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Welcome to the “Intro To Specs” Course!
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The Relationship Between Drawings & Specifications
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Organizing Specs: The Project Manual & the CSI MasterFormat
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Specification Types & Components
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Virtual Tour of Specs
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Test Your Specs Knowledge
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Summary & Key Takeaways
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We want to hear from you!
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Conclusion
Intro to Specifications
Learn how construction specifications and drawings work together. Understand project manuals, quality standards, and CSI divisions for better project execution.
Instructor: Janine Trinidad
1 hour
Last reviewed 4/2025
Multimedia Content
Course Description
This course explores how specifications (specs) and construction drawings work together, providing essential details on materials, quality standards, and installation requirements. You'll learn how specs function as part of the project manual, covering critical contract documents, technical specifications, and compliance requirements. By the end of this course, you'll know how to navigate and interpret specs effectively, ensuring better project execution and communication.
Throughout the course, you'll gain insights into the three main types of specifications—prescriptive, performance, and proprietary—along with how they guide construction decisions. You'll also explore how the CSI MasterFormat organizes specifications into divisions, making it easier to locate and manage information. With real-world examples, this course helps you understand how specs impact bidding, project coordination, and quality control. After completing the course, you'll have the skills to read and apply specifications effectively.
Learning Objectives
Define specifications and explain how they outline installation, codes, standards, and quality requirements.
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Describe how specifications and drawings relate to each other.
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Identify and summarize the three main types of specifications.
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Explain how construction specifications are structured and organized for easy reference.
Prerequisites
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Learning Level: Beginner
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Prerequisite Knowledge: No prior knowledge of construction is required for this course.
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Recommended Knowledge: None.
Continuing Education Course Credits
Course Title: Intro to Specifications
Course Number: PC-428-022324
Session Number: 1
Curriculum Group Name: AIA Providers
Credit: 1 AIA LU
Course Expiration Date: 02/28/2028
Procore's Continuing Education courses may qualify for continuing education credits with other professional organizations or fulfill state licensing requirements. If you are a member of a different organization, you can download your course completion certificate from your learning profile and report your completion yourself to the organization for potential credit. Please refer to the organization's continuing education requirements for course eligibility information.
AIA CES Provider statement
Procore Technologies is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 40108059. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this course help me read and interpret specifications more effectively on real projects?
Yes, this training will help you understand the structure, terminology, and purpose of specifications so you can confidently navigate spec books, identify key information, and use them effectively in real-world construction projects.
Does this training include real-world examples or case studies?
Yes, the course includes real-world examples, including how specifications are structured, how they impact construction decisions, and how they are used alongside drawings.
What's Next
Other Recommended Courses
Construction Management Essentials: The BasicsProject Team Roles and ResponsibilitiesIntroduction to Project PhasesRelated Resources
Instructors
Janine Trinidad
Janine Trinidad is a Construction Educational professional for Procore Technologies. In previous roles, Janine managed all phases of construction on hotel, mixed-use, and institutional projects in the San Francisco Bay area. She was responsible for negotiating contract budgets and change orders, managing RFIs and submittals, and overseeing quality control, among other duties. She is also a certified transformational coach with a focus on women-centered and trauma-informed methods. She is passionate about transforming the construction industry to be a healthier, more successful and welcoming place to work and believes technology and education are allies in doing so.