Q3 2026 brought activity across several areas of the American Institute of Constructors (AIC), from preparing candidates for the fall certification cycle to working with educators, highlighting certified professionals in practice, and expanding professional relationships beyond the United States.

AIC members continued their involvement with construction education at the ACCE Annual Conference, while a feature on Conroe Independent School District offered a closer look at how construction-management knowledge applies across day-to-day responsibilities. The quarter also brought new opportunities to recognize professional achievement and share AIC’s work with a broader international audience.

Here are some of the developments that shaped the quarter.

Preparing for the Fall 2026 CAC and CPC Certification Window

Q3 marked the application, registration, and preparation period for the Fall 2026 testing cycle of the AIC Constructor Certification Program, which includes the Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) Level I and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) Level II credentials.

Applications opened August 15 and closed September 15. Professional registration runs from September 1 through October 1, with the testing window scheduled for November 5-14.

CAC is the entry level of the program for qualifying students, early-career professionals, and other eligible candidates, while CPC is intended for experienced constructors who meet advanced eligibility requirements. Both provide qualifying constructors with a structured way to validate construction-management knowledge and professional standards.

Candidates preparing for the fall cycle can also access a Spanish-language CAC study guide among the available preparation resources.

For complete eligibility information, candidate pathways, and testing details, read the Fall 2026 CAC and CPC exam information.

AIC Members Stay Engaged at the 2026 ACCE Annual Conference

AIC members contributed to the 2026 American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) Annual Conference through committee service, Visiting Teams, Board participation, and conversations with university partners.

Several AIC members currently serve on the ACCE Board of Trustees, while others participate throughout the year on committees and Visiting Teams involved in accreditation and reaccreditation reviews. The conference brought that ongoing work together with educators and industry representatives in person.

Much of the conference centered on committee meetings, training, accreditation work, and discussions around construction management education rather than a single major announcement. That steady involvement gives AIC members an opportunity to contribute professional experience while remaining connected to the institutions preparing future constructors.

The conference also included recognition for construction education. During the Awards Lunch, Andy Wasiniak represented the AIC Education Foundation in presenting the Dennis Bausman Award and stipend to Roger Williams University.

Read more about AIC at the 2026 ACCE Annual Conference.

Seeing AIC Constructor Certification at Work at Conroe ISD

A Q3 feature on Conroe Independent School District offered a practical look at how the knowledge represented by AIC certification can connect to everyday construction responsibilities.

Members of Conroe ISD’s Planning and Construction team work across contracts, project costs, schedules, construction documents, coordination, procurement, and field issues. Several team members hold CAC or CPC credentials and described drawing on construction-management knowledge across those responsibilities.

Michael Colschen, CAC, described that perspective this way:

“A lot of what is tested through the certifications isn’t necessarily something you use as a single isolated skill.”

He explained that the knowledge instead contributes to a broader understanding of the construction process that can be applied when making project decisions.

Other team members discussed applying similar context when reviewing contractor pricing, coordinating schedules, managing construction documents, and working through changes in the field. Their experiences show how decisions involving cost, schedule, contracts, documentation, and coordination can overlap in day-to-day construction work.

Read the full Conroe ISD feature to hear more from the certified professionals on the team.

Recognizing Excellence and Supporting AIC Leadership

AIC is currently accepting nominations for its National Awards, recognizing constructors, educators, leaders, and organizations whose work reflects achievement, professionalism, and service to the construction profession.

National Award nominations close October 20.

If you know an individual or organization making a meaningful contribution to construction, review the award categories and submit a nomination through the AIC National Awards page.

AIC members can also explore the Board of Directors page to learn more about organizational leadership and opportunities for professional involvement.

Bringing AIC’s Work to TCI Global 2026

Q3 also brings AIC’s work with partners in Latin America to a broader international audience through TCI Global 2026 in Argentina.

AIC’s participation builds on ongoing collaboration with the Chihuahua Construction Cluster and the American Council for Construction Education. Canda Mueller and Hugh Cronin are representing AIC in connection with the conference alongside Jorge Meza of the Chihuahua Construction Cluster and Steve Nellis of ACCE.

Their presentation grows out of a cross-border partnership focused broadly on construction education, constructor certification, and professional standards.

For AIC, TCI Global provides another opportunity to share that work with construction and education communities across Latin America while continuing relationships already underway in Mexico.

Looking Ahead to the Final Quarter of 2026

Several Q3 initiatives will continue into the final months of the year.

Fall CAC and CPC candidates move into the November testing window, while National Award nominations remain open through October 20. AIC will also continue its work with members, educators, university partners, and industry organizations through certification, professional education, and opportunities for involvement.

Know a constructor, educator, leader, or organization whose work deserves recognition? Submit an AIC National Award nomination by October 20.