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CSI first sat down with Seun Olatunbosun, RA, NCARB, CSI, CDT®, PMP, M.Arch, in March 2021, shortly after he earned his construction documents technology (CDT®) certification. He said at the time, “I chose to earn the CDT to have overall understanding of building construction, be able to write specs, understand best practice and project delivery methods, and for career advancement.” https://www.csiresources.org/blogs/peter-kray/2021/03/17/how-i-earned-my-cdt-seun-olatunbosun Two years later, Seun shares some insights with us on the specific ways CDT certification is continuing to pay off in his career:

How has earning the CDT impacted your career?


Earning the CDT has impacted my career in so many ways, some of which are:

1. Increased knowledge and expertise. The CDT certification provides a comprehensive understanding of construction documentation, including contract documents, specifications, and drawings. It helps me with a solid foundation in the technical aspects of construction, enabling me to effectively navigate and interpret project documents.
 
2. Professional credibility. The CDT credential establishes my credibility and expertise in construction documentation. It demonstrates to everyone that I possess a deep understanding of industry standards, best practices, and legal considerations related to project documentation.
 
3. Career advancement. Having the CDT certification has opened doors for career advancement opportunities. It has helped me stand out among my peers.
 
4. Continued professional development. The CDT certification requires you to maintain your knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development. This commitment to staying current with best practices has further enhanced my career prospects.
 
5. Networking and professional development. The CDT certification provides opportunities for networking and professional growth. By joining industry organizations and attending events such as those offered by CSI, I connect with fellow professionals, stay updated on industry trends, and gain valuable insights from experienced practitioners. 

How has CDT certification informed how you approach new projects, especially when writing, interpreting, and managing construction documents? 

Earning the CDT certification has greatly informed and shaped my approach to new projects, particularly in the areas of interpreting and managing construction documents. Here are some ways the CDT certification has influenced my project approach:

1. Knowledge of industry standards. The CDT certification has helped me with a solid understanding of industry standards and best practices related to construction documentation. This knowledge enables me to approach new projects with a strong foundation, ensuring that my projects adhere to recognized standards and are in line with industry expectations.

2. Effective communication. Construction documents serve as a means of communication between various stakeholders involved in a project. With a CDT certification, I have the skills to manage projects from project inception through construction completion.

3. Improved document interpretation. As a CDT-certified professional, I have a deeper understanding of how to interpret construction documents, including drawings, specifications, and contracts. This enables me to accurately interpret project requirements and effectively communicate them to the project team. It also helps me to easily identify potential conflicts or discrepancies and work towards resolving them early on, thereby reducing errors, delays, and costly rework.

4. Legal and contractual considerations. Construction documents often involve legal and contractual aspects that need to be addressed. With CDT certification, I am well-versed in contractual language, contract administration processes, and risk management. This knowledge allows me to approach new projects with a keen awareness of legal considerations, ensuring that my projects accurately reflect contractual obligations and mitigate potential disputes.

What new opportunities—or goals—do you think CDT certification might create for you in the future? 

As the construction industry evolves, new avenues and challenges may emerge, and the CDT certification can position someone to adapt and thrive in the changing landscape. The opportunities and goals that the CDT certification can create are so many, some of which are:

1. Career advancement. I believe the CDT certification can position me for career advancement within my current organization because it demonstrates my commitment to professional development and enhances my expertise in construction documentation, which can make me a strong candidate for promotions or roles with increased responsibilities and leadership opportunities.

2. Specialization within construction industries. The CDT certification can serve as a stepping stone towards specialization within the field of construction industries. As an architect, I may choose to pursue additional certifications or education in specific areas such as specification writing, sustainable design, or construction contract law. This can further enhance my expertise and open doors to specialized roles or consulting opportunities.

3. Industry involvement and leadership roles. The CDT certification can provide a pathway to becoming more involved in professional organizations and industry associations such as the Construction Specifications Institute. By actively participating in industry events, serving on committees, or pursuing leadership roles, I can contribute to the advancement of the profession and expand my network.

4. Continued professional development. The CDT certification emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development. Building my knowledge and skills through continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends can help me set new goals for acquiring advanced certifications, attending conferences, participating in workshops, or pursuing higher education in related fields.