Top 11 Construction Project Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a construction project engineer in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge, skill and expertise that employers look for. Certifications provide evidence that the engineer has met certain standards and criteria set by an industry-recognized organization. This ensures that employers know the engineer is capable of completing tasks to a high standard and safely. They also signal to potential employers that the engineer is committed to their professional development, which can be attractive to some employers. Lastly, certifications may also open up opportunities for career advancement or access to additional resources required to complete projects.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Construction Project Engineers and explain how they can help advance a construction project engineer's career.

What are Construction Project Engineer Certifications?

Construction project engineer certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of experienced engineers who are involved in the management of construction projects. This certification allows engineers to demonstrate their understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of effective construction project management, as well as their ability to apply these skills in real-world situations.

By earning this certification, engineers can demonstrate that they have the qualifications necessary to successfully manage complex construction projects. It also provides them with an advantage when seeking employment or promotion. In addition, employers may prefer to hire certified engineers because it demonstrates that they are committed to excellence in their profession and have achieved a higher level of expertise than non-certified engineers.

Certification also helps promote a sense of professionalism among those who practice engineering within the construction industry. It can provide assurance to clients and stakeholders that those responsible for overseeing their projects are knowledgeable and qualified professionals who will ensure that all aspects of the project are managed properly.

Finally, having this certification can help an engineer keep up with advances in technology and processes related to construction project management. By earning this credential, engineers can stay current on best practices related to industry standards so they can provide better service to their clients and be more successful in their careers overall.

Pro Tip: Construction Project Engineer Certification is an important step for any aspiring Construction Project Engineers. To become certified, make sure to complete the necessary courses and exams that are required for certification. Additionally, staying up-to-date on the latest industry trends and developments can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs in this field.

Related: What does a Construction Project Engineer do?

Top 11 Construction Project Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Construction Project Engineer (CCPE)

Certified Construction Project Engineer (CCPE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the achievements of engineering professionals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the field of construction project engineering. The CCPE certification program is administered by the American Council for Construction Project Engineering (ACCPE).

The CCPE certification is designed to assess an individual’s knowledge and experience in areas such as project planning, design, construction management, cost estimating, scheduling, and risk management. To be eligible for the CCPE certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in construction project engineering and must pass a comprehensive exam.

The CCPE exam is offered twice per year and consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics related to construction project engineering. It typically takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

In order to apply for the CCPE certification, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts or proof of experience. Applicants must also pay a fee which varies depending on their location. In the United States, the fee is currently $400 USD.

Once an applicant has passed the exam and submitted all required documentation, they will receive their official Certified Construction Project Engineer certificate from ACCPE within six weeks.

2. Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)

Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) is a professional certification program offered by the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). The CPC certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and experience of construction professionals in the areas of project management, safety, contracts, and risk management.

The CPC certification requires individuals to have a minimum of eight years of verifiable construction experience. This experience must include at least four years in a supervisory or managerial role. Candidates must also complete an AIC-approved training course and pass an exam that covers topics such as project management, safety, contracts, and risk management.

To become certified as a CPC, candidates must submit an application to AIC along with supporting documentation such as their resume, proof of education, and evidence of work experience. After submitting the application materials, candidates must then take and pass the CPC exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project planning and scheduling, cost estimating and control, risk management, legal issues in construction projects, contract administration and dispute resolution.

The cost for taking the CPC exam is $350 USD for members of AIC or $450 USD for non-members. The cost includes both the examination fee and study materials provided by AIC. It typically takes up to four weeks after passing the exam to receive your official certificate from AIC.

3. Professional Engineer (PE)

Professional Engineer (PE) is a professional designation given to engineers who have met certain educational, experience, and licensing requirements. It is a credential that demonstrates an engineer’s commitment to the profession and their dedication to meeting the highest standards of practice.

To become a PE, you must first earn a four-year degree in engineering from an accredited college or university. You must then pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam administered by your state board of engineering. After passing this exam, you can gain at least four years of experience working under the supervision of a licensed PE. Once these requirements are met, you can apply for licensure with your state board of engineering.

The process varies by state but typically includes submitting an application along with proof of education and experience as well as passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The cost for taking the FE and PE exams varies by state but generally ranges from $200-$500 per exam.

After successfully completing all requirements, you will be issued a license to practice engineering in your state as a Professional Engineer (PE). This license allows you to sign off on plans and designs for construction projects as well as take on other responsibilities related to engineering work such as providing expert testimony in court cases involving engineering matters.

4. Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is a professional certification offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). The CCM designation recognizes construction managers who demonstrate excellence in the field and have achieved a high level of professional knowledge and experience.

The CCM certification process consists of three parts: an application, an examination, and a peer review. To apply for the CCM, applicants must have at least five years of full-time construction management experience and must submit an application form with supporting documents including transcripts, references, and proof of education. Once their application is approved, they can take the exam which covers topics such as project management principles, contracts and legal issues, safety regulations, cost estimating techniques, and more. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will be asked to provide additional information for a peer review panel to assess their qualifications.

The entire process typically takes between four to six months to complete. The cost for applying for the CCM certification is $495 plus any applicable taxes.

5. LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) is a certification issued by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is a professional designation that verifies an individual’s expertise in green building design, construction, and operations. LEED APs are qualified to assess building performance against the LEED rating system, which evaluates energy efficiency, water usage, materials selection, indoor air quality, and other environmental factors.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to become a LEED AP. The process involves taking an exam that covers topics such as sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. After passing the exam with a score of at least 170 out of 200 points, individuals must submit their application for certification to USGBC along with proof of their educational background or experience in green building practices.

The cost of becoming a LEED AP varies depending on the type of credential you are pursuing and whether or not you are already certified in another field related to green building practices. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 USD for the exam fee alone plus any additional fees associated with submitting your application for certification.

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized professional certification for project managers offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate a project manager’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in leading and managing projects.

In order to obtain the PMP certification, an individual must complete an application process that includes meeting certain educational and experience requirements. The applicant must also pass a 200-question multiple-choice exam. The exam covers five main areas of project management: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring/controlling, and closing.

To be eligible for the PMP certification exam, you must have either:

• A four-year degree (bachelor's or global equivalent) plus three years of project management experience with 4500 hours leading and directing projects; OR
• A secondary diploma (high school or global equivalent) plus five years of project management experience with 7500 hours leading and directing projects.

The PMP Certification Exam takes about four hours to complete. You will receive your score immediately after completing the exam. To pass the exam, you must score at least 61% correct answers.

The cost of the PMP Certification Exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members, it costs $405; for non-members it costs $555.

7. American Institute of Constructors (AIC) Certification

The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) is a professional organization that provides certification and continuing education opportunities to construction professionals. AIC Certification is the highest level of recognition available in the construction industry, and it demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in their field.

AIC Certification is a three-step process that includes an application, a written examination, and an oral examination. The application process takes approximately two to four weeks to complete, depending on the amount of information provided. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can take up to four hours to complete. After passing the written exam, applicants must pass an oral exam which tests their knowledge on various topics related to construction management and project delivery.

To get AIC Certification, individuals must meet certain educational requirements including having a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with at least 24 semester hours of coursework in construction management or related fields. Additionally, candidates must have at least five years of experience in the construction industry as well as demonstrate knowledge in areas such as contract administration, project management, safety/risk management, quality control/assurance, scheduling/cost estimating/budgeting, and dispute resolution/claims avoidance.

The cost for AIC Certification varies depending on whether you are already a member of the American Institute of Constructors or not. For non-members the cost is $750 for both parts (written and oral exams). For members it is $500 for both parts (written and oral exams).

8. OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Certification

OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Certification is a program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to help employers and workers recognize and reduce workplace hazards. The certification is designed for entry-level construction workers, supervisors, and other personnel who work in the construction industry. It provides an introduction to OSHA standards as they apply to construction sites and covers topics such as hazard recognition, fall protection, scaffolding, electrical safety, materials handling, machine guarding, personal protective equipment, fire safety, and more.

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Certification course typically takes two days to complete. The first day focuses on general safety topics while the second day covers specific hazards related to the construction industry. During the course, participants will receive interactive instruction from an authorized OSHA instructor as well as hands-on training activities. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an official OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Certification card.

To get an OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Certification card you must attend a training program that has been approved by OSHA or one of its authorized providers. These programs are typically offered at community colleges or trade schools and may be available online or in person depending on your location. The cost of these courses varies but can range from $50-$200 depending on the provider and location.

Once you have successfully completed a training program you will be issued an official OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Certification card which is valid for five years from the date of issue.

9. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification given by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in quality engineering. The CQE credential is recognized globally as a mark of excellence in quality engineering.

It typically takes around three to six months of preparation to become certified as a CQE. Preparation involves studying the body of knowledge, which covers topics such as quality control, reliability engineering, design of experiments, statistical process control, and quality assurance. Additionally, individuals must pass an exam administered by ASQ in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a CQE, individuals must first apply for the certification through the ASQ website. After submitting their application and passing the required exam, they will be issued their CQE certificate.

The cost of becoming certified as a CQE varies depending on whether or not you are an ASQ member. For non-members, it costs $450 for the application fee and $405 for the exam fee. For members, it costs $320 for the application fee and $305 for the exam fee.

10. American Society of Civil Engineers Certification

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the professional achievements of civil engineers. This certification is designed to help civil engineers demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field, as well as provide a way for employers to identify qualified professionals.

To become certified, an engineer must have a minimum of four years of professional practice in civil engineering and pass an eight-hour written exam. The exam covers topics such as engineering principles, design methods, construction practices, environmental regulations, and safety regulations. The cost for the exam is $475 for ASCE members and $575 for non-members.

Once the exam is passed, applicants must complete a portfolio review process which includes submitting three letters of recommendation from current or former employers or colleagues. They must also submit a project report that demonstrates their ability to apply engineering principles to solve complex problems. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their certification within 6-8 weeks after submitting their application materials.

The cost of the certification varies depending on whether you are an ASCE member or not and whether you choose to take the exam at an ASCE testing center or online. For members taking the exam at an ASCE testing center, it costs $475 plus any applicable taxes and fees; for non-members taking the exam at an ASCE testing center it costs $575 plus any applicable taxes and fees; for members taking the exam online it costs $495 plus any applicable taxes and fees; and for non-members taking the exam online it costs $595 plus any applicable taxes and fees.

Once certified, engineers must maintain their certification by earning continuing education credits every two years through approved courses or activities related to civil engineering practice.

11. Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA).

Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA) is an internationally recognized certification program that provides professional recognition to those who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, experience and skill in cost estimating and analysis. It is sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEI).

It takes approximately three to four months to complete the CCEA program. To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least five years of experience in cost estimating or analysis and passing a written exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions related to cost estimation and analysis topics such as project management, risk management, engineering economics, and contract administration.

The cost for the CCEA program varies depending on whether you are an AACEI member or non-member. For members, the exam fee is $250 USD; for non-members it is $500 USD. Additionally, there are other fees associated with the CCEA program such as application fees ($50 USD), study materials ($150 USD), and recertification fees ($100 USD).

Overall, becoming a Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in cost estimation and analysis. It demonstrates a commitment to professional development and provides recognition from one’s peers in the field.

Do You Really Need a Construction Project Engineer Certificate?

No, you do not necessarily need a Construction Project Engineer Certificate in order to be successful in the construction industry. A certificate can certainly help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the field, but it is not a requirement for success. In fact, many employers value experience and qualifications over certificates when hiring for construction project engineer positions.

Having said that, there are some advantages to obtaining a Construction Project Engineer Certificate. For example, having a certificate may qualify you for additional roles or responsibilities on a project team, or provide an edge over other candidates when applying for higher-level positions. Furthermore, the coursework associated with obtaining such a certificate may give you greater insight into the industry and help you develop new skillsets that will benefit your career growth.

In conclusion, while having a Construction Project Engineer Certificate is not necessary to become successful in this field, it can certainly be beneficial. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they want to pursue this certification and how much effort they want to put into it.

Related: Construction Project Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Construction Project Engineer Certifications

1. What is a Construction Project Engineer Certification?

Answer: A Construction Project Engineer Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional's knowledge and proficiency in managing construction projects. It typically involves completing a course or program related to the field, passing an exam, and/or meeting other requirements set by the certifying body.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Construction Project Engineer Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a certification can provide numerous benefits for those in the construction project engineering field. These include increased job opportunities, higher pay, greater credibility and respect from employers and peers, and enhanced career advancement prospects.

3. What types of certifications are available?

Answer: There are many different certifications available for construction project engineers, including Certified Professional Constructor (CPC), LEED Green Associate (LEED GA), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Professional Engineer (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA).

4. How much does it cost to obtain a certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a certification will vary depending on the type of certification being sought and other factors such as location, duration of study, etc. Generally speaking, most certifications require some form of tuition or registration fee which can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

5. How long does it take to obtain a certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to obtain a certification will depend on the type being sought as well as individual factors such as prior experience and study habits. In general though, most certifications require anywhere from six months to two years of study before taking the final exam or completing any other necessary requirements for obtaining the credential.