A four-year college degree and work experience in construction are required for a career in construction management, with a master’s degree often necessary for large job sites. Certification is optional but can be beneficial. Hands-on experience or a two-year degree in construction technology can also lead to management positions. Large construction sites typically require a master’s degree, and certification can provide an advantage in hiring.
To start a career in construction management, you must have a four-year college degree, as well as some work experience in the construction industry. Two-year degrees are also accepted, provided they are combined with professional experience. Construction management positions for extremely large job sites, such as a shopping mall, typically require a master’s degree. Additionally, some future managers may voluntarily test for a certification in the United States so that they are more desirable to employers.
A construction management position involves many responsibilities, from directing the day-to-day work on the jobsite to verifying adequate supply levels. Since many of these are high-level responsibilities, you must have a four-year degree in a construction-related field. Typical degrees obtained include civil engineering or construction science. Those who earn these degrees should have knowledge of building laws and regulations, helping them to manage projects so they are safe and productive.
An alternative route to college might be a two-year course in construction technology. Construction basics are taught throughout this course for prospective construction management candidates; however, most students work and attend school at the same time to gain experience in both textbooks and hands-on activities. It is possible to obtain a management job with a two-year degree, but a full bachelor’s degree is typically desired by many large construction companies.
Some successful construction management workers started their careers as entry-level job site employees. Gaining hands-on experience is a practical way to become a manager; however, the increasingly competitive construction industry may not promote from within as willingly as in the past. Alternatively, a seasoned workplace worker can earn their four-year college degree while working to ensure their education and work history is noted on their resume.
Construction management positions are not exclusive to small residential or commercial projects. In fact, some managers oversee large workplaces or even multiple projects in a specific area. These professionals typically hold a master’s degree in construction science or management. The sheer amount of work and the specific details involved on large construction sites require a highly educated individual as a leader to ensure daily safety and productivity.
Although certification as a construction management professional is not required in the United States, many people decide to test accreditation to give them more leverage during the hiring processes. The written exam tests candidates on all aspects of managing a workplace, from practical applications to regional structural regulations. This certification is commonly accepted in the United States; individual states do not require a separate certification.
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