Free CCCA® podcast episodes designed to help you pass CSI’s Certified Construction Contract Administrator exam. Each episode breaks down real-world construction administration topics so you understand exactly what to study for the CCCA® exam.
The CCCA® goes deeper than the CDT® into the nuts and bolts of how construction gets administered. Each episode covers topics across the six CCCA® knowledge domains:
You’ll learn how submittals, change orders, payment applications, punch lists, and closeout documentation actually work in practice. These episodes cover the same construction administration territory as the ARE’s CE exam but from a broader industry perspective, making them valuable for both CCCA® candidates and ARE candidates studying for Construction and Evaluation.
No need to take notes while you listen. For many episodes, we’ve already made a free two-page set of study notes for you – just go to the episode page and grab them.
Ready to pass the CCCA®? Check out our complete CCCA 101 course with 13+ hours of video lessons, 300+ practice questions, two 150-question mock exams, and 180+ domain-specific flashcards.
The CCCA (Certified Construction Contract Administrator) is a certification from the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). It tests your ability to administer construction contracts from project initiation through closeout, covering submittals, site observations, quality control, claims, and closeout documentation. CDT® certification is required before you can take the CCCA® exam.
The CDT covers the big picture of project delivery from conception through closeout. The CCCA goes deep on one specific phase: construction contract administration. Think of CDT as the foundation and CCCA as the specialization. You need CDT certification before you can sit for the CCCA exam.
Most candidates find the CCCA more challenging because the content is more specialized and scenario-based. The exam is 150 multiple-choice questions over 3.5 hours. The two biggest domains are Project Records and QA/QC, each worth 23% of the exam. Consistent study over 6 to 10 weeks is a solid target for most candidates.
Construction specifications may not be the sexiest part of building projects, but they’re often the difference between project success and expensive disasters. In this article, we’ll expose the dangerous myths about these critical documents that...
Understanding the financial structure of construction projects is essential for architects. Whether you’re managing a client’s budget expectations, leading your first project, or preparing for the ARE, knowing the difference between hard costs vs soft...
Construction punch lists are the final critical step before project completion, yet there's confusion about who creates them. While many assume architects are responsible, the contractor actually creates the initial punch list - a fact...
This guide demystifies all major construction specification types and helps you understand when and how to use each one. These distinctions will make you more effective at writing, interpreting, enforcing, and managing construction documents....
This guide debunks the common misconception about document precedence and explains how drawings vs specifications work together as complementary contract documents. Understanding this drawings vs specifications relationship is crucial for both ARE success and professional...
Have you ever wondered why architectural specifications matter so much? Or maybe you've been avoiding them altogether because they seem intimidating or boring? I get it. Specs aren't exactly the most exciting part of architecture...
In the world of architecture and construction, one truth remains constant: something will always go wrong. No matter how meticulously you plan, how carefully you design, or how thoroughly you prepare your construction documents, the...
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about construction bonds and how they protect your projects. You'll learn the different types of construction bonds (including performance bonds and payment bonds), how surety bonds...
Public works projects and private projects follow completely different rules for procurement, contracts, and decision-making. Whether you’re working with government agencies or private architecture clients, understanding these differences changes how you practice. This guide breaks...