Explore Credentials That Help Build Your Career

The Careers Building Communities Credentials Hub connects you to trusted credential opportunities from leading industry organizations — helping you discover what’s possible and when you may be ready to take the next step.

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What Are Credentials?

Credentialing is an umbrella term for concepts such as professional certification, certificate programs, licensure, accreditation, and regulation. There are three main types of credentials:

In contrast to certification and licensure, a certificate program is an educational or training program that is used to teach learning objectives and assess whether those objectives were achieved by the student.  Certificates may not include a credential.

Industry Examples:

  • Facility Management Professional
  • Construction Manager-in-Training

A certification is designed to test the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform a particular job and, upon successfully passing a certification exam, to represent a declaration of a particular individual’s professional competence.  In some professions, certification is a requirement for employment or practice.  Certifications requirements do not vary based on location.

Industry Examples:

  • Leadership on Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)

Licensure tests an individual’s competence but is a mandatory process by which the government grants time-limited permission for that licensed individual to practice a profession.  License requirements vary based on location.

Industry Examples:

  • Professional Engineer (PE)
  • Professional Surveyor (PS)

Why Credentials Matter

Grow Your Career

Credentials can help open doors to promotions, specialized roles, and leadership opportunities.

Build Industry Knowledge

Many credentials provide advanced technical, operational, financial, or management training.

Stand Out to Employers

Credentials show initiative, professionalism, and commitment to your career.

Expand Your Network

Many credential programs connect professionals with industry communities, mentors, and continuing education.

Stay Current

Credentials often include ongoing education requirements that help professionals keep pace with changing technology, regulations, and best practices.

When Might You Be Ready?

Entry-Level Professionals

You may be ready if you want to:

  • Build foundational industry knowledge

  • Explore a career pathway
  • Demonstrate commitment to employers

Mid-Career Professionals

You may be ready if you want to:

  • Specialize in a focus area
  • Advance into management or leadership
  • Expand technical expertise

Experienced Professionals

You may be ready if you want to:

  • Demonstrate advanced expertise
  • Lead teams or projects
  • Strengthen credibility with clients and employers

Explore Credentials

The built environment offers many career pathways — and each sector includes unique credentials that support professional growth. Explore examples of credentials connected to careers across the industry.

  • NCIDQ Certification

    The NCIDQ Certification validates an interior designer’s knowledge, experience, and skills and is required for many types of interior design practice in regulated jurisdictions across North America.

    Requirements

    Education:

    2-Year College

    Experience:

    N/A

    Accreditation:

    N/A

    Delivery Format:

    N/A

  • Property Administrator Certificate (PAC)

    For professionals who manage the overall operations of a building or a portfolio of buildings. Keep your property in top operational condition, inside and out. Learn how to manage the ongoing operation and maintenance of

    Requirements

    Education:

    N/A

    Experience:

    N/A

    Accreditation:

    N/A

    Delivery Format:

    Hybrid

  • Certified Property Manager® (CPM®)

    Owners, investors, and employers know that if you hold an IREM Certified Property Manager® designation, you have the knowledge to maximize the value of any property, in any asset class. With the CPM designation,

    Requirements

    Education:

    None

    Experience:

    Mid-Level

    Accreditation:

    Industry-Recognized (Widely sought after by employers)

    Delivery Format:

    Hybrid

  • Accredited Residential Manager (ARM)

    To become an effective residential property manager, you need to know it all: budgeting, leasing, maintenance, risk management, resident relations and retention – all while being accessible to your residents 24/7. And that’s exactly

    Requirements

    Education:

    None

    Experience:

    Entry Level

    Accreditation:

    Industry-Recognized (Widely sought after by employers)

    Delivery Format:

    Hybrid

  • Accredited Commercial Manager (ACoM®)

    To make your mark early in your commercial property management career, you need to do it all. You need to be an organized manager of on-site maintenance staff. You need to be the owner's

    Requirements

    Education:

    None

    Experience:

    Entry Level

    Accreditation:

    Industry-Recognized (Widely sought after by employers)

    Delivery Format:

    Online, In-Person, Hybrid

  • Certificate of Advanced Study in Real Estate Development

    Commercial real estate professionals wanting to advance their careers by earning their certificate can focus their efforts on either the development by pursuing a Certificate of Advanced Study in Commercial Real Estate Development.

    Requirements

    Education:

    None

    Experience:

    N/A

    Accreditation:

    N/A

    Delivery Format:

    Online

Latest News

America Is Shifting Toward Skills-Based Workforce Training

The Financial Times reported on the growing national movement toward skills-based hiring, apprenticeships, certifications, and industry training as employers increasingly prioritize practical competencies over traditional degree pathways alone.

Connecticut Launches Expanded Industry Credential Pathways for Students

Connecticut introduced more than 300 industry-recognized credentials available to high school students across fields including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and professional services.

Maryland Expands Industry-Led Workforce Credential Programs

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced an additional $2.6 million in workforce development grants to help employers connect workers to occupational training and industry-recognized credentials.