Published: January 2020

®

CCS Handbook for Certification Candidates

CERTIFIED CONSTRUCTION SPECIFIER

Revised 3.04.20

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 2 • CSI and the CCS • Eligibility Requirements • Candidate Profile

Exam Application 4

• Testing and Results Schedule • Application Fees and Deadlines • Applying for an Exam • Scheduling an Exam with Prometric • ADA Accommodations

Exam Format 6

• Format • Exam Specifications and Knowledge Domains • Exam Content Outline • Exam Development

Exam Reference / Source Materials 8

Exam Study Resources 9

Certification Policies 9

You’re a CCS! What’s next? 11

CSI 2020 CCS Handbook for Certification Candidates| Page 2

INTRODUCTION CSI and the CCS

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is a national association of more than 8,000 industry professionals dedicated to advancing building information management and the education of project teams to improve facility performance. Members include specifiers, manufacturers, owners and others who are experts in building construction and materials. Through CSI’s Certification Program, you can strengthen and demonstrate your understanding of the entire construction process, as well as develop and show concrete skills in:

• Understanding of agreements, conditions of the contract, Division 01, and their relationships to specifications

• Specification organization, development and production

• Researching and sourcing products

Professionals who wish to maximize project efficiency by enhancing their knowledge of specifying construction projects can do so by pursuing the Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) credential. By becoming a CCS, you will also:

• Encourage the elevation of the competence of construction specifiers

• Enhance the professional image of construction specifiers

• Encourage construction specifiers to become familiar with specifications principles as

recommended by CSI

Earning your CCS credential demonstrates you’ve acquired and proven knowledge of CSI’s recommended practices in defined bodies of knowledge, which underwent revisions in 2019:

CCS Knowledge Domains (Prior to 2020)

% of exam

CCS Knowledge Domains (Current)

% of exam

Coordination 15% Coordination 14% Planning, Development, and Organization 5%

Planning, Development, and Organization 11%

Research 5% Research 12% Analysis and Evaluation 35% Analysis and Evaluation 16% Production 40% Production 30%

Procurement, Contracting, and General Requirements 17%

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Eligibility Requirements Membership in CSI is not required in order to sit for any CSI exams. However, CSI members have access to exam-related benefits, including reduced rates for exam registration, study material purchases, and CSI event registration for required continuing education. For more information on membership, visit: www.csiresources/membership. Candidates for the CCS examination may have as few as 2 years of experience if they have earned the CDT® or a minimum of 5 of years of experience if they have not earned the CDT. Two (2) reference letters from industry professionals are required at the time of application to verify experience level. Candidates must have professional experience preparing and coordinating either Division 00-Procurement and Contracting Requirements or Division 01-General Requirements. While it is not required to have previously earned the CDT credential, candidates are strongly encouraged to obtain this foundational credential before taking the advanced CCS exam.

Candidate Profile A Construction Specifier is defined as a skilled technical writer who researches, investigates, and identifies cost-effective, efficient materials and processes, and collaborates with the project team to convey construction solutions through the specifications.

REQUIREMENTS Education High School Diploma or Equivalent

Experience and Job Training

If a CDT: a minimum of two (2) years of industry experience in the preparation and coordination of specifications in construction. If not a CDT: a minimum of five (5) years of industry experience, plus two (2) reference letters from industry professionals. Professional experience preparing and coordinating either Division 00-Procurement and Contracting Requirements or Division 01-General Requirements.

CAREER INFORMATION Typical Job Titles Architect, Engineer, Designer, Design-Builder, Assistant or Associate

Designer, Field Engineer, Product Sales/Technical Representative, Commissioning Agent, Project Manager, Construction Manager, Specifier, or Construction Attorney.

Related Experience Construction Field Experience, Development of Contract Documents, Performance of Contract Administration or Project Engineering, Project Management, Product Representation, A/E/C Office Experience, Construction Arbitration.

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Typical Education Paths

Most qualified candidates will have a degree in architecture, engineering, interior design, construction management, or a related field.

EXAM APPLICATION Testing and Results Schedule

Spring 2020 Exam Dates May 4, 2020 – June 5, 2020 Results sent via email July 2020

Fall 2020 Exam Dates November 2, 2020 – December 4, 2020 Results sent via email December 2020

Beginning in 2019, CSI certification exams undertook a new approach to passing score analysis for the full population of test takers. This means notifications for pass/fail status will be sent to each candidate approximately six weeks after the testing window closes. CSI’s exams undergo regular review to ensure the testing processes are proper and reliable, therefore, access to exam results is not immediately available.

Application Deadlines & Fees

SPRING 2020 Early Registration: February 19 – March 18

Standard Registration: March 19 – March 31

Late Registration: April 1 – April 30

CSI Member $ 375 $ 460 $ 545 Non-Member $ 625 $ 795 $ 935

FALL 2020 Early Registration: July 8 – August 7

Standard Registration: August 8 – August 31

Late Registration: September 1 – October 30

CSI Member $ 375 $ 460 $ 545 Non-Member $ 625 $ 795 $ 935

Registration cost does not include the CCS Preparation Materials, Construction Specifications Practice Guide, or the AIA A---201 or EJCDC C---700 exam source materials, which may be purchased separately.

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Applying for an Exam 1. During open registration, exam applications are completed online at:

https://www.csiresources.org/certification/mycertifications

2. To register online:

A. Login to the CSI website with your username and password. New users must create an account with CSI, but are not required to join as a member. If you are not sure if you have a CSI account, contact Member Services at 1-800-689-2900 or csi@csinet.org.

B. Be sure the email used for your CSI record belongs to you (i.e. not a general “info@...” address). This email is how you will receive communications throughout the certification application and exam process.

C. Select “Get Certified” on the “My Certifications” Page. D. In the Apply for New Certifications box, click “Apply for Certified

Construction Specifier Certification.” E. Read and agree to the terms and conditions, click “Continue.” F. Enter the number of years of experience in construction specifying G. Important: If you are required to submit reference letters (as mentioned

on page 3), be sure to follow the instructions provided during the application process or your application will not be processed.

H. Enter your credit card information and submit payment. A receipt will be emailed to you or you can print the payment confirmation page.

3. An Authorization To Test (ATT) Notification will be emailed to you within one week

of your application being processed. If you do not receive an ATT within a week of registration, or misplace your email, please contact CSI at certification@csinet.org. Be sure to check your junk mail folder and add CSI email addresses to your safe senders list.

Scheduling an Exam with Prometric

The CCS is a computer-based exam administered at Prometric test centers throughout the USA, US Territories, and Canada.

Once your application is approved by CSI, you will receive the Authorization To Test (ATT) email notification with instructions for scheduling your exam at a Prometric test center using your individual eligibility number which is noted on the ATT. Go to the Prometric website: www.prometric.com/CSI. Select “Locate A Test Center” to view the available Prometric test centers near you. ADA Accommodations If you require accommodations as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, please review CSI’s Test Accommodations Guidelines prior to scheduling your exam. Requests and supporting documentation should be emailed to certification@csinet.org at least 30 days prior to when you plan to take the exam and before you register.

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EXAM FORMAT

Exam Specifications and Knowledge Domains

The CCS exam is a computer---based test that contains 173 multiple---choice questions. Candidates have four (4) hours to complete the exam. The proportion of the exam dedicated to each Knowledge Domain is as follows:

Domain 1: Planning, Development, and Organization 11% Domain 2: Coordination 14% Domain 3: Research 12% Domain 4: Production 30% Domain 5: Analysis and Evaluation 16% Domain 6: Procurement, Contracting and General Requirements 17%

Domain 1: Planning, Development, and Organization

A. Evaluate scope of project and identify anticipated specifications. B. Manage the specifications production schedule (e.g. format, timing). C. Develop and maintain project files (aka: product notebook) of systems, products, and materials

proposed for work on the project. D. Maintain version control of specifications. E. Develop and maintain office master guide specifications

Domain 2: Coordination

A. Collect, track, and coordinate specification information B. Coordinate A/E team proposed choices to align with project requirements. C. Coordinate specification information with project team (e.g., owner, contractor, designer,

product representatives). D. Obtain and verify owner procurement and contract requirements. E. Evaluate and verify the compatibility of products and materials. F. Coordinate the specifications across project team disciplines. G. Evaluate the specifications to confirm alignment with contract documents. H. Compile available project information into the project manual. I. Coordinate with project team to specify alternates.

Domain 3: Research

A. Conduct research on materials and systems for product selection. B. Research applicable code requirements. C. Evaluate product suitability for project conditions. D. Review key product selections with product representatives. E. Research applicable product standards.

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Domain 4: Production

A. Develop outline specifications and project manuals. B. Translate design narratives into specification (e.g. Uniformat to MasterFormat). C. Determine style of specifications for systems, assemblies, and materials (i.e., descriptive, reference

standard, proprietary, performance). D. Translate graphic information presented in drawings into succinct written form. E. Review the procurement and contracting requirements. F. Determine what submittals are required to ensure quality installation and adequate project

documentation (i.e. record documents). G. Specify preparation and finishing requirements for the product. H. Review and comment on specification sections written by others. I. Prepare and edit specifications sections. J. Organize project documents according to CSI formats. K. Prepare documents for publication and distribution. L. Archive electronic files for version control.

Domain 5: Analysis and Evaluation

A. Align the specifications to project delivery method and schedule. B. Evaluate systems, assemblies, and materials being proposed for the project. C. Verify that systems, assemblies, and materials meet project requirements. D. Analyze drawings for systems, assemblies, and materials. E. Evaluate products for code requirements. F. Assess interior climate conditions for impact on materials and methods (e.g., pool, sauna, clean

room). G. Assess environmental conditions for impact on materials and methods (e.g., weather, humidity,

seismic). H. Evaluate products and systems for constructability and sequencing in project locale. I. Evaluate and select products for compliance with design intent (e.g., cost, quality, aesthetics). J. Obtain and evaluate standards and information from technical and professional societies. K. Review reference standards for appropriateness (e.g., ASTM, AWWA). L. Verify that necessary reference standards options have been selected. M. Review and incorporate results of value engineering decisions. N. Verify proposed construction meets the manufacturer’s warranty requirements.

Domain 6: Procurement, Contracting, and General Requirements

A. Edit specifications to confirm to Owner procurement and contract requirements. B. Coordinate Division 01 General Requirements with all other specifications. C. Incorporate project-specific requirements into Division 01 sections. D. Specify the project measurement and payment procedures. E. Specify substitution requirements and procedures. F. Evaluate the acceptability of substitution request submittal. G. Specify RFI requirements and procedures. H. Evaluate and specify delegated design (e.g. application, scope, process).

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Exam Development The CCS exam reflects the results of a professional Body of Knowledge Analysis (BoKA) that determined the subject matter areas (knowledge domains) that are important for a Certified Construction Specifier to master. The purpose of a BoKA is to thoroughly review and update the definition of the subject matter to be tested on the exam, so that it reflects the current state of the industry and evolving trends.

The current CCS test forms represent a significant commitment by CSI to provide an examination that reflects current practice and cutting-edge developments that affect construction specifying.

EXAM REFERENCES / SOURCE MATERIALS

Exam Reference Materials: • Construction Specifications Practice Guide (CSPG) • Project Delivery Practice Guide (PDPG) Second Edition • MasterFormat® 2018 edition • UniFormat® 2010 edition • SectionFormat® • PageFormat®

Many of the CSI documents have been updated in recent years. Candidates are cautioned that older versions, such as MasterFormat 1995, are no longer supported by CSI and should not be relied upon in preparing for the exam. MasterFormat numbers and titles, UniFormat, SectionFormat/PageFormat, and GreenFormat are available for download with the purchase of the Project Delivery Practice Guide Second Edition. Download links are available in your CSI Resources dashboard.

The above materials are available from the Construction Specifications Institute’s Bookstore.

CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT

AIA Document A201 – 2007 is available from the

OR EJCDC C---700 – 2007 is available from the

American Institute of Architects www.aia.org

National Society of Professional Engineers www.nspe.org

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EXAM STUDY RESOURCES

Please note, not all materials or resources below may be available at the time of publishing. Refer to the CSI website for the most current information.

• CCS Study Workbook (Digital only)

The CCS Study Workbook is a guide to help candidates prepare for the CCS Exam. The workbook facilitates a clear understanding of the recommended practices for construction contract administration, and is comprised of exercises, examples, and practice questions that address the development of facilities and the ins and outs of the process. The information in this Study Workbook is based upon a “Practice Analysis of Practitioners in Construction Specifying,” a study conducted by CSI and completed in 2011.

• CSI Chapter CCS Courses

Many CSI chapters offer CCS prep programs or study groups. Contact your local chapter for information about their prep courses.

• CSI Online Study Groups Once you have registered to sit for the CCS exam you will be automatically added to an online study group within the CSI website. Be sure to carefully watch your email for the invitation that will guide you to this virtual community of candidates preparing for the CCS exam.

CERTIFICATION POLICIES

CSI exam application fees are non---transferable to another individual and are non-refundable. Candidates who do not request a deferral at least six days prior to the exam date, who no-show or otherwise do not sit for the exam will forfeit all fees. Candidates who then wish to sit for the next exam cycle must re-submit a new application and all required fees.

Rescheduling To reschedule within the current exam window, contact Prometric via prometric.com/csi or 1-800-503-8991 to select your new exam date within the current testing window (May 4 – June 5, 2019) and to pay any applicable rescheduling fee.

# of Days Prior to Your Exam Appointment: Prometric Rescheduling Fee: 30 days or more No rescheduling fee 8 – 29 days $30 paid to Prometric 7 or less days Rescheduling not permitted / no refund or

credit

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Deferral If you have a medical or significant personal emergency, you may submit a request to defer for one cycle. Please follow the process as listed on the website. Review the fee schedule and deferral emergency requirements. A deferral request form is required to process your request. If you have a scheduled appointment with Prometric, and if a deferral is approved by CSI, you must cancel directly through Prometric via prometric.com/csi or 1-800-503-8991. Deferred exams must be completed within the next testing window (i.e. a spring candidate defers to the next fall exam, and a fall candidate defers to the next spring exam). If a deferred exam is not taken during that timeframe, no refund is provided, and a new application and registration fee will be required to sit for a future exam.

Deferral Fee Schedule If an emergency deferral is approved:

CSI Fee: Prometric Fee:

If registered with no test date scheduled $200 CSI member $275 CSI non-member $0 due to Prometric

6 - or more days prior to test date $200 CSI member $275 CSI non-member

$30 due to Prometric from the Candidate

a) 5 or less days before test date, or b) you fail to appear for a scheduled

Test - “no show”, or c) you are more than thirty (30) minutes

late for the scheduled test start time and will be refused admission to test

Deferral not allowed - Must pay full exam fee for next cycle

Cancellation To cancel your exam registration, submit a written request to CSI using the request form. If you have scheduled an appointment at a Prometric Testing Center, it must be cancelled separately through Prometric via www.prometric.com/csi or 1-800-503-8991. Fees may be due to both CSI and Prometric. Please reference the fee schedules below.

Cancellation/Refund Fee Schedule

CSI Refund Request: Prometric Cancellation Fee:

8 or more days prior to test date* Amount paid less 50% of CSI Exam Fee

$30 due to Prometric from Candidate

Less than 8 days prior to test date No refund or credit. Full CSI Exam Fee is forfeited.

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*If no test date was scheduled, applicant is eligible for a 50% refund if request received 8+ days prior to last day of exam window; no refund is provided for cancellations received less than 8 days prior to last day of exam window.

Retesting Those who are not successful in passing an exam may retest during the next available exam window. Candidates may not take the exam more than once within an exam window. Retests require a new application and registration fee.

YOU’RE A CCS! WHAT’S NEXT? Celebrate! A list of candidates who pass the exam will be posted on the CSI Certification webpage. Celebrate with your study buddies and other fellow CCS’! Accept and Display Your CCS Digital Badge Digital credentials/badges will be issued to all recipients of the CDT®, CCCA, CCS and CCPR. Gain enhanced visibility for your achievement within and beyond the AEC industry through verified digital distribution of your certification. After passing the exam, you’ll receive an email from Acclaim, CSI’s digital badge provider. Create an Acclaim account, accept your badge and share your accomplishment with professional colleagues via social media, your email signature, and more! Certification Maintenance and Renewal Once the CCS certification is obtained, every three years you will be required to:

• Participate in at least 24 continuing education (CE) hours to acquire Learning Units (LUs) • Log your 24 LUs into your CSI account. See instructions linked below. • Submit the renewal fee

Learning Units (LUs):

• 50% of topics must be related to the professional practice of the certification being renewed, as defined by the CSI Project Delivery Practice Guide

• 100% of Learning Units (LUs) must be related to the A/E/C industry • Watch for additional information and updates from CSI in Spring 2020

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Examples of continuing education qualifying programs: • Educational seminars (online or in-person) offered by CSI, CSI Chapters and Regions • AIA-sponsored coursework • Technical tours and professional technical meetings

Log your LUs into your CSI account at any time. Supporting documentation at the time of renewal is not required; however, CSI does reserve the right to perform audits at any time and may ask you to provide documentation of your learning units in the form of AIA transcripts, meeting agendas, attendance certificates or articles read/written. CSI offers an online Learning Library that provides content related to architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). Many courses offer LUs relevant to CSI credentials and other industry credentials, such as AIA and PMP.

Should you have questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact certification@csinet.org.