ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

There are TWO paths to gaining acceptance into this program:

• Submit a completed application and take the program prerequisites CM 313: Construction Methods & Materials and CM 320: Construction Contract Documents at the UW or the equivalent at another college or university. See the Admission With Prerequisite Coursework section for more details. 
• Submit a completed application and supplemental application materials that demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the topics covered in CM 313: Construction Methods & Materials and CM 320: Construction Contract Documents. The UW Department of Construction Management will send you the supplemental application materials after you submit your certificate application. If your application demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in these areas, you DO NOT need to enroll in the prerequisite courses. See the Admission Without Prerequisite Coursework section for more details. 

ADMISSION WITH PREREQUISITE COURSEWORK

If you choose the coursework approach, your application must include documentation showing you’ve successfully completed the prerequisites listed above.

If you plan to fulfill your prerequisites the summer before the certificate starts, your application must include documentation confirming your course registration; if you’re admitted to the certificate program, you’ll be given conditional acceptance until you’ve completed the prerequisites.

If you plan to fulfill your prerequisites elsewhere, please email us a course description for review, and we’ll let you know if the course is an acceptable alternative.

The following courses at these schools have already been approved as prerequisite equivalents. This list was recently updated. The prior list of pre-approved prerequisite equivalent courses will still be approved for autumn 2023.

CM 313 Equivalents

• CSU Global – CMG 450: Materials Used in Construction
• Edmonds College – CONST 160: Materials and Methods
• NYU – Construction Methods and Materials: Building Core and Shell; and Construction Methods and Materials: Building Interiors
• Pierce College – CONST 160 Means and Methods

CM 320 Equivalents

• Edmonds College – CONST 141: Architectural Blueprint Reading I
• Fordham University – Reading Construction Drawings and Documents
• University of Minnesota – CMGT 4011: Construction Documents and Contracts
• NYU – Reading and Interpreting Construction Drawings
• Pierce College – CONST 140 Construction Drawings: Printreading

ADMISSION WITHOUT PREREQUISITE COURSEWORK

If you're seeking admission without prerequisite coursework, you should have at least five years of experience working for a general contractor in commercial building construction or working for owners or design firms on commercial building construction projects, as well as specific knowledge and proficiency in: 

• Reading and interpreting commercial construction drawings and specifications AND
• Various construction methods, sequence of construction, materials and their uses 

After you submit your supplemental application materials, the UW Department of Construction Management will review your materials within two weeks and determine if you need to complete the prerequisite courses or if you can begin the program in the fall.  

English Proficiency

If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To learn how to demonstrate proficiency, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Credit Programs.

International Students

To enroll, international students must have a visa that permits study in the United States. This program does not enable students to obtain or maintain F-1 visa status. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students.

Technology Requirements

• Access to a computer with a recent operating system and web browser
• High-speed internet connection
• Headset and webcam (recommended)

Earning the Certificate

You earn a certificate of completion by successfully completing all required courses. Students must receive a grade of at least .7 in each course and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in the program. For more information, see Earning the Certificate.