Introduction to the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) 2004 Revision
The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and the Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) is a group of professionals devoted to the standardization of specification documents used in the Architectural, Engineering, and construction (AEC) fields. The group has created a system of organization for architects, engineers, and contractors called the MasterFormat™. According to information on the CSI Website ( the MasterFormat: Numbers and Titles is a master list of numbers and subject titles for organizing information about construction work results, requirements, products, and activities intogroups and subgroups. MasterFormat: Numbers and Titles facilitate standard filing and retrieval format throughout the construction industry. MasterFormat: Numbers and Titles are suitable for use in project manuals, organization of cost data, reference keynotes on drawings, filing product information and technical data, identification of drawing objects, and presentation of construction market data. The system is divided into 49 major groups and subgroups called divisions. Each division is made up of levels. Level one is the major division title, level two, three, and four define an increasingly detailed area of work results to be specified. The divisions and levels of the MasterFormat establish a six-digit numbering system shown in Figure 1. The first two digits designate the division number. The second pair of numbers identifies level two, and the third pair of numbers refers to level three. Level four numbers are preceded by a dot and are only used when additional detail is required. Several Division Numbers have been reserved to provide space for future expansion by the CSI. Look at the CSI Website for more information and to see the complete list of divisions and levels.
CSI MasterFormat Divisions
Division NumberDivision Title
Procurement and Contracting Requirements Group
00 Procurement and Contracting Requirements
Specifications Group
General Requirements Subgroup
01 General Requirements
Facility Requirements Subgroup
02 Existing Conditions
03Concrete
04Masonry
05 Metals
06Wood, Plastics, and Composites
07Thermal and Moisture Protection
08Openings
09Finishes
10Specialties
11Equipment
12Furnishings
13Special Construction
14Conveying Equipment
15 – 19Reserved
Facilities Services Subgroup
20Reserved
21Fire Suppression
22Plumbing
23Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
24Reserved
25Integrated Automation
26Electrical
27Communications
28Electronic Safety and Security
29Reserved
Site and Infrastructure Subgroup
30Reserved
31Earthwork
32Exterior Improvements
33Utilities
34Transportation
35Waterway and marine Construction
36 – 39Reserved
Process Equipment Subgroup
40Process Integration
41Material Processing and handling Equipment
42Process Heating, Cooling, and Drying Equipment
43Process Gas and liquid Handling, Purification, and Storage Equipment
44Pollution Control Equipment
45Industry-Specific Manufacturing Equipment
46 – 47 Reserved
48Electrical Power Generation
49Reserved