Project Managers in the architectural, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) industry are joining an all-new organization, the A/E/C Project Management Association (AECPMA).

In response to growing demand for an industry-specific resource and professional designation, A/E/C Project Managers now have a way to stand out against their peers and competitors by demonstrating project management competency in the A/E/C industry as well as leveraging access to leading data and insight on A/E/C project management.

“Qualified Project Managers are one of the most critical parts of an A/E/C firm’s success,” explains Dave Burstein, P.E., ACEPM, of PSMJ Resources, the A/E/C industry leader in project management training and an AECPMA partner. “Those PMs who possess the necessary skills can significantly impact their client retention and bottom-line performance. Until now, there just hasn’t been a reliable credential to demonstrate industry-specific skills.”

Created by a task force of senior representatives from a dozen highly-respected A/E/C firms, the AECPMA offers Project Managers a pathway to advance their knowledge and become certified by earning the AECPM designation after meeting rigorous education and experience requirements and successfully passing the certification exam. The AECPMA recognizes what PMs in the A/E/C industry have known for a while—that the skills, knowledge, and ability needed by PMs in architecture, engineering, and construction are unique and their training requirements are different as well.

“Today’s A/E/C Project Managers need to be able to deal with the often-complex planning and management of projects ranging from small-duration to mega-projects. The AECPM credential demonstrates to colleagues, project stakeholders, and clients that a Project Manager has the ability to apply solid project management fundamentals to solving complex problems in new and unfamiliar situations,” explains Mary Loden, P.E., PMP, AECPM, VP of Project Management of global design firm Kleinfelder.  Ms. Loden is a member of the task force that drove the creation of AECPMA.

The AECPMA welcomes individuals in all levels of A/E/C project management—from junior-level professionals to those holding senior-level PM positions—and certification is available for individuals who meet rigorous education and experience requirements and successfully pass the certification exam.

While other associations may bring together project managers across a wide range of industries, the challenge is that different industries have different priorities and needs. Not here: The A/E/C Project Management Association has one purpose for one industry. Find out more about AECPMA’s mission, its code of ethics, and member benefits.