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.
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.
Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP)
The Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP®) certification is the only ANAB-accredited certification specifically designed for professionals who manage the financial operations of construction companies. It validates expertise across key areas such as accounting
Requirements
Education:
High School Graduate, 2-Year College, Bachelor's Degree
Experience:
Mid-Level, Senior Level
Accreditation:
Independently Accredited, Industry-Recognized (Widely sought after by employers)
Delivery Format:
Online, In-Person
Master of Corporate Real Estate (MCR) Designation
The MCR workplace specialization (MCR.w) is designed for those who are interested in learning about and demonstrating expertise in the study of workplace strategies.
Requirements
Education:
N/A
Experience:
Mid-Level
Accreditation:
Industry-Recognized (Widely sought after by employers)
Delivery Format:
Hybrid
QPCR Virtual Group Program
70+ Hours of group programs provide substantial networking opportunities with CRE professionals and faculty leaders to further build your professional circle.
Requirements
Education:
N/A
Experience:
N/A
Accreditation:
N/A
Delivery Format:
Online
Environmental, Social, Governance Certificate Program
Prepare for a future that is here now! Understand how the SEC climate disclosure ruling will impact your organization within the broader context of sustainability, gain more confidence in your ability to help your company
Requirements
Education:
N/A
Experience:
N/A
Accreditation:
N/A
Delivery Format:
Hybrid
Workplace Experience Certificate Program
This course builds on employee experience foundations to explore how people experience work across office, remote, and hybrid environments, helping participants develop practical insights and a focused 90-day action plan.
Requirements
Education:
N/A
Experience:
N/A
Accreditation:
N/A
Delivery Format:
Online
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Certificate
The certificate program covers a broad range of diversity, equity, and inclusion topics through a series of live sessions and webinar recordings.
Requirements
Education:
N/A
Experience:
N/A
Accreditation:
N/A
Delivery Format:
Online
Healthcare Facility Design Professional (HFDP)
The HFDP certification validates competency to Incorporate standards and guidelines as well as unique healthcare facility requirements and design principles in HVAC system design.
Requirements
Education:
Bachelor's Degree
Experience:
Mid-Level
Accreditation:
ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Accredited
Delivery Format:
In-Person
CCIM Designation
CCIM Designees represent the top tier of commercial real estate investment specialists, including investors, asset managers, brokers, developers, lenders, appraisers, and other industry leaders.
Requirements
Education:
N/A
Experience:
N/A
Accreditation:
N/A
Delivery Format:
Online
Registered Apprenticeship Programs
ABC offers U.S. Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship programs that combine classroom and hands-on training, leading to an apprenticeship certificate upon completion.
Requirements
Education:
None
Experience:
Student
Accreditation:
Industry-Recognized (Widely sought after by employers)
Delivery Format:
In-Person
CREFC Certificate
The certificate curriculum is designed to provide critical skills and industry insights into the CRE finance markets. Courses will incorporate cutting-edge market data that drive decisions and investments and provide thought leadership on recent developments
Requirements
Education:
Bachelor's Degree
Experience:
N/A
Accreditation:
N/A
Delivery Format:
Hybrid
High-Performance Sustainable Building Management (BOMI-HP®)
For industry professionals responsible for implementing sustainable initiatives. Define, initiate, pay for, complete, and obtain a return on investment for sustainable initiatives within all segments of a building or portfolio.
Requirements
Education:
N/A
Experience:
N/A
Accreditation:
N/A
Delivery Format:
Hybrid
Property Management Financial Proficiency Certificate (PMFP)
For professionals responsible for analyzing, managing, and investing in real estate assets. Take control of your assets and improve overall efficiencies by understanding all areas of investment decision making, including how to analyze financial statements
Requirements
Education:
N/A
Experience:
N/A
Accreditation:
N/A
Delivery Format:
Hybrid
Latest News
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 introduced more than 300 industry-recognized credentials available to high school students across fields including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and professional services.
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.