11 Best Construction Project Management Certifications In 2024
If you're looking for a way to advance your career, construction project management certifications can help you improve your skills, increase your job prospects, and validate your expertise in managing construction projects effectively.
I've summarized the best construction project management certifications with some notes about who and what each one is best for so you can find the right one for the next step in your career.
Best Construction Project Management Certifications Shortlist
- PMI Construction Professional (PMI-CP) - Best for industry-recognized credentials
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM) - Best for leadership in construction management
- Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) - Best for entry-level constructors
- Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) - Best for construction professionals with a CAC certification
- Construction Project Management Certificate - Best for comprehensive project management training
- Certificate in Construction Project Management - Best for online learning flexibility
- Certificate in Construction Management - Best for construction managers with existing experience
- Certificate Program in Construction Management and Leadership - Best for earning practical and soft skills
- Professional Certificate in Construction Project Management - Best for learning construction management core competencies
- Construction Management Professional Certificate - Best for specialization in specific areas of construction management
- Professional Certificate in Construction Project Management - Best for gaining advanced construction management skills
Overviews of the Best Construction Project Management Certifications
1. PMI Construction Professional (PMI-CP) - Best for industry-recognized credentials
The Construction Professional certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) will help you improve your skills in managing complex projects, construction planning, and managing contracts. Its in-depth curriculum will also help with adapting to industry challenges, and improving your leadership, communication, and sustainability skills.
Issued by: PMI
Focus:
- Project management methodologies
- Risk management
- Budgeting and cost estimation
- Quality control
Prerequisites:
- Work Experience: 3 years of on-the-job experience in construction projects or built environment projects (within the past 10 years)
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: Yes. This certification requires you to participate in the CCR Program and renew every 3 years.
Price:
- Member price: $279
- Full price: $349
Who It’s For: Individuals who want to validate their expertise in advanced construction management techniques and who are in search of leadership roles in the industry.
2. Certified Construction Manager (CCM) - Best for leadership in construction management
The Certified Construction Manager certification will teach you to apply effective management techniques for project planning, design, and construction, especially if you're in the civil engineering field. This certification demonstrates that you have mastered construction management through education, field experience, and a comprehensive examination.
Issued by: Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
Focus:
- Leadership and communication
- Project planning and scheduling
- Contract administration
- Cost management
Prerequisites:
- Education: 2-year degree
- Work Experience: At least 4 years of field experience in construction management
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: Yes. Renewal requires 25 renewal points in professional development involvement and a minimum of 1 professional development activity on construction safety or ethics.
Price:
- Application (CMMA member): $340
- Application (Non-member): $440
- Exam Registration: $290
Who It’s For: Professionals who aspire to demonstrate their leadership capabilities and commitment to excellence in construction management.
3. Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) - Best for entry-level constructors
The Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) entry-level certification helps you demonstrate verified skills and knowledge in construction processes. You'll learn how to add value to projects through safety best practices and a commitment to high performance.
Issued by: American Institute of Constructors (AIC)
Focus:
- Construction processes
- Materials and methods
- Cost estimation
- Safety management
Prerequisites:
- Education: Accredited 4-year construction management degree program
- Work Experience: 4 years of qualifying experience, education, or both
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: This certification does not expire, but you must submit a special update form detailing your work experience.
Price:
- Exam preparation fee: $50
- University students: $200
- Non-students: $235
Who It’s For: Entry-level professionals who want to establish their credibility and foundational knowledge in construction management.
4. Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) - Best for construction professionals with a CAC certification
The Certified Professional Constructor certification is a third-party verification that you have the essential skills and knowledge to manage complex construction projects. With this certification, you can demonstrate your expertise and that you have the professional standards to deliver quality-driven project outcomes.
Issued by: American Institute of Constructors (AIC)
Focus:
- Advanced project management
- Financial management
- Contract law
- Ethical practices
Prerequisites:
- Education: Bachelor's degree
- Work Experience: At least 8 years of qualifying experience in construction
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: Yes. To renew, you must complete 32 credit hours of continuing education courses every 2 years.
Price:
- Associate Constructor: $575
- Non-Associate Constructor: $675
- Re-exam: $500
Who It’s For: Experienced professionals who want to demonstrate their extensive knowledge and skills in the construction industry.
5. Construction Project Management Certificate - Best for comprehensive project management training
The Construction Project Management Certificate equips you with the essential skills to manage building projects from inception to completion. It emphasizes the right tools and strategies for effective project control, as well as adapting to the technological and societal impacts that will pop up.
Issued by: University of San Diego - Professional and Continuing Education
Focus:
- Project planning
- Time management
- Resource allocation
- Communication skills
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Some courses in the program may include an exam, final paper, or project.
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: This certification does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price:
- Total certificate cost (5 courses): $3,140
Who It’s For: Individuals who want to gain comprehensive project management skills applicable to the construction sector.
6. Certificate in Construction Project Management - Best for online learning flexibility
The Certificate in Construction Project Management provides comprehensive training for managing the entire construction project life cycle, from initial planning to final handover. This certification will provide you with the expertise needed to effectively organize and control construction operations, procurement, and project closeout.
Issued by: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Focus:
- Cost control
- Risk management
- Project delivery
- Strategic planning
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: This certification does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price:
- Full price: £1530
- Member price: £1133
Who It’s For: Professionals who want to improve their construction project management skills in a flexible online learning environment.
For more online training options, check out this list of online project management certifications.
7. Certificate in Construction Management - Best for construction managers with existing experience
This certificate program offers comprehensive training in key areas of construction project management, including planning, budgeting, quality control, contracts, and team development. You'll learn about construction project execution via real-world case studies and hands-on experience.
Issued by: University of Washington - Professional & Continuing Education
Focus:
- Construction techniques
- Project scheduling
- Cost management
- Communication
Prerequisites:
- Education: If you don't have any work experience, you must complete some introductory coursework (via the program)
- Work Experience: At least 5 years of experience in commercial construction
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: This certification does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: $11,235
Who It’s For: Individuals who want to build a strong foundation in construction management principles.
8. Certificate Program in Construction Management and Leadership - Best for earning practical and soft skills
This certification covers project management, estimating, scheduling, building information modeling (BIM), construction law, and green building practices. You'll also get opportunities to work on soft skills such as managing subcontractors and negotiating so you can become a well-rounded construction professional.
Issued by: UC Berkeley Extension
Focus:
- Leadership development
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Communication skills
Prerequisites:
- Education: A bachelor's degree is recommended
- Work Experience: Construction experience is recommended
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: This certification does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: $6,825 - $7,195
Who It’s For: Construction professionals who want to develop their leadership and management capabilities.
9. Professional Certificate in Construction Project Management - Best for learning construction management core competencies
This certification will equip you with the essential skills to plan, manage, and deliver quality construction projects on time and within budget. You'll learn about project delivery methods, contracting, cost control, quality management, and dispute resolution to become an effective construction project manager.
Issued by: Fordham University Real Estate Institute
Focus:
- Project planning
- Budgeting and cost control
- Risk management
- Leadership skills
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: This certification does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: $3,225
Who It’s For: Professionals who want to gain core competencies that are common to every construction project.
10. Construction Management Professional Certificate - Best for specialization in specific areas of construction management
The Construction Management Professional Certificate will equip you with vital skills in project management, estimating, project controls, and contract administration. It is also ideal if you're transitioning into construction management from another field.
Issued by: University of Houston
Focus:
- Project management
- Financial management
- Leadership development
- Construction technology
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: This certification does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: $6,000
Who It’s For: Professionals who want to advance their careers and gain more expertise in construction management.
11. Professional Certificate in Construction Project Management - Best for gaining advanced construction management skills
This construction project management certification prepares you for advanced management roles and offers a comprehensive overview of key principles and best practices. You'll be equipped with practical skills to excel in leadership positions and tackle new challenges on the job site.
Issued by: San Diego State University Global Campus
Focus:
- Project scheduling
- Cost estimation
- Risk management
- Leadership
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Prior experience in the construction industry is recommended
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: This certification does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: $4,482
Who It’s For: Individuals who are looking for career advancement through focused training in construction management.
FAQs about Construction Project Management Certifications
What are the benefits of obtaining a construction project management certification?
A certification in construction project management can lend professional credibility, improve your skills in managing complex projects, and increase your chances of career advancement. You’ll be able to demonstrate your expertise to potential employers.
How long does it typically take to complete a construction project management certification?
Earning a construction project management certification takes a few months to a year, depending on the program and your pace of study.
Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in a construction project management certification program?
Most programs require a combination of education in construction or engineering fields and some level of professional construction experience. Specifics vary by program.
What is the cost associated with obtaining a construction project management certification?
Costs vary widely depending on the institution offering the certification, and can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Additional costs may include study materials and examination fees.
How do I maintain my construction project management certification once obtained?
To maintain your certification, you will likely need to earn continuing education credits or participate in professional development activities. Most certifications earned through universities or colleges don’t require this, but professional issuing bodies typically do.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
- Top construction project management courses to take
- Best online construction project management software
What’s Next?
Want to connect with other digital project managers to share resources and best practices? Join our membership community and get access to 100+ templates, samples, and examples and connect with 100s of other digital project managers in Slack.