Contributed by Eric D. Lussier

​Whether an emerging professional, new to your company or new to your position, personal advancement through a professional certification is a tremendous asset in more ways than one.

In the construction industry, the certifications through the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) carry weight with many of the major players of a project – the owner, the architect, the general contractor, product representative or construction manager.

CSI’s Certifications include the Construction Documents Technologist (CDT), Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA), Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) and Certified Construction Product Representative (CCPR).

If you are new to the construction industry or a 50-year veteran, the CDT can and will help you with an overall building project - it is truly the ultimate guide to project delivery. If you find yourself lost in a 1500 page, 49 division project manual, the CDT can help you understand where to find what you are looking for and just how that project unfolds right through to commissioning.

I can tell you first hand how much attaining the CDT has assisted me in my job. Before I attained my CDT, I focused almost solely on Division 9 of architectural specifications, where you can find the sport flooring that I represent. Week after week of studying and learning from the (then) PRM (Project Resource Manual), my eyes were opened to just how much broader of a scope a project is. From project conception right through to commissioning, I was able to more thoroughly understand all of the facets and parties involved.

You are never alone when you work with CSI, either. Whether a member or a CDT test taker, fellow CSI members like myself are always there to help. Through blogs, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or the tried and true phone call, we’re always glad to offer assistance.

CSI Bloggers include David Stutzman, CSI, CCS from Conspectus. “What was my first project after graduating college with an architectural degree? A prominent design? No, measuring and documenting 65 existing buildings at Letterkenny Army Depot; calculating energy savings; estimating construction costs; and finally writing the project specifications using the Corps of Engineers master specs.” Read David’s blog: www.conspectusinc.com/blog/author/david-stutzman

Liz O’Sullivan, CSI, CCS, CCCA: “There’s SO MUCH to learn – all of us in the construction industry are constantly learning (or should be). Much of this knowledge can ONLY be gained through experience, but not all of it has to be.A really good way to learn about how your documents may be interpreted by the users is to prepare for a CSI certification exam, starting with the CDT (Construction Documents Technologist) exam.” Read Liz’s blog: www.lizosullivanaia.com/

Marvin Kemp, AIA, FCSI, CSI says "What if we used the great manufacturer's reps each chapter has to mentor the next generation of manufacturer's reps? How great could our industry be if each and every rep that entered an architect's or engineer's office or stepped onto a job site held the CCPR certification or at least CDT? How great would CSI be with that sort of involvement?"  Read Marvin's blog: www.accidentaleader.blogspot.com/

CSI only offers CDT certifications during a spring and a fall testing window each year and the spring window is approaching.  2020 CDT Exam early registration is February 19 to March 18 and the late registration is April 1 to Apr 30.  The exam testing window is May 4 – June 5, 2020.

To read more about CDT Certification, please visit wwwcsiresources.org/certification/cdt

​Editor's Note: Let's Fix Construction is not endorsing any particular CSI Chapter, group or company that is providing these study groups. This list is meant to be informative only. If your Chapter is offering a CDT Study Group for 2020, please email us at [email protected] with the details to be added. )

EASTERN USA: 
Central Pennsylvania Chapter CSI will be hosting an 8-session in-person course on Thursday evenings running from January 23 to March 12th from 6-8:30pm at Gannett Fleming, Inc., West Building, Room W260, 209 Senate Ave., Camp Hill, PA. More information is available at cpc-csi.com/certification

CSI Baltimore will be running 11 weekly sessions for CDT starting on January 7th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Download the syllabus and registration information here.  Depending upon interest, we will also offer the CCS and CCCA sessions (4 weekly sessions each) in April instead of as listed in the syllabus.

CSI Vermont will be hosting an eight week CDT Study Session starting Tuesday, February 4th and will meet each Tuesday March 24th from 5:30 to 7:30 at TruexCullins Architecture + Interior Design, 209 Battery Street, Burlington, VT 05401. Please visit http://ow.ly/5kmE30q4w07 for more information or contact lead instructor Cam Featherstonhaugh at 802.658.2775 or via [email protected] should you have additional questions. 

Greater Lehigh Valley CSI is hosting 2020 CDT Study Sessions with instructors Mitch Miller and Clint Newton at ATAS International, 6612 Snowdrift Road, Allentown, PA. Earn up to 12 AIA/CES LUs and register no later than  January 31. FREE to CSI Members.  Non-members $50.  All classes will be held on a Thursday, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM on the 1/16, 1/30, 2/13, 2/27, 3/12 and 3/26 Details & Registration: ow.ly/E1En30q4w2M Download a flyer on this study group here. 

MIDWEST:
Columbus State Community College offers a one day CDT Boot Camp in conjunction with the CSI Columbus Chapter twice a year - April and October, including a review of the CDT with sample questions and strategies to improve your success on the CDT.  Join them this year on April 18, 2020. Download a flyer with schedule here.  They also offer the same one day program embedded in the CSCC CMGT 1105 Documents course, along with a CDT Exam attempt.  The course is offered every term through Columbus State face to face, and most terms online. Contact Dean Bortz [email protected] or 614-287-5033

CSI Chicago is hosting an in-person class starting January 6 and running through March 23, 2020, 5:30pm - 8:00pm at HACIA 650 W. Lake Street, Suite 415 in Chicago. More information and register at  http://csiresources.org/chicagochapter/certification/cdt/study-class and act fast as there are only a few seats left.

Metro Detroit CSI is hosting study classes for the Spring 2020 CDT Exam beginning January 23, 2020.  Classes will be held on Thursday evenings at 6pm in Walled Lake, MI. There is no charge for these classes. They are made available courtesy of Metro Detroit CSI and Hansen Marketing Services, Inc. Please visit  www.detroitcsi.org/certifications.html for additional information and to register.

WESTERN USA: 
CSI Portland is offering live AND ONLINE classes beginning February 5th at Walsh Construction at 2905 SW 1st Ave in Portland.  All classes will be held from 6pm - 8pm on Wednesdays February – 5, 12, 19, 26, March - 4, 11, 18, 25, 31 (Tuesday) and April - 8. Details and registration fees can be reviewed here. 

LACSI is offering preparation classes for all four levels of certification.  AIA CEU/LU credits will be offered. Classes to be held at DLR Group, 700 Flower St., 22nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017 and held Saturdays, February 1st– March 14th, 2019 9:00 am – 12:00 Noon (CDT Training Sessions), Saturday, March 7th, 2019 9:00 am – 12:00 Noon (Mock Exam) and Saturday, March 14th, 2019 9:00 am – 12:00 Noon (Review of AIA document, A201). More info at https://www.lacsi.org/events/lacsi-certification-preparation-classes-winter-spring-2020/

ONLINE
CSI Portland - Please review above and visit here.

Contributed by Eric D. Lussier

It is difficult to go a day without hearing of the skilled trade shortage that we are suffering within the construction industry. The issue is by no means new, but has been brought to the forefront by voices like Mike Rowe of "Dirty Jobs" and John Ratzenberger. 

These independent voices coupled with prominent companies stepping forward to combat these problems, such as Home Depot and Lowes, gives me hope that we've recognized the need for course correction and we're acting on it.

An industry that is near and dear to me - floorcovering - stepped forward last week to announce their part in addressing the skilled trades shortage with their "We are Part of the Solution" initiative.  Kudos to the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) for fighting this fight. We're only in the early rounds of this 12 round battle if you ask me, but we need more industry associations to drop personal (and political) interests and instead draw industries, businesses and groups together to tackle these matters. We're not going to resolve this overnight, but we will get to the later rounds of the fight, as we all need to be a part of the solution.  

Please read on for the official WFCA announcement...

December 12, 2019 – Chattanooga, Tn.  At a press conference earlier today, the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) announced the first ever industry-wide initiative, “We are Part of the Solution,” to impact the most pressing matter facing our industry - the installation crisis. The World Floor Covering Association has committed an initial seed-funding donation of $1.0M and challenges industry leaders to join with the WFCA in solving the labor shortage. This breakthrough collaborative effort will include two distinct initiatives that will serve to broaden industry support and participation. As an initial step, the WFCA has spearheaded the formation
of the Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF), an organization dedicated to recruiting and training individuals in preparation for a career in the flooring industry. In another unprecedented move, to be truly inclusive of all industry partners, the WFCA has made its membership FREE to all independent floorcovering dealers.

FCEF exists to lead a collaborative network of industry and educational partners aligned to support student development, training, certification, and transition into the flooring industry workforce, but its initial focus will be on solving the installation crisis at the root level of the problem – student recruitment and education. According to the FCLC (Floor Covering Leadership Council) study, the industry will need to recruit and educate roughly 6 thousand new installers annually for the next 10 years to replace attrition in the workforce, or the crisis will deepen. 

Contributed by Eric D. Lussier

Roald Dahl said, "somewhere inside of all of us is the power to change the world." Since construction is our world, let's presume that somewhere inside all of us is the power to change construction. 

Whether you just wrapped your first day or first month on the job, your first year or first decade, fifteenth or fiftieth year, you have something unique inside of you.

Perhaps it's your perspective. Or, it’s your perception. Your observations from the other side of the fence. Your adaptation from a different industry into ours.

No matter your background or your level of experience, your voice and knowledge is unique to you. Your knowledge is indeed power. And what good is your knowledge if it is not shared?

Well, once again, now is your chance to share that knowledge and voice by being a part of CONSTRUCT 2020, which will be held September 30 – October 2, 2020 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, TX, located in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and just minutes from DFW airport. 

CONSTRUCT offers "a platform for exploring and refining innovative solutions to solve complex problems facing the AEC industry today.  During the three-day educational program and two-day expo, industry leaders converge with a common goal of educating and inspiring for the betterment of the industry."

Participants at CONSTRUCT are not just looking for the same old tired box lunch sessions. CONSTRUCT is seeking solutions to real-world problems, in diverse areas such as:

• Building Science and Performance
• Construction
• Materials and Methods
• Design
• Contract Documents/Construction Contract Administration
• Specifications
• Project Management
• Professional Development, Sales, Marketing, Etc.

In addition, unique delivery formats are desired. Instead of the standard lecture, consider utilizing a combination of learning formats, such as case studies, panel discussions with audience participation, small group discussions/peer-to-peer learning, and hands-on activities. 

You have one month to gather your thoughts and turn what you’ve learned into a unique session that will build your reputation and improve the construction community. The call for education session proposals closes at 11:59 pm PT on January 8, 2020. 

Be a part of CONSTRUCT 2020 and be a part of the solutions that the construction industry needs, learn how to submit your proposal and share your knowledge today!

______________________________________________________

Disclaimer: As the author of this piece, I should let it be known that I have had the honor to be on the CONSTRUCT Education Advisory Council since 2017. The Council assists CONSTRUCT show management in developing the Education Program by reviewing and grading the call for presentations submitted for consideration, providing input and suggestions for improving current and future educational activities, including recommending new and diverse educational presenters, topics, and formats.

Contributed by Eric D. Lussier

It struck me last night while addressing the family’s fifty Christmas cards that the art of sending Holiday cards is much like creating content. And it all boils down to this:

You either make time, or you don’t.

And as a family, we’ve been good about it. Since introducing the youngest six years ago, we’ve only missed one season. When it comes down to it, it generally only takes an hour to find a few pictures, upload them to a photo website and then order them. Addressing, sealing and stamping takes another hour or so. The end result is usually delivered in two hours and off they go into the world, to live on the refrigerator or wall for a few weeks and then shuffled away into the great trashcan in the sky, or to live in a drawer with all of the other years accumulated like ours do.

So, why is it so difficult to find these two hours and get this deed done? I suppose for the same reason that it’s hard to sit down and create a piece of content: it’s about finding the time. Time is our most precious commodity, yet we cannot purchase more. No matter how many Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales we look though.  

There is always something else to get done. At home, you have the chores that never stop, especially with children. Cooking. Dishes. Laundry. Daily routines. Did I mention dishes? With a six-year-old and an eight-year-old, there are always dishes. If I’m not loading the dishwasher, I’m emptying the dishwasher. If I’m not hand-washing, I’m loading or emptying the dishwasher. It. Doesn’t. Ever. Stop.

For work, or the side hustle, it’s much the same. There’s always the need for billable time. For sending invoices or collecting money. Finalizing details. Meetings. Endless meetings. Phone calls. Emails.

It then circles back around to priorities in life. Is the world going to end if they don’t see pictures of the children? Certainly not. But it’s the thought, or message, that counts. That you took time out of your day to create the card (or content), addressed, stamped and licked the envelope (or posted the blog), and passed them off to the postal service (or posted to Facebook) to hopefully spread joy onto the recipient.

Mere days into December, we’re just three weeks from Christmas Eve. I scratch my head wondering where 2019 went. 2020 starts just four weeks from tomorrow. I usually can’t find an extra two hours in my week, but as I licked the fiftieth envelope at 7:30 last night, I’m glad those 120 minutes were discovered.