CCS Knowledge Domains

Domain 1: Planning, Development, and Organization (11%)
  1A.      Evaluate scope of project and identify anticipated specifications.
  1B.      Manage the specifications production schedule (e.g. format, timing).
  1C.     Develop and maintain project files (aka: product notebook) of systems, products, and materials proposed for work on the project.
  1D.     Maintain version control of specifications.
  1E.      Develop and maintain office master guide specifications 
   
Domain 2: Coordination (14%)
  2A.      Collect, track, and coordinate specification information
  2B.      Coordinate A/E team proposed choices to align with project requirements.
  2C.      Coordinate specification information with project team (e.g., owner, contractor, designer, product representatives).
  2D.      Obtain and verify owner procurement and contract requirements. 
  2E.      Evaluate and verify the compatibility of products and materials. 
  2F.      Coordinate the specifications across project team disciplines.
  2G.     Evaluate the specifications to confirm alignment with contract documents.
  2H.      Compile available project information into the project manual.
  2I.         Coordinate with project team to specify alternates.
   
Domain 3: Procurement, Contracting, and General Requirements (17%)
  3A.      Edit specifications to conform to Owner procurement and contract requirements.
  3B.      Coordinate Division 01 General Requirements with all other specifications.
  3C.      Incorporate project-specific requirements into Division 01 sections. 
  3D.      Specify the project measurement and payment procedures.
  3E.      Specify substitution requirements and procedures.
  3F.      Evaluate the acceptability of substitution request submittal.
  3G.     Specify RFI requirements and procedures.
  3H.      Evaluate and specify delegated design (e.g. application, scope, process).
Domain 4: Research (12%)
  4A.      Conduct research on materials and systems for product selection.
  4B.      Research applicable code requirements.
  4C.     Evaluate product suitability for project conditions.
  4D.     Review key product selections with product representatives.
  4E.      Research applicable product standards.
   
Domain 5: Analysis and Evaluation (16%)
  5A.    Align the specifications to project delivery method and schedule.
  5B.    Evaluate systems, assemblies, and materials being proposed for the project.
  5C.    Verify that systems, assemblies, and materials meet project requirements.
  5D.    Analyze drawings for systems, assemblies, and materials.
  5E.    Evaluate products for code requirements.
  5F.    Assess interior climate conditions for impact on materials and methods (e.g., pool, sauna, clean room).
  5G.    Assess environmental conditions for impact on materials and methods (e.g., weather, humidity, seismic).
  5H.    Evaluate products and systems for constructability and sequencing in project locale.
  5I.      Evaluate and select products for compliance with design intent (e.g., cost, quality, aesthetics).
  5J.     Obtain and evaluate standards and information from technical and professional societies. 
  5K.    Review reference standards for appropriateness (e.g., ASTM, AWWA).
  5L.     Verify that necessary reference standards options have been selected.
  5M.   Review and incorporate results of value engineering decisions.
  5N.    Verify proposed construction meets the manufacturer’s warranty requirements.
Domain 6: Production (30%)
  6A.      Develop outline specifications and project manuals.
  6B.      Translate design narratives into specification (e.g. Uniformat to MasterFormat).
  6C.      Determine style of specifications for systems, assemblies, and materials (i.e., descriptive, reference standard, proprietary, performance).
  6D.      Translate graphic information presented in drawings into succinct written form.
  6E.      Review the procurement and contracting requirements.
  6F.      Determine what submittals are required to ensure quality installation and adequate project documentation (i.e. record documents).
  6G.     Specify preparation and finishing requirements for the product.
  6H.      Review and comment on specification sections written by others. 
  6I.         Prepare and edit specifications sections.
  6J.       Organize project documents according to CSI formats.
  6K.      Prepare documents for publication and distribution.
  6L.       Archive electronic files for version control.