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.

  • Building Systems Maintenance Certificate (SMC)

    For professionals who operate and maintain multiple building systems. Educate yourself on key building principles, including efficient energy management and water treatment and gain a better understanding of how HVAC, plumbing, and other building systems

    Requirements

    Education:

    Experience:

    N/A

    N/A

  • 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:

    Experience:

    N/A

    N/A

  • High-Performance Building Design Professional (HBDP)

    The HBDP certification validates competency to design and integrate sustainable building systems, including HVAC&R, into high performing buildings.

    Requirements

    Education:

    Experience:

    Bachelor's Degree

    Mid-Level

  • 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:

    Experience:

    Bachelor's Degree

    Mid-Level

  • Certified HVAC Designer (CHD)

    The CHD certification validates competency to design HVAC systems to meet building/project requirements, including equipment, equipment sizing, load calculations, mechanical equipment room design, duct and piping design and layout, and develop HVAC plans for permit

    Requirements

    Education:

    Experience:

    Bachelor's Degree

    Mid-Level

  • Certified Decarbonization Professional (CDP)

    The CDP certification program validates competency of the decarbonization professional to assess, analyze, and develop effective and sustainable strategies that reduce/eliminate the life-cycle carbon footprint of new and existing buildings.

    Requirements

    Education:

    Experience:

    Bachelor's Degree

    Mid-Level

  • Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP)

    The BEMP certification validates competency to model new and existing buildings and systems with the full range of physics; and evaluate, select, use, calibrate and interpret the results of energy modeling software where applied to

    Requirements

    Education:

    Experience:

    Bachelor's Degree

    Mid-Level

  • 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

    Education:

    Experience:

    N/A

    N/A

  • Building Energy Assessment Professional (BEAP)

    The BEAP certification validates competency to assess building systems and site conditions; analyze and evaluate equipment and energy usage; and recommend strategies to optimize building resource utilization.

    Requirements

    Education:

    Experience:

    Bachelor's Degree

    Mid-Level

  • Building Commissioning Professional (BCxP)

    The BCxP certification program validates competency to lead, plan, coordinate and manage a commissioning team to implement commissioning processes in new and existing buildings.

    Requirements

    Education:

    Experience:

    Bachelor's Degree

    Mid-Level

  • Professional Certificate in Institutional Real Estate

    The NCREIF Certificate Program offers a unique and exciting opportunity for professionals pursuing a career in institutional real estate investment.

    Requirements

    Education:

    Experience:

    None

    N/A

  • Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP®)

    The SFP credential equips you with the skills to lead through resource optimization, energy management, and data-driven decision-making to deliver real, tangible value to your organization.

    Requirements

    Education:

    Experience:

    None

    Mid-Level

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.