10 Free Construction Management Courses With Certificates

Students interested in pursuing careers in construction management can develop a foundation of relevant knowledge by completing free construction management courses online. Numerous institutions and organizations offer free online courses in construction management and related fields, such as construction scheduling and budgeting.

Continue reading to explore the best online and free construction management courses.

Are There Free Construction Management Courses?

Students can develop their knowledge of construction management and related concepts through free coursework online. Multiple institutions provide free, online, self-paced courses for beginner and experienced students.

Free construction management classes typically consist of online videos and lessons that are completed when students pass the relevant assessments. These courses vary in length, ranging from a few weeks to a few months in duration. Coursework may consist of broad introductory topics or more in-depth, focused concepts.

Do Free Construction Management Courses Include Certificates?

Several institutions offer free online construction management courses with certificates, but the certificate must be purchased at most of them. These online courses are typically free of fees, but there is usually a cost to acquire an actual certificate upon completion.

Students are not required to purchase a certificate, so there is no cost for the programs unless they want a certificate. While each program is different, those that do offer a certificate often give students the option to link their certificate to their professional page on LinkedIn.

Top Free Online Construction Management Courses With Certificates

Students can earn a certificate in construction management from one of several institutions, including academic institutions and professional organizations. Below, we explore the top free construction management courses online that offer certificates upon completion, many of which are accredited by the Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

1. Basics of Construction Project Management

Alison offers numerous online construction management courses that are free to students and award a certificate upon completion. The basics of construction project management course is CPD-accredited and can be completed in three hours or less of active learning time.

Students explore the fundamentals of construction management, including regulations, supervision, materials, and quality assurance. Upon completion, students can acquire a digital or physical certificate.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Two to three hours

2. Construction Project Management

Coursera offers various online, self-paced courses that include free and paid options. The construction project management course is a free online program that leads to a certificate.

This introductory course explores the basics, including aspects of project leadership, types of contracts, delivery components, and sustainability in construction. The 10-module class can also be applied toward the broader construction management specialization program.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Three weeks (10 hours per week)

3. Construction Management

Oxford Home Study Centre offers an online construction management course that is approved by the CPD and enables students to learn at their own pace. The class explores fundamentals of the construction industry, leadership roles, construction cost considerations, and equipment planning.

The course takes 20 total hours to complete and enables students to choose which type of certificate they want upon completion, including a CPD certification.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: 20 hours

4. Diploma in Construction Management

The online diploma in construction management is available as a free, self-paced course from eLearning College. Students can begin the program at any point, and do not have any set login sessions or other time restrictions.

The program can be completed in three months if completed part-time, and is open to beginners as well as those with related experience. Coursework includes concepts in site assessment, equipment management, construction materials, and quality control.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Three months

5. Bristol Opus Leadership College

Bristol Opus Leadership College (BOLC) offers an online construction management course that is designed for entry-level students. The program is free, and students can purchase an optional certification after completing their coursework.

Students learn about four key construction management areas, including industry considerations, cost estimation, and equipment management. The program enables students to complete coursework at their pace and start at any time of the year.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: 20 hours

6. Comprehensive Guide to Construction Design and Management

Offered by Alison, this program explores regulations and duties for construction design and management. Coursework explores planning, health and safety, relevant laws, and responsibilities in construction planning.

This intermediate-level program is accredited by the CPD and consists of three to four hours of content. Upon completion, students can demonstrate their developed understanding by acquiring a digital or physical certificate.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Three to four hours

7. Principles of Construction Management

The principles of construction management course is an entry-level program offered by Cursa, and can be completed for free on the Cursa app. The interdisciplinary program explores resource management, cost management, real-world applications, and scheduling considerations.

Taught by industry professionals, the program leads to a certificate of completion. In addition, students can progress to more advanced free construction management courses through the app.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: 16 hours

8. Construction Finance

The construction finance course from Coursera is a free entry-level class that students can complete in around two weeks. Students will explore key financial considerations for construction projects, as well as concepts like cash flows and interest rates.

Across nine modules of study, students progress at their pace and develop skills relating to financial modeling, budgeting, real estate economics, and strategic partnerships.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Two weeks

9. Construction Management Procedures

One of the free, self-paced courses from Alison is the construction management procedures program. It consists of two to three hours of lessons, is accredited by the CPD, and leads to a certificate.

Students learn the importance and requirements of construction management, as well as the roles of other stakeholders. Concepts covered include project procurement, stages of completion, contracts, and scheduling for construction projects.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Two to three hours

10. Construction Scheduling

The construction scheduling course from Alison is designed for entry-level students and can be completed in about two weeks of part-time study. Students explore project management software, scheduling processes, risk management, and lean project management.

Other concepts include various scheduling tools, such as activity on arrow and bar charts, and relationships within project management. Students earn a certificate upon completing the 12-module program.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Two weeks

How We Rank Courses

Our team reviews numerous programs and institutions to find the best programs and courses in construction management. Some of the key criteria that we review include certificate options, flexibility, and program duration.

• Availability of certificate of completion: All of the courses featured have certificates available to students who complete the program.
• Provider credibility: Each of the listed providers utilizes experienced professionals as educators and modern industry standards for coursework.
• Flexibility and self-paced learning: The programs included are all self-paced and flexible, meaning students can work at their convenience and pace.

FAQs About Free Construction Management Courses

Free online construction management courses are different than traditional academic programs, and it is important for students to decide what they want from a program before choosing a specific course. The FAQs below can shed light on what to expect from a free construction management course.

Are Free Certificates Recognized by Employers?

Employer preferences vary, but free online certificates can demonstrate an understanding of relevant concepts. While not equivalent to academic degrees, these certificates show potential employers that you have developed a foundation for construction management roles.

Can Free Courses Lead To a Construction Management Degree?

Many academic institutions offer transfer credits to students for related professional and other experience. While it ultimately depends on the specific school, you can transfer your free coursework into a degree program at some schools.

How Long Do Free Construction Management Courses Usually Take?

The length of the program varies, as some are more in-depth than others. Shorter programs can be completed in one to two weeks, while more extensive programs (like the diploma course) take a few months of part-time study.

What Skills Can I Learn From Free Construction Management Classes?

Each class contains its own concepts, ranging from introductory considerations to advanced concepts of scheduling and cost estimation. In an entry-level course, students usually develop skills related to project planning, safety and quality planning, budgeting, and communication.

Explore Construction Programs

Explore more of the top construction management programs on Learn.org. Contact the schools that have programs you are interested in to get started.