How to Become a Construction Manager in West Virginia

Thinking about a career as a construction manager in West Virginia?

First, it’s important to understand the responsibilities tied to this role.

Also referred to as project managers or general contractors, these professionals work closely with engineers, construction workers, and government officials.

Continue reading this presentation to learn more about this career path.

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Construction Manager Job Description

Construction projects might never be completed without a construction manager plays a pivotal role in this process.

Their daily responsibilities encompass:

• Ensuring adherence to onsite specifications
• Recruiting skilled labor for various construction tasks
• Overseeing the timely delivery of construction materials
• Addressing and mitigating project delays
• Producing progress reports for clients
• Managing project costs to ensure they remain within budget

Construction managers typically hold either an associate degree combined with extensive experience or a bachelor’s degree.

In this profession, you can specialize in various sectors, including:

• Civil
• Industrial
• Commercial
• Residential
• Agricultural
• Institutional projects

This versatility allows construction managers to concentrate on areas that align with their professional interests and expertise.

Becoming a Construction Manager – Step by Step

If you aim to become a construction manager, follow these outlined steps.

This guide provides a clear roadmap of the key requirements and actions necessary to reach your goal.

1st Step – Complete Your Education

As highlighted previously, certification is crucial for aspiring construction managers.

Generally, this position requires a bachelor’s degree, which itself demands a high school diploma or GED.

However, some project managers manage to secure roles with an associate degree in a related field, especially if they have significant work experience.

Graduates from an AAS program will usually transition into a bachelor’s degree program.

In a four-year bachelor’s degree program, you will delve into subjects such as:

• Design
• Structural Science
• Engineering
• Materials Management
• Economics

2nd Step – Become Licensed

Though not every individual with a bachelor’s degree pursues additional certifications, obtaining them can highlight your dedication to your profession and elevate your credentials.

Some valuable certifications to consider include:

• Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)
• LEED Green Associate
• Certified Safety Manager (CSM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

Most of the extra credentials must be kept updated, so they won’t expire.

Alternative Methods

If obtaining a bachelor’s degree after an associate degree isn’t your preferred path, accumulating extensive field experience is another viable option.

Moreover, individuals with only a high school diploma can start their careers as independent contractors.

Construction Management Programs in West Virginia

Once you understand the licensing process, the next step is to find an appropriate training program.

West Virginia boasts several reputable construction management programs.

Let’s take a look at these opportunities.

Bridge Valley Community and Technical College

This community college offers a Building Design and Construction study program.

This program covers various aspects of building design and construction, with a focus on new construction at both residential and commercial levels.

It delves into building methods and site analysis.

To be accepted into the program, you’ll have to finish the BOLI course, which means BridgeValley Online Learning Introduction.

This course has no credit but will help candidates in their future student life.

West Virginia University

WVU offers programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, to those interested in civil engineering.

The majority of the candidates will enroll in the bachelor’s degree.

This program lasts for 4 years and is an early college one.

This program equips students with skills like technical competence, safety, quality, ethics, and social and environmental responsibility.

You will learn more about:

• Methods and materials
• Soil and structural systems
• Surveying
• Estimating
• Scheduling
• Field and office operations
• Construction law
• Construction Safety
• Building systems.

Civil engineering is a dual-major type of program.

The tuition and fees depend on the undergraduate student’s residency.

If you’re a resident, you’ll have to pay a total of $5,580 per semester.

Non-residents have to pay almost 3 times as much – $14,796 per semester.

Construction Manager Salary in West Virginia

Once you’ve completed your education and training, you’ll likely be eager to know what salary you can expect.

In West Virginia, construction managers have the chance to earn approximately $120,498 yearly.

However, salaries can vary based on the location and size of the city where you work.

Generally, larger metropolitan areas tend to offer higher wages.

For detailed information, refer to the table below.

Regional Salary in West Virginia

Construction Manager Schools by State