Becoming a Certified Construction Manager

Value, Requirements, and Process

PresentationPresentationByBy

CMCI Board of GovernorsCMCI Board of GovernorsCMAA National Conference and Trade ShowCMAA National Conference and Trade Show

Orlando, FloridaOrlando, FloridaOctober 2009October 2009

What is CMCI?[Construction Manager Certification Institute]

• Manages and administers Construction Manager Certification Program

• Independent from but sponsored by CMAA• Governed by 15 governors

– CCMs and executive-level CMs– Responsible for policies and procedures– Review and evaluate applications

• Program is ANSI Accredited

ANSI Accreditation

• First construction industry professional certification program to achieve ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 personnel certification accreditation by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

• Process and procedures adhere to an international standard of excellence that is mobile and in the interest of public welfare

• Provides assurance of legitimacy to state and federal organizations

• Accreditation renewed in September 2009

CMCI’s Goals• Improve professional practice of Construction Management• Identify a body of knowledge and skills necessary to practice

Construction Management profession• Recognize those individuals who have demonstrated an

acceptable level of knowledge and experience to practice Construction Management

• Maintain continuing education standards

Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

Person who has met prescribed criteria of the CCM program relative to:– Formal education and general construction industry

experience– Documented, successful Construction Management

experience– Demonstrated capability and understanding of CMAA

Body of Knowledge

The CCM Designation is the Means by Which the Profession:

Defines its own Standards of Practice and values Identifies those best qualified to practice Construction

Management Offers an assurance of quality to those who employ

Certified Construction Managers

CM Professional’s Code of Ethics

• Client service• Representation of

qualifications & availability• Standards of Practice• Fair competition

• Integrity of the profession • Conflicts of interest • Fair compensation • Release of information• Public welfare• Professional development

Value of CM Certification to Owners

o Increasingly complex projects under more time pressure and less resources demands greater capabilities in CM

o Identifies service providers with knowledge and skills to meet challenges

o CCM is a recognized standard of professional accomplishment for both owners and their employees

o Consistent route to smooth, successful project and program management increasingly likely with CCMs

o Continues…

Value of CM Certification to Owners-cont’d

o Commonality of policy, practices, procedure across all projects possible through CCM’s appropriate application of CMAA’s core body of knowledge

o On-staff and outsourced CCMs benefit owner’s projects and programs with their mutual understanding based in achievement of responsible experience and knowledge, validated by CCM examination

Value of CM Certification to Service Providers

o Independent assessment of CM staff knowledge and skills based on national standards

o National certification means “portable” credentialso Improved company marketabilityo Your employees continue to improveo Owners increasingly giving formal preference in

evaluations

Value of CM Certification to Individuals

o Increased professional stature & marketabilityo Creates opportunity for advancemento Adds value for both employer and cliento Tells owners, employers and peers you are a recognized

professional.o Employers rewarding achievement with bonuses and salary

adjustmentso Access to professional community to network with other CCMso Continuing professional development required to maintain

credential

Value of CM Certification to the Public

o Established Standards of Practice along with Code of Ethics enhances public perception of construction management professionals

o Promotes necessary and proper attention to health, safety and welfare in construction

o Improves public’s confidence in those relied on to build essential capital projects

o Provides increased opportunities for clearer project definition lessening taxpayer risk

Total Cumulative CCMs by Year

44 66 79 93 119 155247

382

541629

813

12111106

971

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

The “Culture of Certification”

The “Culture of Certification” describes a business environment in which it is simply assumed, at all levels, that the best and most committed Construction Managers will be CCMs, and in which organizations actively and consistently support their people in obtaining and maintaining their credentials.

Increasing numbers of organizations, both owner and service providers, are adopting this outlook and focus

Owners with CCM’s on Staff(partial list)

LA Unified School Dist San Diego Unified Port Dist Sac County Public Works Modesto City Schools NYC Transit D.C. Water & Sewer Auth Alaska DOT Massachusetts Port Authority Las Vegas Valley Water Dist Washington MTA Seattle Public Works

U.S. Army COE GSA Dept of Veteran Affairs Dept of Defense Architect of Capitol NOAA NAVFAC U.S. GAO U.S. DOT Intl. Monetary Fund

The CCM® Certification Process

1. Determine if you are eligible2. Complete and submit the full application packet3. Be advanced to candidacy by the Board of Governors4. Prepare for examination5. Pass the examination

Certification Eligibility Requirements

Must have 48 months Responsible-In-Charge (RIC) experience as a CM/PM as shown on Qualification Matrix coupled with one of the following: 4-year Degree

Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Science

Accredited ACCE, ABET, or as determined curriculum comparable 2-year Degree & 4 years experience in general

design/construction 8 Years experience in general design/construction

CM Qualifying Experience

“CMAA believes that all participants in projects and programs are responsible for fulfilling their obligations in an ethical and professional manner, regardless of delivery system or contract method.

If an applicant for the CCM can show professional character and RIC construction management experience that reflect this commitment, verified by references, the applicant can be considered for candidacy.”

CMAA Guidance Statement, September 2009

Range of Delivery Methods in use include:

Traditional Approach D-B-B with single GC

Multiple Prime Contracting CM-At-Risk Design-Build Hybrid and Alternative Project Delivery methods

Owners engage CMs in different ways

CM as Agent CM – At – Risk CM as GC (LS, unit price, etc.)

Qualification MatrixPHASE: Pre-design Design Procurement Construction Post-construction

FUNCTION/ ROLE

Project Management RIC RIC RIC

Cost Management RIC RIC RIC

Time Management RIC RIC

Quality Management RIC RIC RIC

Contract Administration RIC RIC RIC

Safety Management RIC

RIC Experience >Minimum Total of 48 months cumulative experience required in these Phases & Function/Roles

RIC: Key Questions

1. Did decisions candidate was empowered to make directly impact successful project completion?

2. Was candidate directly responsible-in-charge of construction management services?

3. Did candidate protect project and owner interests?

Application RIC Documentation • This is the most critical part of the application along with your

reference letters. • In this section you discuss your 48 month Responsible-in-

Charge project experience– be as detailed as possible and outline what you specifically

accomplished for each project. • Your experience should be reasonably represented in all

phases of the Qualifications Matrix.

COMPLETION OF SECTIONS 3.6 TO 3.10 IS MANDATORY ANDFREQUENTLY OVERLOOKED

Letters of Reference, Resume & Exam

After receipt of an application, references are contacted by CMCI. Reference letters are sent directly to CMCI.

A current professional resume is required, which documents specific project responsibilities, not simply a description of the project.

A comprehensive 5-hour exam based on experience and knowledge is taken.

Application - References

At least two letters, pertaining to RIC experience, preferably

from the Client/OwnerIf a Client/Owner is unavailable, 1 Reference may be from a

Project Executive of CM’s firm/org that can verify the time and

RIC experience from that specific projectReferences must be independent

Application – Other Items

Contact informationResumeDiploma or college transcriptsOther construction experience write-up, if required

Advancement to Candidacy

• CMCI Board of Governors reviews and evaluates your application.

• Once approved, you are advanced to candidacy.• May now sit for examination.

CCM Examination

• 1-Year eligibility to pass all sections

• Exam Fee - $275

• Offered at secure testing locations across the US

• Online examination– 5 hour time limit to complete

– 200 questions

• CMAA/CMCI website explains process fully

Retaking the Examination

• Exam retake fee - $100

• May test up to three (3) times within the 1 year eligibility period

• Entire exam must be taken again

The ExaminationScope: Material in CMAA’s Capstone text & CM Standards of Practice,

Guidelines, Procedures, and Model Contract Documents General knowledge of design and construction

Sections: Project Management 20% Cost Management 18% Time Management 18% Contract Administration 18% Quality Management 10% Professional Practice 8% Safety & Risk Management 8%

CMAA Exam Preparation Resources

• CM Core Competencies – CMAA/CMCI Site

• CM Standards of Practice Study Kit

• Other CMAA published books and reports

• CM/construction texts

• CM Standards of Practice 3-day instructor lead course

• Capstone online self-study and assessment test- just introduced

• On-Line Standards of Practice self-study modules

CMAA Standards of PracticeStudy Kit Contents

• Construction Management Standards of Practice• Capstone: The History of CM Practice and Procedures• Contract Administration Procedures• Cost Management Procedures• Quality Management Procedures• Time Management Procedures• Construction Manager At-Risk Model Contract Documents• Agency Series Model Contract Documents

Examination Questions

• Experience and academic based • “Objective”• Developed by CMCI’s Examination Committee• Input from CCM’s and Subject Matter Experts• Examination items reviewed by CCM’s• Validation in accordance with ANSI requirements

CCM Re-Certification

• Initial certification good for 3 years

• Re-Certification every 3 years thereafter

• Two renewal categories with a total of 45 points achieved in:• Professional development• Involvement/commitment to the profession re-certification

• Fee - $200

Recap of Fees• Application $275• Examination $275• Re-take, each $100• Re-Certification $200• Study Kit $250 (member)• SOP 3-Day Course $550 (member)

• Capstone Self-study $60• SOP On-line Modules $1,100 (member)

CMCI Contact

Kate BrundageCertification Manager7926 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 800McLean, Virginia 22102 USATel: 703.356.2622 Fax: 703.356.6388kbrundage@cmaanet.org

Questions & Discussion