From April through June, the American Institute of Constructors (AIC) showed what it looks like when constructors, educators, and partners lean into professional standards together.
Spring 2026 included strong participation in CAC and CPC exams, a timely contract‑risk webinar with Superlegal, continued momentum with our Chihuahua Cluster partnership, and recognition for students and programs who put ethics and professionalism at the center of their work.
Here’s a look back at the quarter’s key highlights as we work together to accelerate constructor excellence.
How Exams, Ethics, and Partnerships Powered Q2‑2026
Together, the following updates show how exams, ethics, and partnerships strengthened professionalism and expanded our organization’s impact across the industry.
1. Growing Engagement in CAC and CPC Exams
Interest in our professional certifications rose during the Spring 2026 exam window. Across both the Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) Level I and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) Level II exams, we saw a meaningful uptick in participation.
Spring 2026 exam participation increased by 12% over Spring 2025, reflecting the growth of our program.
The positive trend reflects what we’re hearing from students, early‑career professionals, and experienced constructors alike: certification is becoming a clearer signal of readiness, ethics, and professionalism across the industry.
It also reinforces the value of our work with universities, employers, and partners in integrating AIC credentials into capstone courses, workforce development plans, and career‑advancement pathways.
2. Tackling Black Swans in Contract Review with Superlegal
In an era of unpredictable disruptions, construction contracts are being tested in ways many project teams never anticipated. That’s why AIC partnered with Superlegal this quarter on a dedicated webinar, Black Swans in Contract Review – Navigating the Unthinkable.
Led by Chris Lewis, VP Legal Operations at Superlegal and a Utah‑based attorney with 25 years of experience in real estate and business law, the session walked AIC members through how rare, high‑impact events can expose hidden vulnerabilities in construction contracts.
Participants explored how contracts can be stressed by:
- Tariffs and sudden trade policy shifts
- Pandemics and global health crises
- Cyberattacks and data breaches
- Climate‑ and environment‑related disruptions
- Sudden insolvency or mergers and acquisitions involving a counterparty
The webinar focused on how to recognize a black swan event in contract review, where standard language leaves constructors exposed, and how to evaluate and strengthen key clauses before the next disruption hits.
AIC is grateful to Chris Lewis and Superlegal for partnering with us to offer this timely education for constructors navigating today’s risk environment.
3. Continuing Momentum with the Chihuahua Cluster Partnership
In the second quarter, AIC continued to build on the important groundwork laid earlier this year with Cluster De La Construcción Chihuahua, a construction cluster in Chihuahua, Mexico, that brings together 12 companies and educational partners focused on strengthening the region’s workforce.
Earlier in 2026, AIC Executive Director and Certification Manager, Canda Mueller, Ph.D., traveled to Chihuahua to meet cluster members, visit education partners, and connect with regional leaders. That face‑to‑face work accelerated efforts such as translation of CAC materials into Spanish, alignment with local universities, and planning for Spanish‑language exam delivery.
Together, AIC and the Chihuahua Cluster are moving toward key milestones, including:
- Releasing the CAC Level I study guide in Spanish in August 2026
- Making the full CAC Level I exam available in Spanish in November 2026
- Targeting Spring 2027 for the release of the CPC Level II exam in Spanish
This partnership remains a practical expression of AIC’s mission: advancing professionalism and ethics in construction wherever projects are built, while supporting local leaders who are raising the bar for constructors across Mexico.
4. Celebrating the 2026 AIC Collegiate Ethics Competition Winners
Ethical judgment is at the heart of constructor professionalism, and the 2026 AIC Collegiate Ethics Competition once again showcased how strongly that value is taking root in construction management programs.
Teams from accredited programs across the country analyzed a complex, real‑world‑inspired case involving a publicly funded community center project. Using the AIC Code of Ethics as their primary guide, students evaluated bidding strategies, subcontractor decisions, safety practices, and the line between legal compliance and ethical responsibility.
Across written submissions and virtual presentations, competitors demonstrated the kind of thoughtful, stakeholder‑aware decision‑making our industry needs. This year’s award recipients included:
- Overall Winning Team: University of North Florida (UNF)
- Oral Presentation Winning Team: Roger Williams University (RWU)
- Written Presentation Winning Team: UNF
- Best Individual Presenter: Eileen Rose (RWU)
AIC is grateful to every student, faculty advisor, and judge who contributed to the 2026 competition and helped prepare the next generation of constructors to navigate gray areas with integrity.
5. Honoring the 2026 AIC Education Foundation (AICEF) Award Recipients
The AIC Education Foundation (AICEF) continues to support construction education programs that actively prepare students to become ethical, certified, and industry‑ready constructors.
During the quarter, AICEF recognized three standout programs for the way they embed ethics, certification, and professional development into their curricula:
- Roger Williams University (RWU)
- John Brown University
- University of North Florida (UNF)
Through the Dr. Dennis C. Bausman National Construction Education Program Certification Award and the Construction Education Faculty and/or Student Travel Awards, AICEF is helping these programs:
- Integrate CAC Level I certification into coursework and capstones
- Support student exam preparation and reduce financial barriers to certification
- Expand student competition experiences and industry exposure
- Strengthen faculty development through national conferences and events
Together, these initiatives show how university programs can go beyond classroom instruction to champion ethics, certification, and active engagement with the broader construction community.
Looking Ahead: Building on a Season of Growth and Winners
From rising CAC and CPC exam participation to ethics competitions and education awards, Q2‑2026 highlighted how constructors, universities, and partners are working together to raise the bar for the profession.
As we move into the second half of 2026, AIC will continue to:
- Support growing interest in our professional certifications
- Offer timely education on ethics, risk, and professional practice
- Deepen partnerships that extend AIC’s mission into new higher education institutions and regions
Thank you to every student, constructor, faculty member, and partner who helped make this a season of growth and success.
If you’d like to stay connected with upcoming exams, events, and opportunities, follow AIC on LinkedIn. You can also reach out to [email protected] with questions or ideas to extend your involvement.
