0808 - Architecture

Federal Occupation Description

Federal Occupation Description

This series covers positions managing, supervising, leading, and/or performing professional architecture work involving the art and science of conceptualizing, planning, developing, and implementing designs to ensure buildings and structures are responsive to human activities and needs; structurally sound and permanent; and economical to acquire, operate, and maintain.

For job opportunities in this series, go to the Office of Personnel Management USAJOBS website.

Other Federal Occupations

It is not uncommon for individuals in one federal occupational series to perform duties related to another series within the same federal occupational group. To find out about the certifications for another series in the ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE GROUP, click on that series below. Note that credentials have not yet been identified for all series – links are provided only to those series for which the identification of credentials has been completed. Additional series will be added over time.

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This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: October 16, 2019
Click here to go to Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) is an intermediate-level certification. The CCS allows candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of contractual relationships, document organization, and document preparation. A CCS is an individual who is able to administer a contract for construction according to CSI guidelines. The candidate would have an understanding of agreements, conditions of a contract, Division 01, as well as researching and sourcing products. To earn a CCS certification, candidates must have experience in the field and be able to pass an exam.

Click here to go to Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Professional - Senior COOL Snapshot page.

Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Professional - Senior. The first level of certification, Technologist GDTP, provides a measure of an individual's ability to understand drawings that have been prepared using the language of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, as defined in the Y14.5 Standard. The second level, Senior GDTP, provides the additional objective measure of an individual's ability to select and apply geometric controls to drawings. A Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Professional might typically be employed as, but not limited to: Design Engineer; CAD/CAM/CAE Specialist; Drafter, Production or Manufacturing Engineer; Process Engineer; Quality Engineer; Tool or Gage Engineer; Engineering Manager; Checker; Engineering Consultant; Educator; Inspector; Contract Engineer; Project Engineer; and Technical Specialist. Candidates must must have five years of documented experience in the field of GD&T in the recognized use of the system in both application and understanding. Candidates must also pass a multiple-choice examination. This credential must be renewed every three years, and may be renewed without examination upon verification of involvement with GD&T for at least 24 of the previous 36 months.

Click here to go to Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Professional - Technologist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified GeoExchange Designer COOL Snapshot page.

The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), Certified GeoExchange Designer (CGD) program is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated high levels of experience, competence, proficiency, and ethical fitness in applying the principles and practices of geothermal heat pump design and related disciplines, as well as to raise the professional standards within the field, and to encourage those involved in the design process through a continuing education program of professional development. The CGD certification is granted by the Association of Energy Engineers and sponsored by the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC).

Click here to go to Certified Indoor Air Quality Professional (CIAQP) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Manager (CM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 1 year

The Certified Manager (CM) is a general management certification. It is appropriate for supervisors, managers and leaders at all levels, in any industry, and benefits certificate recipients and their organizations. The CM program consists of 3 course modules of which each includes a study manual, online learning resources, practice exams and a certification exam. To earn the CM certification one must pass three certification exams. Successful completion of the CM exams is a reliable indicator that an individual possesses the skills that leaders and managers need. Eligibility for the CM certification is determined by a point system that considers both experience and education. A candidate must have at least 10 points including at least 3 Education points, and at least 4 Experience points. Candidates may count a maximum of 6 Education points and 7 Experience Points toward eligibility. Those who do not qualify for CM status may still participate in the CM program if they have met at least one of the minimum eligibility requirements. These individuals will earn Associate Certified Manager (ACM) status upon completion of the program. An ACM may earn full CM status through additional education and/or experience.

Click here to go to Building Plans Examiner - B3 COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The International Code Council (ICC) Building Plans Examiner – B3 certification is an intermediate-level credential for individuals who review and examine building construction documents for conformity to building codes and regulations. Building Plans Examiners are responsible for reviewing submitted plans to determine if the plans meet requirements set by the jurisdiction within which the building stands. At this level of certification, the examiner reviews plans for any size of building in any occupancy classification. The ICC B3 exam validates an individual's basic technical knowledge, education and related experience as an examiner. The certification holder demonstrates the ability to read blueprints, and has a strong knowledge of building codes, and can determine if plans meet regulated criteria for safety, utilities, and installations. Additionally, examiners with the B3 certification review the status of and land and building permits. Certified individuals understand building planning, footings, foundations, floor construction, wall construction, coverings, roof and ceiling construction, and public safety construction as it applies to building code compliance. There are no experience requirements, education requirements, or pre-requisites that must be met prior to taking the written exam. However, individuals seeking the Building Plans Examiner certification should have technical knowledge and related experience in their chosen field of expertise. Candidates are required to pass an exam.

Click here to go to Certified Irrigation Designer - Landscape COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Professional Building Designer (CPBD) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 1 year

The National Council of Building Design Certification (NCBDC) / American Institute of Building Design (AIBD), Certified Professional Building Designer (CPBD) certification is for design professionals designing and preparing the construction documents for one and two-family dwellings and light commercial buildings within the United States. CPBD candidates must have at least six years of practical experience (up to three years of educational experience may be substituted for practical experience) and pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Certified Kitchen Designer COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Environmental Auditor (CEA) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Environmental Systems Manager (CESM) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Registered Environmental Professional (REP) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Registered Environmental Property Assessor (REPA) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Project Management Professional (PMP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Project Management Institute (PMI), Project Management Professional (PMP) is an advanced skill level credential for professionals who lead and direct projects. Project Managers perform their duties under general supervision for the duration of a project and are responsible for all aspects of a project. PMPs lead cross-functional teams to deliver projects within the constraints of schedule, budget, and scope. Project Management Professionals seeking certification through PMI demonstrate knowledge and experience to apply a methodology to projects that have well-defined requirements and deliverables. To apply for the PMP, candidates must meet experiential and educational requirements and are required to pass the written exam.

Click here to go to Certified Building Plans Examiner I (CBPE) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Construction Manager (CCM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential is an intermediate level certification. The CCM is aimed at construction professionals who manage entire projects and programs using pre-planning, design, construction, close out and management expertise. CCMs assure the best possible project outcome no matter what type of project delivery method is used. The candidate must meet experience and other requirements. Candidates must also pass a written examination.

Click here to go to Commercial Building Inspector - B2 COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The International Code Council (ICC), Commercial Building Inspector is a mid-level certification designed for professionals who assess buildings to determine the structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Candidates for the Commercial Building Inspector certification must possess basic technical knowledge and inspector-related experience. Certified individuals perform inspections of structures of any size or occupancy to determine compliance with various building codes and standards adopted by their jurisdiction. Candidates for the Commercial Building Inspector certification are expected to have the ability to read plans, verify that the plans conform to code, approve plans, and review construction documents. Additionally, candidates should understand the principles that apply to building planning, footings, foundations, floor construction, wall construction, coverings, roof and ceiling construction, and public safety construction. There are no experience or education requirements that must be met prior to taking the written exam; however, individuals seeking the Commercial Building Inspector certification should have technical knowledge and related experience in their chosen field of expertise.

Click here to go to Residential Building Inspector - B1 COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The International Code Council (ICC), Residential Building Inspector - B1 is an intermediate-level certification designed for professionals who perform residential building inspections. Residential Building Inspectors are responsible for performing inspections of structures to determine compliance with various building codes and standards adopted by his/her jurisdiction. At this level of certification, the Inspector must be able to inspect one-and-two family dwellings, townhomes not more than three stories in height, and accessory structures.

Click here to go to Program Management Professional (PgMP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Project Management Institute (PMI), Program Management Professional (PgMP) is an advanced career certification for professionals who oversee multiple, related projects and their resources to achieve strategic business goals. PgMPs are senior-level practitioners who identify ways to group multiple related projects to achieve benefits that may not be realized if the projects were managed in a stand-alone fashion. Candidates for the PgMP must meet educational and experiential requirements; they are also evaluated by both a panel and with an exam.

Click here to go to Certified Indoor Air Quality Manager (CIAQM) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Professional Engineer (PE) COOL Snapshot page.

Professional Engineer License. As a P.E., you would be able to perform certain tasks, such as stamp and seal designs, bid for government contracts, be principal of a firm, perform consulting services, and offer services to the public. While each state licensing board has its own laws regarding engineering licensure, there is a general four-step process for licensure candidates: earn a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program; pass the FE exam; gain acceptable work experience (typically a minimum of four years); and pass the PE exam in the appropriate discipline. The PE exam tests your ability to practice competently in a particular engineering discipline. It is designed for engineers who have gained at least four years# post-college work experience in their chosen engineering discipline. More information about the different engineering discipline examinations can be found on the certifying agency's website.

Click here to go to LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) credential is for professionals with expertise in the design and construction phases of green buildings, serving the commercial, residential, education and healthcare sectors. LEED AP BD+C candidates must be at least 18 years of age, hold a current LEED Green Associate credential, and pass a written exam. Prior LEED project experience is strongly recommended.

Click here to go to LEED AP Interior Design + Construction (LEED AP ID+C) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), LEED AP Interior Design + Construction (LEED AP ID+C) credential is for individuals who participate in the design, construction and improvement of commercial interiors and tenant spaces that offer a healthy, sustainable and productive work environment. LEED AP ID + C candidates must be at least 18 years of age, hold a current LEED Green Associate credential, and pass a written exam. Prior LEED project experience is strongly recommended.

Click here to go to NCARB Certification COOL Snapshot page.

NCARB Certification. This is an advanced-level credential aimed towards experienced architects.To obtain the NCARB Certification, you must earn a professional degree from a NAAB-accredited or CACB-accredited program. If you were educated in a foreign country, you must have your foreign education evaluated by the National Architectural Accrediting Board through the Education Evaluation Service for Architects (EESA). You must complete the Intern Development Program (IDP) training requirements, and pass all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). You must also receive a license to practice from one of the state registration boards.

Click here to go to Certified Inspector (CI) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 1 year

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), Certified Inspector (CI) is a credential for mid-level professionals who assess the current condition of houses. Certified Inspectors document their professional opinion of a home based on a visual evaluation and operational testing of the home’s systems and components. A CI should have broad technical knowledge of all house systems and an ability to communicate technical issues in terms that a layperson can understand.
 

Click here to go to Green Building: Residential Examiner - G1 COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Registered Construction Inspector: Division II: Building COOL Snapshot page.

A Registered Construction Inspection in Building is a general inspector whose principal duties include the contract administration and the inspection of structures for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels or movable property of any kind including site work and utilities incidental thereto, and may involve inspection of all related trades or materials of construction in which a specialist is not specifically required by the using agency or appropriate authority including both public and private sector construction projects.

Click here to go to Building Analyst Professional COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) Building Analyst Professional certification is intended for those individuals who conduct building performance audits, including measurement and verification services with related building analysis. Individuals may also specify, sell, coordinate and/or install certain building performance work. BPI strongly recommends that a candidate seek training and have some experience in the building performance industry before attempting any BPI certification designations. There are no training, education, or experience requirements to sit for the exams. Candidates must pass a written exam and a field exam.

Click here to go to Green Advantage Certified Practitioner (GACP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Green Advantage Certified Practitioner (GACP) is a mid-level credential for individuals who are construction supervisors, journeyman-level construction workers, architects, engineers, or advanced engineering students. Candidates must understand green building methods and materials; must possess knowledge of green building best practices, including meeting and exceeding green project goals in building performance, worker and occupant health and safety, crew collaboration and costs. GACP candidates must pass an exam.

Click here to go to Certified Practitioner in Energy Management Systems (CP EnMS) COOL Snapshot page.

The Institute for Energy Management Professionals, Certified Practitioner in Energy Management Systems (CP EnMS) is an intermediate-level credential for professionals who specialize in ISO 50001 energy management system compliance. ISO 50001 supports organizations' efficient energy use and the development of energy management systems (EnMS). CP EnMSs provide technical assistance to industrial and commercial facilities that seek to implement an energy management system that conforms to ISO 50001. CP EnMSs also support and develop energy performance indicators (EnPI) and baselines that allow facilities to track performance improvement and develop best practices in incorporating metrics. Professionals who seek the CP EnMS certification include facility personnel, consulting professionals, auditors, or service providers with the technical experience in industrial and commercial energy systems and energy efficiency practices. Candidates for the CP EnMS are required to meet experiential and educational criteria and must pass an exam.

Click here to go to Certified Urban Designer COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Building Energy Assessment Professional (BEAP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The purpose of the Building Energy Assessment Professional (BEAP) is to certify individuals' ability to audit and analyze residential, commercial, and industrial buildings including determining project scope, collecting data, analyzing building performance, interpreting results, evaluating alternatives, submitting recommendations for energy conservation measures, and assisting with the implementation of these recommendations. Candidates must submit a completed application and meet one of the combinations of academic and work experience requirements to be eligible to sit for the exam.

Click here to go to Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The purpose of the Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP) certification is to certify individuals' ability to evaluate, choose, use, calibrate, and interpret the results of energy modeling software when applied to building and systems energy performance and economics and to certify individuals' competence to model new and existing buildings and systems with their full range of physics. Candidates must submit a completed application and meet one of the combinations of academic and work experience requirements to be eligible to sit for the exam.

Click here to go to Healthcare Facility Design Professional (HFDP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The purpose of the Healthcare Facility Design Professional (HFDP) certification is to increase understanding and knowledge of HVAC&R design in healthcare facilities. To this end, the examination for this certification is designed to assess an individual's understanding of the principles and best practices involved in HVAC&R design as they apply to healthcare facilities. Candidates must submit a completed application and meet one of the combinations of academic and work experience requirements to be eligible to sit for the exam. The examination for the HFDP program is a proctored, closed book/closed notes, 2-hour, 115-item multiple-choice test.

Click here to go to High-Performance Building Design Professional (HBDP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

Candidates who earn the High-Performance Building Design Professional (HBDP) certification will have demonstrated a well-rounded understanding and knowledge of how HVAC&R design is integrated into high performing buildings to achieve the overall goal of producing a sustainable HVAC&R design. The HBDP examination is designed to assess an individual's understanding of how the management of HVAC&R operations helps to achieve and maintain building performance goals. Candidates must submit a completed application and meet one of the combinations of academic and work experience requirements to be eligible to sit for the exam. The examination for the HBDP program is a proctored, closed book/closed notes, 2.5-hour, 115-item multiple-choice test.

Click here to go to Operations and Performance Management Professional (OPMP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

Candidates who earn the Operations and Performance Management Professional (OPMP) certification will have demonstrated a well-rounded understanding and knowledge of the management of facility operations and maintenance and their impact on HVAC&R systems' performance. The OPMP examination is designed to assess an individual's understanding of how the management of HVAC&R operations helps to achieve and maintain building performance goals. Candidates must submit a completed application and meet one of the combinations of academic and work experience requirements to be eligible to sit for the exam. The examination for the OPMP program is a proctored, closed book/closed notes, 2.5-hour, 115-item multiple-choice test.

Click here to go to Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Project Management Institute (PMI), Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) certification is an advanced level certification for professionals who oversee one or more portfolios. PfMPs balance conflicting demands between programs and projects and allocate resources based on organization priorities and capacity. Candidates for the PfMP must meet educational, experiential and training requirements and must pass the exam.

Click here to go to Fundamentals of Engineering-Industrial and Systems (FE) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Energy Professionals International (EPI) ISO 50001 Lead Auditor COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Institute for Energy Management Professionals, Energy Professionals International (EPI) ISO 50001 Lead Auditor certification is an intermediate-level credential for professionals who plan, lead and manage ISO 50001 audit teams. ISO 50001 supports organizations' efficient energy use and the development of energy management systems (EnMS). ISO 50001 Lead Auditors assess conformity with the ISO 50001- Energy management systems standard; this includes confirming continual improvement of energy performance and any additional organizational requirements, plus documenting and reporting audit findings based upon objective evidence. Candidates for the ISO 50001 Lead Auditor certification are required to meet experiential and educational criteria and must pass an exam.

Click here to go to Certified Commissioning Authority (CxA) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

AABC Commissioning Group's (ACG), Certified Commissioning Authority (CxA) certification is offered to independent building commissioning professionals to recognize competence and promote continual professional development. The CxA program serves the industry by recognizing independent building commissioning professionals who demonstrate the technical, management, and communications skills required for competent performance. ACG’s CxA certification is for industry professionals who lead, plan, coordinate and manage commissioning teams to implement commissioning processes in new and existing buildings. Candidates must meet education and experience requirements, mandatory commissioning project requirements, verification of independence, adhere to the CxA Code of Ethics and pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Building Commissioning Professional Certification (BCxP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Building Commissioning Professional Certification (BCxP) is a professional certification. The BCxP credential allows candidates to demonstrate competency in leading, planning, coordinating and managing a commissioning team to implement commissioning processes in new and existing buildings. To obtain the BCxP certification, candidates must meet eligibility requirements and pass an exam.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click here to go to the GI Bill site.

ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Architectural and Engineering Managers
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Architectural Drafters
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Civil Drafters
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Civil Engineers
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Construction and Building Inspectors
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Construction Managers
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - General and Operations Managers
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Industrial Safety and Health Engineers
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Landscape Architects
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Landscape Architects