How to become a construction manager: Guide
Learn how to become a construction manager, from degree and apprenticeship routes to coming from a non-construction background.
Learn how to become a construction manager, from degree and apprenticeship routes to coming from a non-construction background.
A construction manager is a dynamic and varied (but hard) profession that plays a big role in the successful delivery of building projects that you see all around you. (However don’t take the job if you can’t handle stress).
From coordinating day-to-day operations on-site to liaising with architects, engineers, and clients, construction managers are the backbone of any construction project. In this blog post, we’ll cover the responsibilities of a construction manager, the many pathways to enter the field, and what it takes to succeed in this super demanding yet rewarding career. Whether you’re pursuing a degree, an apprenticeship, or leveraging your existing experience from another industry, there’s a path for you in construction management. Let’s explore the different routes and what you can expect on your journey to becoming a construction manager.
What is a construction manager?
A construction manager is a professional responsible for overseeing and managing the practical aspects of construction projects. Their main role is to make sure that building projects are completed safely, within the agreed timeframe, and on budget. This involves managing the day-to-day operations on a construction site, coordinating with loads stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
What does a construction manager do
- Project Planning and Scheduling: Oversee the entire lifecycle of the project from initial planning to completion. Create a comprehensive project plan with schedulers outlining tasks, timelines, and deliverables. Ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.
- Budget Management: They work with estimators to set and maintain the project budget. Monitor expenses to make sure the project stays within financial limits.
- Resource Management: Recruit and manage the project team. Assign tasks and responsibilities to team members. Managing loads of contractors, subcontractors, and vendors
- Communication and Leadership: Take care of awesome communication among all stakeholders, including clients, architects, engineers, and contractors. Provide regular updates and reports on project progress. Making sure everyone stays safe.
- Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Make informed decisions to address issues and keep the project on track.
- Project Delivery: Make sure the project meets all requirements. Deliver the project on time and within the agreed budget.
How hard is being a construction manager
This is a high-stress job where the responsibility for the project’s success largely rests on your shoulders. You are the one who makes sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently, and when things go well, well done, you get all the praise and a good paycheck. However, if things go badly, the it’s all on you! While others, like engineers and architects, share responsibility for the project’s outcome, construction managers are typically the ones making critical decisions and authorizing actions on behalf of the client.
Some people say the the hardest part about the job isn’t managing the construction itself, but rather managing the people involved. In this role, you’ll need to wear many hats—acting as a business manager, diplomat, mediator, and even a counselor at times.
Key Differences Between Project Engineer, Project Manager and Construction Manager
Focus Areas
- Project Engineer: Concentrates on the technical and personnel aspects, ensuring designs are accurate and construction is executed properly. They make sure that the technical execution of the project is awesome, adhering to design specifications and quality standards.
- Construction Project Manager: Focuses on the project as a whole, emphasizing budget, schedule, and overall project performance. They make sure the project meets business objectives, stays within budget, and is completed on time.
- Construction Manager: Primarily oversees the on-site construction process, managing contractors, equipment, and materials to make sure the project runs smoothly. They ensure compliance with safety regulations and manage day-to-day operations, troubleshooting issues that arise during construction.
- Site Manager: Primarily responsible for supervising the construction site and ensuring that work is completed on time and within scope. Their focus is on managing day-to-day on-site activities, including workforce coordination, materials delivery, and quality assurance. However site manager and construction manager roles are often used interchangeably.
Interaction with Teams
- Project Engineer: Works closely with design teams or construction crews, involved in the day-to-day activities.
- Project Manager: Interacts with upper management and clients, less involved in daily technical details but oversees project progress.
- Construction Manager: Collaborates with the construction crews, subcontractors, and suppliers, often working directly on-site. Their interaction is heavily operational, ensuring work is performed according to plans and within the project timeline.
- Site Manager: Works closely with construction workers and subcontractors, ensuring they adhere to the daily schedule. They are often the primary point of contact for on-site queries, and they monitor the safety, quality, and progress of the work being carried out.
Professional Engineering License Requirements
- Project Engineer: Typically required to hold a Professional Engineering (PE) License, especially when signing off on technical documents or designs, or at they are Engineers In Training (EIT).
- Project Manager: While not always required, many have a PE License due to their background as former Project Engineers. Their role requires enough technical knowledge to understand project nuances.
- Construction Manager: A PE License is usually not required, though certifications like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential or relevant construction management degrees can be highly valued. Their expertise focuses more on construction operations and site management rather than engineering design approval.
- Site Manager: A PE License is not required. However, relevant certifications such as a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or similar site management training credentials are often expected. The role focuses on operational oversight, safety, and workforce coordination rather than engineering tasks.
How to become a construction manager
Apprenticeships
To begin, research and apply for a registered apprenticeship program in construction management, often offered by community colleges or trade organizations. These programs usually need applicants to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Once accepted, apprentices split their time between on-the-job training and coursework, gaining valuable experience in areas like project planning, site surveying, and safety regulations.
During the apprenticeship, participants work full-time under the supervision of experienced professionals, learning the practical skills needed to manage construction projects effectively. The programs also have academic components, covering subjects such as construction methods, blueprint reading, and material testing. This combined approach makes sure apprentices gain a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of construction management.
Upon completing the apprenticeship, which typically lasts two to four years, participants receive a certificate or degree recognized in the industry. This qualification, along with the practical experience gained, prepares them for roles as construction managers. Apprenticeships also offer opportunities for career advancement, allowing individuals to progress to higher positions such as senior site manager or project manager.
The degree route
To become a construction manager through the degree route, you typically start by earning a bachelor's degree in construction management or a related field such as civil engineering or architecture. This degree program usually takes about four years of full-time study and covers essential topics like project management, construction methods, cost estimation, and safety management.
After completing your degree, gaining work experience is crucial. Many employers require candidates to have several years of experience in construction roles, which can be achieved through entry-level positions such as a project engineer or assistant site manager. This experience helps you build the necessary skills in project coordination, team leadership, and resource management.
It’s certainly the cushiest route to become a construction manager. For better or for worse, a lot of employers like the fancy piece of paper, and it means you can skip years of doing more menial field jobs.
What if I don’t have an apprenticeship or a degree?
Becoming a construction manager without an apprenticeship or degree is definitely hard, but it’s not impossible. You should recognize that any experience you bring to the table is valuable. Whether you’ve worked in a different industry or started in a lower-level construction job, your ability to think critically, solve problems, and manage people is highly valued in construction. Transferable skills like leadership, communication, and project management from non-construction sectors can set you apart.
While construction-specific experience is undoubtedly great, what matters most is your willingness to work hard and learn on the job. You’ll need to jump into the industry, stay curious, and continually seek out new knowledge. It might be a tougher path, but with determination and a proactive approach to learning, you can become a construction manager!
Construction Manager Certifications in the US
To become a construction manager in the U.S., obtaining relevant certifications can significantly enhance your career prospects by demonstrating expertise and commitment to the field. Here are some great certifications that can help you advance in construction management:
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM): Offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), the CCM is considered the gold standard in the industry. It is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in construction management. To qualify, you typically need a combination of education and experience in construction management.
- Project Management Professional (PMP): Administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the PMP certification is globally recognized and applicable to project managers in loads of industries, including construction. It requires a four-year degree, 36 months of project management experience, and 35 hours of project management education. This certification is known for enhancing career opportunities and increasing earning potential.
- Certified Professional Constructor (CPC): Offered by the American Institute of Constructors (AIC), the CPC certification is designed for those with experience in construction management. It helps verify and certify effective management approaches and requires adherence to the AIC Code of Ethics.
- OSHA Safety Certificate: Although not specific to construction management, the OSHA Safety Certificate demonstrates your commitment to workplace safety and knowledge of safety regulations, which is crucial in construction management roles
Construction manager certifications in the UK
- Chartered Construction Manager (CCM): Offered by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), becoming a Chartered Construction Manager is a prestigious credential that signifies a high level of competence and professionalism in construction management. To achieve this status, you typically need to complete an NVQ Level 6 or equivalent qualification, gain relevant work experience, and pass a Professional Review.
- Project Management Professional (PMP): While not specific to construction, the PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is globally recognized and applicable to project managers across lots of industries, including construction.
- Certified Professional Constructor (CPC): Offered by the American Institute of Constructors (AIC), the CPC certification is for those with experience in construction management. It verifies your effective approach to construction management and adherence to ethical practices, enhancing your credibility and career advancement opportunities.
How long does it take to become a construction manager
1. Degree Route:
After obtaining your degree, you’ll likely need 2-5 years of work experience in construction roles to gain the practical knowledge and skills is needed for a management position.
Total Time: Around 6-9 years.
2. Apprenticeship Route:
Apprenticeship Duration: An apprenticeship in construction management or a related trade usually lasts 2-4 years, depending on the program and your starting level of education.
Additional Experience: After completing the apprenticeship, you might need an additional 2-4 years of experience in the industry to move into a management role.
Total Time: Approximately 4-8 years.
3. Experience-Based Route (Without Degree or Apprenticeship):
Starting in Entry-Level Roles: If you start in an entry-level position, such as a laborer, superintendent, project engineer, or assistant site manager, you’ll need to work your way up through the ranks.
Time in Industry: It could take 7-15 years of experience, depending on your progress, learning curve, and the opportunities available to move into a construction management role.
Total Time: Around 7-15 years.
4. Non-Construction Background (Transitioning from Another Sector):
Initial Learning and Experience: If you’re transitioning from another sector, it might take 1-3 years to gain enough industry-specific knowledge and experience.
Total Experience: Including the time spent gaining relevant skills and experience in your previous sector, the overall time can range from 5-10 years, depending on how quickly you adapt to the new industry.
Total Time: Approximately 5-10 years.
How much does a construction manager make?
Construction managers in the United States earn a substantial salary, reflecting the responsibilities and expertise need in the role. As of July 2024, the average salary for a construction manager in the U.S. is approximately $134,476, with a typical range between $115,885 and $152,885.
Entry-level construction managers salaries can be about $55,000 per year, while those with more experience can see significant increases in their earnings. For example, construction managers with one to four years of experience average around $70,000 annually, and those with five to nine years of experience average $82,000.
In the UK, construction manager salaries also vary based on experience and location. Starting salaries typically range from £27,000 to £33,000, while experienced managers can earn between £33,000 and £55,000. Senior and chartered construction managers may earn between £50,000 and £85,000. The average salary for a construction manager in the UK is reported to be around £56,365.
