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.

  • 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:

    None

    Experience:

    N/A

    Accreditation:

    N/A

    Delivery Format:

    Hybrid

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.