Expert Guide to Construction Certifications You Need

Expert Guide to Construction Certifications You Need
Expert Guide to Construction Certifications You Need

The construction industry offers multiple career opportunities and specialty positions to qualified candidates who are well-educated and trained in the field. From handling crane operations to concrete mixing, there are certification courses for every aspect of construction.

Technically, certification isn’t required to work in the field of construction. But pursuing a certification highlights the applicants’ dedication, passion, and commitment to their careers. And certified candidates get an edge over other candidates.

This article will discuss the most attractive and lucrative construction certifications that will help aspirants build successful careers.

1.  Gold Seal Certification

The Canadian Construction Association’s Gold Seal Certification is a specific course designed to help professionals gain Gold Seal credits in construction. It’s an experience and educational-based examination ideal for project managers, safety practitioners, estimators, superintendents, and supervisors.

This certification aims to test the knowledge, capabilities, and expertise of construction experts that they have gathered while working as professionals. Applicants who successfully clear the test are directly hired by electrical, civil infrastructure, general, specialty trade, and mechanical contractors.

In addition, the Gold Seal construction certification and training program offers advanced learning opportunities to the candidates while testing their learning. Get a Gold Seal Certification to boost your career now.

2.  Project Management Professional (PMP)

PMP or Project Management Professional certification is counted among the most adept certifications to build a career in construction project management. The unique thing about this online exam is that it is recognized in multiple industries, construction being one of them. It was created for construction professionals interested in improving their skills.

The course allows them to gain in-depth knowledge of the business environment, advanced processes, and skills required for leading teams and achieving results. The median salaries for professionals with the PMP certification earn 25% higher salaries than those without the certification.

3.  Aerial Lift Training Certification

Boom lifts or Aerial lifts have several uses on the construction site. The skills and training attained through this certification program make individuals experts in operating boom lifts.

Today, almost every contractor requires certification proof before employing individuals for Aerial lifts on the construction site. Operating aerial lifts is one of the most in-demand skills in the construction industry.

With an expert handling the task, the risk of injuries reduces significantly and gives the contractor peace of mind.

The duration of the exam and training depends on the type of course chosen by the applicants. Fortunately, there are countless course providers for this certification and other aerial lift programs.

4.  Safety Certification

This construction certification is designed to demonstrate the individual’s capabilities and expertise in ensuring a completely safe and secure workplace. It tests their knowledge related to construction sites’ safety requirements and regulations.

There is a wide range of Safety Certification options, meaning candidates can easily find one suitable for their region’s safety requirements. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is one of the most preferred certifications; it allows the candidates to get job roles at sites that deal with potentially hazardous jobs.

The National Association of Safety Professionals certification is another great option that enables candidates to advance their knowledge and skills in construction acquired during the training for OSHA.

The certification is available for multiple programs, but the CSMC or the Certified Safety Manager Construction program is highly popular among the aspirants. It’s focused on the individual’s ability to lead construction projects while maintaining the site’s safety. Moreover, it makes them capable and expert enough to ensure the safety of the team’s managing project. Plus, they also supervise the job sites.

5.  Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification (LEED)

This is counted among the most preferred certifications since it allows candidates to build sustainable buildings. It helps individuals gain expertise in constructing green buildings that can benefit humankind both psychologically and aesthetically.

Managed by The Green Business Certification Inc, this certification program recognizes the candidate’s proficiency in constructing eco-friendly building designs. Plus, it helps them earn the Green Associate credential, an individual’s capability to understand nature-friendly and sustainable construction practices.

The LEED Green Associate certification program is a perfect option for inexperienced individuals new to this field. The GBCI also offers various certifications to the aspirants to help them become global leaders in sustainable construction.

6. Crane Operation Certification

This certification is crucial for individuals aspiring to become crane operators at construction sites. Crane Operation Certification is managed by NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) – a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals develop good skills and understanding of standard and safe performance for crane operations.

The construction sites use a variety of cranes, and each comes with a unique operating model. Hence, the operators need to acquire the relevant skills and knowledge to handle a particular type of crane safely. And certification is the best way to attain the required capabilities.

The NCCCO provides various crane operating certificates, including lift director and crane inspector certifications. Crane Operation Certification aims to educate the candidates about crane operations and related safety standards.

7. Environmental Certifications

Most executives and clients focus on the environmental sustainability of the projects and practices followed in their construction sites. Hence, they choose the construction staff and professionals who have in-depth knowledge of environmental trends in construction.

Environmental certifications give candidates the expertise surrounding environmental safety and security. They strengthen people’ portfolios and assist them in attracting high-profile clients interested about the environmental impact of their construction process.

Endnote

Consider your career aspirations and interests when looking for a construction certification. For example, if you are interested in becoming a construction manager, obtaining a certification in Crane Operation will not contribute to your career growth.

However, note that there is no point in collecting too many certifications to build a high-paying career in construction. Select one or two specializations and get certified in those areas; it will help you attain expertise in the niche.

A certification offers countless benefits, including career boost and better-earning opportunities. Plus, it showcases the individual’s seriousness and interest in improving and learning new skills. These qualities attract a considerable number of employers and the big-ticket ones. The mantra is pretty simple — the more you work on yourself, the more high-paying construction jobs you’ll earn.

Mark Funk
Mark Funk is an experienced information security specialist who works with enterprises to mature and improve their enterprise security programs. Previously, he worked as a security news reporter.