Professional certifications validate a job seeker’s knowledge and expertise and enhance credibility and confidence. Acquiring a certificate in your respective field adds value to your profile and showcases an in-depth understanding of the subject.
Construction and engineering are among the top industries in the United States that are rapidly growing due to various factors, including natural calamities, technological advancement, and increasing population and infrastructure demands, which gives rise to various employment opportunities across different architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) fields.
With growing employment opportunities, the competition in these industries is also rising, making acquiring a certification more significant. Moreover, the need for experienced and professionally trained workers has also increased the value of construction and engineering certifications. A study in the United States analyzed 300 job postings to reveal that 16 percent of the time employers prefer a candidate with professional certification.
The importance of certifications in engineering and construction
Engineering certifications recognize the competency of an AEC professional and acknowledge their expertise in performing different tasks as part of various construction and engineering jobs. Job seekers with professional certifications typically have an edge over other job candidates.
Apart from establishing professional credibility and increasing marketability, certifications also boost your efficiency through advanced training, coursework, and specialized knowledge. A study showed that 36 percent of individuals with professional accreditation get promoted in their jobs compared to 26 percent without credentials.
Certifications also help you get higher pay than the average remuneration rate. The twelfth edition of the Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey by the Project Management Institute reported that project managers with the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification earn 26 percent higher than managers without the credential.
Furthermore, certified AEC professionals make a qualified replacement for professionals with limited or outdated industry knowledge. The need for certified professionals has increased due to rising demands for state-of-the-art commercial, residential, and public infrastructure, making these certifications more relevant in the industry.
Must-have construction and engineering certifications
Nowadays, employers are looking for more specialized skills, and professional certifications become tangible proof of that advanced skill set. Following are the top construction and engineering certifications that provide plenty of professional development and educational enhancement options to AEC professionals:
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Outreach Training Program
- National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
- Construction Management Certification (CMC)
- American Institute of Constructors (AIC)
- Certified Chemical Engineer (CCE)
- American Institute of Constructor Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)
- Decision and Risk Management Professional (DRMP)
What benefits do certifications offer AEC professionals?
1. Improved knowledge and upskilling
Certifications offer an opportunity to get versed with industry standards and updates that help you perform your job responsibilities better and gain a broader understanding of the field. They boost your confidence and expertise to work in different projects or environments.
2. Increased job satisfaction
Additional credentials like an engineering certification pave the way for future development. Professional certifications aren’t limited to college graduates or entry-level professionals. Instead, they can be achieved at any stage of a career to refresh knowledge about the field and to look for advanced opportunities.
3. Boosted income potential
AEC professionals with construction or engineering certifications earn more than others without one. For example, a project manager with a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification makes 25 percent more than those without the certification.
4. Improved hiring potential
Nowadays, most employers ask for additional certifications and licenses while hiring an AEC professional. They want to hire a candidate that showcases superior industry knowledge and pivots projects in the right direction.
5. Ensures compliance
The advanced coursework and training programs of certification enhance your industry knowledge and ability to investigate different construction and engineering projects to ensure compliance with legal, safety, and environmental standards and regulations.
How our technical staffing agency can improve your career options
It is not easy to look for engineering and construction jobs in California, especially because of growing market competition and demand for specialized skills, which is why you should work with a technical staffing agency like Certis Solutions.
At Certis Solutions, we understand that to excel in your respective fields, it is important to broaden your network, which is why we provide plenty of occasions to connect with A-listed industry professionals to get insights about the hiring trends, certification requirements, growth opportunities and upcoming projects.
We work with our clients to understand their personal and professional goals to find an engineering job that fits their criteria and expectations. Our team of experienced recruiters and consultants provides continuous guidance and tips to help you prepare for every job opening that comes your way.
Visit Certis Solutions to learn more about our end-to-end staffing services and current job openings across various engineering, architecture, environmental, emergency services and construction firms in California.
