The construction field offers a wide variety of career paths, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re a trade specialist or an administrator, there are many certifications available that can help you get ahead in your career.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the best construction certifications available for workers in all areas of the industry.
Construction Certifications for Everyone
The following are essentials for anyone who works in the industry. Obtaining these will show your employer (or prospective employer) that you mean business.
1. OSHA 10 or 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification 
The 10-hour or 30-hour course covers essential safety measures for workers in the construction industry. Participants learn about worker and employer’s rights, occupational safety, health, and construction industry standards.
OSHA 10 is meant for entry-level workers while OSHA 30 is more comprehensive and includes expanded topics such as supervisory responsibility and task-specific safety awareness.
Specific OSHA requirements vary by state. Check out OSHA’s online training site to learn more about the programs and price list.
2. LEED Accredited Professional (AP) 
It’s no secret that sustainable practices are a priority in modern design. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) drives efficiency with environmental, social, and global benefits.
To learn more about LEED and how certification can drive project profits, take a look at this blog.
More than 203,000 professionals have earned this certificate to advance their careers.
The LEED AP certification is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This certification is for those who want to specialize in sustainable construction practices. It requires passing an exam on the principles of green building and design.
Construction Certifications for Trade Specialties
3. Certified Welder (CW)
The CW certification is offered by the American Welding Society (AWS). This certification is for welders who want to prove their skills in the trade. Several certifications are available from Welding Inspector to Welding Technician and Engineer.
4. Certified Forklift Operator
This certification is typically issued by employers or training organizations such as Liftoff Certifications. Liftoff’s forklift certification is 100% OSHA & CSA compliant and is for first-time and experienced drivers. The learning program covers 9 sections and 33 topics.
The course ensures drivers gain knowledge of basic forklift operation and safety. Upon pass, drivers will be certified in the United States and Canada across 7 truck classes and pallet jacks. Certification is valid for three years with immediate access to your forklift certification card.
The (NCCCO) National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators offers a variety of nationally and internationally accredited certifications for those in construction – several are listed below (5-9).
5. Certified Mobile Crane Operator
This certification requires both a written and practical exam – with the written requiring a core and at least one specialty.
The written specialties are:
- Lattice Boom Cranes (LAT)
- Telescopic Boom Cranes – Swing Cab (TLL)
- Telescopic Boom Cranes – Fixed Cab (TSS)
Candidates have 12 months to complete both the written and practical exams and upon completion will be certified for a five-year period. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and exam registration – visit the link above.
6. Certified Concrete Pump Operator
To become a certified Concrete Pump Operator, candidates must take a written exam spanning 80 questions. No practical component is required meaning that upon completion and pass, the candidate will be certified for five years.
7. Certified Digger Derrick Operator
Digger Derrick’s are heavy hydraulic machines used to dig holes, set poles, and handle specific materials. The exam for this certification requires both a written and practical portion. Upon completion, the candidate will obtain demonstrated knowledge in positioning, setup, load, and operation of the Digger Derrick.
8. Certified Tower Crane Operator
If you have been by an ocean port or have driven past a tall building, chances are that you have certainly seen this massive machine at one time or another.
To become a certified tower crane operator, candidates must pass a 55 multiple-choice exam paired with a specified practical element. One of the following crane types must be chosen for the latter examination:
- Hammerhead Crane
- Luffer Crane
- Self-Erecting Crane
9. Certified Rigger
A rigger is an individual trained and certified to move and handle loads. The level of certification is based on the amount of training, knowledge, skill set, and ability to inspect and use rigging equipment.
Rigger Level I
The certification for this level requires both a written and practical exam. A Level I Rigger will be able to inspect, configure, and use various rigging equipment. They will also know how to load weight, understand center of gravity, and recognize associated hazards.
Rigger Level II
In addition to the Level I knowledge and skill base, a Level II Rigger can perform the following tasks unsupervised:
- Estimate weight and center of gravity when calculation is necessary.
- Identify lift points.
- Determine and select rigging based on load.
- Perform pre-use inspection.
- Understand load dynamics and hazards.
- Identify, select, and attach based on hitch configurations, load angle factors, rig capacity, and load integrity.
Level II Riggers will also have working knowledge of winches, jacks, industrial rollers, and other various types of equipment.
The NCCCO’s accredited certifications make a valuable addition to any construction worker in (or seeking to be in) any of the aforementioned positions. The Commission has introduced color-coded certification cards accepted as proof of skill and knowledge base. They are designed to meet all federal and state OSHA requirements.
10. Certifications for Electricians
Certified Electrical Technician (CET)
The Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) offers the Certified Electrician Technician certification, which covers various aspects of electrical work, including installation, maintenance, and repair.
National Electrical Code (NEC) Certification
NEC is the most widely used construction or installation code in the United States and throughout the world. These certifications often involve demonstrating a deep understanding of the NEC’s requirements and regulations for safe electrical installation.
Certified Electrical Inspector Certification (CEI)
Electrical inspectors ensure that electrical installations meet safety codes and regulations. This certification showcases proficiency in inspections and requirements found in NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code.
Construction Certifications for Management/Administrators
11. Certified Construction Manager (CCM) 
The CCM certification is offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMMA). This certification is for those who want to advance their career in construction management. It is a comprehensive program that requires recertification every three years.
The completion of this certification will demonstrate to clients, employers, and other stakeholders your expertise in managing costs and ability to deliver projects and programs on time.
12. Project Management Professional (PMP) 
To lead projects in any industry, the globally recognized PMP certification is a fantastic place to start.
This certification acknowledges that the individual is skilled at managing people, processes, business priorities, and professional projects.
The exam has 180 questions and has certain eligibility criteria such as holding a bachelor’s degree with 36 months of experience OR a high school diploma and 60 months of PM experience.
13. Certified Safety Manager (CSM)
The Safety Manager certification is offered by the National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP). This indicates to employers and regulatory agencies that you have the knowledge, skill, and ability to be a safety leader.
Typically, a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety is needed in this role with role experience of at least five years.
The course for this certification is 40 hours in length and must be completed within six months.
Construction Certifications for Other Qualified Positions
14. Certified Associate Constructor (CAC)
The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) offers both CAC and CPC certifications.
The CAC is a Level I constructor certification program ideal for recent graduates of a 4-year construction management program.
A CAC Level I Exam covers the following topics:
- Communication Skill
- Engineering Management
- Management Concepts
- Materials, Methods, & Project Modeling
- Bidding and Estimating
- Budgeting, Costs, & Cost Control
- Planning, Scheduling, & Schedule Control
- Construction Safety and Project Administration.
The exam contains 300 multiple-choice questions spanning 10 sections in two 4-hour sessions.
15. Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)
The CPC is a Level II certification that demonstrates significant knowledge for constructors who have several years of project oversight experience.
A CPC Level II Exam covers the following topics:
- Project Scope Development
- Employment Practices
- Working Relationships
- Construction Start-up and Support
- Construction Resource Management
- Cost Control
- Safety Management
- Project Closeout
This exam is comprised of 175 multiple-choice questions testing analysis and problem-solving skills. It will be administered in one 4-hour session covering 9 subject areas.
16. Licensed Professional Surveyor (PS)
Land Surveyor requirements vary by state and will include the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam.
It is a 6-hour exam that tests on the following topics:
- Surveying Processes and Methods
- Mapping Process
- Boundary Law
- Surveying Principles, Computations, and Computer Applications
- Applied Math and Statistics
Key Takeaways – Why Seek A Construction Certification?
If you have insatiable desire to learn and be a knowledge-expert, a specialist, or a leader in your trade–certifications are for you.
Enhancing your skills with certifications allows you to stay up-to-date with the construction industry. Clients and stakeholders often feel more confident working with certified professionals because they believe that certified individuals are more knowledgeable, reliable, and capable of delivering quality results.
Construction certifications offer a wide range of benefits, including professional recognition, job-security, career advancement, and opportunities for ongoing learning.
They play a crucial role in maintaining industry standards and ensuring that construction projects are executed efficiently and with high quality.
