Your Guide to Earning Construction-Related
Degrees and Certificates in the US:
A Practical Path for Job Seekers

The US construction industry is projected to add hundreds of thousands of jobs in 2026 and beyond, with strong demand for both skilled tradespeople and managers. Whether you're entering the field, switching careers, or advancing from hands-on work, formal credentials like degrees and certificates can significantly boost your employability, salary potential, and promotion opportunities. Degrees typically offer comprehensive education for supervisory or managerial roles (often requiring 2–4 years), while certificates provide quick, targeted skills validation (often weeks to months) that many employers require or prefer right away. Start with certificates for fast entry, then pursue degrees for long-term growth—many programs recognize prior experience or certifications for credit.

Step 1: Earning Construction-Related Degrees

Degrees build foundational knowledge in project management, estimating, scheduling, safety, contracts, and business principles. They are ideal for aspiring construction managers, project engineers, or estimators.

Associate Degrees (2 years, entry-level foundation)

• What it is: An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Construction Management or Technology. Covers basics like materials, surveying, codes, and introductory management.
• Where to get it: Community colleges, technical schools, or online providers. 
• How to obtain:
  1. Meet basic requirements: High school diploma or GED (most programs); some accept work experience in lieu of traditional academics.
  2. Apply online via the school’s website (often free or low-fee; transcripts required; SAT/ACT often optional or waived).
  3. Expect costs of $5,000–$15,000 total (much lower at community colleges; financial aid, Pell Grants, and employer tuition assistance widely available).
  4. Many are online or hybrid, allowing you to work while studying.
• Time & outcome: 1.5–2 years full-time. Graduates qualify for entry-level roles like assistant project manager or field supervisor; often a stepping stone to a bachelor’s.

Bachelor’s Degrees (4 years, or 2–3 with transfer/prior credits)

• What it is: Bachelor of Science (BS) or BA in Construction Management, Construction Science, or related (e.g., Civil Engineering with construction focus). Accredited programs (by American Council for Construction Education – ACCE, or ABET) are highly regarded by employers.
  
  
  • How to obtain:
    1. Research accredited programs at acce-hq.org or abet.org.
    2. Apply: High school transcripts/GED + GPA (usually 2.5+); many are test-optional. For degree-completion programs (common online): 1+ year construction experience + 60 college credits or union apprenticeship hours.
    3. Submit FAFSA for federal aid; many schools offer military/veterans benefits, scholarships, or low-cost per-credit rates ($300–$900/credit).
    4. Enroll full- or part-time; online formats let you keep working.
  • Time & outcome: 4 years standard; 2–3 years for transfers/adults. Median starting salary for graduates often exceeds $60,000–$80,000, with paths to Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or project management roles.

  Pro tip: Look for programs that bundle certifications (e.g., OSHA, Associate Constructor) or partner with unions/apprenticeships for paid work + credit.

  Earning Construction Certificates (the fastest way to get noticed)

  Certificates can be completed in days to months and are often required before you even step on a job site.

  Most In-Demand Certificates & How to Get Them

  1. OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction Card (the #1 requirement for almost every job)
     • 10-hour: for entry-level workers
     • 30-hour: for supervisors/foremen (highly recommended) How:
     • Take an authorized online course (100% remote)
     • Top providers (all DOL-approved): CareerSafe, 360training, ClickSafety, OSHA Education Center
     • Cost: $59 (10-hour) or $159 (30-hour) — sales are common
     • Time: 10–30 hours of self-paced video
     • After passing the final quiz, your official DOL plastic card ships in 2–14 days → Many employers will even pay for it once you’re hired.
  2. NCCER Core + Craft Certifications (widely recognized “gold standard” credential) Steps:
     • Find an NCCER-accredited training sponsor near you (use the NCCER Training Center Finder on nccer.org) — community colleges, unions, ABC chapters, or employers
     • Complete the NCCER Core curriculum (basic safety, tools, math, blueprints, etc.) — often 4–8 weeks
     • Pass written + performance assessments
     • Move on to specific crafts (carpentry, electrical, welding, etc.)
     • Fast-track programs for beginners exist (some as short as 4 weeks) Cost: Often free or low-cost through unions/apprenticeships; $500–$2,000 if paying privately
  3. LEED Green Associate (for anyone interested in green/sustainable building)
     • Study on your own or take a short prep course (~$200–$400)
     • Pass the exam (online or at a testing center)
     • Cost of exam: ~$250
     • Great résumé booster for commercial and public projects
  4. Other Quick Wins
     • First Aid/CPR (1 day, often free with OSHA)
     • Forklift / Aerial Lift / Scaffold certifications (1–2 days through employers or schools)
     • Crane operator (NCCCO) or CDL if you want heavy equipment roles

  The Smartest Fast-Track: Registered Apprenticeship Programs

  This is the single best move for most job seekers:

  • Paid training (start at 40–60% of journeyman wage, get raises every 6–12 months)
  • 2–5 years “earn while you learn”
  • Combine on-the-job hours + classroom → NCCER credentials + often an associate degree
  • Nationally recognized journey-worker certificate at the end

  How to start:

  1. Go to apprenticeship.gov → Occupation Finder → Construction
  2. Search by trade (carpenter, electrician, plumber, ironworker, etc.) and your zip code
  3. Apply directly to union halls (LIUNA, UA, IBEW, etc.) or non-union sponsors (ABC chapters)
  4. Thousands of openings every year — no degree required to start

  Your Action Plan Right