Which Credentials or Certifications Prepare You for the Construction Industry?

The right construction management certification and credentials depend on where you are in your career. For those just entering the field, a college degree in construction management provides the foundational knowledge to understand how the industry operates. For professionals who already have hands-on experience, industry certifications validate specialized skills and help your resume stand out in a competitive job market.

Understanding the distinction matters: a degree and a certification aren’t interchangeable. Each serves a different purpose, and knowing which best aligns with your career goals can make all the difference in how you plan your education and professional development.

Construction Degrees vs. Professional Certifications: What’s the Difference?

Construction degrees are formal education credentials and include both associate and bachelor’s degrees in construction management. Construction management degrees combine core construction coursework with general education classes and may include math, science, and business law.

Certifications for construction management, in contrast, are issued by industry organizations after passing an examination. Many construction certifications require evidence of work experience.

Certifications supplement education credentials and are not intended as a replacement for a formal education.

What Degree Do You Need to Become a Construction Manager?

A two-year Associate’s Degree in Construction Management is often required for entry-level positions in the field. A bachelor’s degree is often required for higher-level positions. Learn more at What to Expect When Earning a Construction Management Degree Online.

Common Construction Management Credentials

Foundational Certificates and Education Programs

• Associate of Science in Construction Management: A degree that helps students acquire the foundational skills needed to plan, schedule, and coordinate construction projects. Students can complete the SJVC Associate of Science in Construction Management program in as few as 14 months, making it ideal for students wanting to enter the workplace quickly.
• Bachelor of Science in Construction Management: Building on the core construction knowledge of an Associate of Science, the Bachelor of Science in Construction Management introduces management, leadership, and advanced industry practices.
• Certified Associate Constructor (CAC): Offered by the American Institute of Constructors, the CAC certification recognizes basic comprehension of construction, processes, and field ethics. Designed for recent graduates. (1)

Professional Certifications for Experienced Construction Managers

• Certified Construction Manager (CCM): The gold standard certification for construction ethics and cost control, the CCM is the only certification accredited by the American National Standards Institute. (2)
• PMI Construction Professional (PMI-CP): Intended for mid- to senior-level leaders in construction management. Passing the PMI-CP indicates a mastery of built-environment contracts and changes. (3)
• Certified Professional Constructor (CPC): An advanced credential from the American Institute of Constructors for experienced managers that focuses on comprehensive project execution. (4)

Specialty Construction Certifications

• OSHA 30-Hour Safety Training: Indicates an understanding of essential hazard recognition and safety standards. (5)
• LEED Green Associate: Offered by the U.S. Green Building Council, this certification indicates a basic understanding of eco-friendly building operations. (6)

Which Construction Credential Is Right for You?

The education for construction management careers forms the foundation of your credentials, after which you can add construction certifications as needed. Some students secure their Associate of Science degree first, earn some work experience, then return to school to complete their bachelor’s degree. Others go to school to earn their bachelor’s before entering the workforce. Either is a valid pathway to a construction management career.

SJVC offers Associate’s and Bachelor’s in Construction Management, both of which help you build the knowledge and skills needed to support career growth. Explore our Construction Management degree program or check out our Career Guide for more information.

Resources

1. American Institute of Constructors. (n.d.). CAC Level One. AIC Builds. https://aic-builds.org/certifications/cac-level-one/ ^ a
2. Construction Management Association of America. (n.d.). Certified Construction Manager (CCM). CMAA. https://www.cmaanet.org/certification/ccm ^ a
3. Project Management Institute. (n.d.). Construction professional in built environment projects (PMI-CP). PMI. https://www.pmi.org/certifications/construction ^ a
4. American Institute of Constructors. (n.d.). CPC Level Two. AIC Builds. https://aic-builds.org/certifications/cpc-level-two/ ^ a
5. OSHA.com. (n.d.). OSHA 30-hour outreach training. https://www.osha.com/courses/outreach-30-hour.html ^ a
6. U.S. Green Building Council. (n.d.). LEED Green Associate. USGBC. https://www.usgbc.org/credentials/leed-green-associate ^ a