Certification

Since its founding in 1948, The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) established, and continues to refine, widely used standards for organizing construction information. CSI established its first certification program, Certified Construction Specifier (CCS), in 1978 to recognize people who have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in these standard formats.

CSI certification has evolved to recognizing excellence in four areas. The Construction Documents Technology Certificate Program (CDT) recognizes demonstrated mastery of construction basics. After becoming a Construction Documents Technologist, practitioners can pursue recognition in their specific fields. The Certified Construction Specifier Program (CCS) acknowledges those demonstrating excellence in preparing written specifications. The Certified Construction Contract Administrator Program (CCCA) recognizes those who excel at overseeing the contract administration process. The Certified Construction Product Representative Program (CCPR) honors people skilled at supplying specifiers and contractors with information, products and materials, or substitution solutions.

Why should I become CSI certified? CSI recommended practices and standards are used predominantly in the “vertical” construction industry and increasingly in the “horizontal” construction industry for conducting business, not only in North America but in many foreign countries. Although widely recognized and used in the construction industry most practitioners learn these practices and standards on the job, in settings where miscommunication and misinformation runs rampant. By becoming certified you will learn them from the premier authoritative source. You will learn the construction industry standards and language basics commonly used to prepare contract documents, administer construction contracts and specify products.

Do I have to be a CSI member to be certified? No, but members do receive discounts on fees charged for certification exams, study materials, and CSI sponsored classes and study groups.

Can I take the CDT exam and sit for CCCA, CCS, or CCPR on the same day? Yes, a few candidates have successfully accomplished this, but it is not recommended. If you do not pass the CDT exam then you will not receive recognition or credit for passing the other (CCCA, CCS or CCPR). Candidates will typically discover that preparing for and taking one exam is a sufficiently time consuming and exhausting experience. Keep in mind that all exams are typically given 3 times a year making it possible for one to take the CTD and one other during a calendar year.

If I fail an exam, can I retake the exam in the same year? You may retake the exam during the same calendar year after waiting a minimum of 90 days.

How much will it cost? The following application fees are valid for exam dates thru June 30, 2008:

	CSI Member		Non-member
	Early	Final	Early	Final
CDT Exam	$235	$295	$370	$430
CDT Exam - Student *	$105	$105	$105	$105
CCS Exam	$275	$340	$410	$475
CCCA Exam	$275	$340	$410	$475
CCPR Exam	$275	$340	$410	$475

* To be eligible for the student rate, you must be enrolled in a full-time academic program and submit a copy of your student ID along with your application.

What are the prerequisites? The only prerequisite for the CDT program is your desire to be a better practitioner. CDT certification is recommended for architects, contractors, contract administrators, manufacturer representatives, specifiers, and all others concerned with writing, enforcing, or interpreting any aspect of construction documentation. To sit for the CCCA, CCS or CCPR you must have passed the CDT exam and have demonstrable and verifiable experience in your area of expertise.

How do I register for certification examinations? Register direct only with the Institute in Alexandria, VA - you cannot register with the Denver or any other chapter. Application forms are available online at www.csinet.org, by calling 1-800-689-2900 or by emailing Vic Palazzini, Denver Chapter Certification Chair, at vpalazzini@hotmail.com .

NOTE: The Institute will send you confirmation that you have registered. If you do not receive it within a reasonable period of time contact Vic Palazzini at 303-981-2893 or email at vpalazzini@hotmail.com .

How can I prepare for the exams? You may study independently, but consider enrolling in and attending the Denver Chapter training classes to increase your odds of passing the first time around. See Denver Chapter’s 2008 Certifications Registration Form for details. See below for list of study materials.

CDT Certification: Pre-requisite for all other exams - 2 hour exam consisting of 100 multiple choice questions - 75% minimum passing grade - based on the following materials:

General Conditions of the Contract and Contract Forms: AIA A201-1997 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction or EJCDC C-700 2002 Standard General Conditions of the Construction Contract

CCCA, CCPR and CCS Certification: Candidates must have CDT Certification and required experience - 4 hour exam consisting of 200 multiple choice questions - 75% minimum passing grade - based on the following materials in addition to those required for CDT:

For CCS - Agreement Forms: AIA A101-1997 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor or EJCDC C-520 2002 Suggested Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor for Construction Contract (Stipulated Price)

For CCCA - Agreement Forms: AIA A101-1997 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor and AIA B141-1997 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect, or EJCDC E‑500 2002 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Engineer for Professional Services and EJCDC C-520 2002 Suggested Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor for Construction Contract (Stipulated Price)

Candidates who successfully pass the CDT exam are eligible to apply for a $100 scholarship established in the memory of Tom Keeton, FCSI and long-time member of the Denver Chapter. Two scholarships will be awarded annually. Applications can be obtained from the certification committee by contacting Vic Palazzini at 303-981-2893 or email at vpalazzini@hotmail.com.