How to Get Your CDT Certification

Earning your CDT (Construction Documents Technologist) certification is a great way to demonstrate your comprehensive knowledge of writing, interpreting, enforcing, and managing construction documents. This certification can help boost your career and open up new opportunities in the construction industry. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get your CDT certification.

What is the CDT Certification?

The CDT certification is administered by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) It covers a wide range of topics related to construction documents including

• Development, use, and maintenance of construction documents
• Contracting requirements, forms, and conditions
• Submittal processes and management
• Quality assurance obligations
• Construction and contract administration

By earning your CDT, you showcase your expertise in these areas to employers, colleagues, and clients. It shows you have an in-depth understanding of how construction projects progress from concept to completion.

Who Should Get the CDT Certification?

A CDT certification is useful for many construction industry professionals including:

• Project architects
• Contractors
• Contract administrators
• Material suppliers
• Manufacturers’ representatives
• Anyone seeking to demonstrate construction document knowledge

It’s especially valuable for those who write, interpret, enforce, or manage construction documents as part of their daily work. The CDT validates your skills in these areas.

Benefits of Earning Your CDT

There are many advantages to having the CDT certification on your resume

• Career advancement opportunities – It can open doors to new jobs, promotions, and leadership roles that require construction document expertise.

• Respect and credibility – The CDT establishes you as an authority on construction documentation. Peers and employers will understand your deep knowledge in this area.

• Higher earning potential – Many CDT holders are able to negotiate higher salaries thanks to their certification status It demonstrates additional specialized skills

• Professional development – Preparing for the CDT exam forces you to learn and grow your construction documentation skills. The knowledge will make you better at your job.

In short, the CDT certification can be a real boost for your construction career. It’s an investment that can pay off in many ways.

CDT Exam Eligibility and Prerequisites

To qualify for the CDT certification exam, you must have:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2 years of construction management experience (recommended but not required)
• College-level construction/building science coursework (recommended but not required)

There are no mandatory eligibility prerequisites. However, having some construction industry experience and education will help you pass the exam.

The CDT exam is computer-based and administered at local testing centers. It contains 125 multiple choice questions and you have 3 hours to complete it.

How to Prepare for the CDT Exam

Proper preparation is key to passing the CDT exam on your first try. Here are some tips:

• Get the recommended study materials – Obtain the CDT Exam Study Workbook and Project Delivery Practice Guide published by CSI. These are the primary resources for the exam.

• Join a study group – Connect with peers who are also planning to take the CDT exam. You can join the CSI online study community to connect with other candidates in your exam cycle.

• Take a prep course – Many CSI chapters offer CDT exam review classes and seminars. This provides structure plus an instructor to explain concepts.

• Read the CDT handbook – CSI publishes a free 50+ page handbook with detailed exam information. Study this so you know what to expect.

• Focus on weak areas – Take practice quizzes to identify knowledge gaps. Spend more time studying those specific topics to get up to speed.

• Practice with sample questions – The CSI study materials contain hundreds of practice questions. Testing yourself helps reinforce knowledge.

With diligent preparation, you can walk into exam day feeling confident and ready to succeed.

How to Register for the CDT Exam

Follow these steps to register for your CDT certification exam:

1. Confirm you meet eligibility requirements – Double check you have the required prerequisites before applying.

2. Review exam dates and locations – Decide when and where you want to take the test based on available options.

3. Submit your exam application – Apply online through your CSI account or by mail/fax using the form.

4. Pay exam fee – The fee is $350 ($300 for CSI members). Payment is required at time of registration.

5. Get approved – CSI will review your application and confirm your eligibility. You’ll then receive an authorization letter by email.

6. Schedule your test – Use the authorization code to schedule your specific exam date, time, and testing center.

7. Take the exam – Show up on exam day with your printed authorization letter and photo ID. Arrive early so you can get settled in.

That’s the standard registration process. Apply early so you have plenty of time to study before your exam date arrives.

What is on the CDT Exam?

The CDT exam thoroughly tests your knowledge of construction documentation. The content covers:

Development and Maintenance of Construction Documents

• Purpose and formats of documents like drawings, specs, and schedules

• Industry standards like MasterFormat, SectionFormat, and PageFormat

• Methods for organizing, updating, and storing documents

Contracting Requirements, Forms, and Conditions

• Conditions of the Contract like AIA or ConsensusDOCS

• Bid forms, RFPs/RFQs, and other contracting documents

• Bonds, insurance, licensing, and other procurement requirements

Submittal Processes and Information Management

• Procedures for submittals, shop drawings, samples, and substitutions

• Technologies for managing, tracking, and sharing submittals

• Reviewing, approving, and distributing submittals

Construction and Contract Administration

• Communications, meetings, reports, and change processes during construction

• Payments, retention, inspections, documentation, and forms

• Claims, disputes, terminations, and contract closeout procedures

You’ll need to know details about all these topics to score well on the CDT exam.

How Are CDT Exam Results Determined?

Your CDT exam result is based on the total number of questions you answer correctly. Here is how it works:

• There are 125 multiple choice questions on the CDT exam

• You receive 1 point for each question answered correctly

• You receive 0 points for each question answered incorrectly

• Your points are tallied up to calculate your final score

To pass the CDT exam, you must earn a minimum score of 70%. This passing score equates to correctly answering 88 of the 125 questions.

Anything below 88 points results in exam failure. Anything at or above 88 points results in a passing score.

Shortly after completing the computerized test, you’ll receive a printed score report indicating pass or fail. CSI also sends official notifications and certificates by mail within 4-6 weeks.

How to Maintain Your CDT Certification

Once you earn your CDT credential, there are requirements to maintain it over time:

• CDT certification is valid for 3 years from the date it is granted

• In the third year, you must submit a recertification application and pay a renewal fee

• Recertification requires accruing 36 learning units (LUs) within your 3-year cycle

• 1 LU is equivalent to 1 hour of educational instruction

• You can earn LUs through qualifying seminars, courses, presentations, and other activities with construction document education

• CSI provides an online system to track and submit your LUs for recertification

Meeting the learning unit requirements and paying the recertification fee will renew your CDT for another 3-year period. Let your certification lapse, and you may need to retake the exam.

Get Started on Your Path to CDT Certification

Earning your Construction Documents Technologist certification unlocks new job opportunities and demonstrates your expertise. Use the guidance above to register for the exam, create an effective study plan, and achieve success on your first attempt. With the CDT on your resume, you can propel your construction career forward. Good luck!