The Road Map to Becoming A Certified Construction Manager

Certified Construction Manager

Getting a construction manager’s certification doesn’t only show you love construction. It communicates an inner desire to perfect the art of managing people and projects. But since getting certification is an uphill task, only the dedicated make it to the top. In this blog, you will know about the steps for the road map to becoming a certified construction manager.

Construction is an open industry. Crew members need no certification to start working. But, to join the ranks of Construction Managers, you need experience and certification. Additionally, it helps if you study the top construction management software for small businesses to manage multiple projects efficiently. Here is the complete guide to becoming a Certified Construction Manager (CCM).

Steps to Acquiring A Construction Manager Certificate

The U.S has many organizations offering certifications to construction managers. However, the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is the only certified institution offering the Certified Construction Manager course. Here is the general overview of the steps candidates should follow.

Getting A Bachelor’s Degree

The construction management field has a relatively low bar. In most cases, construction managers get into the profession with an undergraduate. The degree should center on construction. Therefore, a course such as civil engineering may suffice. However, a Construction Management degree proves ideal.

Some organizations don’t demand an undergraduate. Instead, all you need is to take a discipline focusing on construction. As an example, a course on Building Science may serve the purpose of a degree. While at the course, learners should get into lessons that deal with efficient management of resources such as Economics.

Gaining Work Experience

Organizations require a prospective CCM to have construction experience in a managerial position. As with any field, class knowledge requires a supplement from practical skills.

Undergraduates can volunteer in construction management first to test the waters. Remember, the goal here is to get the skills a construction manager requires. Money takes a back seat. Some of the skills required are:

  • Hiring crew members and supervising them
  • Preparing construction budgets
  • Implementing safety codes
  • Tracking project progress

Of course, skills gained in an internship count as well.

Acquiring Certification

Getting a certificate is the final step of the journey to becoming a CCM. As mentioned earlier, the program is only available from CMAA.

According to the institution’s rules, those applying for certification and have a bachelor’s degree need four years of working experience. An applicant without a bachelor’s degree must put up eight years of experience. They must also have a four-year of experience in a managerial position.

There is a test involved before candidates get certified. Getting it right is paramount, as you have only three chances. Should you fail the test more three times, the institution bars you from applying.

Life as A Certified Construction Manager

Once you get the certification, your career changes for the better. A Certified Construction Manager bags an estimated $ 94,590 annually. To open doors for more opportunities and better pay, you can pursue a master’s degree in construction.

The job is demanding, and it may need a CCM to be on-call all day and night. However, with the right construction software, you will have an easier time getting the job done.