Disk of Knowledge

November 2007 - Continious Learning leads to CM Certification

The January 2007 Article of the Month featured my goal of obtaining CM Certification for the purpose of promoting excellence in Construction Management.

My reflection on the process of becoming a CCM (Certified Construction Manager) is both difficult and rewarding. Thirty plus years of experience in Government Construction Contract Administration and skills as a Contract Administration and Scheduling instructor got me close to certification however I soon learned I needed to broaden my studies and efforts to pass the certification exam.

CCMs are individuals who have voluntarily met the prescribed criteria of the Certified Construction Manager Program with regard to formal education, field experience and demonstrated capability and understanding of the CM body of knowledge. The CCM designation is awarded to those who have the professional standards and have demonstrated a commitment to and interest in providing the highest quality professional CM services available.

The criteria for certification are based on both formal academic training and professional project management field experience. Key to the program is the mandatory 4-year responsible-in-charge construction manager experience. The applicant must document experience that was realized during project execution as part of a project delivery team; further this experience must be in the roles and functions of a construction manager throughout all phases of construction as defined by CMAA.

Experience alone does not prepare an individual for the certification exam and preparing to pass the exam by study of the CMAA body of knowledge publications does not prepare an individual to practice construction management. The practice of professional construction management requires experience, knowledge and continuous learning.

The NSPE October 2007 “IN FOCUS” article titled “The Expectation of Continuous Learning” points out how “workplace changes have spurred the need for continuous learning.” Professionals are advised to take control of their careers by increasing their skills. Professionals can no longer assume their first post secondary academic qualifications will fit their entire working life. This article points out those individuals “who decide that they have learned it once and once is enough will find themselves at a distinct disadvantage relative to peers in the job market.” Career-related continuous learning (CRCL) is important for construction professionals.

CRCL is a self initiated process with the goal of maintaining or improving effectiveness. Advisors are recommending “individuals spend as much time and money to maintain, enhance and improve professional knowledge as they spend on maintaining and improving another critical investment – their house.”

CCMs voluntarily choose to become certified. Certification is renewable on a three-year basis with mandatory continuing education requirements. Continuing education requirements reflect that there is no limit on how much is out there to learn. NSPE, ASCE, and CMAA promote the need for individuals to “keep up with the times.” Some specialties must update half of their knowledge every two to three years while working full time in their profession.

Companies choosing to promote excellence in construction management should demonstrate their commitment to continuous learning and their investment in the development of their employees through classes, training programs and offsite experiences. Individuals must also step outside of their comfort zone and voluntarily choose to continue their professional growth. CM Certification is an example of both when employees are encouraged and rewarded to become certified and they take the individual initiative to become certified.

The Disk of Knowledge Library and Forums will continue to change to reflect the CMAA Standards of Practice through experience shared by our readers and authors. You are invited to submit comments or topics regarding the need for continuous learning and the practice of Professional Construction Management.