Best Construction Management Certifications

Some students may try to decide whether a certificate or degree in construction management is the right choice for them. The primary differences between the two are the length of the programs and the scope. Certificate programs in construction management are usually much shorter than a degree program in the field, which can save students time and money. This also means that coursework for these programs is more focused and streamlined to equip students with the necessary leadership skills for management positions. Degree programs in construction management are typically longer and require more coursework. A bachelor's degree in construction management, for instance, usually takes 4 years to complete. These degree programs are broader in scope and include general education courses to give students a more well-rounded education.

If students are considering earning a certificate in construction management, then they should consider factors such as their interests, available time commitment to their education, budget, and more. Students who love the construction industry and wish to take on greater responsibilities and/or administrative duties may earn a certificate in construction management to help prepare them for careers in management. Typically, these students also possess some natural leadership abilities or desire to lead. Although some programs recommend that students have prior education or experience in the field, that is not always a requirement, so students with any background who are interested in construction management could be eligible. Most students who decide to earn a certificate are trying to gain leadership and management skills as quickly as possible. These shorter programs save students time and allow them to move into these advanced positions faster than earning a degree, although some students may already hold a degree in a construction-related field. Shorter programs with less coursework also mean savings in tuition, as most programs charge tuition per credit hour or a flat fee.

As mentioned, graduate certificate programs in construction management are available. Many of these programs require around 12 credits of coursework and may be available in online formats for working professionals. Some of these graduate certificate programs require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree, while others may waive this requirement for students who have multiple years of work experience in construction. Applicants also usually need to meet a minimum GPA requirement (such as a 2.0), but commonly do not have to take the GRE or GMAT exams.

Coursework generally includes topics in leadership, management, project management, legal issues of the industry, and contract project management. These certificate programs are available to students wishing to move into construction management positions, but also helps those already in management brush up on new techniques and methods used in the field. For example, these programs may appeal to senior project managers, executive-track construction managers, and project engineers.

Many students who complete a certificate in construction management pursue a career in construction management. However, those with a degree or certificate in construction management can pursue careers in carpentry, inspection, and other subfields of construction. Most commonly, these professionals enjoy and have several years of experience working with their hands to build various structures. A certificate program in construction management allows these professionals to take on more responsibilities and leadership roles within their given area of expertise. It can also help prepare them to supervise and oversee the work of other construction workers. Below are a few examples of possible careers for those with a certificate in construction management.

Construction Manager

The education requirements for a construction manager vary by employer. Although many managers, especially those of larger firms, need to have a bachelor's degree and some work experience, some smaller firms may hire managers with only a high school diploma, work experience and/or a certificate. Those with less education may also work as self-employed general contractors. Depending on the state, construction managers may need to be licensed and professional certifications are available in the field. These managers maintain the schedule and budget of projects, evaluate progress, and work closely with different construction specialists to finish a job.

Carpenter

Carpenters usually hold a high school diploma and gain skills through apprenticeships or on-the-job training. Those with a certificate in construction management may move into leadership roles. There are also different professional certifications available to advance one's career, such as earning a certification in remodeling. Carpenters build and fix various structures made out of wood. They know how to read blueprints, install structures, cut wood as needed, and evaluate structures for damage.

Construction or Building Inspector

Construction and building inspectors also typically need to have a high school diploma and some work experience in construction. Those with a background in management may even decide to run their own inspection business. These inspectors usually receive some on-the-job training and most states require these professionals to have a license or certification. Construction and building inspectors help ensure that construction plans and existing buildings comply with current regulations, such as building codes and zoning regulations. They maintain careful records as they inspect structures and their various systems, such as electrical and plumbing.

Certificate programs in construction management may require between 14 and 19 credits of coursework. Typically, these courses consist solely of construction management classes. Some of these courses may be required courses, while others may be elective courses in the field. Depending on the program, some certificates conclude with a final capstone experience that requires students to complete a final case study or other application project that allows students to apply what they have learned throughout the program. Other coursework focuses on developing students' leadership, managerial, and technical skills in the field. Students could take courses in topics such as construction contracts, building codes, construction estimation, construction materials, drawings and specifications, and more. Other common courses include:

Introduction to Construction

This is usually taken early in the program to provide students with an overview of the history and practices of construction. It also introduces the construction management program and examines the different processes and participants in the construction industry. Students in these courses may be asked to conduct research concerning construction projects and complete various class projects.

Construction Safety

Safety is a huge concern in the construction industry, so students commonly take a course that examines the various safety and health issues of the field. Students learn how to identify hazards and causes of accidents. These courses may also incorporate ways to measure and evaluate loss control, OSHA compliance, accident reporting, and other safety policies.

Certificate programs in construction management are usually designed to be short in nature, as they are completed in about a year or less. Some programs allow students to finish in as little as 6 months and several of these certificate programs are self-paced, giving students some flexibility in their schedule. However, depending on the school, students may be required to finish their certificate in a certain amount of time. For instance, one school requires students to finish their certificate within one year of enrolling, while another program allows up to 5 years to finish the certificate. Factors such as course load and any transfer credit can also affect the time to degree completion.

Choosing a certificate program in construction management can feel overwhelming, but students can think about several different factors to help narrow down their choices. Students may first want to determine if they want to pursue a certificate or degree program in construction management. Students who decide that a shorter, more focused program is right for them can continue comparing certificate programs in the field. Some may want to find a certificate program that allows students to count credits from the certificate toward an associate or bachelor's degree in the field, should they decide to pursue a degree at a later time. The format of a program could be another important consideration for students, as there are online, on-campus, and self-paced programs to choose from. Applicants need to think about which type of program format will best fit their lifestyle and personal needs, such as issues with housing or work schedules.

Other considerations may apply to the institution that offers the certificate program. For instance, students who have prior college credits will want to find a certificate program and institution that accepts some of these transfer credits. Students planning to attend on-campus programs may want to find a school that offers various clubs and social opportunities, as well as different amenities, like access to a student career services center. Finally, the cost and availability of financial aid at a particular institution may help students make a final decision.

Admissions standards and processes vary greatly between construction management certificate programs. Some schools have more detailed and complex admissions requirements and processes than others. Many certificate programs have admission requirements or at least suggest requirements for the program. For instance, some programs do not require students to hold a construction-related degree but may suggest that applicants have a bachelor's degree in the field or at least some work experience in construction. Other programs have detailed admission standards, such as at least 45 credits of college coursework and a minimum GPA requirement.

The actual admissions process generally requires students to complete an application or student registration form and any necessary fee. Some programs may allow students to enroll in courses and notify the department after they have completed all of their coursework.

Depending on the program, students could be required to maintain specific grades in their coursework. For example, students could be required to make grades above a 'D' for all of their classes.

Different schools charge different tuition rates and may have additional costs that students need to consider. Some schools may charge students a lump sum for the entire program. This total may vary between around $1,000 and $7,000. However, students should carefully investigate what is included in this price, as some schools charge additional fees. Some schools may offer a discount if students pay all of this lump sum up front.

Other institutions follow the traditional format of charging per credit hour. However, this rate could vary by different factors, such as student type - in-state students usually pay less than out-of-state students.

Fees are another common cost for certificate programs. These fees range and schools often have a variety of them. Students commonly need to pay registration fees and other fees that may be associated with specific courses. Other costs for certificate programs in construction management may include books and other course materials.

In addition to tuition and fees, students need to consider any additional costs of living and earning their degrees. For example, students may need to factor in the cost of on- or off-campus housing and meal plans. Off-campus students also need to think about transportation and any parking costs if they are attending class on-campus.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources for Construction Management Certificate Programs

Students pursuing undergraduate certificate programs are not usually eligible for federal financial aid, but other forms of aid may still require students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Normally, the FAFSA notifies students of any state or federal loans and grants they qualify for. Although loans have to be repaid, students may consider private and other available loan options. Some schools may offer a variety of discounts for different groups of students, such as veterans or school alumni.

Finally, scholarships are a great option for certificate- and degree-seeking students. These awards vary in amount and can be general in nature or very specific. They are often offered by colleges and universities, as well as professional organizations, local businesses, and other groups. More general scholarships may be available based on financial need or academic merit. More specific awards may be given to students in a particular demographic, major, etc.

Specifically for construction management, groups such as the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) provide a range of grants and scholarships. The CMAA Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for students pursuing postsecondary degrees and careers in construction management, including those awarded by local CMAA regional chapters.