For the case study question #116 on Form 2 where they asked what group would foundation drainage be located in CSI Masterformat, are we expected to memorize all the spec divisions?
Memorizing them would be ideal if you can do it, but the master format has 34 sections so memorizing the entire thing is challenging. Sections 40-48 are probably the least likely to show up as test questions. Typically the ARE tests your general understanding of a topic like this but they may ask a question like your example that requires some specific knowledge of the sections. As an architect, you’ll most likely be concerned with sections 1-14 and 21-28. Sections 31-33 would be used for ground up buildings but the balance of that group would only be utilized on very specific projects. Your question references something that would be in section 33 I think, which seems like an obscure question to me. I think it would be more likely that you would have a test question asking about which section includes something like windows or millwork or carpet from the first 14 sections and/or some system in sections 21, 22, 23 & 26 since those sections encompass the majority of the materials that you would use for an architectural project.
SPECIFICATIONS GROUP
General Requirements Subgroup
- Division 01 — General Requirements
Facility Construction Subgroup
- Division 02 — Existing Conditions
- Division 03 — Concrete
- Division 04 — Masonry
- Division 05 — Metals
- Division 06 — Wood, Plastics, and Composites
- Division 07 — Thermal and Moisture Protection
- Division 08 — Openings
- Division 09 — Finishes
- Division 10 — Specialties
- Division 11 — Equipment
- Division 12 — Furnishings
- Division 13 — Special Construction
- Division 14 — Conveying Equipment
Facility Services Subgroup :
- Division 21 — Fire Suppression
- Division 22 — Plumbing
- Division 23 — Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Division 25 — Integrated Automation
- Division 26 — Electrical
- Division 27 — Communications
- Division 28 — Electronic Safety and Security
Site and Infrastructure Subgroup :
- Division 31 — Earthwork
- Division 32 — Exterior Improvements
- Division 33 — Utilities
- Division 34 — Transportation
- Division 35 — Waterway and Marine Construction
Process Equipment Subgroup :
- Division 40 — Process Interconnections
- Division 41 — Material Processing and Handling Equipment
- Division 42 — Process Heating, Cooling, and Drying Equipment
- Division 43 — Process Gas and Liquid Handling, Purification and Storage Equipment
- Division 44 — Pollution and Waste Control Equipment
- Division 45 — Industry-Specific Manufacturing Equipment
- Division 46 — Water and Wastewater Equipment
- Division 48 — Electrical Power Generation