# The value of CSS? **URL:** \ **Category:** Archive Coffee Pot and Water Cooler\ **Created:** [January 15, 2014, 8:01pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/the-value-of-css/2455 "2014-01-15T20:01:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![brian\_payne](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/brian_payne/32/356_2.png) [@brian\_payne](https://forum.4specs.com/u/brian_payne)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 8:01pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/the-value-of-css/2455/1 "2014-01-15T20:01:20Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![anon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/47e85d/32.png) [@anon](https://forum.4specs.com/u/anon)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 9:40pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/the-value-of-css/2455/2 "2014-01-15T21:40:59Z")
Absolutely valuable! I encourage all that want to write specifications full time to get a CCS. I require it of my staff of specifiers. ---
**Author:** ![liz\_osullivan](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/liz_osullivan/32/41_2.png) [@liz\_osullivan](https://forum.4specs.com/u/liz_osullivan)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 9:49pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/the-value-of-css/2455/3 "2014-01-15T21:49:43Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![edueppen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dc4da7/32.png) [@edueppen](https://forum.4specs.com/u/edueppen)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 11:26pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/the-value-of-css/2455/4 "2014-01-15T23:26:11Z")
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! ---
**Author:** ![sheldon\_wolfe](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/sheldon_wolfe/32/197_2.png) [@sheldon\_wolfe](https://forum.4specs.com/u/sheldon_wolfe)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2014, 1:53am UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/the-value-of-css/2455/5 "2014-01-16T01:53:48Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![scott\_mize\_ccs\_csi](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/scott_mize_ccs_csi/32/79_2.png) [@scott\_mize\_ccs\_csi](https://forum.4specs.com/u/scott_mize_ccs_csi)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2014, 7:07pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/the-value-of-css/2455/6 "2014-01-19T19:07:30Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![brian\_payne](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/brian_payne/32/356_2.png) [@brian\_payne](https://forum.4specs.com/u/brian_payne)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2014, 2:40am UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/the-value-of-css/2455/7 "2014-01-20T02:40:57Z")
Quick follow up question…is there a discount for CSI members? ---
**Author:** ![liz\_osullivan](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/liz_osullivan/32/41_2.png) [@liz\_osullivan](https://forum.4specs.com/u/liz_osullivan)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2014, 3:09am UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/the-value-of-css/2455/8 "2014-01-20T03:09:03Z")
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](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](http://csinet.org/Main-Menu-Category/Certification/CDT-Exam-Application-Spring-2014.pdf) ---
**Author:** ![scott\_mize\_ccs\_csi](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/scott_mize_ccs_csi/32/79_2.png) [@scott\_mize\_ccs\_csi](https://forum.4specs.com/u/scott_mize_ccs_csi)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2014, 2:07pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/the-value-of-css/2455/9 "2014-01-20T14:07:38Z")
Good luck, Brian!