CDT

CDT Overview 


New Starting on July 1, 2018, the Construction Documents Technology (CDT) program will transition from a certificate to a certification. Read more here. 

The Construction Documents Technology (CDT) Program provides a comprehensive overview for anyone who writes, interprets, enforces, or manages construction documents. Project architects, contractors, contract administrators, material suppliers, and manufacturers' representatives are all realizing the advantages of being Construction Documents Technologists.

By being able to understand and interpret written construction documents, CDTs perform their jobs more effectively. By understanding the roles and relationships of all participants, CDTs improve communication among all members of the construction team.

Pass the Construction Documents Technologist Exam (CDT), and you'll join an elite group of professionals known in the industry for their comprehensive knowledge of the writing and management of construction documents. Getting your CDT means:

  • Adding "CDT" after your name, to your business card and to your resume
  • Understanding how a project unfolds from conception to delivery
  • Understanding the documentation involved

CSI's CDT program has provided foundation training in construction documentation for architects, contractors, contract administrators, specifiers, and manufacturers' representatives for decades. As the cornerstone of CSI's certification program, it's also prerequisite to CSI's advanced certification exams: Certified Construction Specifier (CCS), Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA), or Certified Construction Product Representative (CCPR) certification.

Are you a Region/Chapter Certification Chair, or an instructor for a CSI Certificate/Certification exam? Check out the resources available to help you prepare candidates.

Registration Information

Registration for Fall 2018 exams is now closed.

Your professional success is CSI’s top priority! Demonstrate your knowledge, skill and industry commitment with a CSI certification.

CSI certifications are offered during spring and fall testing windows each year.

Spring 2019 CDT Exam
Registration, Feb 11 – Apr 10          $375 member/$625 non-member
Late registration, Apr 11 – Apr 30   $545 member/$795 non-member
Student registration                          $165 with valid ID

Exam Window: April 15 – May 24, 2019 (CDT only)

Pass/Fail notification: Late June/early July 2019*

The CDT will be offered at testing sites in the United States and Canada for Spring 2019.


Fall 2019 CDT Exam
Registration, July 8 – Oct 9         Rates will be posted Feb 2019
Late registration, Oct 10 -31

Exam Window: Oct 14 – Nov 22, 2019

Pass/Fail notification: January 2020*

Based on demand, international sites may be scheduled in Fall 2019. Please contact certification@csinet.org to request an international testing site (additional fees will apply).

*= Beginning in Spring 2019, CSI certification exams will undertake 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 about six weeks after the testing window closes.

CDT Exam Resources

Additional Resources

Chicago Chapter CDT Resources


The Chicago Chapter offers a 10-week study class to help you prepare for the CDT exam.  It can be a great training tool for new industry members  and can also be a good study aid for taking the Architect Registration Exam.

Please use the links below to learn how you can benefit by taking the class, apply for a scholarship (which includes one year CSI Chicago membership) and show your support of the certification program by sponsoring a class.

Questions?
Contact the Chicago Chapter Certification Team at certification@csichicago.org.