## Not all AEC certifications are equal **Tier 1 (Required by law):** PE/SE (engineers), AIA (architects) — foundational, not optional. **Tier 2 (High career ROI):** CCM (+$15–$30/hr for CM consulting), LEED AP BD+C (required for sustainability roles), PMP (+$10–$20/hr for PM consulting). **Tier 3 (Valued specialty):** OSHA 30 (required for most field management), CHST (senior safety roles), CPE/ASPE (estimating). **Tier 4 (Nice-to-have):** LEED GA, CPC, associate-level credentials. ## The honest take Get your PE/AIA first. Add OSHA 30 if you work in the field. Pursue CCM or LEED AP BD+C based on your career direction. Everything else is situational. [Add your credentials to your Buildtal profile →](/build-profile)