MasterFormat Is the Universal Language of Construction Specifications
The CSI MasterFormat is the construction industry's standard numbering and organizational system for specifications and cost data. Every construction specification written in North America - from a small residential addition to a billion-dollar hospital - follows MasterFormat organization. Understanding MasterFormat is not just academic: architects use it to write specifications, coordinate with engineers, communicate with contractors, and organize project cost information. The ARE PDD division tests MasterFormat knowledge at the level of knowing what types of work live in which divisions and how the overall system is organized.
MasterFormat Structure
MasterFormat 2016 organizes construction information into approximately 50 numbered divisions, grouped into categories. The numbering system uses a 6-digit code: the first 2 digits identify the division, and the remaining digits subdivide within the division. Divisions are grouped into larger categories:
Procurement and Contracting Requirements (Division 00)
Division 00 contains the non-technical documents that govern the project contract and bidding: invitation to bid, instructions to bidders, bid forms, the contract agreement, general conditions, supplementary conditions, and addenda. These are the AIA A-series documents. Division 00 is not a specification section in the traditional sense - it is procurement and legal documents.
General Requirements (Division 01)
Division 01 covers project-wide administrative and procedural requirements that apply to all other specification sections: summary of work, allowances, alternates, unit prices, quality control, temporary facilities, environmental procedures, submittal procedures, closeout procedures, and facility operations. Division 01 sets the rules that govern how all the technical specifications are implemented in the field.
Facility Construction (Divisions 02–19)
- 02: Existing Conditions (demolition, hazmat abatement, surveying)
- 03: Concrete (cast-in-place, precast, grouts)
- 04: Masonry (CMU, brick, stone)
- 05: Metals (structural steel, metal fabrications, metal decking)
- 06: Wood, Plastics, and Composites (rough carpentry, finish carpentry, architectural woodwork)
- 07: Thermal and Moisture Protection (waterproofing, insulation, roofing, air barriers)
- 08: Openings (doors, windows, glazing, hardware, curtain walls)
- 09: Finishes (drywall, flooring, tile, painting, acoustic ceilings)
- 10: Specialties (signage, fire extinguishers, toilet accessories)
- 11: Equipment (food service, healthcare, laboratory, residential equipment)
- 12: Furnishings (furniture, window treatments, artwork)
- 13: Special Construction (pre-engineered structures, swimming pools, cleanrooms)
- 14: Conveying Equipment (elevators, lifts, escalators)
Facility Services (Divisions 21–28)
- 21: Fire Suppression
- 22: Plumbing
- 23: HVAC
- 26: Electrical
- 27: Communications
- 28: Electronic Safety and Security
Site and Infrastructure (Divisions 31–35)
- 31: Earthwork
- 32: Exterior Improvements (paving, landscaping, fencing)
- 33: Utilities (site utilities, storm drainage)
Key Exam Points
- Division 00: procurement and contracting documents (AIA forms).
- Division 01: general requirements (administrative, procedural).
- Division 07: thermal and moisture protection (roofing, waterproofing, insulation).
- Division 08: openings (doors, windows, hardware, curtain walls).
- Division 09: finishes (drywall, tile, flooring, painting).
- Division 23: HVAC; Division 26: electrical.
Study PDD on AREprep
AREprep’s PDD flashcards cover every concept on this exam with spaced repetition, and the practice exams mirror the real question formats so the actual test feels familiar.