Construction students, newer professionals, and seasoned experts have a new opportunity to validate their knowledge, skills, and understanding of Construction Management.

The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) is offering our latest spring exam window for the Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) Level I and the Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) Level II certifications.

Learn about the Spring 2026 AIC exam dates, who is eligible to pursue professional certification, and other information to help you prepare for the appropriate exam that fits your construction experience level.

Information About the Spring 2026 AIC Certification Exam Dates

In an effort to create a consistent schedule each year, we are locking in specific dates for the application and registration periods moving forward. Please take note of the following confirmed dates for the spring exam window:

• Application: January 15 – February 15
• Registration: February 1 – March 15

We will also provide a consistent testing window in April each year. The exact dates may vary slightly from year to year, as we will try to avoid weekends. However, our goal is to center the exam window around these dates:

• Testing: April 9 – 18

1. The Application Period

The first requirement to take the CAC or CPC exam is to apply for the exam you are qualified to take.

– The CAC exam is designated for Construction Management students who are preparing to graduate from an accredited Construction Management degree program or professionals who have not yet passed the initial exam.

– The CPC exam is designated for experienced construction professionals who have gained at least eight years of qualified experience through education and real-world project management.

• Application Period: One month in length from Jan. 15 – Feb. 15, 2026.
• Late Fee Period: You can apply late through the end of February, but a fee will be assessed.
• Visit the CAC or CPC certification website pages to apply for the exam.

Please note: Only construction professionals need to apply for the CAC or CPC exam through our website.

For students: You do not need to apply online. Your registration will be handled by your current college or university. 

2. The Registration Period (for Professionals)

For professionals who need to complete the application online, you will receive confirmation of whether you have been approved to sit for the appropriate exam. You will then have several weeks to register for the CAC or CPC certification and prepare for the exam.

• Registration Period: February 1 – March 15, 2026

3. The Exam Dates

For construction professionals, once you are registered to sit for the appropriate exam, you will be allowed to complete the test at a computer-based location. We will provide you with specific information about approved testing locations in your area.

• Testing Dates: April 9-18, 2026
• If you do not receive information about where to take the exam, contact [email protected].

Note for students: There will be a dedicated period to complete the CAC Level I exam. Your school will administer the exam, and the instructor will provide specific information about where, when, and how to take it.

Who Can Sit For an AIC Exam?

To clarify eligibility, we will now review the standard testing requirements for each of our professional certification exams.

CAC Certification Requirements

– For professionals: We offer the CAC Level I exam to professionals who have a solid foundation of construction knowledge and skills. To qualify to take the CAC exam, you must meet the following requirements at the time of your application:

• 4 years of Qualifying Experience, Qualifying Education, or a combination of the two factors.

– For students: As noted before, this exam is also designed for students currently enrolled in a Construction Management degree program. Students who qualify for the exam must satisfy this criterion:

• Be within 12 months of graduating from a 4-year accredited bachelor’s degree construction program.

Students may sit for the exam before graduating from their degree program. For example, if you plan to graduate in May or June 2026, you can sit for the exam in April 2026. However, you will not be officially certified by AIC until you provide evidence of having received your degree.

CPC Certification Requirements

The CPC exam is only for construction professionals who are highly skilled and competent in managing complex construction projects.

Our highest exam level is considered the industry’s leading test of a constructor’s experience. It is designed for construction managers capable of overseeing the execution of all or a substantial portion of construction work.

The exam questions require greater knowledge and a deeper understanding than required in the CAC Level I exam. To sit for the CPC exam, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have passed the CAC Level I exam (or be exempt from taking the CAC exam).
• Be a CAC in good standing with our organization.
• Have 8+ years of acceptable Qualifying Education, Qualifying Experience, or a combination of the two.
  • For Qualifying Experience, at least 2 years must include experience managing a construction project or a substantial portion of a project.

Fee Schedule for CAC and CPC Exams

We invest numerous resources into maintaining the highest exam standards in the industry. We charge an exam fee to ensure the integrity of our exams and to verify that only serious candidates for accreditation participate in the certification program.

Please note the following fee schedule and the benefits of becoming an AIC member to receive access to the exam at a reduced cost.

CAC Fee Schedule

• Exam preparation fee: $50
• For University Students: $200 for an online proctored exam at a university test site.
• For non-students: $235 for the online exam at PointLeader testing locations.

CPC Fee Schedule

• Exam fee (Non-CAC or AIC Member): $900
• Exam fee (Non-CAC but AIC Member): $675
• Exam fee (CAC and Non-Member): $875
• Exam fee (CAC and AIC Member): $575

Have Questions About Spring 2026 AIC Certification Exams?

The AIC professional certification exams are administered only twice annually, in the spring and fall. To ensure you can take the exam during the upcoming spring window, please prepare in advance to meet all deadlines and eligibility requirements.

If you have questions about any of the steps involved in the AIC exam process, please contact us for assistance.

We can also be reached directly through email at [email protected]. We will respond as soon as possible to keep you on track during the latest certification exam window.