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The construction industry is one of the few left in the world where you can start your career as a laborer and advance through various levels similar to the metaphorical corporate ladder in white-collar jobs. While it's impossible to do this entirely on your own merit, obtaining construction certifications can make those promotions easier to achieve. Here is a list of certifications you might consider if you want to level up your career potential:
1. National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
Engineering and surveying are both essential parts of the construction industry. Are you interested in trying your hand at one of these fields, or have you already spent part of your career behind a computer or out in the field taking elevation surveys? If either is true, obtaining a certification from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying can jump-start your career and open up more opportunities.
Check with state offices to determine the exact amount of education and experience you need before you become eligible to take the certification exams.
2. Construction Management Certification
For many, construction management is the next logical step after spending years on the ground floor, learning the industry's ins and outs. You don't necessarily need a certification to become a construction manager, but it does make it easier to obtain those promotions. Consider a program from the Construction Manager Certification Institute, which provides some of the most easily recognized and accredited certifications in the country.
Construction managers are high in demand, with forecasters predicting 11% job growth through 2026—barring of course, the unprecedented disruption of 2020. Earning certification for construction management can launch workers into positions with both high income potential and high stability.
3. American Institute of Constructors (AIC)
At the American Institute of Constructors, there are two levels of certification. First, you obtain your Associate Constructor certification after graduating from a four-year construction management program or moving into the field from another industry. The second level of AIC certification is the Certified Professional Contractor, who, in addition to construction management experience, will have spent many years working in the field.
4. National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)
The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators is fairly self-explanatory. Their goal is to improve workplace safety by training and certifying crane operators and ensuring they follow the best safety practices. Since there are many different crane models, the NCCCO offers certification tests for each one.
This certificate is just one example of many equipment-specific certifications you may seek to jump-start your career or improve your forward momentum. In addition to keeping your workplace safer, well-trained and certified, proper care and training helps maintain the value of machinery and protect company investments. Well-trained operators are beneficial to their employers’ bottom line and have good job prospects as a result.
5. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
Obtaining a PMP certification from the Project Management Institute showcases you as one of the most talented project managers in the country. It also improves your earning potential, with PMP certified managers making an average of 20% more than their uncertified counterparts. This certificate is also a fantastic tool for networking and connecting with other professionals.
6. U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
Sustainability is a hot-button topic in the construction industry. Construction professionals who pursue knowledge and experience in this sector set themselves up to stay on top of green construction trends and secure opportunities to do business for environmentally-focused projects.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is the most widely used rating system to determine how sustainable a building is. Obtaining a certificate from the U.S. Green Building Council proves your dedication to sustainability in the construction sector. As more companies start switching to green materials and methods, individuals with USGBC certifications will be in higher demand than they already are.
7. Bachelor's Degree
If all else fails, go back to college. Obtaining a bachelor's degree in construction management or similar fields can be incredibly valuable. Start with a four-year program. You have the option to continue going to school for a master's degree or even a doctorate in the same field, but a bachelor's degree is always the best place to start.
Certifications Can Improve Career Potential
If you work in the construction industry and have been struggling to secure promotions that you know you're qualified for, consider seeking additional certifications like the ones we've listed above. They're the perfect method to showcase your skills in a way that helps you jump-start your career and launch it into the stratosphere. Look at your history and experience to figure out what certification tests you might already qualify for.
Holly Welles is a freelance writer who covers construction and real estate innovations for publishers across the web, including NCCER and Constructible. She also runs her own residential real estate blog, The Estate Update.
