Certified Specification
Practitioner (CSP)
The Certified Specification
Practitioner (CSP) designation recognizes individuals who prepare
specifications but do not meet the experience needed for the Registered
Specification Writer (RSW) credential. CSPs specialize in documenting and
interpreting requirements for specific disciplines or subject areas, such as
structural, mechanical, electrical, landscape, or building envelope, hazardous
materials, or elevators, but generally do not develop or coordinate the full
Project Manual. This designation also applies to individuals whose primary
responsibility is creating master specifications for private or public sector
publishers, or guide marketing specifications for product manufacturers.
A CSP may perform technical or
administrative tasks under supervision as part of a consulting or construction
team, act as a subject matter expert for manufacturers, or as liaison for specification
publishers or specification editing software vendors, handling the following
support functions:
Technical
Support
·
Construction Specifications: CSPs have demonstrated the ability to assist in preparing
technical specification section(s), make decisions associated with material
properties and workmanship standards by discipline or subject specialty.
·
Marketing Specifications/ Guide or Product/System Specifications:
CSPs may also update or write manufacturer marketing guide
literature/ marketing specifications or specification sections for
manufacturers, public or private specification publishers, or design
professionals.
Project
and Design Support
·
Collaboration: CSPs
often work closely and communicate with Registered Specification Writers,
design professionals, and project managers, or other subject matter experts to
edit and prepare technical specification sections that align with design intent
and project goals for their area of technical representation or discipline expertise.
·
Document
Interpretation: CSPs are qualified to make clarifications to technical
specification sections that they have prepared.
·
Assisting
in Quality Control: CSPs are responsible for editing
specification sections within their area of product/system or consulting specialty
that reference industry standards, codes, and regulations to maintain material
and workmanship quality and direction for the proposed project work, and that
they are coordinated with other Specification Divisions and Sections of the
Project Manual.
Project
Management and Organization
·
Contract
Documentation is not applicable, however, experience
with Division 00 documents and Division 01 general requirements, would be applied
toward RSW accreditation.
Site
and Construction Support
·
Contract
Administration: is not applicable; however, any contract administration
activities related to on-site documentation, change records, or safety and
compliance apply for RSW certification.
Obtaining the CSP designation
indicates a proficiency in written construction documentation and is recognized
by industry peers, employers, and clients. CSPs contribute to building and
infrastructure development within the industry. With additional experience in
managing Project Manual specifications and contract administration, a CSP may qualify
and apply for RSW designation.
