Registered Specification Writer (RSW) is the designation for career focused specification writers, who have completed and attained the RSW designation status through the CSC RSW Program.
In today's complex, changing construction industry, a competent specifier is a vital part of the design team. The RSW designation was developed to attest the combination of knowledge, experience and judgement related to construction procurement and to lend credibility to an RSWs participation in a multi-billion-dollar industry. Becoming an RSW will show commitment to producing accurate documentation, thereby enhancing your professional credibility through increased confidence of your peers, employers and clients. The RSW program is available to those who prepare construction specifications. An RSW must also adhere to a Code of Conduct.
A RSW is a contract documentation specialist with a broad knowledge base and strategic insight to strengthen a Design Team and enhance performance throughout an organization. A RSW is a professional who can contribute to keeping a practice more competitive, profitable, efficient and even reduce its liability. You can feel confident when engaging the services of an RSW, because an RSW has proven competence through a recognized registration program.
The RSW designation is an important recognition of achievement. The Registered Specification Writer (RSW) designation attests to the following:
• A RSW has experience, knowledge, and the ability to communicate and prepare documents for Design and Construction.
• A RSW is qualified to prepare and review outline specification and project specifications based on instruction by design professionals and schematic and design drawings.
• A RSW is qualified to communicate with project team and coordinate specification documents into a cohesive manual
• A RSW is qualified to communicate with manufacturers representatives over products and installation systems for project specific requirements.
• A RSW is qualified to act on behalf of the Professional of Record on the
Project Site (Act as Contract Administrator).
• A RSW is qualified to recommend contract methodology for a project to an owner.
RSW expectations for specification preparation include the following:
• Experience preparing the Project Manual, including Division 00 and Division 01.
• Experience providing quality control between drawings and specifications.
• Experience taking responsibility for Project Manuals produced under their purview.
• Experience with various CCDC Contracts. Providing recommendations to the various parties involved.
• Experience reviewing and commenting on owner’s supplementary conditions to contract, produced by owner’s legal council.
The following is a partial list of priority objectives that RSWs are expected to achieve: Pursue Professional Development; Apply Communication Technologies; Evaluate Risk Management Issues; Apply Laws, Codes and Standards; Apply Building Technologies; Apply Forms of Contract; Apply Design and Construction Process and Produce Construction Documents.
