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With dozens of disciplines coming under the auspices of the construction industry, pros in this field may well find the task of branching into a new specialty a daunting one. Happily, this section not only explores the possibilities - plumbing, carpentry and masonry among them - it also provides an extensive list of certification entities, state contractor licensing boards and continuing education opportunities.
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Construction Licensing/Certification Construction Industry Licensing and Certification
General Licensing and Certification for Construction Advancement A number of individual materials and parts go into building a residential or commercial structure. Similarly, crews responsible for constructing these developments also consist of many components - professional trade workers to be exact. From masons and carpenters to electricians and plumbers, construction businesses employ a variety of occupational types. Trade workers often start by attending a vocational school for education, ultimately working for a building company to gain experience and on-the-job training. Professional advancement usually involves acquiring additional licensing and certification to branch out and start one's own contracting business. General Licensing and Certification for Construction Advancement [top] Construction Management Certification Sometimes called a Construction Manager Certification or a Construction Project Management Certificate, this credential ensures the holder understands regulatory, insurance, management, safety, estimating and environmental aspects as they apply to the industry. Generally, these certificates cover light construction (residential and small office buildings) as well as heavy construction (large office buildings, infrastructures and facilities). Some areas usually included in coursework for the certificate are:
Contractor's License While certain contractor's license requirements tend to be the same from one part of the country to the next, each state has its own set of building laws and codes. Because of these variances, contractors in most construction occupations must take an exam specific to that region's building legislation. Those who want to specialize in a specific trade area can take tests later for additional licensing credentials. Being a licensed contractor lends a leg up on the competition, as the credential usually means the person knows about state building laws and possesses a certain level of experience. According to industry experts, holding a license also means potentially bigger pay checks, as well as winning bids for larger building projects. Trade Specific Licensing and Certification The following licensing and certification information targets the more popular fields in the construction industry: Masonry (Brick, Block and Stone) The National Masonry Certification This certification, available through the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), is designed to display the mason's expertise and commitment to quality. The MCAA spearheaded this credential to halt low bidding and stop unqualified mason contractors from damaging industry standards. In turn, this certification provides construction clients with a measurable tool to gage a mason's knowledge and professional know-how. According to the MCAA, the overall benefit of this certification is that it lets firms stand out over competitors when architects, specifiers and design experts seek quality. It's important to note that while The National Masonry Certification applies to the entire firm, it must be earned by that business's owner. Electrician (General) Electrician License Surprisingly, not all states require electricians to carry a license. Still, the idea seems to be catching on nationwide. In order to receive the credential, the professional must take a state exam. In most cases, the state offers different classes of electrician license, the categories based on the applicants experience level. For instance, Electrical Contractor, Master Electrician, Journeyman, Apprentice and Special Electrician applies designations apply to areas like residential, sign installation, irrigation system wiring, etc. Electrician Licenses help insure public health and safety by identifying qualified people enlightened about the trade. Even more appealing to some, licensed electricians earn more money, according to industry experts. Those who choose to pursue licensing should first visit their local building department, planning and development office, bureau of building inspection, etc. While requirements for the Electrician License vary from state to state, most exams cover the areas of electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, and local electric and building codes. Journeyman Electrician License/Certification After an electrician student graduates from trade school, he or she takes on an apprenticeship with a firm, which often provides on-the-job training in conjunction with additional classroom instruction. The Journeyman Electrician License indicates that the holder has worked under such an apprenticeship program usually for a minimum of four years (could differ based on state regulation). This often allows an individual to work on a jobsite unsupervised (as long as with a licensed electrical contractor). This license indicates the electrician possesses the skill to install, alter, repair, add or change conductors, appliances, apparatus, fixtures, conduit, raceways and any device that generates, transforms or utilizes electrical energy. Master Electrician/ Electrical Contractors License This state-issued credential usually lets the journeyman take the next step in professional advancement. This license indicates that the holder has worked in electrical contracting for a minimum of five years and possesses at least five years of hands-on experience with tools and machines in wire repair for electric lighting, installation, alteration, and heat or power. Moreover, this process must be conducted in compliance with the National Electrical Code. What's more, the five-years of hands-on-experience can not include time spent in engineering, performing managerial tasks, estimating and supervising. Though each state holds its own standards and requirements, this license usually lets the electrician launch his business with the needed electrical permits and other paperwork. Carpentry/Framing (General) Construction Supervisor License Since carpenters witness the entire building process, they make ideal candidates for this particular license. Generally, a Construction Supervisor License allows an individual to legally manage workers engaged in construction, repair, reconstruction, alteration, removal or demolition of certain buildings, as specified by state code. Certified Green Professional (CGP) This certification from the National Association of Home Builders recognizes builders, remodelers, carpenters and other trade professionals who regularly use green building principles in home development. At the same time, CGP holders strive to keep project costs down. CGP holders must fulfill 12 hours of continuing education every three years, with a maximum of six hours through the NAHB University of Housing educational activities. Plumbing Journeyman Plumber License This credential typically means the professional has finished a four-year apprenticeship program approved by a federal agency and a federally certified state agency. This individual has experience utilizing tools for installation, maintenance, extension alteration repair and removal of all piping, plumbing appliances, plumbing fixtures and apparatus. In most states, this license entitles the holder to work at the plumbing trade as an employee of a licensed plumbing contractor. Still, the title makes room for pay advancement. In fact, some experts say the Journeyman Plumber often makes nearly as much as the Master Plumber. In certain states, the aspiring Journeyman Plumber might need to select a specific area of specialization. These could include: Drainlayer, Pipe Fitter, Sprinkler Fitter, Lawn Irrigation Installer and Water Heater Specialist. Master Plumber License This license usually allows the holder to pull permits for jobs, garnering a bit more money in the process. In many states, an individual must possess a Master Plumber License to run his own business. This license tells the customer that the individual possesses at least two years of full-time work as a licensed journeyman plumber. Application requirements and exams vary from state to state. Certification for Cross Connection Control/ Backflow Prevention Testers This credential, provided by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE), aims to assure that only qualified professionals are testing, repairing and surveying backflow equipment. The certificate entails course work on suitable equipment. According to ASSE, certified cross connection control/backflow testers, repairers and surveyors have a thorough knowledge of the history of plumbing as it pertains to backflow and cross-connections as well as the public health; regulations, statutes, ordinances and codes; purpose of a backflow program; backflow, back pressure and back siphonage; the proper testing of backflow prevention assemblies; the responsibilities of the general tester, water purveyor, and building safety departments; and documentation and safety. Construction Industry Training and Continuing Education [top] Clearly, workers in the construction industry face a number of options when it comes to carving out a strong career foundation. While it's often beneficial to pursue specific licenses and certifications, it's not always clear how to acquire and renew such credentials, as well as to continue learning about related areas of the trade. To these ends, use the list below to nail down a professional plan. How to Pursue General Licensing and Certifications [top] Construction Management Certification Those who want to advance in this direction usually can find programs at universities specializing in construction and at some trade associations, like the Construction Manager Certification Institute (http://cmaanet.org/cmci/Certification_Process.php). Most institutions expect students to complete coursework within five years of application. Usually there are no prerequisites other than a bachelor's degree. The certificate is geared toward advancing construction project planners and designers, project engineers, project managers, general construction managers, executive construction managers, construction superintendents, general superintendents and individuals seeking a new career path as construction consultants. Contractor's License For those workers who decide to take the plunge into proprietorship and want to obtain a Contractor's License, the State Contractor Licensing Board (SCLB) makes a great starting point. To begin, the applicant must:
After taking these initial steps, the applicant should:
In most states, exam scores are valid for approximately one year. When the individual applies for the license, they will need to determine a business type or entity - LLC, Corporation, Partnership, etc. Depending on the state, an active Contractor License might need to be renewed (generally every two to three years). Below is a list of contact information for each State Contractor Licensing Board. These departments of government usually provide study materials, preparation seminars or information packs for specific exams. Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland 410-230-6270 Massachusetts Michigan Residential contractors need to be licensed. License required for plumbing and electrical trades. Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Wisconsin Wyoming How to Pursue Trade Specific Licensing and Certification Masonry (Brick, Block and Stone) For many entering the masonry field, the path does not involve formal schooling, but rather, on-the-job training. Still, vocational schools and courses provided by industry organizations, as well as apprenticeships, can help workers climb the professional ladder. This construction trade generally falls into several professional advancement categories based on experience and education. These include:
Training needed for the National Masonry Certification This certificate, one of the most widely-recognized in the field, can be earned through the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA). Before applying to take the standard exam, however, the individual must earn certification credits through mason contractor-related courses. Note - those earned through a formal apprenticeship training program are not valid. While some choose to turn to an outside institution to build credits, the MCAA suggests that the best way to ensure meeting course requirements via those entities in its Approved Provider Network, since these classes deem automatic MCAA endorsement. Better yet, the provider automatically notifies the Association of the candidate's attendance. Aspiring masons may register for the certification-related courses via the MCAA website, which outlines all approved class offerings and includes scheduling. The mason will receive a registered username, as well as an account that tracks progress and likewise specifies the credits/education needed for certain designations. Courses focus on everything from the mason industry to running a contractor business. Candidates must collect 100 continuing education credits in six disciplines:
Once the MCAA approves course completion, candidates may apply to take the certification exam at http://www.masoncontractors.org/. More Continuing Education Opportunities for Aspiring Masons For additional training and education, the following entities offer the latest in mason technology and standards.
Electrician Those entering the electrician field after vocational school generally start with a four-year apprenticeship period. During this time, worker receives on-the-job training and additional education. Industry organizations such as the National Electrical Contractors Association, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Independent Electrical Contractors Association all sponsor these programs. The aspiring electrician usually learns electrical code requirements, safety, blueprint reading, electrical theory and more. While there are many different avenues for one seeking an electrician apprenticeship, most require the person to be at least 18 years old, a high school graduate, or the holder of a General Equivalency Diploma. Once workers wrap up their apprenticeships, they may go on to become an Electrician Journeyman and ultimately, a Master Electrician. To find out more about apprenticeship opportunities and continuing education, visit:
Earning Electrician License/Certification The State Licensing Board sometimes offers Code Electrical preparation courses and provides information about exam sites. Study questions generally relate to theory, on-the-job knowledge and the National Electrical Code. Some states now include queries about business and law. A variety of construction-focused software companies and publishers offer computer programs as well as books designed to help electricians prepare for the exam. No matter the course, industry pundits recommend at least six months studying prior to taking the exam. Many states require renewal within one to three years of the issued date. This could include a designate hours of continuing education, as well as field time. Getting a Journeyman Electrician License/Certification Again, requirements for the Journeyman Electrician License vary from state to state. However, the applicant usually must have four years of electrical work experience to earn approval from the State Licensing Board. In many cases, the electrical work must take place under the supervision of an engineer, licensed master electrician or licensed journeyman electrician, with detailed documentation and verification. Most states allow exam participants two attempts to pass. Portions of the tests - which tend to consist of anywhere from 60 to 100 questions depending on the state - allow open book. Getting a Master Electrician License/Certification Most states first require the applicant to pass the Journeyman License exam in order to qualify for the Master Electrician License test. In some cases, the government will forgo this rule - particularly if the individual submits records that demonstrate much time in the field. While exam questions vary from one state to the next, these requirements are fairly standard:
Carpentry / Framing This trade, like most in the industry, starts with an apprenticeship and advances to Journeyman and Master Craftsman after so many years. Usually, experience leads the way to qualification for certification. Still, as the industry changes rapidly - moving toward more efficient and environmentally friendly practices - a number of institutes and trade groups provide continuing education on the matters of the day. Where to Train for Construction Management/Supervisor
Positions Since carpenters and framers help with the actual development of a project, this advancement option is ideal for many in these fields. On average, professionals who receive a master's degree - particularly individuals with extensive experience on the jobsite - become construction managers in very large firms or in construction management companies. Individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in unrelated fields often seek a master's in construction management or construction science simply to work in the industry. Continuing Education: Modern Green Building
Techniques Materials cover topics such as renewable energy, weatherproofing, insulation, building technology, energy efficiency, structural systems, recycling materials, waste diversion, stormwater control, rainwater collection, conservation and more. To learn more about green building and to apply for the program, visit http://www.builditgreen.org. Other organizations include:
Plumbing Plumbers who've finished a four-year apprenticeship and want to jumpstart their careers can take advantage of numerous continuing education resources for this particular trade. Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association The American Society of Sanitary Engineering |
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