The CPC program, launched in 1996, was developed under the auspices of the American Institute of Constructors Constructor Certification program. According to CPC executive director, Cheryl P. Harris, the program is unique.

The Professional Constructor designation is a voluntary credential awarded to individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge of managing the construction process through education and/or experience, and who have successfully passed examinations covering basic and advanced construction practices.

Standards of practice cover areas such as:

• Communications;

• Applied design-engineering concepts;

• Management concepts and philosophies;

• Construction materials and methods;

• Estimating;

• Plan reading;

• Establishing work methods;

• Cost control;

• Scheduling;

• Contract management;

• Safety;

• Project administration; and

• Ethics.

“The program is heavily used by construction management schools for students coming out of their programs,” said Harris.

“The exam is on the construction process and in order to take it, the applicant needs construction experience, with either a degree and/or several years of work experience.”

The program is growing rapidly. In April 1999, 500 candidates registered to take the examination. This year, projections are for 2,000 applications before the end of the year.

Owner groups, construction companies, universities, and individuals are integrating the program into their industries.

“We are also seeing a lot of mechanical contractors setting up for the exams,” Harris added.

“By encouraging managers within ASA companies to seek the CPC designation, we hope to see increased respect for the knowledge and professional expertise that the subcontractor brings to the project team,” stated Colette Nelson, executive vice president, ASA.