CDT certification is one of the smartest moves an ARE candidate can make during their licensing journey. Offered by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), the Construction Documents Technologist credential covers the complete lifecycle of a construction project from programming through demolition, including project delivery methods, roles and responsibilities of every party, and how buildings come together from concept to completion.
If you've already been studying for the ARE, you likely know 70-80% of the CDT content before you ever open a study guide. That's not a coincidence. PcM, PjM, and CE all build heavily on the same AIA contract foundation that the CDT tests, which means most of the work is already done.
In this episode, Michael and Emily share their own CDT experiences, explain why the testing format is more straightforward than the ARE, and make the case for why this credential is worth pursuing while you're still in the middle of your licensing journey.
📚 Key topics covered:
What CDT certification actually covers (it's not just specs)
How CDT overlaps with PcM, PjM, and CE content
Why the Project Delivery Practice Guide is the core CDT study resource
The CDT exam schedule and what makes it different from the ARE
When to fit the CDT into your ARE journey
⏱️ Chapters:
(0:00) What Is CDT Certification?
(6:27) CDT Certification Benefits
(8:08) The Young Architect CDT 101 Course
(12:57) The CDT Schedule
(14:48) Advice for ARE Candidates
(17:48) Learn More About the CDT
🎯 Watch the free CDT webinar or register for the next session
🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership
🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp
📚 Individual ARE and CSI Certification Courses:
