I went to the CSI National membership directory and searched on certificants. Here is what I found as of today (11/8/2023):
CDT = 4200
CCCA = 643
CCS = 585
CCPR = 130
I am pleasantly surprised there are so many certificants (especially CDT) and disappointed there are so few CCPRs. In an organization that is probably comprised of half product representatives, one would think there would be more CCPRs.
I respect a product representative more if they have CSI certifications after their name. I figure they understand the bidding/construction process more than just a salesperson.
My take on this was: (for a cold call) no CSI membership, please call for an appointment; CSI membership, I’ll give you 10 minutes; CSI CDT certification, you’ll get 20 minutes; CSI CCPR and I’ll meet you at the door with a cup of coffee and listen to your information. I agree with David. Someone with credentials understands the documents and what the specifier needs to produce the best possible specifications and documents.
I have said this many times and will keep saying it. CDT is one of the best things that CSI National offers. In fact today I just said this to a new chapter member that is studying for the exam.
The upper level certifications just further expand on the CDT.
I will start encouraging product representative to at least take the CDT exam and preferably take the CCPR exam.
David, I think that’s a great idea. When I taught the CDT classes in San Diego, we had a fair number of product reps in the group, and always got good feedback from them about how what they learned helped them across the board in working with specifiers, subcontractors, etc. As a side note, I am a bit distressed to see how few CCS certificants we have. When I got my CCS in the mid-90s there were approximately 1,800 of us if I recall correctly.
