Frequently asked questions

What is the Construction Industry Competency Standard (CICS)?

The Construction Industry Competency Standard (CICS) serves as the benchmark for evaluating the competency of construction personnel in the Malaysian construction industry.

Why was the Construction Industry Competency Standard (CICS) for Construction Project Manager (CPM) and Construction Manager (CM) introduced?

The Construction Industry Competency Standard (CICS) for Construction Project Manager (CPM) and Construction Manager (CM)was introduced as an element of compliance to CIDB Act 520 Part II of the CIDB Act 520 4 (i) to register, accredit, and certify construction personnel and to revoke, suspend or reinstate the registration, accreditation, and certification of such construction personnel.

What is the difference between a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) and Certified Project Manager (CPM)?

A Certified Project Manager (CPM) is the project personnel employed to lead the construction project through the design (initiation) and construction phases. He/she may be employed by the client, consultant, or contractor.

A Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is the individual employed by the contractor to lead the construction implementation process at the project site.

There are six (6) levels of competency identified by the Construction Industry Competency Standard (CICS). Which is higher, the Certified Construction Project Manager (CCPM) or the Certified Construction Manager (CCM)?"

In the CICS, the Certified Construction Project Manager (CCM) is ranked higher at Level 6 while the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is ranked at Level 5.

If a person is a Certified Project Manager (CPM), does he/she need to apply to become a Certified Construction Manager (CCM)?"

No, this is because a Certified Construction Project Manager (CCM) is ranked higher at Level 6 while the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is ranked at Level 5. However, a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) need to apply to become a Certified Project Manager (CPM).

Will this be mandatory for all projects?

No. This policy is planned to be implemented first for construction projects exceeding RM50 Million in construction cost beginning 2022. Notwithstanding, this requirement might be cascaded down to smaller sized construction projects from time to time.

Who can use the CCPM or CCM title?

Individuals certified to have fulfilled the competency requirements of this CICS shall be eligible to use the title Certified Construction Project Manager (CCM) and/or Certified Construction Manager (CCM) as long as the individual maintains an active certification status. CIDB corporate rules and regulations stipulates that the accredited individuals are authorised to affix the CCM designation in block letters after their name on business cards, personal letterhead, resumes, websites and in their email signature.

Where can I get more information the certification process?

You can get more information for certifying construction managers from:

Bahagian Kompetensi Penyeliaan & Pengurusan (BKPP),
Sektor Personel Binaan (SPB),
Lembaga Pembangunan Industri Pembinaan (CIDB),
Tingkat 35, Menara Dato Onn,
Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC),
No 45, Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Luala Lumpur


What that modules that must be passes to become a Certified Construction Project Manager (CCPM)?

There are 12 modules which candidates must pass:

  1. Develop Project Management Organisation.
  2. Organise Project Inception.
  3. Manage Project Time.
  4. Manage Project Cost.
  5. Manage Project Quality.
  6. Manage Project Risk.
  7. Manage Project Communication.
  8. Manage Human Resource Functions.
  9. Manage Project Health, Safety and Environment
  10. Manage Design Development
  11. Manage Procurement and Contract
  12. Administer Project Close-Out.

What that modules that must be passes to become a Certified Construction Project Manager (CCM)?

There are 17 modules which candidates must pass:

  1. Fundamentals Of Construction Management Competency
  2. Tendering Management
  3. Site Mobilization Management
  4. Planning & Implementation
  5. Cash Flow Management
  6. Construction Quality Management
  7. Safety & Health Management
  8. Environmental Protection Management
  9. Project Personnel/Staff Management
  10. Construction Materials Management
  11. Construction Labour Management
  12. Sub-contractors Management
  13. Plant & Machineries Management
  14. Site Office Management
  15. Contract Administration
  16. Construction Stakeholders Management
  17. Project Handover Management

What are the pathways available to qualify as a Certified Construction Project Manager (CCPM) and Certified Construction Manager (CCM)?

There are three (3) alternative pathways for candidate with various qualifications and experience:

Method 1(a): Training and Assessment
For CCPM - fulfil all Practical Assessment (PA) requirements and pass the assessment for all sixteen (16) modules.
For CCM - fulfil all Practical Assessment (PA) requirements and pass the assessment for all seventeen (17) modules.

Method 1 (b): Assessment Only
For CCPM - fulfil all Practical Assessment (PA) requirements for all sixteen (16) modules and pass the three (3) hour, 120 questions written assessment.
For CCPM - fulfil all Practical Assessment (PA) requirements for all seventeen (17) modules and pass the three (3) hour, 120 questions written assessment.

Method 3: Recognition through Prior Learning Experience and Education (RPLE)
For CCPM - fulfil all Practical Assessment (PA) requirements for all sixteen (16) modules and pass the assessment interview.
For CCPM - fulfil all Practical Assessment (PA) requirements for all seventeen (17) modules and pass the assessment interview


Who can qualify as a Certified Construction Project Manager (CCPM) and what are the pathways available?

The qualifications and pathways to obtain a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) qualification is as shown in table below:

Category

Minimum Qualification Requirement

Minimum Years of Experience in Construction / Related Field

Route1a

Route 1b

Route (RPLE)

1

Registered Professional (Ir., Ar., Sr.)

-

3

5

2

Masters in construction management / related area of construction

3

5

6

3

Recognized International Certificate in Project Management (such as PMP (PMI), CPM (UK), CPM (IPMA), Reg. PM (AIPM) CIOB & AIB)

3

6

8

4

Bachelor’s degree in construction related field

5

7

10

5

Bachelor’s Degree in non-construction related field

8

10

12

6

Diploma in construction related field

8

10

12

7

Diploma in non-construction related field

10

12

15

8

Certificate in construction related field

10

12

15

9

Malaysia Skills Certificate Construction Manager (Level 5)

5

7

10

Who can qualify as a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) and what are the pathways available?

The qualifications and pathways to obtain a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) qualification:

Category

Minimum Qualification Requirement

Minimum Years of Experience in Construction / Related Field

Method 1

Method 2

Method 3

1

Registered Professional (Ir., Ar., Sr.)

-

3

5

2

Master’s in construction management / related area of construction

3

5

5

3

Bachelor’s degree in construction management and construction related field

3

6

6

4

Bachelor’s degree in non-construction related field

5

7

8

5

Diploma in Construction Management and construction related field

5

8

8

6

Diploma in non-construction related field

8

10

10

7

Certificate in construction related field

10

12

12

8

Malaysia Skills Certificate Level 5 in construction related field

10

12

12

9

School Leavers (SPM, SRP, etc.)

10

15

15


If a candidate fails any module, does he/she have to repeat the whole competency modules?"

No, he/she will have to repeat only the module which he/she failed.

Is there any time frame set which one must pass all the competency modules?

No, there is no time limit set. He/she can undertake the any of the modules at his/her own pace.
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