The American Institute of Constructors, is a not-for-profit 501 non-governmental professional association founded in 1971 for the advancement of professionalism and ethics in the Construction industry. Individuals involved in the AIC are typically found in the construction management Industry. The Institute is the constructor's counterpart of professional organizations found in architecture, engineering, law and other fields. As such, the Institute serves as the national qualifying body of professional constructor through its Constructor Certification Commission. The American Institute of Constructors exists to promote individual professionalism and excellence throughout the related fields of construction. AIC supports the individual Constructor throughout their careers by helping to develop the skills, knowledge, professionalism and ethics that further the standing of the construction industry. AIC Members participate in developing, and commit to, the highest standards of practice in managing the projects and relationships that contribute to the successful competition of the construction process.
The Institute provides qualified constructors with a wide range of services for individual growth and the advancement of their profession. These activities include:
providing new channels of communication within the profession and with important audiences outside the profession.
A Constructor shall have full regard to the public interest in fulfilling their responsibilities to the employer or client.
A Constructor shall not engage in any deceptive practice, or in any practice which creates an unfair advantage for the member or another.
A Constructor shall not maliciously or recklessly injure or attempt to injure, whether directly or indirectly, the professional reputation of others.
A Constructor shall ensure that when providing a service which includes advice, such advice shall be fair and unbiased.
A Constructor shall not divulge to any person, firm, or company, information of a confidential nature acquired during the course of professional activities.
A Constructor shall carry out responsibilities in accordance with current professional practice, so far as it lies within their power.
A Constructor shall keep informed of new thought and development in the construction process appropriate to the type and level of their responsibilities and shall support research and the educational processes associated with the construction profession.
AIC Program on Construction Ethics, a program on the subject of applied personal/professional and business ethics for the issues arising in the construction industry.
, a monthly e-newsletter sent by the AIC.
Events
The American Institute of Constructors typically hosts one major event each year. Prior to 2017, this event was named the Annual Forum. In 2017, the event was renamed the Constructor Conference. The purpose of the Constructor Conference is to provide continuing education opportunities to those involved in the management of construction. The event also includes a Collegiate Ethics Competition. Teams of 5 individuals from University Construction Management Programs present oral arguments addressing a preselected ethical scenario. John Brown University is a two-time winner of this competition.
Membership
Membership is open to all professionals in the field of Construction who meet qualifications appropriate to their membership level, and who swear to uphold the Institute's Code of Ethics. Membership levels are as follows:
Professional Membership
Young Professional Membership
Fellow
Educator
Students
Affiliate
Constructor Certification Commission
The Constructor Certification Commission is a separate board that works independently from the AIC's normal leadership. The Commission as it is commonly referred to works semi-autonomously so that it can make impartial decisions regarding certification. Gregg Bradshaw, CPC is the current Chairman of the Constructor Certification Commission.
Certification
The American Institute of Constructors' Constructor Certification Commission provides testing and certification for individuals in the construction industry. Constructor Certification aims to up the level of professionalism and ethics within the construction industry. Individuals must meet certain requirements to sit for an exam, which they must pass to become certified.
Associate Constructor - Typically for individuals pursuing a construction management degree from a 4-year program or someone entering the construction industry with fewer than 4 years of experience. The AC examination is given during two 4-hour sessions on one day. It is a paper/pencil examination with 300 multiple-choice questions.
Certified Professional Constructor - Individuals with more than 8 years experience managing the process of construction. The CPC examination is 175 multiple-choice questions, given during one 4-Hour session via Computer Based Testing.
The Association Constructor certification examination is used almost exclusively by University level Construction Management programs as a means to assess students knowledge. Both exams are given twice per year, typically the first weekend of April and November.
