March 2008 - Preparing For CM Certification
posted by Larry J SmithOn 27 – 29 February, 2008 The SAME Sacramento Post and the CMAA Northern California Chapter conducted the CMAA Standards of Practice Course.
The purpose of the Course is to review subjects/materials applicable to the field of Professional Construction Management “Standards of Practice.” 41 students attended and completed the course. Content for the course is derived from the Construction Management Core Competencies and the CMAA Body of Knowledge.
The certification exam tests individual’s capability and understanding of the CM Body of Knowledge. The mandatory four-year responsible in charge construction manager experience through all phases of construction provides a fundamental background of the professional practice of construction management.
CMAA Instructors inform students that completing the Standards of Practice course does not guarantee a passing score on the certification exam leaving many students asking “how do I best prepare for the exam?” Mr. Jeff Palumbo advised students to form a cohort group with common goals for completing the application for certification and preparing to take the certification exam. Jeff indicated the cohort group should have a mentor to guide them through the certification process.
Ten of the forty-one students have formed a cohort group. They are employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and will meet once each week with a goal for taking the certification exam at the CMAA National Conference and Trade Show in October 2008. Mr. Larry Smith has agreed to mentor his employees through the process and will conduct study group sessions as a supplement to the Standards of Practice course recently completed.
The CCM designation constitutes a solid knowledge base for the industry acquired by a combination of training and experience. The CMAA Construction Manager in Training Program (CMIT) is a process for facilitating personal and professional growth through the Mentor-Protégé relationship.
Construction professionals are encouraged to follow this model in preparation for CM Certification.