The Construction Specifications Institute developed the Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) program decades ago to provide training in construction documentation for architects, contractors, contract administrators, specifiers, and manufacturers’ representatives. Since then, it has become the cornerstone for all of CSI’s certification programs, which presently include Certified Construction Specifier (CCS), Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA), and Certified Construction Product Representative (CCPR).
Despite being a longtime CSI member and current chair of the Willamette Valley Chapter’s Certification Committee, I wasn’t aware the CDT credential is not a true certification; instead, CSI regards it as a “certificate.” The distinction between being “certified” and merely a “certificate holder” may appear arcane to some but in practice it is about to have significant implications for current and would-be CDT holders. Starting on July 1, 2018, CSI will transition the Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) program from a certificate to a certification.
Certification implies attainment of qualifications in accordance with established requirements and standards. However, in addition certification also implies those qualifications are contingent upon their ongoing upkeep, most often involving fulfillment and verification of minimum requirements for continuing education. While CDT certificants have successfully completed a rigorous examination, prior to now CSI had not placed further conditions upon maintenance of CDT stature.
The CSI Certification Committee believes its initiative to transition from credentialing to true certification will ensure the CDT designation can withstand industry scrutiny by upholding prevailing standards for certification. The main change to the program is the addition of modest prerequisites and a continuing education requirement. As CSI looks toward promoting certifications, it believes it must be able to represent them as such. The need has long been acknowledged and expressed by many within CSI’s membership.
This transition has apparently been in the works for the past three years, prompted by CSI volunteer leadership serving on the Certification Committee and the CSI Board of Directors. Supporting professional success is one of CSI’s primary reasons for being, and the CDT credential is an important professional accomplishment.
How will the change impact current CDT certificate holders? While the change to the CDT will take effect on July 1, 2018 no immediate action is required; your credential remains valid. Renewal won’t be necessary until June 30, 2021, so you will have three years to prepare for this change. Renewal of the CDT certification is only necessary if you wish to continue to use the CDT designation. Beginning in Spring 2021, you will see renewal notices from CSI reminding you of the June 30 deadline that year.
The continuing education requirements will be consistent with those associated with similar industry certifications or professional licensures and match those of other CSI certifications:
- Certificants must report 24 hours of eligible continuing education
- 50% of the education topics must be related to the professional practice of the certification being renewed
- Up to 50% of the hours may accrue from serving on a standing or ad hoc CSI committee or task team
- 100% of the hours must be related to the construction industry or the construction process
CSI is in the process of establishing professional development plans directed to current and aspiring CDT certificants.
The current renewal fee for other the other CSI certifications is $140 paid every three years. The CDT certifications will carry a similar renewal fee and cycle. CSI has not yet established the 2021 renewal fee amount, which may be different than the current renewal fee. Note that professionals holding upper level certification (CCS, CCPR, and CCCA) are not required to also maintain CDT status even though the CDT is a prerequisite to the others.
I believe the changes to the CDT program will boost the perception of the CDT credential within the construction industry. If you’re a current CDT, or wish to become one, the increased rigor demanded by certification can only enhance your professional stature. Becoming a CDT is no small achievement because it reflects your fluency with the language of construction, its underlying principles and terminology, and the critical relationships between all the participants in any design and construction undertaking.
For additional information regarding CSI certifications and renewal view CSI’s Frequently Asked Questions page, download the Continuing Education upload instructions (PDF), or contact CSI Member Services at (800) 698-2900 (Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm ET), or at csi@csinet.org.
No comments:
Post a Comment