4specs.com    4specs.com Home Page

CDT not required for CCS? Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

4specs Discussion Forum » Institute Discussions » CDT not required for CCS? « Previous Next »

Author Message
David G. Axt, CCS, CSI ,SCIP
Senior Member
Username: david_axt

Post Number: 1962
Registered: 03-2002


Posted on Monday, October 03, 2022 - 05:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I was told today by a person interested in taking the CCS exam that CDT is not a prerequisite anymore. Instead she told me that she only needs verification of 2 years experience. Is this true?
David G. Axt, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Specifications Consultant
Axt Consulting LLC
William C. Pegues
Senior Member
Username: wpegues

Post Number: 995
Registered: 10-2002


Posted on Monday, October 03, 2022 - 05:15 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

David,

Incorrect, but not totally wrong.

You do not need to be CDT before CCS. However, if you are not you need to have 5 years experience and 2 references. If you DO have CDT, then you only need to have 2 years experience.

From the CSI Website just now:

“Exam Application Requirements:

“If you are not a CDT®: a minimum of five (5) years of industry experience is required, plus two (2) letters from industry references who are able to verify your experience. In order for your application to be processed, please submit reference letters in .doc or .pdf format prior to beginning registration to certification@csinet.org.

“If you are already a CDT: a minimum of two (2) years of industry experience is required and no references or letters are required.”

https://www.csiresources.org/certification/ccs

So, she has it backwards in that even with CDT you need 2 years experience. Without, 5 years and 2 letters.
William C. Pegues, FCSI, CCS, SCIP
David G. Axt, CCS, CSI ,SCIP
Senior Member
Username: david_axt

Post Number: 1963
Registered: 03-2002


Posted on Monday, October 03, 2022 - 06:50 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Thanks William.

It is unfortunate that CDT certification is not required before you take the CCS exam. I found studying for the CDT extremely valuable for my professional growth. It really is one of the best things that CSI has to offer. (I don't give out compliments that often.)

CCS exam was just an expansion of what I had already learned studying for the CDT exam.

As I explained to the lady, CDT and CCS covered the same material and practically the same exam. CDT was the multiple choice part and CCS was the essay part.
David G. Axt, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Specifications Consultant
Axt Consulting LLC
William C. Pegues
Senior Member
Username: wpegues

Post Number: 996
Registered: 10-2002


Posted on Monday, October 03, 2022 - 07:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Aha, Back in the early days of the exam, you could take the CDT on the same day as any of the other exams. You just did not get to become CCS (or others) even if you passed it if you did not pass the CDT. It was multiple choice even then.

But the other exams were not. There were numerous written questions. Like, laying out a professional letter, in which the internal part had to be explaining to a client why using Master Format was valuable. Or, the one I liked the best, you were given a sample specifications where paragraphs were just sort of random statements with no relation to the 3 part format, and you had to arrange the paragraphs in the right order.

Lots of fill in the blank questions, and a few multi-choice ones. Can’t remember the total of the written ones. I think there were 5 or so presented to you and you could choose which 3 you wanted to undertake.
William C. Pegues, FCSI, CCS, SCIP

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Username: Posting Information:
This is a public posting area. Enter your username and password if you have an account. Otherwise, enter your full name as your username and leave the password blank. Your e-mail address is optional.
Password:
E-mail:
Options: Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration