General contractors work as supervisors on construction projects. They must have education, experience, and in some states a license or registration.
Below, we've listed the basics you need to know about becoming a general contractor.
What Is a General Contractor?
A general contractor, sometimes called a construction manager, is the professional in charge of a construction project. They must plan, budget, and supervise these projects.
The job duties of a general contractor may include:
- ensuring the project is compliant with building and safety codes and other legal requirements
- estimating costs, set budgets, and ensure the project stays within budget
- explaining contracts and technical information to other professionals
- hiring, coordinating, and scheduling subcontractors
- monitoring project progress and reporting to the client
- problem-solving emergencies and work delays
- working alongside other construction specialists like architects and engineers
General contractors must be knowledgeable about construction and local regulations, but they must also be excellent project managers.
Some general contractors may work on a variety of projects. Others may specialize in specific projects in categories like:
- commercial
- industrial
- public
- residential
For very large-scale projects, multiple general contractors may be brought in to work on specific areas of the project.
To become a general contractor, you'll need both education and work experience. You'll also need to meet your state's requirements.
Below, we've outlined the basic steps you'll need to take to become a general contractor.
Step 1: Earn a Degree
Most general contractors hold a bachelor's degree. These are typically four-year degrees that usually require about 120 credits.
If you know you want to become a general contractor or construction manager, you can earn your bachelor's degree in construction management.
These programs cover topics such as:
- accounting and financial management
- construction safety
- ethics and law for construction managers
- project planning
Look for programs approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology or the American Council for Construction Education. Some of these programs may be available fully online.
If a bachelor's in construction management isn't an option for you, a degree in a similar area of business, construction, or engineering is usually suitable.
In some cases, associate degrees and even high school diplomas will land you a job as a general contractor. However, you will likely need more experience to make up for the lack of a bachelor's degree.
Step 2: Gain Work Experience
Before you can jump into a career as a general contractor, you'll need to have some experience and on-site training.
You can start gaining this experience while still in school by participating in an apprenticeship, internship, or cooperative education program.
If you don't have a bachelor's degree, you may need to work in construction for several years before becoming qualified enough to work as a general contractor.
When you're first hired as a general contractor, you may be working under a more experienced general contractor for a period of time. This could be up to a year or even several years.
Step 3: Fulfill State Requirements
Individual states may set requirements that general contractors must meet in order to lead projects. It's important to know what your state requires
Some states require general contractors to be licensed. This may be for all general contractors, or only those in specific fields, such as residential contractors.
To become licensed, you may need to take a licensing exam, pay a fee, and/or provide proof of insurance.
In other states, a license isn't required, but general contractors do need to register. This registration may include a fee and you'll likely need to provide proof of insurance.
However, some states, such as Texas, don't require general contractors to be licensed or registered at all.
Step 4: Pursue Additional Certification
While not a requirement, many general contractors pursue professional certification. This certification proves their knowledge and experience.
There are a few different certification options for general contractors. We've listed some of the most popular below.
American Institute of Constructors
The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) is an organization dedicated to professionalism and excellence throughout the field of construction.
It offers two certification options for constructors wanting to showcase their education and experience.
The Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) is the first exam. It's for recent construction management graduates or those coming in from other industries.
To earn this certification, constructors must take a test made up of 300 multiple choice questions. Categories covered include:
- bidding and estimating
- construction safety
- materials, methods, and project modeling
- project administration
The Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) exam is for established constructors who have several years of management experience.
The exam for this certification has 175 multiple-choice questions. It covers nine content areas that include:
- construction resource management
- construction safety management
- ethics
- project scope development
Both of these certifications require annual renewal.
Construction Management Association of America
The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is an industry organization centered on the practice of professional construction management
They offer a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification for construction management professionals.
Applicants must have at least 48 months of supervisory construction experience or education. If they meet these requirements, applicants then take an exam.
The exam covers 10 content areas including:
- contract administration
- program and project management
- professional practice
- safety management
The CMAA also offers a certification for associate construction managers for those starting out in the field. They must have a certain combination of education and experience and take an exam.
Students can also take the CMAA's construction manager-in-training program, which offers stackable certificates for those looking to begin or grow their construction management careers.
Become a General Contractor
To become a general contractor, you'll need construction management education and experience. Other requirements vary by state.
By following the steps above, you can be on your way to a career as a general contractor.
