Exam Program Basics
1. When and where will CSI offer the national exams?
2. How do I register for an exam?
3. When can I register for an exam?
4. What are the exam fees?
5. What are the prerequisites for the Certified Construction Specifier (CCS), Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA), and Certified Construction Product Representative (CCPR) exams?
6. Can I register for the CDT exam and the CCS/CCCA/CCPR exam at the same time?
7. What is the format of the exams?
8. Is the exam open book?
9. How will I know which questions I get wrong?
10. I am a CSI member. Do all members of my firm get the member price for the exam?
11. How long will it take to receive my exam results?
12. What is the pass rate for the exam?
13. How soon after I pass the CDT can I take a certification exam?
14. Is there a difference between the CDT exam and the CDT Student Exam other than cost?
15. If my chapter does not have a study group, what are my options?
16. Is CSI membership required to take the CDT exam or CSI certification (CCS, CCCA, CCPR) exams?
17. Is CSI membership required to maintain or renew CSI certifications?
Exam Source Materials
18. What are the source materials for the exams?
19. Will CSI offer study guides?
20. I'm an instructor. How do I prepare to lead a study course?
21. What is The Project Resource Manual - CSI Manual of Practice (PRM)?
22. Is the PRM available in an electronic format?
23. Where can I get the PRM?
Exam Policies
24. What is CSI's policy regarding exam cancellations?
25. If I don't pass the exam, when may I take it again?
Certification Renewal
26. What do I have to do to renew my certification?
27. What are the continuing education requirements for certification renewal?
28. I frequently see programs for AIA. Do credits achieved in AIA sponsored classes count toward my certification renewal?
29. How do I register my continuing education with CSI?
30. What are some examples of professional or industry activities for which I can earn CEUs?
31. What are some examples of construction industry-related activities for which I can earn CEUs?
32. Are there any activities which do not qualify for CEUs?
33. Is CSI membership required to maintain or renew CSI certifications?
34. After I submit my renewal, when will I receive a certificate reflecting my new certification expiration date?
CSI/AEC Daily Online Training Courses
35. Is the online course a study course?
36. How do I get to the online course?
37. How many credit hours can I receive?
38. How much is the online course?
39. Do I earn the CDT certificate designation after completing the online course?
40. Will there be other online classes?
Misc.
41. How many questions are there on the CDT exam?
Exam Program Basics
1. When and where will CSI offer the national exams?
The CDT and advanced certification exams will be administered via computer-based testing at Prometric test centers throughout the U.S. Prometric is a recognized leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services. To register for an exam, click "Event Registration" above and look for the next exam date.
To view the Prometric test center locations, visit www.prometric.com/CSI and select “Locate a Testing Center”. To pass, candidates must receive a grade of 75 percent or higher.
2. How do I register for an exam?
Candidates will register through CSI at www.csinet.org. Approximately two months prior to the exam, candidates will receive an email notification with instructions on reserving their date and time at a Prometric test center using an individual authorization number. Uncomfortable registering online? Download the CDT Registration Form (PDF) or the Advanced Certification Registration Form (PDF).
3. When can I register for an exam?
Visit www.csinet.org, click "Event Registration" and browse the calendar for upcoming exams.
4. What are the exam fees?
Exam fees vary based on CSI membership and date of registration. Full-time students may register for the CDT exam at a discounted rate. See the application form or click "Events" above for exact pricing. Note: the online registration system displays non-member prices. Once the user logs in as a member as part of the registration process, the prices will change to reflect member discounts.
5. What are the prerequisites for the Certified Construction Specifier (CCS), Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA), and Certified Construction Product Representative (CCPR) exams?
There are no prerequisites for the CDT certificate exam.
CCS certification exam candidates must:
- Have passed the CDT exam within the last five years.
- Have prepared, helped prepare, or coordinated either Bidding Requirements or Division 01 - General Requirements.
- Have directly prepared specification sections actually used in construction.
- Provide contact information for 2 design professionals who will attest the candidate has at least five years experience in a construction design discipline (not including academic work).
CCCA certification exam candidates must:
- Have passed the CDT exam.
- Candidates are strongly encouraged to have at least two years experience in contract administration.
CCPR certification exam candidates must:
- Have passed the CDT.
- Have a minimum of 2 years experience representing construction product(s) (not including academic work).
- Provide contact information for a manufacturer or employer who will attest the candidate has at least 2 years experience representing construction products.
6. Can I register for the CDT exam and the CCS/CCCA/CCPR exam at the same time?
No. You must receive your passing results for the CDT exam before registering for the CCS/CCCA/CCPR exam. Registration for a CCS/CCCA/CCPR exam is required at least 30 days prior to the exam date.
7. What is the format of the exams?
All exams are multiple-choice. The CDT has 100 questions. The CCS, CCCA, and CCPR exams each have 200 questions.
8 How will I know which questions I get wrong?
The notification of exam results includes an exam feedback analysis. You will see the subject area and percentage correct.
9 I am a CSI member. Do all members of my firm get the member price for the exam?
CSI membership is on an individual basis. Firms or companies are not eligible.
10. Is the exam open book?
CSI exams are not open book. Study materials are not permitted while taking the exam.
11. How long will it take to receive my exam results?
Candidates taking a computer-based exam will receive their results after their exam at a Prometric test center.
12. What is the pass rate for the exam?
CSI does not publish official pass rates for any exam.
13. How soon after I pass the CDT can I take a certification exam?
Registration with CSI is required at least 30 days in advance. See published registration deadlines for specific exam dates.
14. Is there a difference between the CDT exam and the CDT Student Exam other than cost?
No. The exam is the same.
15. If my chapter does not have a study group, what are my options?
- Download a free study guide
- Sign up for AEC Daily's FREE online, Construction Documents Education Program at www.aecdaily.com
- Sign up for The Spec Guy webinars or email study program at www.specguy.com
- Purchase CSI's Construction Documents Education Program (CDEP) program for course instructors
- Take a distance learning course. For example, the University of New Mexico delivers an online construction documents course with the CDT given as the final exam (course requires acceptance to the university). For more information about the UNM course, email the instructor, Lee Orosco, FCSI, CCS: lee.h.orosco@gmail.com.
16. Is CSI membership required to take the CDT exam or CSI certification (CCS, CCCA, CCPR) exams?
No. CSI membership is not required for testing.
17. Is CSI membership required to maintain or renew CSI certifications?
No. CSI membership is not required to maintain or renew CSI certification.
Exam Source Materials
18. What are the source materials for the exams?
CSI's Certificate/Certification Program exams are based on full content of The Project Resource Manual - CSI Manual of Practice (PRM) 5th edition. The PRM includes UniFormat™, MasterFormat™, SectionFormat™ and PageFormat™. The PRM reflects MasterFormat™ 2004 Edition numbers and titles. The exams also test a candidate's knowledge of certain AIA or EJCDC forms. See the "Study Guides and Source Materials" section of the Certification area of CSINet for complete source lists.
19. Will CSI offer study guides?
Yes. Study guides are available in a free download here. Watch CSINet's Certification area at www.csinet.org/certification for information about other resources.
20. I'm an instructor. How do I prepare to lead a certification class?
Read the PRM, MasterFormat 2004, the relevant AIA or EJCDC documents, and use the study guides. You'll find all the information you're used to teaching is there. Plan to start your class in early January. Begin marketing courses in the fall so candidate can register for the exams prior to the early registration deadline.
CSI also offers recommended education programs. Watch CSINet's Certification area at www.csinet.org/certification for information about these resources.
21. What is The Project Resource Manual - CSI Manual of Practice (PRM)?
The PRM is the authoritative resource for the organization, preparation, use, and interpretation of construction documents. It encompasses the entire life cycle of a facility from conception through facility management. The PRM considers the need for interdependent processes of planning, design, construction, and facility use.
22. Is the PRM available in an electronic format?
Yes. The PRM is packaged as a hardbound book with an electronic copy.
23. Where can I get the PRM?
The PRM is packaged as a hardbound book with an electronic copy. Available now, you can purchase a copy through the CSI Store. The cost is $236 CSI members/$295 non-members.
Certification Exam Policies
24. What is CSI's policy regarding exam cancellations?
Cancellations and Deferrals
Candidates who are unable to sit for a scheduled exam may request a cancellation and refund of the application fee. Cancellation requests must be submitted to the Institute in writing using this form. A scheduled exam appointment with Prometric must also be cancelled through Prometric via www.prometric.com/csi or 1-800-503-8991. Candidates who do not request a cancellation and do not sit for the exam forfeit all fees. Application fees may not be transferred to another individual. Candidates who wish to sit for the next exam must submit a new application and fee.
- Exam cancellations received up to 14 days before the scheduled exam will be refunded 100% of the exam fee.
- Exam cancellations received within 14 days of the scheduled exam will be refunded 50% of the exam fee.
- Exam cancellations received within 48 hours of the scheduled exam will not be refunded the exam fee.
Candidates who do not request a cancellation or refund and do not sit for the exam forfeit all fees. Application fees may not be transferred.
Retesting
Candidates who are unsuccessful in passing an exam may retest after at least 90 days. Retesting requires a new Examination Application and application fee. CCS, CCCA, and CCPR certifications are valid for three years. Renewal may be achieved by earning 24 hours of continuing education = 2.4 CEUs and paying the renewal fee. CDT is a lifetime achievement and does not require renewal.
Substitutions
No substitutions may be made for any CSI exam. Application fees may not be transferred to another individual.
Contact Information
Should you have questions regarding CSI's Certificate/Certification Programs, please contact CSI's Member Services at one of the following:
Phone: 800-689-2900, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (eastern)
Fax: 703-236-4600
Mail: CSI
Attn: Member Services
110 South Union Street
Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22314
25. If I don't pass the exam, when may I take it again?
Candidates who are unsuccessful in passing an exam may retest after at least 90 days. Please note that a new application form and full registration fee are required for retesting.
Certification Renewal
26. What do I have to do to renew my certification?
CCS, CCCA, and CCPR certifications are valid for three years. In the early spring of your renewal year, CSI will send you an Application for Certification Renewal. You will be asked to attest that you have met the continuing education requirements and to submit a renewal fee.
27. What are the continuing education requirements for certification renewal?
Certificants are required to earn an average of 8 hours of continuing education = 0.8 CEUs per Certification Year. Within the 8 hours, a minimum of 50% must be related to your professional or industry discipline. The remaining 4 hours may be obtained through professional or industry activities or construction-related activities. For the 3 years, certificants must have earned a total of 24 learning hours or 2.4 CEUs.
28. I frequently see programs for AIA. Do credits achieved in AIA sponsored classes count toward my certification renewal?
Yes. CSI recognizes AIA credits as part of a certificant's continuing education.
29. How do I register my continuing education with CSI?
You do not need to register your continuing education with CSI. Instead, you maintain them in your personal records. In the spring of your renewal year, CSI will send you an Application for Certification Renewal which will ask you to attest that you have earned the required hours of continuing education. CSI does perform random audits and may ask you to provide documentation of your continuing education hours in the form of AIA transcripts, meeting agendas, CEU certificates, or articles read/written.
30. What are some examples of professional or industry activities for which I can earn CEUs?
Meeting state/professional license requirements, attending/instructing seminars, or publishing articles.
31. What are some examples of construction industry-related activities for which I can earn CEUs?
Technical tours, reading industry publications (such as The Construction Specifier), and professional technical meetings.
32. Are there any activities which do not qualify for CEUs?
Yes. Activities which do not qualify for CEUs include any activities which are a normal part of your vocational job description, and which are normally and routinely performed in the course of your employment duties.
If you have any other questions or need more information, please contact CSI's Member Services at (800) 689-2900 or csi@csinet.org.
33. Is CSI membership required to maintain or renew CSI certifications?
No. CSI membership is not required to maintain or renew CSI certification.
34. After I submit my renewal, when will I receive a certificate reflecting my new certification expiration date?
A: New certificates will be mailed after the June 30th deadline.
CSI/AEC Daily Online Training Courses
35. Is the online course a study course?
The online courses are not study courses for the CDT exam. They are, however, recommended courses - they were developed and based upon the CSI Project Resource Manual - Manual of Practice (PRM).
36. How do I get to the online course?
In order to take the course, visit www.aecdaily.com, select “Online Learning” from the left-hand navigation bar. Then select the course you wish to take.
37. How many credit hours can I receive?
You can earn 1 AIA/CES Learning Unit, which is equivalent to 0.1 CEU credits.
38. How much is the online course?
The online training course is available free of charge.
39. Do I earn the CDT certificate designation after completing the online course?
To become a Construction Documents Technologist, you must sit for and pass the CDT exam. Candidates should register for the exam directly with CSI at www.csinet.org/certification. Please be sure to read all exam information carefully before registering. Visit www.csinet.org/certification for more information.
40. Will there be other online classes?
Yes, CSI and AEC Daily are working on several series of education programs that cover Construction Documents, Construction Specifications, Contract Administration and Product Representation.
Misc.
41. How many questions are there on the CDT exam?
There may be more than 100 questions on the CDT exam you take. Only 100 pre-determined questions will count. The remaining questions are not scored and are included for the purpose of determining their validity as exam questions, and may be included on future exams.