BICSI, the association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, established the Data Center Design Consultant (DCDC) credential in order to support those involved in the planning, implementing and making of critical decisions regarding data centers.
Due to the push for greater capacity, increased efficiency and higher levels of utilization, data centers have become more complex to design and bring online. Today's data center designers are often required to possess knowledge in mechanical, electrical and telecommunications systems, as well as to be familiar with the other needs of a data center, such as reliability, security and building requirements.
The BICSI DCDC credential was created to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated both the knowledge and the ability to apply it over the multiple facets within data center design. Individuals who have earned the DCDC credential have seen favorable results.
"I feel that the DCDC credential helps solidify my expertise to my clients, as I am currently working on several data centers, not just in areas of design, but through consultation on cloud and co-location services," said Tony Whaley, RCDD, DCDC, NTS, WD, CTS, VP of RTKL Associates and chair of BICSI's Registrations and Credentials Supervision Committee.
BICSI courses prepare individuals for industry success and are educational tools that can be used to pursue the DCDC credential, which is achieved by passing an exam based on three BICSI publications, including the standard ANSI/BICSI 002-2011, "Data Center Design and Implementation Best Practices." The DCDC examination is the first BICSI exam to be offered via computer-based testing at Pearson VUE Authorized Testing Facilities, which are available at more than 4,500 sites in 165 countries.
The first individual to pass the DCDC examination at a Pearson VUE testing facility was Mohammed Asgharuddin Ahmed, RCDD, DCDC, of Saudi Arabia. "I believe [computer-based testing] is an excellent alternative that exams can be taken from anywhere in the world," said Ahmed. "The specialized DCDC credential will further substantiate my data center experience. The convergence of systems and applications, the need for reliable network availability and the advent of cloud computing will certainly augment career opportunities for data center professionals, making the DCDC a vital credential in the coming years."
More information regarding the DCDC credential can be found at www.bicsi.org/dcdc.
