NCCER releases new construction superintendent assessment

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) has released a new superintendent assessment and is partnering with the Fails Management Institute (FMI) to offer a joint certification to qualified professionals in the superintendent field. The assessment was developed in conjunction with subject matter experts for professionals whose primary role is to oversee the operations of a construction site from planning to completion. This joint certification encompasses both the NCCER assessment, which recognizes the knowledge of these professionals, and the FMI Field Leadership Institute that provides hands-on interactive education and experiences.

While the skilled worker shortage has gained much attention over the last few years, NCCER says it is important for the industry to also address the impact on front-line supervisory and management roles. Over a third of construction managers are estimated to retire in the next three years, according to NCCER, and that jumps to over half of the industry’s management workforce by 2026. NCCER says it is critical to begin training now, as it can years for a new superintendent to reach a seasoned professional level.

“As our industry grows and attrition is inevitable, there has never been a greater need for qualified superintendents,” says Don Whyte, the CEO of NCCER. “There are some excellent front-line management training programs available in the industry today. Our goal is to support these programs with the opportunity to align to the new superintendent assessment and provide those going through training an industry-recognized certification. We believe our partnership with FMI will help build a pipeline of field leaders through the benefit of both a structured, interactive experience and knowledge-verification of industry professionals.”

Completing the NCCER Construction Superintendent Assessment and FMI Field Leadership Institute are the first steps to the program, followed by an online application and verification. This multi-step process helps ensure the construction industry is providing training and recognition for the workforce through utilizing the experience qualified professionals are gaining in the field and developing their knowledge. To learn more about the training, visit https://www.nccer.org/workforce-development-programs/super.