This article examines the 9 construction certifications available to help advance your team, your business, and yourself. We also provide tips on choosing the right certifications.
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In the competitive construction industry, it’s vital to continuously learn, grow, and prove your expertise. Ensuring you and your team members are skilled and highly knowledgeable can help push your company toward greater success.
A great way to do this is by obtaining relevant construction certifications. These help construction professionals validate and expand their knowledge and expertise so they can advance their careers and their companies as a whole. Certifications can cover topics like construction management, green building, safety procedures, machinery operation, and more.
You can seek certification to boost your own skillset or encourage your entire workforce to get certified. Investing in this kind of professional development can offer many benefits—from boosting your reputation and attracting more clients to building a safer, more productive workforce.
There are many construction certifications out there, so knowing which ones to go for can feel daunting. To help you out, we’ve rounded up 9 valuable certifications so you can pick the right ones for your team.
Key Takeaways
- Construction certifications validate your teams’ skills, boost your credibility, and open doors to new opportunities.
- Certificates can cover general topics like safety best practices. They can also cover specialized areas like concrete construction, aerial lift operation, and green building.
- Some notable construction certificates include OSHA’s Outreach Training Program, the Certified Safety Manager (CSM) certification, and the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
- There’s no single best certificate. It’s essential to choose a construction certification that aligns with your company’s goals and your team’s experience level.
What Is a Construction Certification?
Construction certifications are specialized qualifications that confirm you have the required skills and knowledge for certain jobs in the construction industry.
Official state bodies or industry organizations can issue these certifications. Generally, you can earn them by taking an in-person or online class.
Certifications can focus on broader topics such as safety procedures or specialized trades like welding. Common examples of construction certificates include certifications for project management, electrical work, plumbing, sustainable building practices, and more.
Are Construction Certificates Worth It?
Investing in yourself and your team with construction certifications is certainly worthwhile.
They provide many benefits—like raising your company’s credibility and marketability, improving your team’s construction knowledge, and boosting overall productivity. All of this translates to better projects and higher payouts.
Likewise, when you seek certification, the skills and knowledge you gain can help you better guide your crew through complex projects. This can lead to fewer errors and a reduced risk of injuries and accidents on the job.
Plus, by encouraging your employees to obtain certification, you show them you’re invested in their professional development. This can make them feel more valued and help them understand how their job responsibilities connect to the company’s goals. In turn, workers become more engaged and loyal to your company.
Many construction certifications also offer networking opportunities, connecting your workers or your company with other professionals and businesses. For instance, getting certified with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) provides access to a network of engineers and surveyors. These connections can open up opportunities for collaboration and make it easier to stay updated on industry news and trends.
Finally, construction certificates can help your company land large projects, such as international or government-funded projects. These projects require highly skilled staff, and certifications ensure your team can meet the strict standards and qualifications any regulatory bodies and potential clients set out.
💡Pro Tip:
Investing in construction certifications is just the beginning! To make the most of your team’s expertise, centralize all your training materials and resources in one place with Connecteam’s Knowledge Base. Create a digital repository of valuable content to enhance your team’s skills and knowledge, and foster a culture of continuous learning.
9 Construction Certificates to Advance Your Career and Company
Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Outreach Training Program certification
OSHA’s Outreach Training Program focuses on occupational safety and health topics and is a great option for you and your team. It covers identifying workplace hazards, recognizing potential risks, and implementing safety measures. You’ll also learn about emergency response planning and regulatory compliance.
The OSHA Outreach Training Program is offered as a 10-hour or a 30-hour program taught by an OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainer.
The 10-hour session is “primarily intended for entry-level workers.” Meanwhile, the 30-hour session is geared toward workers who already have “some safety responsibility.” The longer program offers a “greater depth and variety of training” relevant to specific industries. The OSHA website doesn’t offer more details on what that involves.
Both programs will teach you how to identify, prevent, and control hazards on job sites. However, neither program covers OSHA standards.
You can complete this certification online, at a local OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center, or through an OSHA state or Consultation office.
Cost
Training costs vary depending on the training provider you choose. Online courses range from around $60 to $200. In-person classes typically cost about $200-300 for the 10-hour program and $500-600 for the 30-hour program.
Who should get this certification?
This certification can benefit any construction professional who needs an overview of handling common health and safety hazards on job sites.
The 10-hour program is ideal for workers with less safety responsibility, such as entry-level or junior employees. The 30-hour program is great for more senior team members, such as supervisors and managers, who already carry out on-site safety responsibilities.
Pros
- 2 program options
- Teaches compliance with safety regulations
- Teaches you how to reduce the risk of on-site accidents and injuries
- Can be a prerequisite for higher-level safety management positions
Cons
- Doesn’t cover OSHA standards
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Certified Safety Manager (CSM) certification
The Certified Safety Manager (CSM) certification covers various topics, including hazard identification, risk assessment, safety program development, regulatory compliance, and incident investigation.
Becoming a Certified Safety Manager includes completing a training program and passing an exam. A 40-hour training program is provided by organizations such as the National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP).
The training can take up to 6 months to finish, but no prerequisites are needed.
To pass the course, you or your workers must score at least 80% on the exam, but there are 2 chances to pass.
Maintaining the manager certification involves taking a refresher course and an exam every 3 years, currently costing $395.
Cost
Costs vary depending on the training provider and location but typically start from $395 for the exam and program enrollment.
Who should get this certification?
The Certified Safety Manager (CSM) certification is a great option for many construction professionals. Safety managers and officers can get this certificate to enhance their existing skills in safety management, and those looking to break into safety management can use this certification as a foundation.
The CSM certificate can also benefit health and safety specialists, risk management professionals, and even those working in HR at construction companies.
Overall, this certification can be a valuable asset for anyone looking to improve safety on their construction sites.
Pros
- Highly recognized course in the construction industry
- Teaches in-depth safety knowledge and regulations
- Helps your team manage a construction site safely
Cons
- Refresher course and exam required to maintain the certificate
💡Pro Tip:
Make the most of your team’s newly acquired certifications and leverage the power of Connecteam’s Knowledge Base. Seamlessly integrate your team’s certifications into their work routines, ensuring they apply their knowledge on the field effectively. Connecteam’s mobile app allows them to easily access critical certification materials and guidelines whenever they need them, leading to safer and more efficient construction projects.
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) licensure
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) issues licenses to professional engineers and surveyors in the US. There are a few things you or your team members must have to qualify for this certification.
To become a professional engineer, you must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from a program certified by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET)
- Have 4 years of relevant work experience
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam
The same applies to the professional surveyor program, with one key difference. You’ll need to pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam, the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam, and a state-specific exam.
Cost
NCEES certification costs vary based on the specific discipline and state requirements. Generally, the FE and FS exams cost $175, and the PE and PS exams range between $300 and $500.
Who should get this certification?
Since the NCEES certification is mainly focused on design, it’s great for mechanical, civil, structural, and electrical engineers as well as surveyors on construction sites.
Pros
- Well-regarded construction certification
- Provides access to a network of professionals and resources
- Can help your company bid for more complex engineering projects
Cons
- Significant time investment to acquire the skills and experience to qualify
American Concrete Institute (ACI) certification
Getting an ACI certification can help you or your team obtain new skills and knowledge in concrete construction. The American Concrete Institute offers 30 specialized certifications through Inspection, Testing, and Construction/Specialist programs.
There are 4 steps to get certified:
- Select the course program that best suits your role and education level or your workers’ roles and educational levels.
- Choose one of the 120 Sponsoring Groups for your testing/training location.
- Prepare for the exam. ACI offers online resources such as workbooks and training courses to help you do this.
- Take the exam.
You and your employees don’t need any specific academic credentials or years of professional experience to qualify for this certification. However, the ACI recommends completing online training to prepare for the exam.
The ACI certification does expire, so it needs to be renewed periodically. You and your team can check your ACI certification’s expiration date online through the ACI website.
Cost:
The cost of getting ACI certified depends on the program and level you pick. Usually, it ranges from $200-$500, which covers study materials, training costs, and exam fees.
Who should get this certification?
An ACI certification is ideal for concrete inspectors, laboratory technicians, concrete contractors, project managers, and quality control professionals.
Pros
- No prerequisites required
- Highly recognized construction management certification
Cons
- Needs to be renewed periodically
LEED Green Associate certification
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Associate certification is a highly recognized credential for professionals involved in sustainable construction and green business practices.
This certification course focuses on sustainable building design, construction, and operation. It also measures your knowledge of energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable site development.
To become a LEED Green Associate, you or your employees must pass a 2-hour exam of 100 multiple-choice questions relating to sustainability. You or your team can take the exam through a testing center or online at home. LEED provides many resources to help in preparing for the exam.
To maintain certification, you or your team must earn 15 continuing education hours in 2 years. You can earn hours by conducting projects, completing courses, writing, and doing volunteer work related to green building.
Cost
The LEED certification costs vary depending on individual exam fees and exam prep resources. Exam fees are typically $250, while exam prep resources range from $155-$499.
Who should get this certification?
The LEED Green Associate certificate is perfect for anyone involved in sustainable construction and green business practices—including architects, contractors, consultants, project managers, engineers, and surveyors.
It can also help your company break into the green building industry, as it establishes your knowledge and shows your commitment to sustainability.
Pros
- Provides access to a network of professionals and industry experts
- Helps you join the fast-growing green construction market
Cons
- Foundational course, so other courses may be required for specific sustainability projects
💡Pro Tip:
Use Connecteam’s Documents feature to easily upload and track employee certifications. The system will automatically flag certifications nearing expiration, ensuring your team stays compliant and up-to-date with all relevant certifications.
Aerial Lift Training certification
The Aerial Lift Training certification can equip you or your team with skills and knowledge required to operate and work with aerial lifts safely.
The certification covers essential topics like equipment operation, safety protocols, hazard recognition, pre-operation inspections, proper use of fall protection systems, emergency procedures, and maintenance practices. With this knowledge, you and your workers can be safer on job sites, avoiding injuries and accidents.
You can take the course online through sites like Hard Hat Training and the OSHA Education Center.
Cost
The cost of an Aerial Lift Training certification varies depending on the provider and training program. Generally, the certification cost ranges from $100-$400.
Who should get this certification?
The Aerial Lift Training certification is great for operators, equipment technicians, safety supervisors, trainers, and anyone who works with aerial lifts. Of course, this certificate is ideal for the construction industry, but it also benefits maintenance, warehousing, and telecommunications employees.
Pros
- Focuses on safe practices, reducing the risk of on-site accidents, injuries, and damage
- Teaches compliance with safety regulations and industry standards
- Provides in-depth knowledge of safe aerial lift operations
Cons
- Requires renewal every 3 years
Crane Operation Certification
A Crane Operation certification will equip you or your team with the skills needed to safely and effectively operate cranes on construction job sites. It encompasses crane types, load handling and rigging techniques, crane setup and maintenance, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) offers 29 certifications across 14 categories of crane operation.
All NCCCO certifications are accredited by both the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and the international standard ISO17024. Federal OSHA recognizes the certificates, too.
To get certified, you must pass a core written exam, at least 1 Specialty exam, and a practical exam within 12 months of passing the written exam.
Cost
The cost of a Crane Operation certification varies depending on the program and level of certification. The total cost through the NCCCO can range from $50-$350, depending on the certification provider, location, and type of certificate.
Who should get this certification?
A Crane Operation certification is essential for crane operators. It’s also helpful for equipment technicians, safety supervisors, riggers, trainers, and any workers in companies involved in operating cranes.
Pros
- Industry-recognized certification
- Provides a strong foundation in crane operation techniques
- Teaches safe crane operation that will lower the risk of accidents at worksites
Cons
- May require additional training on other types of cranes and equipment
- Requires renewal every 5 years
Construction Management Association of America’s Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification
The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification, offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), is a prestigious credential that validates your expertise in construction management.
The certification covers everything from project management and cost control to scheduling, quality management, and ethics.
The CCM certification requires a 4-year bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of experience in construction management to qualify. Alternatively, you or your team members going for this certificate must have 8 years of construction experience, with 4 years of management, in place of a bachelor’s degree.
You must pass the CCM exam to get certified and renew the certificate every 3 years.
Cost
Certification costs typically range from $275-$325 for members and $275-$425 for non-members. The recertification fee is $200.
Who should get this certification?
The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification is beneficial for project managers, construction superintendents, construction consultants, and construction executives.
Pros
- Highly regarded construction management program
- Provides access to a network of professionals and companies
- Internationally recognized
Cons
- Strict eligibility criteria
- Can be expensive
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The Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates knowledge, skills, and expertise in leading and managing projects.
It covers project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing. Plus, it emphasizes project management best practices, methodologies, and industry standards defined by the PMI.
To apply for a PMP certification, you or your workers will need one of the following:
- A 4-year degree, 36 months of project management experience, and 35 hours of project management education.
- A high school diploma, 60 hours of project management experience, and 35 hours of project management education.
You’ll also need to provide proof of your experience and education to PMI before applying for the exam. The PMP exam is a 4-hour, computer-based exam with 200 multiple-choice questions.
To maintain the certification, you must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) over 3 years. One PDU equals 1 hour of project management education, and you can earn PDUs only by completing certified project management courses.
Cost
The exam fee is $405 for members and $555 for non-members. In addition to the exam fee, there may be costs associated with study materials, training courses, and renewal fees.
Who should get this certification?
The PMP certification is ideal for established and aspiring project managers, consultants, and analysts across various industries.
Pros
- Globally recognized standard for project management
- Offers access to a global network of professionals and companies
Cost
- Requires renewal every 3 years
🧠 Did You Know?
PMP is an excellent certificate program for any project management professional. Not only is it a great construction management program, but it also offers training in agile project management, which is predominantly used in the IT industry.
How To Pick The Right Certifications for Your Team
Knowing which certifications are right for your team doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. Follow the tips below to ensure you go for construction certificates that are perfect for you and your workers.
- Plan your business’s development and determine what construction certificates can support that vision. For example, if you’re a concrete contracting company, you can focus your staff on safety and concrete-specific courses. Or, you might become a Certified Project Manager if you want to oversee large-scale projects for your company.
- Look for certifications that cover specific areas of expertise your company is interested in, or that will enhance your team’s skills the most. These might be project management, safety, or specialized trades.
- Consider the reputation of the certifying organization, ensuring it’s well-respected within the construction industry. Most often, industry organizations and state bodies issue certificates, so their reputations should be strong. Still, do your research and ensure the certifying organizations have a good track record of providing comprehensive training.
- Evaluate the certification’s eligibility criteria—including required years of experience and education credentials—to ensure it’s a realistic option for your team. For instance, it may not be feasible for your team to dedicate 2+ years to obtaining a certain certificate. A shorter certification process, such as a few months, might be more doable.
- Research the curriculum and training provided, ensuring it’s comprehensive and up-to-date. Ideally, training information will be as fresh as possible. This way, you can ensure you and your team develop skills and expertise based on the latest industry standards.
Conclusion
Construction certifications help you and your employees demonstrate skills and expertise in project management, aerial lift and crane operations, safety best practices, team management, and more. They also boost your company’s reputation—allowing you to stand out and attract bigger, better clients and projects.
However, there’s no single “best” construction certification, as each has unique focuses and benefits. When choosing a certificate to obtain, consider your team’s experience level and your company’s goals and interests. The construction certification courses on this list are a perfect way to start advancing your career and your company!
Using Connecteam, an all-in-one employee management software, can streamline the certification process for your team. With Connecteam’s intuitive platform, you can easily schedule training sessions, share study materials, and track each team member’s progress.
On top of that, Connecteam offers everything you need to run a successful construction business. From employee scheduling, time tracking, and task management to internal communication and a full HR suite, Connecteam has you covered.
>> Get started with Connecteam today for free! <<
FAQs
Are construction workers in demand in the USA?
Based on a May 2022 report issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, construction work is one of the most in-demand jobs in the USA, with over 1 million construction workers in the country.
Is construction slowing in the US?
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that in April 2023, the number of single-family homes being built in the US dropped to roughly 698,000. This is a 16% decrease from the previous year. However, the NAHB anticipates construction will pick up again in the second half of 2023.