1. Introduction

The Certified Personnel Credentialing Specialist (CPCS) certification is the only one of its kind that is not affiliated with any specific industry. Therefore, it is a vital certification sought after by various professionals from different occupations, including construction professionals. To be awarded the CPCS certification, you need to be knowledgeable about policies and standards within personnel credentialing. You also need to have a good grasp of areas such as certification processes and personnel credentialing on the job. Additionally, you need to prove that you are a leader within the personnel credentialing community and demonstrate that you engage with a global network of peers in the same field. From this overview, you may have realized that there is so much to benefit from the CPCS certification than just compliance. Here’s a comprehensive look highlighting the top 10 benefits.

1.1. Overview of CPCS Certification

It requires candidates to pass a health and safety test and a technical test. For the trained operator card, candidates must pass a specific 2-day course and assessment. The answers to the CPCS technical test questions must be known as it measures the depth of knowledge about pre-operational maintenance checks and safe operational procedures. The written questions test knowledge and understanding and remain the same. The examiner asks open-ended written questions relevant to the category when conducting the CPCS technical test. It’s essential to answer the questions thoroughly in a clear and methodical way.

The CPCS card is well respected amongst construction professionals and organizations. A range of plant categories, or types of plant, are available for most operations. This includes excavators, lifting operations, sidewalk and road construction, and supervision classes. There are two main types of cards available for heavy-duty plant machinery. The trained operator card is for less experienced people who have obtained the necessary skills and knowledge. The competent operator card is for workers who have the skills, knowledge, and vocational-related qualification to do the job effectively.

The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS), recognized by the UK Contractors Group (UKCG), is essential for workers engaged in the construction industry. It verifies skills, knowledge, and understanding so the right person is selected for the right job. This helps to streamline and organize the recruitment process efficiently.

1.2. Purpose of the Study

The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card is a highly valued qualification to both employers and employees. This card confirms that its holder has proven competence in the operation of specific types of plant equipment. It’s the industry registration for blue card / competency card for plant operation. However, not everyone sees the value of the benefits of owning this card and therefore end up without one. CPCS system is applicable to those involved in plant operations. Individuals who own plant equipment and those who use plant and construction equipment as part of their job (employed or self-employed). One thing either group should keep in mind is that because of the nature of the work, ‘Plant Operations’, it presents one with unusually more risks, legal, and regulatory requirements compared to others.

Cranes are a valuable asset to many construction and industrial sites. Cranes are made to lift heavy objects and transport them around the area in which they are stationed. Cranes provide a vital role in the day-to-day operations, particularly in construction activities such as erecting buildings. As a performing construction professional, it is important to be aware of the stakes (benefit) you can harness having this CPCS certification. As an individual performant construction professional, one can be very busy, between working construction sites and trying to attract new clients. But a True Professional with a multitude of references and knowledge about safety standards is a huge competitive advantage for employers – and it allows you to demand more out of your career.

2. Career Advancement

CPCS Certification provides a framework that enables construction professionals to match their career aspirations and credentials – more specifically, their qualifications and credentials – with the recognized skill sets that employers seek and value. The certification also provides a benchmark between labour markets with dramatically different educational and labour market structures. This standardization provides flexibility and a solid foundation for career paths and career advancement. As the standards were produced by construction professionals, the worldwide construction industry recognizes the credibility of the certification and understands exactly what a CPCS certification holder qualified in.

In construction, practical experience and technical expertise are essential. However, those professionals who combine their experience with continuous professional development will advance their careers faster. CPCS Certification is a tried and tested way to demonstrate individual competence and up-to-date knowledge to a potential employer. Having recognized qualifications on a resume sends a clear message to an employer that the individual has the skills required to contribute to their organization’s success. Passing the assessment required to achieve CPCS Certification also demonstrates a commitment to ongoing personal development, hands-on skill-building, and growing expertise in the industry.

2.1. Increased Job Opportunities

By earning a CPCS certification, construction management and building construction technology students are able to show organizations that they are already trained and competent in building design and construction. With certification, students could also benefit from more internship opportunities and better chances of obtaining the internship. The college could fill job vacancies more quickly and provide construction professionals who can make substantial contributions from the start. A certified construction professional has a competitive advantage both when applying for jobs and when seeking promotions. At organizations that employ construction professionals in professional services practices, such as accounting firms, being certified can increase their attractiveness to clients, speed up their advancement, benefit their career development, and enhance the professional and ethical behavior.

Construction professionals who earn their CPCS certifications are more likely to attract prospective employers with annual salaries and hourly wages that are 40% and 28% higher on average, respectively. Property and construction consultants may command higher wages. Additionally, as companies see the value of hiring workers with professional standings, many open jobs remain unfilled. Construction professionals remain in high demand as the industry recovers from the effects of the Great Recession, yet few pursue the credentials that could give them a competitive advantage. The majority of construction employers feel that their employees are not adequately qualified for their positions. Certification could offer additional academic coursework along with industry experience to put construction professionals in a stronger position to both obtain and retain professional positions within the field.

2.2. Higher Earning Potential

Furthermore, the CPCS courses are offered only to individuals who are already experienced construction professionals. The certification is an official confirmation of the worker’s competences, skills, and practical knowledge that define their unique position in the industry, as well as the emotional and financial compensation that comes with it. Once a potential employer notices the proven expertise and knowledge of the professional, they become more eager to offer them the desired amount. According to a survey of 72 CPCS-licensed operators, 89% of them believe that the implementation of the CPCS certification allows them to apply for better or higher wages, as reported by Construction News.

CPCS-certified individuals have a strong advantage in climbing the career ladder as the prospects of upward mobility and promotion are better for them. According to the data from the online search website for UK professionals, PayScale, CPCS cards also make women in the construction industry more competitive in terms of salaries. They earn approximately 18.6% more than their non-certified colleagues. The same source shows that men with CPCS cards receive 8.2% better pay than those without certificates.

3. Safety in Construction

10. Effects of high-quality construction personnel are long-lasting.

9. Minimal job material usage, quality, and design strict following reduce costs and overexpenditure.

8. Proper CPCS training eliminates downtime and results in project implementation without prolonging work.

7. Career Growth within the construction industry.

6. Legal Compliance. Certified operators are in strict compliance with CPCS licensing and accreditation provisions.

5. You will tend to earn more being a skilled worker and enlarge the certified employees’ pool.

4. Your chances to get more profitable job offers and keep them will increase.

3. Experienced professionals thoroughly plan and fulfill events, meanwhile caring for crew safety and reliable construction progress regardless of weather conditions.

2. Availability of trained operators increases a project’s reliability. Their actions lay the foundation for further raw material supply and building process continuity, which, in turn, decreases the customer’s and crew’s anxiety.

1. CPCS certification ensures public safety and health preservation. The recognition of experienced equipment operators conforms to the National Operating Engineers Committee, the industry consensus, international organizations, and manufacturers’ guidelines. Surveys testify that skilled workers’ presence on construction sites significantly decreases the probability of public injuries. Experienced tower crane operators ensure complete safety during their machines’ work.

Health and safety are surely the most important positive aspects, but not the only ones, though significant. Let’s overview the top 10 incentives for acquiring CPCS.

As the industry is quite dangerous in nature, being deadly, it is important to employ skilled CPCS professionals only. But what benefits does CPCS certification have for the trained?

Furthermore, properly trained operators reduce the risks of earthmoving and excavation machinery’s misuse, which often leads to adjacent buildings cracking or other damage. Repairing them may lead to serious financial losses and time-consuming procedures. Experienced crane operators give practical support and save the peace of mind.

CPCS certification ensures public safety and health preservation. The standards for experienced equipment operators conform to the National Operating Engineers Committee, the industry consensus, international organizations, and manufacturers’ guidelines. Surveys testify that skilled workers’ presence on construction sites significantly decreases the probability of public injuries. Experienced tower crane operators ensure complete safety during their machines’ work.

3.1. Enhanced Safety Practices

With numerous accidents occurring on construction sites and projects each year, the likelihood of non-certified individuals having to deal with additional safety precautions, audits related to safe practices, potential lawsuits, and other safety-related financial issues substantially increases. When a project manager has a number of employees that hold a CPCS card, they are already ensuring that they have a group of employees who are well prepared to perform their job correctly under best practice guidelines, with the possibility of fewer accidents or hazardous occurrences overall.

As one of the major benefits of obtaining a NCCCO certification, candidates who carry the title will enhance safety at work. As construction work refers to a wide array of professions, the enhancement to safety practices is due to understanding and applying best safety and crane operating practices. Our CPCS training program would provide every CPCS trainee with the skills and increased knowledge to best perform their job. From all angles, this will enhance overall project safety and compliance.

3.2. Reduced Accidents and Injuries

The CPCS certification from the NCCCO, although it is not OSHA-certification, clearly has benefits. The exam is modeled after the OSHA crane operator certification requirements. It tests specific areas of knowledge, including load charts, load moment indicators or rated capacity limiter, operation of a lattice boom crawler crane, and pre-operation and operations inspection techniques. The actual hands-on testing also targets safe operations of the crane in movement and who not endanger themselves or others around them. After obtaining their NCCCO CPCS certification, operators will feel safer, and employers will have minimum confidence in their operation of a crane. The result will be fewer incidents of OSHA violations, fewer accidents, and fatalities. In other words, more savings, less recoveries, lower legal fees, lower worker’s compensation premiums, and productivity up.

Cranes in construction are known to cause injuries and fatalities. Seventeen workers died from crane-related accidents in 2016, according to the most recent data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI). Most of these fatalities happen either because the worker is struck by the object or the load, or when the operated boom/crane touches power lines. To mediate these serious safety hazards, OSHA requires all crane operators involved in different construction activities to be certified. NCCCO has played an important role in creating and maintaining national certification programs recognized by OSHA in order to minimize the likelihood of accidents during crane operation.

4. Compliance and Regulations

To ensure solid outcomes for all concerned, it is a project management must to consider, at the project planning stage, the role of the workers and minimize the risks with careful planning and considering the equipment-related tasks and functions before allowing workers access and charge of new equipment. Multiplying the advantages of well-informed and qualified construction professionals, by seeding a learning environment that is ideal for constructing knowledge, the unique strength of the broad benefits is derived from a combination of thoughtful learning solutions and multiple training opportunities. With additional knowledge standard in mind and trained operators of the equipment, construction professionals work more effectively and efficiently in terms of performance, safety, and productivity.

The construction industry is highly regulated and subject to growing safety and environmental compliance requirements. Since technology is also advancing rapidly, workers must be trained and qualified to operate the equipment, benefiting from tested and accredited certification. Therefore, training should be systematic, documented, and custom designed for the work being performed. When choosing a training partner, look for a skilled accreditation certification body that offers consistent, authoritative information.

4.1. Meeting Industry Standards

With relevant certifications, they exhibit their determination to meet these industry standards and seek to enhance their skills and knowledge. All of these will lead them to meeting the demands of their clients, and to exceeding any expectations they may have. Giving the assurance that they have the qualifications to take on projects, these construction professionals can deliver professional service and guidance from the project’s early stages until completion of the tasks. The greater goal of their being a part of these certifications and accreditations may be to ensure sound construction and an increase in safety records. With these certifications, it shows how seriously these construction professionals value compliance and regulation in their everyday activities.

CPCS certification means that professionals are in compliance with established industry standards and job regulations. Being qualified also means they are capable of performing tasks that are both acceptable and safe. The construction industry may be facing many changes in technology and tools, but the professionals involved should still meet competencies in its best practices and principles, not to mention other industry standards, given the job challenges and work pressures these construction professionals may face daily.

4.2. Legal Requirements

In construction, there are no guarantees, and there are many accidents, some of which often cause the machine to start to fail. Even in less serious cases, the cost for the contract to use the crane. Only experienced and certified crane operators can avoid accidents, and maximize the use of the crane. But unfortunately, not all the workers with famous character understand the importance of taking the CPCS certification. My research aims for all project stakeholders especially owners to understand the benefits of choosing experienced and certified crane operators, and the impact of the CPCS certification. Nowadays, the construction industry has demanded improvements in quality, construction time, and cost control. As crane rental costs and accidents decrease, time and dollar savings will increase. The research data was presented for discussion, which we hope to persuade more stakeholders to request that crane operators only be used if CPCS has certified.

To protect the public, state law requires that only qualified individuals be permitted to perform certain activities and jobs. For example, in many places, crane operators need to be licensed because their work is considered to be of public safety. This requirement is promulgated state-by-state. Not all states require the crane operator to be licensed. Most of them put this requirement mainly in the big cities or counties, for example, New York City in New York, City of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, and King County in Washington. Because once the accident happens at the construction site, human life is ending. For our own interests, for public interest, and for the growth of the construction industry, to strengthen the CPCS certification of crane operators is necessary.

5. Testimonials from Certified Professionals

“The CPCS certification process has provided me with a well-rounded insight into many various aspects of construction, from the bonding process through to the close-out phase of a construction project. This knowledge has allowed me to mentor junior project managers within the office. Without the certification, I would not have been able to provide a multitude of the answers that the staff is looking for. It was an arduous task to obtain it, but definitely worthwhile.”

“In my first year, after obtaining certification, I was able to challenge a general contractor’s site manager over a change in the sewage disposal method for a building under construction. Based on the project’s geology, my original concept was overturning and drainage — I was able to control an element of cost change for my client that the general contractor was trying to slip by. The certificate gave me the confidence to question something I probably would have just looked at years before. It was a welcome experience for me, and the GC’s trying to cap costs when contingencies haven’t even been touched.”

“CPCS certification has added some real value both technically and professionally to my work,” said Jeremy Saums, P E, CPCS, project engineer, Apex Engineering, Inc., doing business as Engineered Concepts. “I can now evaluate and question, to a stronger degree, what goes on at the site. I understand why procedures need to be enforced and the need to keep the motor running – these construction professionals define my expectations and I can better advise workable alternatives.”

“When I took the CPCS exam, I really didn’t know what to expect because I was not ‘in the trenches’ of construction activity,” said Dustin Woodin, eager to learn and open to new challenges, Clough Harbour. “I passed the exam and in the two years I have had my certification, I have added to my knowledge base simply by being able to read and explain what is being constructed around me based on the drawings provided to me.”

“Having my CPCS has provided me with insight into the general construction process, knowledge and guidelines that I can use to train and mentor our employees,” said Jerald Gollnick, Change Management, Coastal Water Authority. “It also aids in building relationships with our clients’ construction teams and provides me with a special understanding of the procedures and protocols in the field, all which I find to be beneficial to my job. Thanks for providing the training and certification selection.”

“When I first took the CPCS exam, I was hesitant from the start,” said Tim Higgs, P Eng, project manager, Golder Associates. “But after passing the test, I noticed that I paid more attention to how things work together and I was able to offer suitable and economical ways to stay within schedule and budget constraints. The value of my input with onsite construction was increased substantially.”

5.1. Real-life Experiences

Looking back at this period of my working life of nearly seven years, a busy time in my career, I can now see that I had little contract strategy control and influence. Essentially, I was fire-fighting or involved in day-to-day contract management, continually solving issues as they arose. I feel that achieving CPCS certification can help you to avoid this trap and provide you with essential added value for your organization. Furthermore, if you end up facing similar challenges, this step will provide you with some assistance and give you back control over the issue, with practical knowledge of contract management that focuses on successful outcomes.

After investigating some technical aspects of contract management and contributing clear, in-depth knowledge to the field, I became involved in practical, real-life situations. Eager to use these new skills, my goal was to take on a more hands-on, strategic role in managing contracts and influencing the long-term success of projects undertaken by my organization. However, instead of getting deeply involved in strategic issues, I quickly found myself becoming more of a supervisor or policeman. Although I didn’t manage any contracts that failed, the value of the contribution felt low as I mainly resolved contract management issues when things went wrong, without being able to support more strategic project objectives.

5.2. Impact on Professional Development

Guidance for professional friends and companies alike enjoys benefits from these highly talented Certified Professionals. Through their developed experience, as managers, they can offer skilled guidance no other can match that may involve inheritors. By identifying different based knowledge, skill, and reputable professionals, the educational objective contributes in many ways to ever-growing competency recognition trusted by ownership and gratitude, bringing maximum interest and internship training to the construction industry. This well-deserved competency support guarantees the industry will be more resourceful, competent, structured, and solid. During the establishment of communication and cooperation, networking opportunities increased. Continuing compensation control is the sole basis supporting advantages outlined in this document. CPCS alumnus Certification highlights the company’s dedication to a high construction-performance standard entrepreneurial personality.

Students of retrospective and prospective self-awareness and growth are adept at pursuing professional development. Exposure to lasting understanding and exploration techniques accentuates personal performance, making a person more efficient and effective. Importantly, recipients become more critical thinkers and communicators than observers. Valuing alone is in part significant. CPQ assumes self-development and deployment of industry best techniques, thus confirming natural and judged expertise. As a reference or knowledge bank, these highly talented individuals can readily document their understanding from both long-term experience and applied knowledge as supportive interaction group participants. Economically, smaller organizations benefit from performances optimized by CPCS Certification, ensuring an enhanced lifelong business vocation full of unmatched traits.

6. Conclusion

That’s why every construction professional who graduated from a CPCS program professional college, who was able to successfully complement the company-training on construction services, must also have gone through a four-year university program, is the employer’s Certified Internal Construction Certificate (AIC). The American Institute for Construction Education (CII) is a non-profit organization that promotes the continuing education and development of building professionals, leaders and designers by reserving its accreditation and obtaining the certification they are looking for in the construction services sector.

So, as one may conclude, the Certified Preconstruction Services Program is a modern training for both students and professionals. These six points only reflect the major advantages of the new AC program and the list of its benefits can be greatly prolonged. To improve the success of a CPCS program, each particular person who is connected with a program should consider the program from its examination to its involvement. One should take it as a significant part of the company management because the CPCS program automatically connects the success or the failure of an organization and those skills required for various projects.

6.1. Summary of Key Benefits

Whether you are new to the construction field or a seasoned professional who wants recognition for the experience and knowledge you possess, CPCSTM Construction Certification is a valuable addition to your career. The extensive study materials and construction-related programs offered for CPCSTM Certification may also help you apply that knowledge to your current and future work. It is a two-way street in which you and your career will benefit from reputable certification programs that can help you demonstrate your practical experience in the construction field.

CPCSTM Certification benefits: It’s a business decision. Investing in a CPCSTM Construction Certification adds real value to your future. Not only does it increase your business skills and your confidence, it also broadens your knowledge of the field while increasing your status as an expert in the field. The fact that this certification is only available to experienced construction professionals, and the requirements reflect a strong blend of experience, knowledge, and ethics, adds value to the designation.

In an increasingly competitive industry, professional construction managers look for any competitive edge to advance their careers. That’s where CPCSTM Construction Certification comes in: thousands of construction professionals are now using this certification to broaden their skill set and advance their careers. CPCSTM Construction Certification provides a set of practical and marketable credentials that can make the critical difference in your career that you’ve been looking for.

6.2. Recommendations for Construction Professionals

– Develop and nurture an inclusive leadership style.

– Consistently treat and address all workers with respect.

– Observe a visible supervisory presence and leadership that motivates workers to adhere to your coaching, task assignments, and instructions.

– Address breaches of compliance that could lead to verbal or physical abuse promptly. Do not ignore it.

– Conduct toolbox talks with workers frequently.

For Supervisors:

– Reach out and acknowledge the workers.

– Be polite and approachable at all times.

– Routinely carry out formal and informal interventions with workers.

– Be accessible when workers want to talk to you.

– Emphasize your role, as it is important that workers see you as the key person who will ensure they are safe and secure.

– Do not be involved or influenced by any form of harassment or victimization.

– Honour your word at all times.

– Do not accept bribes from workers.

– Cease from associating with cliques/factions of workers, whether the workers are right or wrong.

– Do not be partial towards any worker.

– Avoid violence and threats of violence.