The design-build project delivery method combines design and construction services. There is one contract for the project owner. A design-build entity can vary, such as a contractor with knowledge about design, an architect that went into the construction business, or a partnership between a contractor and an architect. Our previous article on design-build includes information about what design-build is as well as advantages and disadvantages.
The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) is an organization that defines and promotes best practices in design–build. DBIA offers certification in design-build project delivery. This certification is not mandatory for professionals, however it demonstrates proficiency in relevant continuing education and experience.
Two types of certifications are offered by the DBIA:
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Design-Build Professional – This certification requires 2-6 years of hands-on experience. Professionals with this credential have traditional construction and design backgrounds. 3 professional references are required as part of the application.
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Associate Design-Build Professional – This certification does not require hands-on experience. According to the DBIA site, professionals with this credential typically have a “different type of experience: (1) pre-award professionals focusing on critical aspects of the design-build process such as business development and acquisition/procurement; (2) seasoned professionals who are new to design-build project delivery, but not new to the design and construction industry; and (3) emerging professionals such as recent college graduates with relevant educational background in the AEC industry”.
Certification is available to both to DBIA members and non-members. An approved application is typically required to sit for the exam unless the candidate has a college degree in an approved field of study. Applications can be submitted before or after taking the four core courses in the education requirement in either certification.
The four core courses include:
- Fundamentals of Project Delivery (available online)
- Principles of Design-Build Project Delivery
- Design-Build Contract and Risk Management
- Post Award Design-Build
These courses can be taken individually or together. They can be taken as part of a week-long certification workshop or University Boot Camp. The Design-Build Professional certification requires 18 hours of elective courses. Elective credit can be earned through DBIA courses, such as the Design-Build Prep Course (6 credits), as well as through conferences, webinars, and DBIA Regional programs. The Associate Design-Build Professional certification does not require elective course credit.
Registration is completed online through the DBIA website. After registering, the candidate is given an exam number to use to sign up for the exam at a local testing center. There are over 300 testing centers in the U.S. The exam consists of 100 questions and are given 2 hours to complete the exam. Candidates must pass with a 66% or better and candidates will receive the results immediately after completion of the exam. The exam can be retaken if needed. The exam covers 8 subject areas:
- Project management
- Contracts and legal
- General attributes
- Project delivery
- Estimating/specifications
- Teaming and team organization
- Procurement
- Ethics/professionalism
Certification must be renewed every 2 years. On December 31 of the two-year anniversary year, 24 approved continuing education credits must be accrued (DBIA, 2015).
