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?

Credentials are certifications, licenses, certificates, and professional designations that demonstrate knowledge, experience, and professional achievement.

Across the built environment, credentials help professionals:

  • Build specialized expertise

  • Increase credibility with employers and clients

  • Qualify for leadership opportunities

  • Stay current with industry standards and technology

  • Advance into new career pathways

Some credentials are required for specific careers, while others help professionals grow their skills and stand out in a competitive job market.

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.

  • Systems Maintenance Technician (SMT®)

    For maintenance technicians and professionals involved in maintaining major building systems such as heating, refrigeration, electrical, and plumbing. Master technologies and trends in the maintenance field so you can run energy-efficient, environmentally sound, and cost-effective

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  • Systems Maintenance Administrator (SMA®)

    For professionals who are responsible for the operations of the building, as well as management of the team of technicians assigned to the building. Improve operations, create energy efficiencies, reduce costs, enhance the value of

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    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

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    Experience:

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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

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  • Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB)

    LAAB evaluates landscape architectural degree programs objectively and judges whether a school's landscape architectural degree program is in compliance with the accreditation standards.

    Requirements

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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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  • Construction Manager-in-Training

    Earning the Construction Manager-in-Training (CMIT®) designation is the entry point for the CMIT Program and the first step to help develop a successful career in the construction management industry. The CMIT is a professional credential

    Requirements

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  • Construction Foreman Certification Program

    Every day, foremen make the calls that keep projects moving. They play a critical role in balancing safety, quality and deadlines. They coordinate crews, solve problems on the spot and ensure work gets done efficiently.

    Requirements

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  • Crane Operator

    Every safe lift starts with the right certification. NCCER's nationally-recognized and trusted crane operator certifications are flexible, efficient and safety-focused.

    Requirements

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  • Rigger & Signal Person

    NCCER's Rigger and Signal Person Certifications are developed with industry experts and are designed to ensure safety through assessments and practical exams that meet or exceed ASME B30 and OSHA 29 CFR part 1926 Subpart

    Requirements

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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, property

    Requirements

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  • 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 what

    Requirements

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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.