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Best project architect certifications
Project architect certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an project architect to employers. However, not all project architect certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a project architect are Certified Construction Manager (CCM), LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED), and Certified Urban Designer (CUD).
Below is a list of the best project architect certifications. Obtaining an project architect certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
11 best certifications for project architects
| Rank | Project architect certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Construction Manager (CCM) | CMCI |
| 2 | LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED) | GBCI |
| 3 | Certified Urban Designer (CUD) | APA |
| 4 | Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ) | CIDQ |
| 5 | AutoCAD Certified Professional | Autodesk, Inc... |
| 6 | Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) | CSI |
| 7 | Master Project Manager (MPM) | AAPM |
| 8 | Certified Professional Autodesk Revit Architecture 2012 | Autodesk, Inc... |
| 9 | Project Management Professional (PMP) | PMI |
| 10 | National Council Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ) | NCIDQ |
| 11 | Oracle IT Architecture Release 3 Certified Architecture Specialist | Oracle |
11 best project architect certifications
1. Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is someone who has voluntarily met the prescribed criteria of the CCM program with regard to formal education, field experience and demonstrated capability and understanding of the CM body of knowledge.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
2. LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED)
For professionals with expertise in the design and construction phases of green buildings, serving the commercial, residential, education and healthcare sectors. The LEED BD+C exam is designed to measure your knowledge and skill in understanding the LEED Rating system and ability to facilitate the project certification process.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
3. Certified Urban Designer (CUD)
Advanced Specialty Certification in Urban Design recognizes an individual's knowledge, experience, and application of design principles.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
4. Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ)
The NCIDQ Examination consists of three separate exam sections, the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX), the Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX), and the Practicum Exam (PRAC), that measure a candidate's proficiency in interior design principles and application of knowledge to protect public health, safety and welfare. Two of the exams, IDFX and IDPX, are multiple choice exams.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
5. AutoCAD Certified Professional
Those who possess more advanced skills and can solve complex workflow and design challenges will, in most cases, pursue recognition as Certified Professionals. Certification at this level demonstrates the skills needed to stand out from the competition and pursue career advancement.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
6. Construction Documents Technologist (CDT)
The CDT will put you in an elite group of industry professionals whose expertise is recognized by an industry leader. No matter what you do in construction, the CDT is the program for you! Putting CSI credentials after your name is the industry's proof that you are among the industry's best, and have made a personal commitment to your profession.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
7. Master Project Manager (MPM)
If you have 3+ years of Project Management Experience, you may apply for MPM™ Master Project Manager Board Certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
8. Certified Professional Autodesk Revit Architecture 2012
Those who possess more advanced skills and can solve complex workflow and design challenges will, in most cases, pursue recognition as Certified Professionals.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
9. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have demonstrated a solid foundation of knowledge from which you can competently practice project management.To be eligible for a PMP Credential, you must first meet specific educational and project management experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step to becoming a PMP is passing a rigorous multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess and measure your ability to apply project management knowledge in the following six domains: initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, monitoring and controlling the project, closing the project, and professional and social responsibility. This computer-based examination is administered globally with translation aids in 10 languages.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
10. National Council Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ)
Completion of the NCIDQ Examination recognizes that an individual has met minimum competency standards for the practice of interior design. NCIDQ's role includes the establishment of standards for education and experience and the administration of a minimum competency examination.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
11. Oracle IT Architecture Release 3 Certified Architecture Specialist
The Oracle Technology Architecture Certified Specialist certification identifies professionals that are skilled in defining specific solutions that fit within the business environment. They can design, develop, document and deliver solution architectures, determine solution and map products to the solution. The certification covers Oracle Reference Architecture Overview, Application Infrastructure, Security, Engineering, Integration, Management and Monitoring, Service Orientation and User Interaction.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
What is the best certification for a project architect?
The best project architect certification is Certified Construction Manager (CCM). The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is awarded by the Construction Manager Certification Institute. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this project architect certification:
- To become a certified Certified Construction Manager (CCM), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for project architects?
The most in-demand project architect certification is Certified Construction Manager based on all active job postings. Having this project architect certification will give you access to more project architect jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a project architect career and salary?
The Project Management Professional certification will help you to secure a architect position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A architect's average salary is $75,007 whereas project architects make an average salary of $76,812.
The most common combination of project architect certifications include: Certified Construction Manager (CCM), LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED), and Certified Urban Designer (CUD).
Online courses for project architects to earn certifications
1. Mastering Construction/Project Management
Mastering Construction-Project Management in less than 10 Hours...
2. Construction Project Scheduling
Learn the tools and techniques used by construction management professionals to ensure projects finish on time...
3. Contracts Management in Construction Projects
Contracts Management, Contract Administration, FIDIC, Bank Guarantees, Contracts, Letter Drafting, Quantity Surveying...
4. Master Graphic Design & Software with Practical Projects
Conquer Popular Graphic Design Projects: Logo, Package, Magazine, Book Cover Design, Branding, Digital Graphics & More!...
5. 47 Graphic Design Projects for Photoshop Beginners
Photoshop graphic design for beginners! Includes 47 Photoshop projects for your graphic design portfolio...
6. Construction Procurement Management
A course on procurement designed for engineers new to the infrastructure/construction industry...
7. Revit Architecture 2021 Course - Practical Approach
Learn by building real world projects in Revit. We will build two house modals through out the course...
8. Project Management Master Class: Government Projects
Learn How To Win Big By Always Successfully Completing Government Projects Using Ninja Project Management Techniques...
9. Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects
Graphic design principles, typography, & color mastery using Illustrator, In Design, and Photoshop. For beginners & more!...
10. Graphic Design Foundations in Canva: Theory and Projects
Learn design theory and practice GREAT graphic design through practical real world projects in Canva...
11. Diploma in Basics of Civil Engineering for Construction
Practical Course to Gain Quick Knowledge in Civil Engineering & Get Entry Level Jobs in Construction as Freshers...
12. Project Management Course: Master Project Scope Management
Practical guide to scope development and management - Project Management Certification (PMP, CAPM) Training [Earn 11PDU]...
13. The Complete Guide to Construction Management
The Most Essential Course for EVERY Construction Project!...
14. Canva Graphic Design Complete Guide 10+ Projects
Learn how to become a professional graphic designer in Canva by creating real world projects...
15. Practical Project Management for Management Consultants
How to manage successfully a consulting project - a practical guide for Project Managers...
16. Project Management: Master Project Management - PMP/PMI
Master Project Management using this practical certification course...
17. Quantity Surveying Building Estimation,Cad Excel & Planswift
Quantity Surveying, Quantity Takeoff, BBS In Excel ,Complete Project In Autocad, Project Planning With Primavera P6...
18. Project Management Essentials
A crash course in the essentials of project management for new project managers...
19. Construction Site Electrical System Design
Learn how to design a safe, flexible and durable electrical system for any construction site...
20. Construction Cost Estimating and Management
Learn the tools used by construction management professionals to ensure their projects finish under budget...