Design-Build Certification Exam Now Administered at Testing Centers Nationwide

Less than 10 years ago, DBIA developed the Designated Design-Build Professionalâ„¢ program in response to owner-driven requests for a recognized standard of knowledge and experience with the delivery method. The certification program has grown exponentially over the past five years, mirroring the expansion of design-build project delivery in the A/E/C industry. In 2006, the number of Design-Build Professionals numbered just 200. Today, more than 1,000 design and construction practitioners have earned the right to use “DBIA” after their names — a certification project owners are increasingly pointing to in Requests for Qualifications.

The Design-Build Certification Board (DBCB) is committed to meeting the demand for certified professionals, and enhancing the integrity of the process by eliminating paper and pencil testing. The administration of the DBIAâ„¢ exam at local testing centers will provide immediate pass/fail results and allow credential seekers to take the test at hundreds of centers across the country. Prometric, a recognized global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment, is the service provider.

The DBCB certifies hands-on design and construction practitioners as well as legal, marketing and procurement professionals working in the design-build arena. Through coursework and testing, these individuals demonstrate an understanding of best practices in every phase of design-build project delivery, from proposal preparation to substantial completion. DBIAâ„¢ certification is aimed at all members of the project team — from owner's representatives and legal professionals to designers and general and specialty contractors.

“The days of speculation about the level of experience and knowledge project teams bring to the table are over,” said DBIA Executive Director Lisa Washington. “To ensure success, owners look for both experience and relevant knowledge of best practices. DBIAâ„¢ certification indicates a commitment to design-build done right. Owners are among the fastest growing segment of credential holders-and they expect no less from their design-build team.”

Candidates completing certification under the 2005-2010 requirements have until April 30, 2011, to pass the exam at a testing center. Prior to making an appointment, candidates should confirm with DBIA staff that they have met all requirements and are eligible to take the exam. The 2011 exam will be available at testing centers beginning in June 2011.

The launch of DBIA's online education platform is also slated for 2011. Courses on acquisition strategies for owners and test preparation for certification seekers will further facilitate the expansion of the Institute's education and certification programs. “These developments directly reflect DBIA's strategic direction,” Washington added. “Implementing robust technology to promote design-build and deliver our products and services more efficiently is essential to maintaining our position as the preeminent resource for expertise in integrated delivery of capital projects.”

Design-build is a collaborative team approach that integrates design and construction with a single-point of responsibility contract. Formed in 1993, and based in Washington, D.C., the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) unites project owners and all industry participants. DBIA is the only organization devoted to defining, teaching and promoting best practices in design-build.

Established in 1993, the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) is the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build project delivery. Design-build is an integrated approach that delivers design and construction services under one contract with a single point of responsibility. Owners select design-build to achieve best value while meeting schedule, cost and quality goals. Learn more about design-build, and DBIA's certification and other programs at www.DBIA.org.