As any construction professional knows, quality is among the most important considerations on projects. Consequently, professionals possessing a construction quality management certification are in high demand throughout the industry.
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Keep reading to learn more about the construction quality management certification, the organizations offering them, and the various benefits of becoming certified.
Popular construction quality management certifications
Here are a few popular construction quality management certifications.
Construction Quality Management for Contractors (CQM-C)
Construction quality management for contractors (CQM-C) is a course created by the following organizations:
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Naval Facilities Engineering Command
- Associated General Contractors
It’s considered a continuing education course geared towards construction professionals such as project owners, inspectors, and engineers (with a special emphasis on those working in the public sector).
According to Associated General Contractors, CQM-C is a two-day course that runs from 9:30 to 4:00 on both days. The course also includes class assignments that must be submitted and assessed. Following the training, participants must score 70% or higher on a closed book examination.
After receiving the CQM-C certification, recipients are considered qualified to work as Quality Control Managers by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers standards.
Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Certification (CMQ/OE)
The Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Certification is offered by the American Society for Quality. It’s primarily intended for professionals in any industry (including construction) that are tasked with ensuring quality within their organizations.
To apply for the certification, one must meet criteria such as:
- 10 or more years of full-time professional experience in at least one of the relevant areas identified by the American Society for Quality (including quality management and supply chain management)
- 5 years of professional experience in a decision-making position
Note: The American Society for Quality waives experience requirements for professionals with the following educational levels:
- trade school diploma (one year waived)
- associate degree (two years waived)
- bachelor’s degree (four years waived)
- master’s or doctorate degree (five years waived)
Participants must work through the educational materials provided by the American Society for Quality then complete an open-book examination online or via paper at select locations. Participants that pass the examination will receive their certificate in the mail within 1-2 weeks (for Americans and Canadians) or 6-8 weeks (for professionals located overseas).
Construction Quality Control on Site
Construction Quality Control on Site is a course offered by GLOMACS, an organization specializing in various professional training programs. Subject matter covered in the Construction Quality Control on Site course includes:
- various construction quality control frameworks and standards
- how to conduct construction quality control tests
- skills required for effective quality control on construction sites
- concrete quality control practices
The course maintains a particular focus on concrete professionals.
GLOMACS states this course is ideal for professionals such as:
- civil engineers
- structural engineers
- construction engineers
- construction project managers
- quality control and assurance professionals
To receive the Construction Quality Control on Site certification, professionals must complete the following five-day course:
- Day 1: Introduction to Total Quality Management of Concrete
- Day 2: Components of Concrete Material
- Day 3: Properties of Fresh Concrete
- Day 4: Comparison Between Different Non-Destructive Dests
- Day 5: Integrity Management
After completing the course successfully, participants will receive a GLOMACS Certificate and continuing education credits.
Quality in Construction
Quality in Construction is a course offered by The Chartered Quality Institute (previously known as The Institute of Quality Assurance). According to The Chartered Quality Institute, the Quality in Construction course is ideal for professionals working in quality control within the construction industry.
The course offers the following units:
- The Importance of Quality in Construction
- Planning
- the life cycle of a construction project
- balancing project management and contractual concerns
- construction information management
- quality control on construction projects
- Delivery
- managing changes on construction projects
- conducting site inspections
- construction site surveillance
- project handovers
Unlike other construction quality control manager certifications, the Quality in Construction course doesn’t have stringent prerequisites, instead welcoming those with basic construction industry knowledge.
After completing the training, participants in this course must complete a one-hour multiple-choice examination.
According to The Charted Quality Institute, professionals who receive the Quality in Construction certificate are placed on a track to receive other certifications, such as the Practitioner Certificate in Construction Quality Management (which can, in turn, lead to Chartered Membership in The Chartered Quality Institute).
Possible career paths after receiving a construction quality management certification
Quality control officer
Quality control officers in construction primarily work on job sites and are responsible for maintaining project standards. Day to day duties include:
- reviewing project plans and drawings
- inspecting work (in progress and completed) and assessing its adherence to specified standards
- monitoring the project’s progress as it relates to quality and standards
- creating detailed reports and action plans for work that does not meet quality standards
- educating colleagues on quality standards and expectations
- working with stakeholders to establish and maintain construction quality standards
Construction project manager
Construction project managers are responsible for a variety of concerns on construction projects, including quality. Daily responsibilities of a construction project manager include:
- coordinating work on construction projects at all stages of the project cycle
- preparing construction cost estimates
- working with quality control professionals to prepare quality plans (or completely fulfilling the role of quality management themselves)
- preparing and presenting progress reports to stakeholders
- hiring and supervising construction workers
Design quality manager
Many construction quality management professionals focus specifically on design. These professionals are often employed by engineering firms and fulfill day to day duties such as:
- creating quality standards for design teams to follow
- assessing proposed designs from engineers against established quality standards
- presenting designs to stakeholders and addressing questions and concerns regarding quality
- conducting site inspections to ensure work is progressing (or has been completed) in adherence to design standards
Construction quality management for contractors: Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you understand the various construction quality management courses available for construction professionals (and the career paths one can embark on after receiving them).
For more articles about construction management, including certification options, visit our blog.
Michel Richer
Michel Richer is the Manager of Content and Product Marketing at Bridgit. He started in the construction industry early on with a local restoration company. Michel is driven to propel the construction industry forward by helping to eliminate outdated, ineffective processes.
