Completing a Construction Management degree program is an important part of furthering your career within the construction industry. However, it’s only one part of the equation. Once you have finished your educational program, pursuing certifications is crucial.
Alternatively, if you have participated in the construction industry for a good length of time, you should consider validating your skills and experience through certification.
Becoming certified through the American Institute of Constructors (AIC) is one of the best choices you can make during your career. Our certification program is one of the industry’s most respected professional certification options.
Learn more about the AIC certification construction managers need to obtain, how to become certified, and the value of continuing to pursue certification to take your career to the next level.
Background on AIC Certifications
AIC was founded in 1971 as a non-profit, non-governmental professional association. We have certified thousands of construction professionals responsible for managing complex construction projects. With over 50 years of experience, AIC is the name you trust in the industry.
We have developed rigorous certification exams that allow construction managers to validate their standing in the industry and set themselves apart in a crowded industry.
That’s why AIC has worked hard for decades to ensure that our exams set the standard for certification to support the latest needs in construction. Find out more about the AIC exams that are widely considered the most impressive test of an individual constructor.
AIC Certification Construction Managers Should Consider
We offer two levels of certifications for construction professionals:
- Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) Certification Level 1 certification: designed for Construction Management degree program graduates and other professionals with qualified experience.
- Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) Certification Level II certification: designed for advanced construction professionals with exceptional industry knowledge and experience.
Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) Certification
The CAC examination is the first step in the certification process. This exam is the perfect opportunity for construction professionals who have recently completed a four-year Construction Management program to enter a highly competitive industry with confidence.
While completing the CAC exam is typically considered the first step in the pursuit of a CPC Level 2 certification later on in your career, there are several benefits associated with Level 1 certification.
For instance, while some construction companies will look to applicants who possess CPC certification for upper-management positions, applicants who possess CAC Level 1 certification do bring incredible value to any project. They possess a verifiable skillset and a level of knowledge that is not possessed by everyone in the industry.
Additionally, one of the most important parts of the CAC exam involves ethics within the construction industry. When a reputable construction company looks for people to fill any type of supervisory position, they look for people who are committed to operating ethically. Being familiar with ethics in pricing, business practices, and jobsite supervision is a great way to further your career. Receiving the CAC designation proves you have a strong commitment to ethical dealings.
Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) Certification
CPC is the highest level of professional certification within the AIC Constructor Certification Program. This certification lets potential employers know that a constructor possesses a high level of skill and knowledge and that he or she can be trusted to manage the entire construction process.
In order to qualify for the CPC Level 2 Exam, an individual must meet the qualifications set forth by the AIC or have been exempted from the Level 1 CAC exam. Applicants who pass the CPC exam demonstrate they have verifiable skills in managing all aspects of a construction project.
This extremely rigorous exam requires real-world experience managing construction projects, a complete understanding of the bigger picture involved in project work, and a deep appreciation for construction ethics. The CPC exam is a true test of an individual’s practical and intellectual understanding of the industry.
Finally, applicants who have reached this level of certification are committed to implementing new programs that keep moving the industry forward. Why is this important? The construction industry is always changing, so successful construction managers must know how to adapt.
For this reason, one of the core elements of the AIC Code of Ethics reads: “A Constructor shall keep informed of new thought and development in the construction process appropriate to the type and level of his or her responsibilities and shall support research and the educational processes associated with the construction profession.”
Growing with the industry, continuing to learn, and never settling is the hallmark of a CPC.
Get Started with AIC Certification Construction Managers Need
Have you completed a four-year degree program focusing on construction management? Are you an experienced construction manager looking to put your skills, knowledge, and experience to the test? Take the next step with AIC.
Pursue the certification that will differentiate you from your peers and position you for higher positions in the industry. You can register for the appropriate exam that is commensurate with your experience through our website:
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. One of our team members will gladly help you navigate the AIC certification process for construction professionals.
