Earn & Learn Project Delivery Education

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

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2020 CSI CDT Certification Study Groups and Courses

​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.