on factors such as which program you choose or how much experience you have prior to enrolling. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed in around two years if studying full time or longer if studying part time.

4. What kind of job opportunities will I have with a Construction Management Certification?

Answer: With a certification in construction management, you may find yourself qualified for positions such as project engineer, superintendent, estimator, scheduler or site manager. In addition to these roles, many employers also look for candidates who possess specialized knowledge in certain areas such as safety regulations or environmental compliance laws.

5. Are there any online courses available for Construction Management Certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are several online courses available for those looking to obtain certifications in construction management. These courses range from introductory programs that cover basic concepts and principles up through advanced professional development programs designed specifically for experienced professionals looking to expand their knowledge base and credentials within their field.