History of ccc

AIC Constructor Certification CommissionBuilding Professionalism in Construction

Constructor Certification Commission

700 North Fairfax Street, Suite 510Alexandria, Virginia 22314703.683.4999www.Professionalconstructor.org


Constructor Certification Commission was established

in 1993 to create a process for certification of professional

constructors.


The components of a profession:A body of knowledge and formal education requirements

Commitment to client service and the public trust

Membership in a professional society with a Code of Ethics

Established qualification standards and, under the most rigorous procedures, standards are established by examination.


The professionals in the built environment:

• Architects

• Engineers

• Constructors


Walter Nashert, Fellow

American Institute of Constructors,Nashert Constructors in Oklahoma City…

Expert Witness testimony discounted because he was… “not a professional”

Associated General Contractors (AGC) member… Education Committee

Driving force behind improvements in construction education.


Developments in the 1970’s:

American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), which now accredits more than 60 Construction Schools. Among them are Texas A&M, Auburn University, University of Florida, Purdue University, Arizona State, Colorado State…

American Institute of Constructors (AIC) established as the professional society to represent individual professionals


And…In 1993, the Constructor Certification Commission was established to grant

credentials to Constructors


What is the Constructor Certification Commission?A semi-autonomous body within AIC

Sets educational and experience qualification for Professional Constructors

Oversees all activity related to test development and certifications

Includes representatives from many trade and professional organizations


What is Certification?Voluntary and non-governmental

A mark of professionalism, not a license

Something Constructors earn, but also maintain.

It is ongoing proof of commitment to ethics and professionalism.


Benefits of CertificationCertification benefits all parties involved in the construction industry, since it raises the standards of professional practice.

Here’s how …


Benefits to the Employer

Independent assessment of an employee’s skills and knowledge

Improves marketability to clients.

Assurance that employee will continue to hone their skills, through the required Continuing Professional Development program.


Benefits to the Owner

Assurance that their projects will be managed more effectively.

Qualification as a means to prequalify contractors

Knowledge that their contractor management team will be more professional.


Benefits to the Constructor

Nationally recognized certification of skills and knowledge.

Analyzes strengths and weaknesses in the subject areas tested.

Enhances image as a professional to employer, their clients, and the public.

Marketable credential that sets you apart.


Benefits to the Educator

Detailed outcome assessment of students’ scores compared to national averages, detailed by subject area

Gives students an edge in finding positions over non-certified graduates, which is especially important during a downturn.


Outcome AssessmentUniversities receive detailed breakdowns of their students’ performance, by subject area and compared to national averages






The Commission Provides 2 Certifications

Associate Constructor (AC) for recent college graduates or professionals with four years of experience in the management of the construction process – AC certification limited to 10 years.

Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) for seasoned Constructors who meet the requirements for AC and have four years of additional experience, two of which must be in a “full charge” project management capacity.


The Certification Process…Five steps, and one ongoing commitment

Establishment of necessary educational and/or experience qualifications

Application

Approval

Examination

Certification

Continuing Professional Development


Education and/or Experience Needed…Level I –

Four year degree from an accredited program in construction

Four years equivalent construction experience in management of construction

Four years combination of Education and Construction Experience


Education and/or Experience Needed…Level II –

Is qualified as an AC with an additional four years experience in management of

construction worksPolicies and Procedures manual of the

Commission lists details of types of experience and other educational requirements


Examination…8-hour examination for each level

Given each April and November at 70+ locations across the U.S.


AC Examination Content…Key Areas:

Project Administration: 12%

Bidding and Estimating: 15%

Planning, Scheduling and Schedule Control: 15%

Budgeting, Costs and Cost Control: 12%

Other subject areas include:Communication Skills, Engineering Concepts, Management Concepts, Materials and Methods, Safety and Surveying & Project Layout


CPC Examination Content…Key Areas:

Project Scope Development: 20.0%

Resource Management: 18%

Cost Control: 18%

Safety Management: 12%

Other subject areas include:Employment practices, Working Relationships, Start-up & Support, Closeout and Ethics


After the Exam…

Scores are mailed 30 days after

Schools receive comprehensive reportsAggregate reports include all students. Schools only receive individual scores when authorized by the student.

Certification is awarded student graduates

Continuing Professional Development Review Cycle Begins


Certification GrowthSince its inception, examinations have grown dramatically:

Over 17,000 AC’s tested and 1,000 CPC’s test since inception.

In the last 5 years, more universities have joined the program, increasing the numbers at Level 1 significantly in both percentage and numbers:

Level 1/AC – Increased from 1,121 in 2003 to 2,037 in 2011, an increase of 55%.


Geographic Distribution of Certificate Holders

Year Mid-Atlantic

Mid-West

New England

South South-West

West Canada

2005 3.38% 34.80% 3.12% 18.20% 20.78% 19.72% 0.00%

2006 3.40% 34.78% 3.11% 18.13% 20.81% 19.76% 0.00%

2007 3.69% 35.10% 3.26% 16.94% 21.44% 19.54% 0.02%

2008 3.77% 35.20% 3.79% 17.01% 20.52% 19.68% 0.02%

2009 3.77% 35.02% 3.97% 17.28% 20.18% 19.77% 0.02%


Continuing Professional Development

Continual education and service to the profession and community are requirements of a certified professional.

Reports due every two years for all ACs and CPCs

ACs – Continually employed in the construction industry

CPCs - Minimum of 32 education and/or service hours


Current Commission Constructors

Nationally there are approximately:

• 7000 Associate Constructors

• 900 Certified Professional Constructors


The Future of Certification The Constructor Certification Commission

is currently developing partnership

agreements with national and chapter

offices of major construction associations

and working on becoming ANSI accredited.


American Council for Construction Education

American Institute of Constructors

American Road and Transportation Builders

American Society of Professional Estimators

American Subcontractors Association

Associated Builders and Contractors

Associated General ContractorsAssociated Schools of Construction

Great Britain’s Chartered Institute of Building

Construction Specifications Institute

Independent Electrical Contractors

Nat’l Association of Women in Construction

Nat’l Association of Surety Bond Producers

Nat’l Com.for the Certification of Crane Operators

Society for the Marketing of Professional Services

AIC Constructor Certification Commission was established with the direction and guidance of the Construction Committee of the Business Roundtable.

It has the active participation or endorsement of:


Constructor Certification Commission

700 North Fairfax Street, Suite 510Alexandria, Virginia 22314703.683.4999www.ProfessionalConstructor.org