What have YOU done for YOU lately?  You have joined a wonderful organization (NAWIC), which is just the first step to your success in the field of construction. You can attend monthly NAWIC meetings and hear speakers on topics of interest to the local construction industry, tour under-construction or recently completed projects, and network with other area construction professionals.  Our local NAWIC chapter has signed Partnering Agreements with ACI, SMPS and CSI.  These organizations allow NAWIC members to attend their meetings and functions.  You can take advantage of these opportunities.   NAWIC also offers ongoing educational opportunities for it’s members and others in the construction field through it’s educational foundation NEF. 

Through NEF you can take “study at home” classes and receive certifications that are administered through NEF and Clemson University.  These certifications offer CEU’s (continuing education units) from Clemson and are recognized nationally.  Testing is done four times a year (February, May, August and November) and can be taken locally, monitored by a NAWIC member or other appointed monitor.  Currently, three certifications are offered, all of them have been updated by NEF/Clemson in just the past couple years.  You can be assured of study materials that are current and timely.

Tests are all 100 multiple choice questions and you must score 75% or higher to pass. Even if you have a college degree in Construction Mgt or related field, these certifications will add to your knowledge.

CIT – THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TECHNICIAN

This course offers an overview of the construction industry and its processes.  Lessons to be covered include such subjects as: types of construction, forms of business ownership, contractual agreements, contract documents, the construction process from start to closeout and bonding and insurance.  This is a wonderful course for those new to the industry.  It provides a broad overview of the construction industry.  Cost $180.

Upon successful completion of this course, the recipient will receive a Construction Industry Technician Certification acknowledging the accomplishment of a high professional level in the construction industry.  This course offers 2 CEU’s on completion.

Our local NAWIC Chapter offers a Study Review class for the CIT for four weeks in October, just prior to the November testing date.  Cost is free to NAWIC members. 

CONSTRUCTION BOOKKEPTING TECHNICIAN (CBT)

This certification course will teach participants how to set up and operate a simple bookkeeping system for a construction company and work in both simple and complex bookkeeping systems as either a bookkeeper or under a bookkeeper in one part of the system.  Whether you aspire to be an accounts payable clerk or a full charge bookkeeper, you will understand how to perform your job by learning about the whole system of bookkeeping.  Cost $180

CDS – CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT SPECIALIST

This is a two-part certification.  The participant must successfully pass both parts of the course to receive the certification.  This course was just reviewed and updated in 2007, so you can be assured of current information.  Part one will cover working drawings (structural, architectural and mechanical), specifications and the project manual.  Part two covers estimating and scheduling.  If your job includes working with plans/specs/estimating or scheduling, this is the course for you.  Cost: Each section $250. Two required.

The CDS is a highly technical course, but gives an in-depth study of the plans and specifications necessary to construct a building.  The estimating and scheduling section completes the picture of costing the project and scheduling the various phases to complete the project on time.  Successful completion of each part is worth 3 CEU’s.  You will receive a certificate with the Construction Document Specialist certification.

CERTIFIED CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATE

This final certification is a six-part course.  The participant must successfully complete all six sections in a 3 year period to receive the CCA.  Three courses offer 2 CEU’s, the other three offer 3 CEU’s for a total of 15 CEU’s on completion. Cost: Each section $250. Two required.

Courses:

Business Analysis

Construction Environs

Construction Principles

Effective Communications

Labor Relations

Management Techniques