American Institute of Constructors

What American Institute of Constructors does

The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) is a nonprofit professional membership organization founded in 1971 and headquartered in Custer City, Oklahoma, that certifies individual construction professionals through a two-tier credentialing framework: the Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) Level I for entry-level or aspiring constructors and the Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) Level II for experienced professionals. Certification exams are administered twice yearly (spring and fall) through a network of 30+ university testing centers and via remote proctoring provided by PointLeader, with a CAC Level I Online Study Course hosted on the Thinkific LMS. A mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program requires CPC holders to earn 32 credit hours every 24 months, creating an ongoing engagement loop beyond initial certification.

AIC generates revenue across six primary streams: membership dues with nine tiers ranging from $25 (Student) to $1,100 (Lifetime), with the Professional Member tier priced at $290/year; one-time certification exam fees ranging from $200–$900 depending on credential and membership status; annual recertification fees ($25–$350); corporate sponsorships across four tiers from $1,100 to $11,000/year plus event sponsorships ($2,500–$7,500); publication access via The Professional Constructor Journal (bi-annual, peer-reviewed); and online education products such as the $50 CAC study course. The organization is governed by a member-elected Board of Directors with Hugh Cronin as President (2026–2027) and Canda Mueller, Ph.D. as Executive Director. The AIC Education Foundation operates as a separate 501(c)(3) entity administering scholarships and awards.

AIC serves three primary customer segments: individual construction professionals seeking credential validation; construction companies and teams (Hall Construction, Sundt, Cronin Construction Management, EdgeConnex are listed corporate sponsors; case studies cite Durotech, Vertex Companies, Swinerton, and A&K Construction); and colleges/universities with construction management programs (Northern Arizona University, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, LSU, University of Houston, Clemson, Texas State University, and 25+ others). Distribution is hybrid — direct self-serve for individual memberships and exams, institution-based for university testing, and field-sales for corporate sponsorships. Strategic partnerships span nine major industry associations (ACCE, ABC, ASCE, AGC, ASA, ASC, CFMA, CIECI, LCI, SMPS) and several technology partners (PointLeader, Thinkific, Zoom, Framing Success).

Name

American Institute of Constructors

Legal name

American Institute of Constructors

Website

https://aic-builds.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

The American Institute of Constructors is a nonprofit professional membership organization founded in 1971 that certifies individual construction professionals through CAC Level I and CPC Level II credentials, serving individual constructors, construction companies, and 30+ partner universities with construction management programs across the United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Certification & Membership Services

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Construction, Engineering & Skilled Trades Licensure Prep (EDAAANAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Construction & Trades Licensure (Contractor, Electrician, Plumber, HVAC CE) (EDAAALAH), National/State Examination Boards & Testing Agencies (EDADAFAA)

Keywords

• Professional certification
• Construction management credentials
• Membership association
• Continuing professional development
• Corporate sponsorship programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Mount Royal

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from professional, educator, student, fellow, lifetime, emeritus, and affiliate members provide recurring revenue. Pricing ranges from $25/year (Student) to $1,100 (Lifetime), with most professional members paying $290/year.
2. Certification Examinations: One-time exam fees for CAC Level I ($235 non-member, $200 student) and CPC Level II ($575-$900 depending on membership/CAC status). Re-exam fees are $155 for CAC and $500 for CPC.
3. Recertification Fees: Annual recertification fees required to maintain credentials: CAC (Non-Member $175/year, Member $25/year), CPC (Non-Member $350/year, Member $50/year).
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship tiers ranging from $1,100 (Supporting) to $11,000 (Founders) per year, including membership allocations, assessment examinations, and executive roundtable seats. Event sponsorships also available from $2,500 to $7,500 per event.
5. Online Education: CAC Level I Online Study Course priced at $50 for both members and non-members, providing exam preparation content.
6. Publication Subscriptions: Journal subscriptions and newsletter access included with membership. The Professional Constructor Journal is published bi-annually with scholarly articles reviewed by three-person panels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

AIC provides the leading professional certification program for individual constructors in the U.S. construction industry through two credentials: the Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) Level I entry-level certification and the Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) Level II advanced certification, governed by the Constructor Certification Commission. The organization also delivers tiered professional memberships, corporate sponsorship programs, university partnership testing channels, online exam preparation, continuing professional development (CPD) tracking, and the AIC Education Foundation's scholarships and awards.

Product overview

The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) operates a professional certification ecosystem centered on two main credentials: the Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) Level I and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) Level II certifications. Supporting the certification programs are educational offerings including the CAC Level I Online Study Course, exam study guides, and webinars for continuing professional development. AIC also provides a membership program with multiple tiers, a Corporate Sponsorship Program for construction companies, a University Partnership Program, and the AIC Badge Program. The AIC Education Foundation (a 501c(3) subsidiary) manages scholarships and awards including the Francis R. Dugan Scholarship, Dr. Dennis C. Bausman National Construction Education Program Certification Award, and Travel Award. Additional offerings include The Professional Constructor Journal (bi-annual publication), Collegiate Ethics Competition, AIC Awards Program, Code of Ethics/Construction Creed standards, and conference events.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) Level I Certification Entry-level professional certification consisting of 300 multiple-choice questions across 10 sections administered during two 4-hour sessions. Designed for recent graduates of 4-year Construction Management programs or those transitioning into construction management. Exam fees: $200 for university students, $235 for non-students; re-exam fee $155.
• Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) Level II Certification Highest-level AIC certification for experienced constructors with project oversight experience, consisting of 175 multiple-choice questions covering 9 major subject areas including ethics, administered in one 4-hour session. Exam fees range $575–$900 depending on CAC status and AIC membership; re-exam fee $500.
• Recertification Program / Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Mandatory ongoing education tracking for certified constructors. CPCs must earn 32 CPD credit hours every 24 months (minimum 20 in Education, maximum 12 in Membership & Service); CACs submit reporting forms every two years. Annual fees: CAC $25 member/$175 non-member; CPC $50 member/$350 non-member.
• CAC Level I Online Study Course Online exam preparation course delivered through Thinkific, covering 12 curriculum areas including Communication Skills, Engineering Concepts, Management Concepts, Materials and Methods, Bidding/Estimating, Budgeting, Scheduling, Safety, Geomatics, and Project Administration. Priced at $50 for both members and non-members.
• AIC Professional Membership Professional membership program with multiple tiers: Professional ($290/yr), Young Professional ($140/yr), Educator ($165/yr), Student ($25/yr), Fellow ($330/yr), Lifetime ($1,100), Emeritus ($145/yr), Honorary, and Affiliate ($550/yr). Benefits include subscriptions to The Professional Constructor Journal and Constructor News newsletter, plus discounted exam and recertification fees.
• Corporate Sponsorship Program Enterprise sponsorship program for construction companies with four tiers: Supporting ($1,100/yr), Sustaining ($2,750/yr), Legacy ($5,500/yr), and Founders ($11,000/yr). Each tier bundles individual AIC memberships, assessment examinations, and executive roundtable seats.
• University Partnership Program Partnership program with universities administering CAC certification exams as part of Construction Management degree programs, validating instruction and confirming student readiness. 30+ university partners across the U.S., including LSU, Clemson, University of Houston, Texas State, Northern Arizona University, and University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
• AIC Badge Program Credential program for Construction Companies, University Partners, and Government Partners to signal commitment to ethics in construction by demonstrating that they hire AIC certified professionals committed to ethical work.
• The Professional Constructor Journal Bi-annual scholarly journal featuring articles reviewed by a three-person panel of AIC members, covering construction management, project delivery, safety, technology, and education. Editor: Jason Lucas, PhD, Assistant Professor at Clemson University. Included with AIC membership.
• AIC Education Foundation Programs 501c(3) charitable foundation providing educational resources and opportunities for professional constructors, including scholarships for students seeking the CAC designation, funding for The Professional Constructor Journal, and academic awards.
• AIC Webinars Construction management training webinars featuring industry leaders on topics including Black Swan Events and Contract Review, OFCCP Compliance, Construction Cybersecurity, and Construction Site Efficiency. Free for active members; 1 CPD credit per hour of participation.
• Collegiate Ethics Competition Annual virtual competition for accredited construction programs. Teams of up to 4 students respond to ethics prompts with written reports and oral presentations via Zoom, judged by AIC Board members and Fellows.
• Francis R. Dugan Scholarship $2,000 annual scholarship for students in accredited construction management Associate and Baccalaureate degree programs. Named for longtime AIC member and AIC Education Foundation Founder Francis R. Dugan, FAIC (CPC #93).
• Dr. Dennis C. Bausman National Construction Education Program Certification Award $4,000 award recognizing accredited baccalaureate construction education programs that host AIC exams and actively promote construction ethics and professional certification among students.
• AIC Construction Education Faculty and/or Student Travel Award Up to three annual awards of $2,000 each supporting travel for faculty or students from ABET- and ACCE-accredited construction programs to attend construction-related professional development events.

Quantifiable outcome

• Project risk reduction through verified professional competency
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• SuperlegalminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 June 2025Superlegal partnered with AIC for a webinar on Black Swan events in construction contract review. Chris Lewis, VP Legal Operations at Superlegal, presented on navigating unexpected contract risks. Superlegal provides technology-driven contract review to help uncover hidden vulnerabilities.
• American Council for Construction Education (ACCE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACCE is a leading global advocate of quality construction education that promotes, supports, and accredits quality construction education programs. ACCE recognizes AIC certification exams for creating a level playing field for students and measuring competencies on a consistent basis. AIC has a strong presence during ACCE Annual Conference.
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerABC is a national association with 70 chapters representing 22,000 merit shop construction firms. ABC's core purpose is to advance and defend merit shop principles in construction and provide members with opportunities to succeed.
• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASCE represents more than 145,000 members of the civil engineering profession worldwide and is America's oldest national engineering society. Vision is to have engineers positioned as global leaders building better quality of life.
• Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAGC is the leading association for the construction industry operating with 95 chartered chapters. Represents more than 25,000 leading firms including general contractors, specialty contractors, and service providers.
• American Subcontractors Association (ASA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASA is a national membership trade association with over 5,000 subcontractors, specialty trade contractors, suppliers and service providers. Recognized as the united voice dedicated to improving the business environment for construction industry.
• Associated Schools of Construction (ASC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASC is the professional association for development and advancement of construction education. Promotes sharing of ideas and knowledge to inspire, guide, and promote excellence in curricula, teaching, research and service.
• Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFMA serves more than 6,600 members via 89 chapters throughout the US and Canada. Dedicated to bringing together construction financial professionals and partners serving their unique needs.
• Lean Construction Institute (LCI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLCI is a non-profit organization operating as a catalyst to transform the industry through lean project delivery using an operating system centered on common language, fundamental principles, and basic practices.
• Construction Industry Ethics & Compliance Initiative (CIECI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIECI brings together companies within the US construction industry committed to highest level of ethics and conduct. Members benefit from sharing best practices and presenting an Annual Best Practices Forum.
• Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSMPS represents a dynamic network of 6,000+ marketing and business development professionals working to secure profitable business relationships for design and building companies.
• QflowminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAIC hosted a webinar with Qflow exploring the future of as-built data capture and construction site efficiency. Qflow co-founder Brittany Harris presented on applications for construction companies.
• DCI ConsultingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDCI Consulting partnered with AIC for a webinar on OFCCP compliance for federal construction contractors. Provided AIC CPD credits for attending.
• VisoryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVisory partnered with AIC for an educational webinar on the true cost of construction cybersecurity risks, addressing latest threats in the industry.
• Northern Arizona UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of 30+ university partners serving as AIC certification testing sites. University partners administer CAC and CPC exams as part of their construction management degree programs.
• University of Arkansas at Little RockcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner administering AIC certification exams as part of their construction management program curriculum.
• Louisiana State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor university partner and corporate sponsor of AIC. LSU hosts AIC exams and promotes certification among construction management students.
• University of HoustoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner with active AIC certification program. Dr. Lana Coble serves as advocate for AIC certifications in construction management education.
• Clemson UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner hosting AIC exams. Dr. Dennis Bausman was instrumental in promoting AIC certifications at Clemson before passing in 2022.
• BuzzBidminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness affiliate member providing construction-related services. Business affiliates gain visibility with AIC's professional members through affiliate membership.
• Travelers Haven by BluegroundminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness affiliate offering flexible housing solutions for construction workforce across nearly 20,000 US locations. Provides fully furnished accommodations for AIC member companies.
• Hall ConstructioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of AIC demonstrating commitment to excellence in construction. Current corporate sponsor with logo displayed on AIC website.
• Fronza Francis LLCcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of AIC supporting construction professionalism. Current corporate sponsor with logo displayed on AIC website.
• Sundt ConstructioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor and AIC partner. Ted Chamberlain, CPC, DBIA from Sundt Construction serves as AIC Ethics Committee Chair.
• Cronin Construction ManagementcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of AIC. Hugh Cronin, FAIC, CPC serves as AIC President (2026-2027) and represents Cronin Construction Management.
• EdgeConnexminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of AIC displayed on AIC corporate sponsors page.
• Framing SuccessminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner providing special AIC Certificate Frames for display. CAC and CPC holders can purchase certificate frames through Framing Success.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): The leading US construction trade association with 25,000+ member firms offering its own training, education, and recognition programs; serves a broader membership (firms) versus AIC's individual professional focus, but operates in overlapping territory.
• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE): Largest US civil engineering society (145,000+ members) with formal AIC partnership; offers its own PE-aligned continuing education and credential pathways that partially substitute for CPC's value proposition in the AEC ecosystem.

Emerging players

• Green Building Certification Inc. (GBCI): Administers LEED AP and other sustainability credentials for built environment professionals; competes with AIC for the sustainability-focused segment of construction professional certification, particularly as green building standards become standard RFP requirements.
• Project Management Institute (PMI): Globally recognized PMP certification that overlaps significantly with AIC's CPC for construction project management candidates; while not construction-specific, it competes for the same wallet share of mid-career construction professionals.
• Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB): UK-based global construction professional body offering Chartered Builder and other designations; represents the international credential alternative that US-only AIC cannot directly compete with for globally mobile construction professionals.

Direct peers

• Construction Management Association of America (CMAA): Offers the CMIT (Certified Construction Manager) credential for construction management professionals — directly competing with AIC's CPC for the same candidate pool and employer recognition budgets.
• American Council for Construction Education (ACCE): Accreditation body for construction education programs with direct partnership to AIC; both serve the same construction professional ecosystem and co-host events like the ACCE Conference where AIC has a strong presence.
• Construction Specifications Institute (CSI): Offers construction specifications certifications (CCS, CCCA, CCPR) that serve a related but distinct construction professional niche; competes for the same corporate training budgets and individual continuing education dollars.
• Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA): Offers the DBIA Designated Design-Build Professional credential widely adopted in US construction; competes with AIC's CPC for advanced professional certification recognition, particularly among design-build contractors like Sundt (an AIC corporate sponsor).

Regional players

• National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES): Administers the FE and PE engineering licensure exams in the US; while focused on licensed engineers rather than constructors, it represents the closest analog in scale of US professional examination infrastructure that AIC's CAC/CPC system emulates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aic-american-institute-for-constructors
• Facebookfacebook.com/aicccc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American Institute of Constructors