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:
N/A
Experience:
N/A
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NCIDQ Certification
The NCIDQ Certification validates an interior designers 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
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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
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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:
N/A
Experience:
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Accreditation:
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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:
N/A
Experience:
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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
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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:
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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
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LEED AP with specialty
A LEED AP credential distinguishes those with advanced knowledge in green building, plus expertise in a particular LEED rating system. Previous experience working on a LEED-registered project is strongly recommended.
Requirements
Education:
N/A
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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
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N/A
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LEED Green Associate
Looking to make a difference in the world of sustainable design and construction? LEED Green Associates are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and implement green building practices in your workplace and
Requirements
Education:
N/A
Experience:
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Certificate of Advanced Study in Real Estate Finance
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 Real Estate Finance.
Requirements
Education:
N/A
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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.