Are There Any Certifications or Licenses That Would Be Helpful In The Superintendent Role?

Top Certifications and Training for Superintendents in Construction

Are there any certifications or licenses that would be helpful in the superintendent role?

This is a question I was recently asked and in this quick blog, I’m sharing the ones that made the biggest impact on my own career in construction. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow as a superintendent, this blog will point you in the right direction.

Let’s dive into four of the most relevant certifications today, followed by a few additional resources that are absolutely worth your time.

1. CM-Lean (Construction Management Lean Certificate):

This certification was a game changer for me. Not only did it introduce Lean concepts in a practical way, but it also inspired a lot of what we do at Elevate Construction—like our contractor grading system. The course is interactive, highly respected, and great for networking. My only caution: if your instructor is big on CPM (Critical Path Method), feel free to skip that part and focus on the Lean practices.

My rating: 8/10

2. The Lean Builder Certification:

Developed by Joe Donarumo and Keyan Zandy—two incredible professionals—this certification is based on The Lean Builder book. It’s a well-produced online course designed specifically for superintendents. It provides a clear, simple introduction to the Last Planner System, and it’s professional without being overwhelming.

My rating: 8/10

3. DBIA Certification (Design-Build Institute of America):

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, holistic training that ties everything together—Pre-construction, contract law, delivery methods—this one is for you. Even if you don’t have Design-Build experience, the Associate Certification is still a great start.

My rating: 9/10

4. Safety Certifications (OSHA 10/30, STS, etc.):

These might not be the flashiest courses, but they’re essential. OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 may feel dry, but they provide foundational knowledge that every superintendent needs. Safety training is a must.

Additional Resources:

Here are a few more recommendations that don’t necessarily give you credentials, but offer serious value:

• Super/PM Bootcamp (Elevate Construction):
  This course does come with a certification and is top-notch training tailored for superintendents.
• Books by Patrick Lencioni:
  His entire catalog is pure gold for leadership, team dynamics, and communication. We recommend all of them to our project managers.
• Books by Jocko Willink:
  Especially his Muster event—ideal for any leader in construction.

One to Avoid: PMP Certification

It may be controversial, but I don’t recommend the PMP certification for superintendents. It’s confusing, time-consuming, and not particularly useful in the field. Save your time and invest it elsewhere.

Other Notables:

• NCCER Superintendent Training Program: This is a solid training path. Jesse Hernandez does great work with it.
• Miscellaneous Programs: There are plenty of other certifications out there, some neutral but still worthwhile depending on your focus and goals.

Key Takeaway:

The most valuable certifications for superintendents aren’t always the ones with the flashiest titles—they’re the ones that shape your mindset, improve your leadership, and teach practical tools for the field. Focus on Lean principles, design-build fundamentals, safety training, and resources that strengthen your ability to lead and problem-solve on the jobsite.