The value of CSS?

Log Out | Topics | Search Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Author Message Brian Payne, AIA Intermediate Member Username: brian_payne Post Number: 4 Registered: 01-2014 Posted on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 - 03:01 pm:    I just wanted to hear your thoughts on the value of a CCS certification. I am a project architect/ primary specification writer/ Revit lead for a medium sized firm with 13 yrs overall experience, two of which has been as spec lead. I have received several opinions on the topic, but none from other spec writers. Liz O'Sullivan Senior Member Username: liz_osullivan Post Number: 122 Registered: 10-2011 Posted on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 - 04:49 pm:    Hi, Brian, As with many other continuing education things, the primary value of CSI's CCS certification is what we learn through the process of studying for, and taking, the exam. It's like the CDT certificate in this way, but it gets deeper into Division 01 and agreements than the CDT does. (Passing the CDT exam is a prerequisite to sitting for the CCS exam.) Things I learned in preparing for the CCS help me in my work (specifying) all the time, and help me to better assist my architect-clients with their work. anon (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 - 04:40 pm:    Absolutely valuable! I encourage all that want to write specifications full time to get a CCS. I require it of my staff of specifiers. Edward J Dueppen, RA, CSI, CCS, LEED AP Advanced Member Username: edueppen Post Number: 5 Registered: 08-2013 Posted on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 - 06:26 pm:    If you are going to consider yourself the primary specifications writer for your firm, I will strongly recommend the CCS certification. I had been specifying for well over a decade before I decided to get the CCS. As a largely self-taught specifier, I learned a tremendous amount just from studying for the CCS. The "Construction Specifications Practice Guide" (the manual to study for the CCS) is a wealth of information about specifying the correct way. It can help you avoid pitfalls and maybe even help break bad habits. Good luck! Sheldon Wolfe Senior Member Username: sheldon_wolfe Post Number: 708 Registered: 01-2003 Posted on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 - 08:53 pm:    Liz is right; the main value is found in studying for the exam. After that, if you decide to move to another firm, the CCS will get you into many doors, and give you an advantage over non-certified candidates. After you get the CCS, go after the CCCA. You'll learn more about that part of the business, and be even more valuable to your employer. Scott McIntosh-Mize Senior Member Username: scott_mize_ccs_csi Post Number: 89 Registered: 02-2009 Posted on Sunday, January 19, 2014 - 02:07 pm:    My .$.02: The difference between CDT and CCS is the difference between "basic" certification and "master" certification. A lot of standardized tests measure general knowledge of a topic. With a basic knowledge of that topic and the right test-taking strategies, one can fake one's way to a passing grade on the test without truly mastering the material. (That was my experience of the CDT. I studied very earnestly for it, I just didn't think it was very difficult. It certainly was not adequate preparation for the CCS exam.) The CCS exam was sufficiently specific and detailed that only someone who has truly mastered the CSI formats, the AIA/EJCDC standard contracting documents, the project delivery process, specification-writing essentials, etc., etc., can get a passing grade. If you earn the CCS, you'll be part of a very small group (< 1,200 in the US) and people who know the value of specifications will take you more seriously. Brian Payne, AIA Advanced Member Username: brian_payne Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2014 Posted on Sunday, January 19, 2014 - 09:40 pm:    Quick follow up question...is there a discount for CSI members? Liz O'Sullivan Senior Member Username: liz_osullivan Post Number: 124 Registered: 10-2011 Posted on Sunday, January 19, 2014 - 10:09 pm:    Yes, and there's an additional discount if you sign up before January 31. http://csinet.org/Main-Menu-Category/Certification/CCS-CCCA-CCPR-Exam-Application-Spring-2014.pdf If you haven't taken the CDT yet, there's a member discount on that one, too. http://csinet.org/Main-Menu-Category/Certification/CDT-Exam-Application-Spring-2014.pdf Scott McIntosh-Mize Senior Member Username: scott_mize_ccs_csi Post Number: 90 Registered: 02-2009 Posted on Monday, January 20, 2014 - 09:07 am:    Good luck, Brian!