ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

There are two paths to gaining acceptance into this program:

• Complete 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
• Apply for and earn a waiver for the prerequisites by demonstrating your familiarity with the materials and processes involved in the construction industry

PREREQUISITE COURSEWORK PATH

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 2020.

CM 313 Equivalents

• CSU Global – CMG 450: Materials Used in Construction
• NYU – Construction Methods and Materials: Building Core and Shell; and Construction Methods and Materials: Building Interiors
• ASPE – 107: Construction Materials + Processes

CM 320 Equivalents

• University of Minnesota – CMGT 4011: Construction Documents and Contracts
• Fordham University – Reading Construction Drawings and Documents
• UC Davis – Construction Plan Reading and Specifications
• NYU – Reading and Interpreting Construction Drawings

COURSEWORK WAIVER PATH

To get a waiver for the prerequisites, you must have at least five years of experience as a general contractor in commercial construction; proficiency reading and interpreting commercial construction drawings and specifications; and experience in wood frame, structural steel and masonry construction.

To apply for a waiver, download the waiver application form, complete it and email it to us along with your resume. Please use “Waiver Request” as the email subject line. You can expect a decision on your waiver application within 10 days of submitting it.

English Proficiency

If you're not a native English speaker, you’ll need to have at least basic English language skills to enroll. To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements.

International Students

International students are welcome to apply to an online offering of this program, which doesn’t require a visa. To enroll in a classroom offering, you 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

You must have access to a computer, and we recommend a high-speed Internet connection. 

Earning the Certificate

You earn the certificate by adhering to the program's attendance policy and successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate.