BICSI Announces New Data Center Design Standards and Specialty Manual

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What's New with the DCDC program?

On May 1, 2019, BICSI released three data center publications, signaling the start of an overall update to BICSI’s data center program. These publications are:

For your convenience, we have made all of these publications available for ease of purchase in bundled sets here.

Over the next few months, existing data center courses will be revised and a series of new learning opportunities will be released, culminating with the update to the Data Center Design Consultant™ (DCDC™) credential in August 2019. 

Since its inception in 2011, the DCDC is fast becoming a premier credential and mark of distinction in the global data center market.  Found within all aspects of data centers, from design, planning, consulting and operations, more information on the DCDC can be found here.

The following FAQ has also been prepared from commonly asked questions that arise when a BICSI program is revised.

 

Data Center Program Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is BICSI changing the current program?

    BICSI performs a Job Task Analysis (JTA) every three to five (3-5) years for all of its programs to reflect the changes and evolution within the ICT industry. This is an essential process to ensure that the credential requirements, exam content, training and publications accurately reflect current job-related activities and professional standards. For the DCDC™, Data Center Design Consultant credential holders from around the globe joined our JTA and identified new and expanded areas of importance, such as operational and security assessments that are increasingly being requested.

  • What are the changes to the Data Center Program?

    The program (including standards, publication, course and exam) was updated and aligned with the most recent Job Task Analysis (JTA). While design is still a central part of a DCDC credential holder’s job description, it was found that DCDCs are being utilized within all facets of data centers including strategic planning, operations, management and evaluation.

    In addition to the expansion of topical areas, this update to the program will also see modifications to align with the JTA to both the eligibility and recertification requirements of the DCDC credential.

    BICSI also released three data center publications. These publications are:

    Several new course offerings, including an updated DC102 course, and an updated DCDC credentialing exam will launch later this summer.  Check back on 1 August 2019 for more details.


  • I’m interested in attending a Data Center Design course, should I wait until August 26 to take the new course?

    The current course curriculum is still relevant to today’s data center design standards and best practices. There is no reason to wait until the new program comes out.Courses available include:

  • If I just purchased ANSI/BICSI 002-2014, how long do I have to take the course or the test before the switchover?

    You will have one year from your exam authorization date to take the DCDC-002 exam as long as you applied for this exam prior to 31 July.  All courses will be taught on the material from ANSI/BICSI 002-2014 until 31 July.

  • Will the new class, manual or exam be available in a language other than English?

    A Japanese translation of ANSI/BICSI 002-2019 is in development. Other offerings in Japanese or other languages have not been announced.

  • If I am a current BICSI DCDC Credential Holder does this new program affect me?

    If you are a current credential holder, the program updates will impact your recertification. The new recertification requirement will be 36 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) every three years instead of 24 CECs. Read more.

  • When the program is updated, will my current DCDC credential still be valid?

    Yes. Current credential holders will hold a valid credential until their credential expires, unless they continue to earn CECs and successfully complete the recertification process for their credential.

  • Should I wait until 26 August to apply for the DCDC exam?

    It depends. If you were already planning to earn the DCDC credential based on the contents of ANSI/BICSI 002-2014, then you will have until 31 July to apply to take the current exam.  You will be given up to one year from application approval to pass the exam based on the ANSI/BICSI 002-2014. Applications submitting after 31 July will test on information from the new publications. 

    If you are unfamiliar with ANSI/BICSI 002-2014 and are unsure if you can commit the recommended 125 hours of study time or more in the next 12 months, we recommend waiting to apply. However, as the core DCDC standards and specialty manuals were released on 1 May, you can start reviewing these materials while waiting for the new application period to begin.

  • According to the BICSI CEC policy, if I take an exam review class and pass the exam within a 7-day period, the CECs apply toward my first recertification. Would that be the case with the new program?

    Please refer to the current CEC policy at time of certification.

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Different Data Center Professional Certifications Explained

Read this great post on understanding the different types of data center credentials and training courses. Familiarize yourself with available options and give yourself a better chance to select the one that best meets your needs.

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