Effective May 1, current holders of BICSI’s Network Technology System (NTS) Design credential are eligible to take a shortened exam, at a reduced price, to earn the association’s Data Center Design Consultant (DCDC) credential. NTS credential holders who have at least two years’ experience in the design and/or construction of data centers meet the eligibility requirements to apply for the exam.
In a letter, BICSI’s Registration and Credentials Supervision Committee (RCSC) chair Tony Whaley explained: “The DCDC exam for approved NTS credential holders has been modified to a 50-question, two-hour multiple choice exam focused primarily on data center site selection, architecture, electrical and mechanical systems, commissioning and the data center design process from the duties of the Data Center Job Task Analysis.” The existing DCDC exam, taken by applicants who do not hold the NTS designation, is 100 questions in length.
Application and exam fees for current NTS holders taking the DCDC exam have been reduced. The application fee for these individuals is $50 member/$75 nonmember; exam fee is $75 member/$130 nonmember.
NTS holders have until December 31, 2013 to apply for the modified exam. Approved candidates will have one year from the date of their application approval to take the exam. The 50-question exam will not be available after January 31, 2015. The application approval process can take up to 30 days, Whaley also explained.
“We believe that the DCDC program is very relevant to the data center industry, and this plan provides a path for you as an NTS credential holder to add a credential that will give you an edge in being recognized as an expert in a growing market,” Whaley added in the letter.
Whaley also addressed the ability of NTS holders to keep their credentials current. “BICSI recognizes that our current NTS credential holders may be actively using their credentials in their current work environment and even though there will be no new NTS certified by BICSI, the need for being able to keep your credential current may be very important,” he stated. “With that in mind, BICSI has set up a method in which you may still maintain and renew your NTS by completing 18 CECs each three-year renewal cycle and paying the reduced fee of $50 member, $120 nonmember. If you hold multiple credentials, you will receive an equal number of CECs for each credential by completing ITS professional development training approved by BICSI.”
He further stated that despite the fact BICSI will no longer certify new NTS or Wireless Design (WD) credential holders, “the skills that come from our NTS and WD credentials are relevant to our industry and therefore we are exploring ways to use the content into other avenues.
The DCDC exam application created specifically for NTS holders can be downloaded here.