Construction certifications can add to your resume, allowing you to advance further in your career. If you’re looking for a way to earn more as a construction worker, then these certifications could give you the edge you’re looking for.
You don’t need construction certifications in order to enter the construction industry. Most construction workers start out as apprentices and learn on the job. They work on construction sites under the careful eyes of master construction workers. Even though you don’t need construction certifications to be a construction worker, it can certainly give you an edge. This is as specialty positions are rife in the construction industry, provided you have the right education and certifications.
Here are eight construction certifications that can give you an edge in your career:
1. OSHA Training
This course can cost you anywhere between $89 and $189. It typically takes between ten to thirty hours to complete the OSHA training course.
It’s important to keep in mind that OSHA doesn’t technically offer any certifications and courses. Instead, OSHA offers training programs and trainers that are ‘authorized’ to provide that training. One of the training programs worth considering is a program where students receive a training card from the Department of Labor. According to OSHA guidelines, it’s important to ensure that the correct training standards are implemented whenever new employees enter the job site. A DOL labor card can show that you know what the training is. You can then appropriately train employees to be OSHA compliant.
2. ACI Certification
The American Concrete Institute, also known as ACI, offers nearly thirty courses, all about concrete. If you work in construction, you should also know that mixing concrete is more difficult than just mixing cement with water. ACI offers certifications in mixing concrete, and you’ll need to pass a test to get certified.
The price and duration of the courses change, depending on the course you choose. You’ll find that many local, national, as well international organizations may ask for ACI certifications for their job site. Recognized worldwide, it could be worth your time getting certified from ACI.
3. Aerial Lift Training
You can often find aerial lifts, also known as boom lifts, on construction sites. To prevent injuries, only certified and trained construction workers should be allowed to operate aerial lifts on construction sites. While it doesn’t take too long to be certified, it would be a good idea to be trained before you apply.
Construction sites can require proof of certification, and some may even pay to have their employees certified. It can cost around $75 to get certified.
4. Green Business Certification
Sustainable buildings are becoming more popular, and knowing how to use sustainable materials and use them, can be a useful career skill. The Leadership in Energy and Environment Design, also known as LEED certification, can certify that you know how to work with green buildings. From the Green Business Certification Inc, the exam costs anywhere between $250 and $550 and takes two hours to complete.
In the beginning, you’ll be offered a Green Associate Credential. This shows that the certified person has basic knowledge of sustainable building practices. Upon completing this, you can go on to pursue other certifications from GBCI.
5. National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
If you want to get certified in surveying, then turn to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, also known as NCEES. You can gain from this certification, as both engineering and surveying are considered essential for the safety and benefit of the public. You’ll need to meet the standards set by NCEES in order to get this certification.
To get this certification, you’ll need the right experience and knowledge, and you’ll also need to pass the exam. This exam costs around $175 and can take up to six hours to complete. The amount of knowledge and experience required can vary from state to state. Consider checking your local state’s licensing board to gauge what you’ll need to qualify for the NCEES exam.
6. Crane Operation Certification
In order to operate cranes on construction sites, an individual needs to be both trained, as well as certified. This certification can be obtained from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operations, also known as NCCCO. They are a non-profit organization that has dedicated themselves to promoting safe standards for crane operations.
Remember that there are various kinds of cranes. Each of these cranes will require a trained operator for that kind of crane. You can get certified for various kinds of cranes from the NCCCO. You can also find certifications for crane inspectors, lift directors, and other related certifications. The price of the courses can be anywhere between $50 and $350. The duration of the course can change depending on the type of crane.
7. Associate and Bachelor’s Degree
It can take you between two to four years to get an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree. It typically costs around $28,000 to get yourself a degree. Getting an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree can enable you to work as a construction manager. It’s becoming more and more common for construction managers to have some kind of higher education, aside from their experience.
The kind of courses you should look at include construction science, engineering, as well as architecture. You can also opt for a master’s degree, which can take you an additional two years. A master’s degree can cost anywhere between $25,000 to $53,000. Through your master’s degree, you can increase your knowledge about various subjects related to construction.
8. Construction Management Association of America
You can get certified as a construction manager from the Construction Management Association of America. To get certified, you will need to have your leadership skills recognized. This certification shows that you have what it takes to obtain success as a construction manager.
Considered the gold standard when it comes to construction certifications, this certification proves that you know what the industry practices are. To get this certification, you’ll first need a bachelor’s degree of four years. In case you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need construction management experience of four years.
Conclusion
With these eight construction certifications, you’ll be able to enhance your career and earn more. Even one of these certifications can add to your career. Consider getting one or more of these to advance in your career as a construction worker.
As a contractor, you should also consider getting yourself insured. This is as you’ll find yourself exposed to various career risks, such as getting sued by a client. When this happens, you may find yourself having to pay exorbitant legal fees to defend yourself. Why not consider contractor liability insurance as a way to protect yourself and your finance. With insurance for contractors, such as general liability insurance for contractors, you can gain financial coverage. That way, you can focus on your career without needing to worry about business risks.
