The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) has just debuted an online certificate program designed for the construction professional. The initial course, in contract administration, is one of eight self-paced certificate modules.

The modules can be taken separately or combined into a complete basic course, ideal for industry newcomers or architects, engineers and constructors who want to add CM and PM skills to their qualifications. Each module includes video instruction by industry experts, together with slides and other visual material, plus periodic self-assessments to help participants measure their own progress.

CMAA intends the online programs to meet a growing user desire for more flexibility in professional development and more self-paced, self-directed learning opportunities, says CMAA vice president of professional development George Gehringer. They also fill a key gap, providing a clear career advancement path linking entry-level employment to the industry’s higher levels of achievement.

CMAA past president Robert Fraga of the U.S. General Services Administration says, “These courses are developed by leading practitioners and cover the latest and best practices for each subject. In this era of rapidly changing technology and workload, the online certificate courses provided by CMAA are an excellent, cost effective way for owners and practitioners to gain, refresh or augment their knowledge, skills and abilities on specific areas of professional practice.”

Following contract administration, the next online module to be delivered will be a new construction manager in training (CMIT) program derived from the familiar Capstone basic course. Its projected release is slated for early 2008. Other planned certificate modules include:

• Professional Practice
• Program Management
• Value Engineering
• Cost Management
• Safety and Risk Management
• Time Management
• Quality Management

Additional details and pricing information are available at the CMAA website, http://www.cmaanet.org/.