Overview
ACCE and construction education
The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) accredits associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs in construction, construction science, and construction management. CHEA-recognized. Some construction engineering and engineering-technology programs are instead accredited by ABET.
Why It Matters
What accreditation signals
- Employer recognitionContractors and construction firms recognize ACCE-accredited programs when hiring.
- Professional credentialThe Certified Professional Constructor (CPC), from the American Institute of Constructors (AIC), is the field’s professional certification.
- Not a single licenseConstruction management itself is not licensed, though specific roles (e.g., licensed general contractors, PEs on the engineering side) are regulated by states.
- ACCE vs. ABETManagement-focused programs are usually ACCE-accredited; engineering-focused ones ABET-accredited.
Do It Yourself
Verify a program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits construction management programs? The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) accredits associate, bachelor's, and master's construction management programs; ABET accredits some construction engineering and technology programs. Both are recognized.
- Is construction management a licensed profession? No, not as a single license. Specific roles — licensed general contractors, or professional engineers on the engineering side — are state-regulated, but construction management itself is not licensed.
- What is the CPC? The Certified Professional Constructor credential from the American Institute of Constructors, the field's professional certification.
- What is the difference between ACCE and ABET here? Management-focused construction programs are usually ACCE-accredited; engineering-focused construction programs are ABET-accredited.
- Do I need an accredited program to work in construction management? No, but employers recognize ACCE-accredited programs, and accreditation supports the CPC credential.
- Is ACCE recognized by the government? ACCE is CHEA-recognized. Construction-management accreditation is generally not a federal Title IV gatekeeper on its own.
- What levels does ACCE accredit? Associate, bachelor's, and master's programs in construction and construction management.
- How do I verify a construction management program? Search the ACCE directory (or ABET for engineering programs) of accredited programs.