The new year provides an opportunity for individuals to refresh their resumes and put plans in place to advance their careers. One way to ensure you’re moving your career forward is by participating in additional trainings and earning certificates. Having a few certifications under your belt can help you stand out as a job candidate and demonstrates to your potential employer that you’re dedicated to advancing your skills and knowledge.

Here are a few of the most useful construction certifications that you can earn in 2021 to jump-start your career:

Construction Management Certification

If you have spent a few years in the industry working on the ground, the next step could be construction management. While this advancement doesn’t require certification, it adds value and helps distinguish you from other candidates, increasing your chances of attaining the position or promotion you’re seeking.

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)

Engineering and surveying are two crucial components of the construction industry. If you’re interested in one of these fields, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) offers certifications for both. These two positions are essential to protecting the public’s safety; attaining a certification can help open up more opportunities down the line.

Green Business Certification (LEED)

As part of New York City’s Green Deal, all large, existing buildings are required to make efficiency upgrades to lower energy usage and carbon emissions, making a LEED certification more important than ever. Attaining this certification provides individuals with the proper skills and knowledge needed to build highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings.

National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)

Safety is always top of mind in the construction industry, and employers are always looking to improve workplace safety. You can add value to your workplace by getting certified as a crane operator. The NCCCO offers certification tests for each of the different crane models that are available.