The Construction Specification Cost Code system called the CSI Masterformat was designed to organize the project specifications and the work of architect and specification writer. They created a uniform system that is now used almost exclusively by Architects, Engineers, Public Awarding Bodies, and many General Contractors.

The specification titles and numbers in the MASTERFORMAT are organized into 16 basic groupsings of related construction information called "divisions.". Each division is identified by a fixed number and title. The divisions are the basic fremework of MASTERFORMAT and they indicate the location of the subordinate elements of the system. The numbers and titles of the divisions are:

Sections:

Within each division specifications are written in numbered "sections" each of which covers one portion of the total work or requirements. MASTERFORMAT provides a standard system for numbering and titling these sections. The first two didgits of the section numbers are the same as the division number. The three additional numbers show detail under those divisions.

Please refer to the Construction Specification Institute for further information