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For Greg Carr, every stage of his career has taught him something new about how projects succeed—or fail. From years in the field as a construction representative, to his work as a civil designer, and now stepping into a role that requires deep knowledge of specifications, Greg has seen how vital strong documentation is to a project’s success.
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When a retiring colleague left a gap in expertise, Greg decided it was time to take the next step and pursue CSI’s Construction Documents Technologist (CDT®) certification. In this interview, Greg shares how he prepared for the exam, what he learned along the way, and how the credential is shaping his role as a leader in documentation and project coordination.
Tell us about your work experience before you earned a CDT credential. And why did you choose to take the CDT exam?
Before earning my CDT® credential, I spent over a decade working in the field as a construction representative, where I was deeply involved in day-to-day site operations, contractor coordination, and quality assurance. That hands-on experience gave me a strong understanding of how specifications translate into real-world construction practices, and where they sometimes fall short.
Following that, I transitioned into a civil designer role, where I focused on municipal engineering, site development, grading, utilities, and stormwater management. This phase of my career sharpened my technical design skills and exposed me to the intricacies of preparing a complete set of construction documents.
Recently, I stepped into a new challenge: filling the void left by a retiring Certified Construction Specifier (CCS®) whose knowledge of construction specifications and contract administration was unmatched in the industry. That transition made me realize how critical well-crafted specifications are to the success of a project. I chose to pursue the CDT certification to formalize and deepen my understanding of construction documentation, contract administration, and specification writing, and the first stepping stone as I work towards both the Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA®) and CCS.
How did you prepare for the CDT certification exam?
To prepare for the CDT exam, I approached it with the same mindset I’ve used throughout my career: Get after it!
I started by using CSI's official study materials, namely the Project Delivery Practice Guide, which was an incredible resource that touched on all phases of the life cycle of a construction project. CSI study groups were available, which gave me access to peer discussions and real-world examples that helped reinforce the material, though I didn't rely on or participate heavily in them.
One resource that really helped set the stage for what to expect in the exam was a virtual practice session hosted by Michael Riscica and Emily Hobbs, who I don't believe are officially affiliated with CSI. Their enthusiasm for the subject was inspiring.
While I'm proud to have earned the CDT credential, I'll be honest: The exam itself was a bit of a disappointment. It felt more like a formality than a true measure of the depth and nuance involved in construction documentation and project delivery. The real value was in the preparation. Studying for the exam forced me to revisit foundational concepts, explore best practices, and engage with a community of professionals who are passionate about improving project delivery. That process sharpened my skills and broadened my perspective far more than the test itself ever could.
What is the most valuable lesson you gained from earning a CDT credential?
More than anything, the credential helped me see my role not just as a designer or field rep but as a project coordinator who can bridge gaps between disciplines. That perspective has made me more confident in leading discussions around constructability, contract language, and technical standards.
Since earning your CDT credential, how has your career progressed?
Since earning my CDT credential, I've become more involved and confident in specification development and contract administration. I'm now seen as a go-to resource for documentation clarity and coordination. The credential doesn't just validate my experience, it expands my influence within the team and organization.
Click here to learn more about CSI certifications.