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ConstruCtion ConneCtion
Becoming a Contractor
[By Robin Salisian]
How do you become a contractor? There are several ways. Currently, universities and colleges offer associate’s, bachelor’s,
and master’s degrees in construction management. Those interested in construction management, also known as construction
science, construction, or construction technology, can find programs accredited by the American Council for Construction
Education (ACCE) on the council’s website.
If students are looking to become certified, The following are colleges that have According to the article, salaries for
which includes education, work experience, construction management programs or those who graduate from the construction
and a written exam, they can view the construction programs: management technology program are good
websites of the American Institute of and can range from $50,000 to $90,000 per
Constructors (AIC) or the Construction • Westwood College year.
Management Association of America (CMAA). • Redstone College
• Vatterott College If an individual does not want to attend a
However, there is not just one kind of • North American Trade School college program, however, he or she can
contractor. “According to the U.S. Bureau • New Castle School of Trades learn the art of contracting through hands-
of Labor Statistics, there are three types • New England Institute of Technology on experience. According to the U.S. Bureau
of Construction Contractors: General • Penn Foster Career School of Labor Statistics, many professionals work
contractors are involved with building their way up from laborers to contractors.
structures, like residential homes and office One specific program that construction However, “it is helpful to have a college
buildings, while heavy and civil engineering students can take is a construction degree in civil engineering or a related
construction contractors work on sewers, management technology program. This subject in order to move on to a managerial
highways, bridges, and tunnels. Specialty program not only provides students with position.”
contractors are individuals who work in a “solid background in managing others
a specific trade such as woodworking or at job sites, knowledge of materials, ON THE NET
painting,” says an article on surveying, design, and equipment usage,”
education-portal.com. but it also helps students acquire numerous U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
construction skills that can be used for www.bls.gov
General contractors also hire workers, read building homes, bridges, shopping malls, and
plans, buy materials, and hold workers to more. Construction Management Association of
deadlines. In order to become a general America
contractor, individuals must be 8 years Most likely, a student taking a construction www.cmaanet.org
of age or older and have graduated high management technology program will be
school, as well as be able to work legally in enrolled in the following courses: American Council for Construction Education
the U.S. With the proper licensing, general www.acce-hq.org
contractors have the potential to make up to • Surveying
$86,580 per year, depending on the length of • Construction Drawing
contracts. • Physics
• Psychology
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