Construction Documents Technology (CDT) Program Overview

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The CDT will put you in an elite group of industry professionals whose expertise is recognized by an industry leader. No matter what you do in construction, the CDT is the program for you! Putting CSI credentials after your name is the industry’s proof that you are among the industry’s best, and have made a personal commitment to your profession.

The CDT can help you manage the complexities of a LEED project. Site development, water efficiency, energy use, building materials, interior building systems, construction wastes and increased recycling—you have to manage it all when you are building to achieve LEED certification. How can earning a CSI CDT certificate help you build LEED certified? Download this brochure find out!

The CDT can help polish your resume. It’s harder and harder to stand out in the employment market right now. The CDT can help pull your resume to the top of the heap.

The CDT will get you into CSI’s new Certificants Directory. CSI’s Certificants Directory helps the public find the right professional for the job – one who has demonstrated construction documentation skill by earning a CDT, CCS, CCCA, or CCPR.

You don’t have to do it alone. Even if your local chapter doesn’t offer a chapter study course, candidates may still:

With CDT after your name, you'll belong to a select and highly respected group of construction professionals – architects, contractors, contract administrators, specifiers, manufacturers representatives – known in the industry for their comprehensive knowledge of the writing and management of construction documents.

CDT - It's the foundation you need to gain the competitive advantage. As the cornerstone of CSI's certification program, it's also the prerequisite you need to achieve your Certified Construction Specifier (CCS), Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA), or Certified Construction Product Representative (CCPR) certification.

The Construction Documents Technology (CDT) Program

The Construction Documents Technology (CDT) Program provides a comprehensive overview for anyone who writes, interprets, enforces, or manages construction documents. Project architects, contractors, contract administrators, material suppliers, and manufacturers’ representatives are all realizing the advantages of being Construction Documents Technologists.

By being able to understand and interpret written construction documents, CDTs perform their jobs more effectively. By understanding the roles and relationships of all participants, CDTs improve communication among all members of the construction team.
 
CDT Exam Overview

CDT candidates must demonstrate their knowledge of CSI's recommended practices in the following subject areas:

  • The construction process
    • Construction contract types
    • Modifications and substitution procedures
  • Contractual relationships
    • Rights, duties, and responsibilities
    • Contract provisions
    • Relationship and organization of construction documents
  • Use of construction documents
    • Organizational formats 
    • Interpreting construction documents

Learn what source materials candidates must study, or learn about study guides and study groups.

About The Exam
The computer-based CDT examination lasts two and a half hours and contains 100 multiple-choice questions. The exam is administered at Prometric test centers nationwide. To view the Prometric test center locations, visit www.prometric.com/CSI and select “Start”. To pass, candidates must receive a grade of 75 percent or higher.

Full-time students may register for the CDT exam at a discounted rate.

The CDT application fee includes registration, study guide, and examination. It does not include the source materials.

Exam Content

Fundamentals 8%

Planning and Pre-Design

  • Project Conception 5%
  • Project Delivery 15%
20%

Design

  • Design 7%
  • Construction Documents 30%
37%
Procurement 10%
Construction 20%
Post-Construction 5%

Questions? Contact CSI Member Services at csi@csinet.org or 800-689-2900.
 

You may also be interested in...

  • Certification
    "CSI Certified" means you've demonstrated attainment of best practices knowledge from the industry leader in construction documentation, specification preparation, product representation and contract administration. Add CDT, CCS, CCCA, or CCPR to your name, and join an elite group of professionals who are the go-to source for employers, colleagues and clients.
  • Project Resource Manual
    For organizing, preparing, using & interpreting construction docs.
  • Certification Renewal Information
    In the renewal year, CSI will send certificants an Application for Certification Renewal. Certificants will be asked to attest that they have met the continuing education requirements (24 hours of education = 2.4 CEUs) and are active in their field, and to submit the renewal fee.
  • 2010 CCPR Renewal Form (PDF)
  • 2010 CCS Renewal Form (PDF)
  • Source Materials
    Candidates must study the correct source material when preparing for an exam. The ability to understand, interpret, and apply knowledge from the source materials is the difference between passing and failing. Source materials are not included in the examination fee, but are available for purchase through CSI, AIA, and EJCDC member organizations. Source materials may also be available for loan from local libraries, industry firms, colleges, CSI chapters, or colleagues.
  • 2010 CDT Study Guide (PDF)
  • 2010 CCS Study Guide (PDF)
  • 2010 CCCA Study Guide (PDF)
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