Top 10 Project Superintendent Certifications

Certifications are important for project superintendents in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competence and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certifications provide employers with assurance that their project superintendent has the necessary skills and experience to successfully complete the job. In addition, certifications can give project superintendents an edge over other applicants who may not have the same qualifications. This can be especially helpful in highly competitive job markets where employers are looking for qualified candidates with proven expertise. Furthermore, certifications can help project superintendents stay current on industry trends and best practices, allowing them to better serve their clients and stay ahead of their competition.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Project Superintendents and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Project Superintendent Certifications?

Project superintendent certification is a program designed to provide construction superintendents with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage successful construction projects. The certification program focuses on teaching superintendents how to plan, organize, direct, and control projects from conception to completion. By taking this program, superintendents will gain the skills needed to effectively lead teams of workers and contractors in order to complete construction projects on time and within budget.

The certification program also covers topics such as estimating costs, scheduling tasks, managing budgets, monitoring progress, dealing with safety concerns, and resolving conflicts between team members. Superintendents who complete this program will be better equipped to handle the challenges that come with managing complex construction projects. In addition, certified project superintendents may be more attractive to employers as they are seen as having additional knowledge and experience that can help ensure successful project outcomes.

Pro tip: Research the requirements for becoming a certified project superintendent before beginning the certification process. Many certifying bodies have specific requirements for experience, training, and education that must be met in order to become certified.

Related: What does a Project Superintendent do?

Top 10 Project Superintendent Certifications

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

1. 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), which is the world’s leading organization for project management professionals. PMP certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in managing projects.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam, depending on your background and experience. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have at least 3 years of project management experience and 35 hours of formal project management education.

To get the certification, you must first apply to take the PMP exam. Once your application is approved, you can then register for a test date and pay the associated fees (currently $555 USD). The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 4 hours. You must score at least 61% correct answers in order to pass the exam and receive your PMP certification.

The cost of getting PMP certified varies depending on how much preparation you need before taking the exam, but it generally ranges from around $1,000 - $2,000 USD when including study materials, training courses, and application/exam fees.

2. Certified Construction Manager (CCM) Certification

Certified Construction Manager (CCM) Certification is a professional credential offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). The CCM certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in construction management and leadership. It requires a commitment to ethical practices, continuing education, and professional development.

The CCM certification process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete. The first step is to meet the eligibility requirements which include: having at least four years of experience in construction management or related field, having a bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline, and passing the CMAA’s online exam. Once these requirements are met, applicants must submit an application and supporting documents such as references and transcripts. After submitting the application, applicants will be asked to participate in an oral interview with a panel of certified professionals.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their CCM certification from CMAA. The cost of obtaining the CCM certification varies depending on whether you are already a member of CMAA or not. For non-members, it costs $400 for the application fee plus $500 for the exam fee; for members it costs $200 for the application fee plus $400 for the exam fee.

3. Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) Certification

Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) Certification is a professional credential offered by the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the field of construction. The CPC certification requires applicants to have a minimum of five years of experience in the construction industry and pass an exam that covers topics such as project management, safety, contracts, and legal issues.

The application process for the CPC certification takes approximately six weeks from start to finish. Applicants must submit an application form along with their resume and any supporting documents. Once approved, applicants are required to take a two-day exam at an AIC-approved testing center. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project planning, scheduling, cost estimating, risk management, and quality control.

The cost for the CPC certification varies depending on the applicant’s location but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This fee includes the application fee and exam fees. Additionally, applicants may need to purchase study materials or attend review courses prior to taking the exam.

Once certified, CPCs are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every three years in order to remain current on industry standards and practices.

4. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) Certification

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building principles and practices. LEED APs are knowledgeable about the design, construction, operations, and maintenance of green buildings. The certification is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The LEED AP certification process typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers various topics related to green building such as energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, and more. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge of the LEED rating system and its application to projects.

To get LEED AP certified, applicants must first register with the USGBC website and purchase the exam for $400 USD. After registering for the exam, applicants can access study materials on the USGBC website or through third-party providers to prepare for the test. Once registered for the exam, applicants have up to one year to take it before their registration expires.

The cost of becoming LEED AP certified is $400 USD for the exam fee plus any additional fees associated with study materials or preparation courses from third-party providers.

5. American Institute of Constructors (AIC) Certification

The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) is a professional organization that provides certification to individuals in the construction industry. AIC certification is a way to demonstrate knowledge and experience in the field of construction, and it is recognized by employers as a sign of excellence.

AIC certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of construction management principles and practices. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral portion. The written portion covers topics such as project management, contract administration, cost estimating, scheduling, safety, quality control, and more. The oral portion includes questions about the applicant's experience in the construction industry.

Applicants must have at least three years of experience in the construction industry to be eligible for AIC certification. Additionally, they must meet certain educational requirements such as having a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution or completing approved courses related to construction management.

The process for obtaining AIC certification takes approximately four months from start to finish. First, applicants must submit an application form along with their resume and proof of education/experience to the AIC office. After submitting their application materials, applicants will receive notification from the AIC regarding eligibility for taking the exam. Once approved to take the exam, applicants will be given instructions on how to register for it online or by mail.

The cost of taking the AIC exam varies depending on whether you are applying as a member or non-member of the organization. For members, it costs $200; for non-members it costs $400 plus an additional $100 processing fee. In addition to these fees, there may also be other costs associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses if you need to take it at a testing center outside your area or any additional coursework required before taking the exam.

6. Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) Certification

Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and competency in the field of construction health and safety. The CHST certification is offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing safety practices in the workplace.

In order to become certified, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of construction health and safety through a combination of education, experience, and passing the CHST exam. Applicants must have at least two years of full-time safety experience in the construction industry or four years of part-time experience within the last 10 years. They must also have a high school diploma or equivalent, or at least 30 college credit hours from an accredited institution.

The CHST exam consists of 100 questions covering topics such as hazard recognition, accident investigation, regulatory compliance, occupational health, engineering controls, personal protective equipment, emergency response plans, and more. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CHST exam is $225 for BCSP members and $350 for non-members. The fee covers both registration and examination costs. Once an applicant has passed the exam they will be awarded their CHST certification which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

7. National Council for Public-Private Partnerships (NCPPP) Certification

The National Council for Public-Private Partnerships (NCPPP) is a non-profit organization that provides certification to organizations that demonstrate a commitment to public-private partnerships. The NCPPP Certification is designed to recognize organizations that have established and maintained a successful public-private partnership program. This certification is awarded to organizations that have demonstrated an effective and efficient management of their public-private partnership initiatives, as well as a commitment to the principles of collaboration, transparency, accountability, and sustainability.

The process of obtaining the NCPPP Certification typically takes 6 months or longer depending on the complexity of the application. Organizations must first complete an online application form which includes detailed information about their public-private partnership programs. After submitting the application, organizations will be contacted by NCPPP staff who will review it and provide feedback on any areas needing improvement. Once all requirements are met, organizations can then submit their completed application for review by the NCPPP Board of Directors. Upon approval from the board, organizations will receive their NCPPP Certification.

The cost for obtaining the NCPPP Certification varies depending on factors such as size of organization, number of projects being certified, etc. Generally speaking, it costs between $2,000 - $5,000 USD per project/program being certified.

8. OSHA 30-Hour Construction Outreach Training Program

The OSHA 30-Hour Construction Outreach Training Program is an in-depth safety training program designed for workers and employers in the construction industry. It provides comprehensive safety and health training that covers a variety of topics, such as personal protective equipment, hazard communication, fall protection, scaffolding, electrical safety, and more. The program is designed to help participants recognize and reduce the risks of job site hazards.

The OSHA 30-Hour Construction Outreach Training Program takes approximately 30 hours to complete. It can be taken online or in a classroom setting. Online courses are self-paced and can be completed at any time. Classroom courses are typically held over two or three days depending on the provider.

To get the OSHA 30-Hour Construction Outreach Training Program certification, you must successfully complete all course requirements, including passing an exam with a score of 70% or higher. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive an official OSHA card that is valid for five years from the date of completion.

The cost of the OSHA 30-Hour Construction Outreach Training Program varies depending on where you take it and which provider you use. Generally speaking, online courses range from $100 to $300 while classroom courses range from $200 to $500 depending on location and other factors.

9. Risk Management for Project Superintendents Certificate Program

Risk Management for Project Superintendents Certificate Program is a program designed to help project superintendents understand and manage risk in the construction industry. The program is offered by the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). It takes about 4-6 weeks to complete the coursework, depending on how quickly you can learn and absorb the material.

To get the certificate, you must first complete an online application form and submit it to AIC. You will then be asked to provide proof of your professional experience in construction management, such as a resume or portfolio. Once approved, you will receive a link to access the Risk Management for Project Superintendents online course. The course covers topics such as risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and legal considerations related to construction projects.

The cost of the Risk Management for Project Superintendents Certificate Program is $599 USD plus applicable taxes. This fee includes access to the online course materials and an exam voucher that can be used when you are ready to take the certification exam. After successfully completing the exam, you will receive your official Risk Management for Project Superintendents Certificate from AIC.

10. American Society of Safety Professionals’ Construction Health and Safety Technician (ASSP CHST) certification

The American Society of Safety Professionals’ Construction Health and Safety Technician (ASSP CHST) certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of construction health and safety. The CHST credential is designed for individuals who have at least four years of safety experience in the construction industry.

To earn the ASSP CHST certification, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as occupational health and safety regulations, hazard recognition and control, accident investigation, ergonomics, fire protection, industrial hygiene, emergency planning and response, environmental compliance, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions over a three-hour period.

In order to be eligible for the ASSP CHST certification exam, applicants must meet certain educational requirements. These requirements include having at least four years of full-time safety experience in the construction industry within the last 10 years or having completed an approved safety degree program within the last five years. In addition to meeting these educational requirements, applicants must also submit proof of their experience or education when registering for the exam.

The cost to take the ASSP CHST certification exam is $395 USD for members of ASSP or $495 USD for non-members. Once you have passed the exam and met all other eligibility requirements, you will receive your official certificate from ASSP. The certificate is valid for five years after which you will need to renew it by taking continuing education courses or retaking the examination.

Do You Really Need a Project Superintendent Certificate?

The answer to this question is a personal one. Whether or not you need a project superintendent certificate depends on your individual career aspirations and goals. If you are looking to advance in the construction industry, then having a project superintendent certificate is likely a good idea. This type of certification demonstrates to potential employers that you have a high level of expertise and knowledge in the field.

However, if you are already working as a project superintendent and do not plan to move up in the industry, then having the certificate may not be necessary. It is important to consider your future plans before making the decision to pursue such an accreditation.

Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not you decide to pursue a project superintendent certificate. Consider your long-term goals and what type of value it could bring to your career before making any decisions.

Related: Project Superintendent Resume Examples

FAQs About Project Superintendent Certifications

1. What is a Project Superintendent Certification?

Answer: A Project Superintendent Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of project superintendent. It is earned by passing an examination and completing a series of courses that cover topics such as project management, safety and health, construction law, cost estimating, scheduling, and contract administration.

2. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified as a project superintendent offers numerous benefits including increased job prospects, higher pay, enhanced reputation in the industry, and recognition for your skills and accomplishments.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The length of time to become certified depends on the certification program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs require between 6-12 months of study and preparation before taking the certification exam.

4. What type of experience do I need to become certified?

Answer: Most certification programs require applicants to have at least two years of experience working in a project superintendent capacity or related field before applying for certification. Additionally, some programs may require additional education or training beyond what is required for initial certification eligibility.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements after I am certified?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require their certificants to complete ongoing continuing education courses on an annual basis in order to maintain their certification status.