Top 10 Construction Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for a construction technician in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge to potential employers. Having certifications in specific areas such as safety, building codes, or even certain types of construction can help a technician stand out from the competition and give them an edge when seeking employment. Additionally, certifications show that the technician has taken the initiative to learn more about their field and is dedicated to staying up-to-date on current trends and technologies. This can be beneficial to employers who may be looking for someone with specialized skills or knowledge.

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

What are Construction Technician Certifications?

Construction Technician Certification is a specialized certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the construction industry. This certification is designed to help professionals stand out in the competitive job market, as it indicates to employers that they possess the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their chosen field. The program covers topics such as safety, construction principles, legal issues, and building codes. It also provides knowledge of building materials, processes and methods used in modern construction projects.

Having a Construction Technician Certification can help professionals stand out from other applicants who may only have general experience or education related to construction. It can also provide proof of professional development and can serve as a valuable addition to any portfolio or resume. Additionally, having this certification may make individuals more attractive to potential employers and open up opportunities for increased pay and better job security.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the various construction technician certification programs available, as some will require different levels of experience and/or additional coursework. It is important to ensure the program you choose is recognized by the industry and will be beneficial for your career goals.

Related: What does a Construction Technician do?

Top 10 Construction Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is a professional certification program offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of expertise in construction management and who have demonstrated their commitment to the profession.

It takes approximately 3-4 months to complete the CCM process, depending on the individual's prior experience and knowledge. The process includes completing an application, passing an exam, and submitting letters of recommendation from employers or clients.

To obtain the CCM designation, individuals must first submit an application to CMAA. Once approved, they must take and pass a three-hour exam administered by CMAA. After passing the exam, applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from employers or clients attesting to their qualifications as a construction manager.

The cost for obtaining the CCM designation varies based on whether you are already a CMAA member or not. For non-members, it costs $495 for the exam fee plus $100 for each letter of recommendation submitted. For members, it costs $395 for the exam fee plus $50 for each letter of recommendation submitted.

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 demonstrated knowledge and experience in the construction industry. The CPC certification provides a way for employers, clients, and other stakeholders to identify qualified professionals in the field of construction.

The CPC certification process consists of two parts: an online application and an examination. The online application includes questions about your education, experience, and background in the construction industry. Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by AIC staff members who will determine if you meet the requirements for certification.

The examination is a multiple-choice exam that covers topics such as project management, cost estimating, scheduling, and safety. You must pass this exam with a score of 70% or higher to become certified. The exam can be taken at any AIC approved testing center or online through the AIC website.

It typically takes between four to six weeks to receive your results from the examination. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate via mail within three weeks after passing.

The cost for taking the CPC exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $400-$500 USD. Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 USD which must be paid each year in order to maintain your CPC certification status.

3. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certification

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is an organization that provides standardized education, assessment, certification, and career development for the construction industry. The NCCER Certification program is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of craft professionals in the construction industry. It is a nationally recognized credentialing system that verifies an individual’s level of expertise in a particular craft area.

It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to complete all of the necessary requirements for NCCER Certification. In order to become certified, individuals must first complete a series of courses offered by NCCER-accredited training providers. These courses cover topics such as safety, quality control, mathematics, blueprint reading, and other related areas of study. Once these courses have been completed, individuals must pass a series of assessments to demonstrate their mastery of the material covered in the courses. Upon successful completion of these assessments, individuals are awarded an NCCER Certificate.

The cost for obtaining NCCER Certification varies depending on the type of certification desired and the number of courses required to obtain it. Generally speaking, most certifications cost between $500-$1000 USD depending on the type and number of courses taken. Additionally, some employers may offer reimbursement or tuition assistance programs for employees who wish to pursue NCCER Certification.

Overall, obtaining an NCCER Certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their careers in the construction industry as it demonstrates their commitment to professional excellence and establishes them as knowledgeable experts in their field.

4. OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction Safety Training Course

The OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction Safety Training Course is a comprehensive safety program designed to provide construction workers with the knowledge and skills they need to work safely on the job site. The course covers topics such as hazard recognition, accident prevention, personal protective equipment, fall protection, scaffolding, electrical safety, and more. The 10-hour course is intended for entry-level workers, while the 30-hour course is designed for supervisors and other experienced personnel.

The 10-hour course typically takes two days to complete and the 30-hour course takes four days. Both courses are offered in both classroom and online formats. The cost of the 10-hour course varies depending on location but typically ranges from $50-$150 USD. The cost of the 30-hour course also varies but is usually between $200-$400 USD.

In order to receive an OSHA card after completing either course, participants must pass a final exam with a score of 70% or higher. Upon successful completion of the exam, participants will receive their OSHA card in the mail within 6 weeks.

5. LEED Green Associate

LEED Green Associate is a certification program offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is designed to recognize professionals who have a basic understanding of green building principles and practices, and are committed to advancing sustainability in the built environment.

The LEED Green Associate credential is valid for two years from the date of issue. To maintain the credential, individuals must complete continuing education requirements every two years or retake the exam.

To become a LEED Green Associate, one must pass a 90-minute exam that tests knowledge of green building concepts and principles. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions, covering topics such as energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, water conservation and more.

The cost of taking the LEED Green Associate exam varies depending on how it is taken. The online version costs $200 USD for USGBC members and $250 USD for non-members. The paper-based version costs $250 USD for USGBC members and $300 USD for non-members.

6. American Association of Cost Engineers (AACE) Certification

The American Association of Cost Engineers (AACE) is an international professional organization dedicated to the advancement of cost engineering and project management. AACE offers certification for professionals in the fields of cost engineering, project management, and related disciplines. The AACE certifications are recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence in these fields.

AACE certification is available in three levels: Certified Cost Consultant (CCC), Certified Cost Professional (CCP), and Certified Project Management Professional (CPMP). Each level requires different qualifications and experience, as well as passing an exam.

To become a CCC, candidates must have at least five years of experience in cost engineering or project management, plus a bachelor’s degree or equivalent education. Candidates must also pass the CCC exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as cost estimating, scheduling, risk management, and other related topics. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To become a CCP, candidates must have at least seven years of experience in cost engineering or project management and pass the CCP exam. This exam covers more advanced topics such as risk analysis, decision making, contract administration, and financial analysis. The exam takes approximately six hours to complete.

To become a CPMP, candidates must have at least ten years of experience in project management and pass the CPMP exam. This exam covers advanced topics such as project planning and control systems, communication skills for managing projects effectively, leadership skills for motivating teams to achieve goals efficiently, and quality assurance techniques for ensuring successful outcomes on projects. The exam takes approximately eight hours to complete.

The fees for taking each AACE certification exam vary depending on the country where you take it; however they typically range from $300-$400 USD per attempt. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exams or becoming an AACE member prior to taking them.

7. Certified Building Inspector (CBI)

A Certified Building Inspector (CBI) is a professional who has been trained and certified to inspect buildings for safety and code compliance. This certification is issued by the International Code Council (ICC). The CBI designation is recognized by many local, state, and federal agencies as a sign of expertise in building inspection and code enforcement.

The process of becoming a Certified Building Inspector typically takes between six months to one year, depending on the individual's experience level. To become certified, applicants must first complete an approved training program or coursework that focuses on building codes, construction principles, and inspection techniques. They must then pass an exam administered by the ICC.

The cost of becoming a Certified Building Inspector varies depending on the type of training program chosen. In-person courses can range from $500-$1,000 while online programs may cost anywhere from $200-$400. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the exam which range from $100-$200.

8. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate a project manager’s knowledge, experience, and skills in managing projects. The PMP certification is one of the most sought-after credentials in the field of project management.

To become a PMP, you must have at least 4500 hours of project management experience within the past 8 years and 35 contact hours of formal project management education. You must also pass an exam that covers five process groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing.

The exam takes about four hours to complete and costs $405 for PMI members or $555 for non-members. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official PMP certification from PMI. To maintain your certification status, you must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.

Overall, it can take anywhere from several months to a year or more to get your PMP certification depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying and preparing for the exam.

9. Certified Quality Technician (CQT)

Certified Quality Technician (CQT) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a mastery of quality principles and practices. The CQT certification is intended to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of a quality technician in any industry.

It typically takes three to six months to complete the requirements for the CQT certification. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management systems, statistical analysis methods, inspection techniques, problem solving processes, and more.

The cost of the CQT certification exam varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For members, it costs $245 USD; for non-members it costs $345 USD.

10. Building Information Modeling (BIM) Certification

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Certification is a professional certification program that provides an industry-recognized credential for individuals who demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the BIM process. It is designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of professionals in the field of Building Information Modeling (BIM).

The BIM Certification Program consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on project. The online exam covers topics such as BIM processes, standards, technologies, software, data management, collaboration and visualization. The hands-on project requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to use BIM software to create a model that meets specific criteria.

The entire certification process typically takes about three months from start to finish. Candidates must complete the online exam within one month of registering for the program. Once they have passed the exam, they will be given access to the hands-on project which must be completed within two months.

To get certified in BIM, candidates must register for the program through a recognized provider such as Autodesk or Bentley Systems. The cost of registration varies depending on which provider you choose but typically ranges from $100-$500 USD.

Once registered, candidates will receive instructions on how to prepare for and take the online exam as well as information on how to complete the hands-on project successfully. After completing both parts of the program successfully, candidates will receive their official BIM Certificate from their chosen provider.

Do You Really Need a Construction Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question largely depends on the individual and their desired career path. For those looking to pursue a career in construction, a Construction Technician Certificate may be beneficial. This certificate program typically covers topics such as safety, materials, tools and equipment, blueprint reading, and construction estimating. Having certification can give employers assurance that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to work in the field of construction technology.

Having a Construction Technician Certificate may also make it easier for individuals to find jobs in the industry. Employers often prefer to hire those with specialized training or experience in a particular field. A certificate can demonstrate that an individual is knowledgeable about industry-specific topics and practices. It can also serve as proof of professional development and commitment to the profession. Additionally, some employers may require certification before they will consider hiring someone for certain positions.

Ultimately, whether or not an individual needs a Construction Technician Certificate depends on their career goals and desired job requirements. If one wishes to pursue a career in construction technology, then having this type of certification may be beneficial both for obtaining employment and advancing within the field.

Related: Construction Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Construction Technician Certifications

1. What types of certifications are available for Construction Technicians?

Answer: Certifications available for Construction Technicians include Certified Construction Technician (CCT), Certified Building Inspector (CBI), and Certified Residential Building Inspector (CRBI).

2. How do I become a certified Construction Technician?

Answer: To become a certified Construction Technician, you must complete an approved training program and pass the necessary exams to earn your certification. You may also need to have a certain amount of work experience in the construction industry, depending on the certification you are pursuing.

3. How much does it cost to get a Construction Technician certification?

Answer: The cost of getting a Construction Technician certification varies depending on the type of certification being pursued. Generally speaking, costs can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars, depending on the type and scope of the certification sought.

4. How long is a Construction Technician certification valid?

Answer: Most Construction Technician certifications are valid for 2-3 years before needing to be renewed or recertified. It is important to check with your specific certifying body for more information regarding renewal requirements and timelines.

5. Is there an age requirement for becoming a certified Construction Technician?

Answer: Generally speaking, there is not an age requirement for becoming a certified Construction Technician; however, some certifying bodies may have additional requirements that must be met prior to earning or renewing your certification(s). It is important to check with your specific certifying body for more information regarding any additional requirements that may apply.