November 15, 2007 -- Responding to changes in the information transport systems (ITS) marketplace, BICSI announced that it is modernizing its credentialing processes with the launch of the BICSI NxtGEN program.
According to BICSI, the program, formerly known as the Inverted Funnel Project (IFP), will elevate the importance and recognition of existing Registered Communications Distribution Designers (RCDDs), make the RCDD and Specialty programs more available to IT, engineering and other professionals; and modernize the BICSI credentialing programs and make them more consistent with how professionals are credentialed today.
According to a press release, in 2006, the BICSI board of directors asked a number of BICSI members and volunteers to take a look at the many changes that have occurred in the ITS industry since the inception of the RCDD program, and to make recommendations for enhancements. In June 2007, this committee of members recommended that BICSI take "a serious look at what the organization can do to maintain its leadership role in ITS," which resulted in the formation of the NxtGEN program.
"There is no denying that many changes have occurred in the ITS industry since the inception of the RCDD program," comments John Bakowski, RCDD/NTS/OSP/WD Specialist, and BICSI's president, in his latest BICSI News article (November/December issue). "Shifts in the needs of BICSI members, customers and other stakeholders have left gaps in the publications, training and credentialing that we offer."
Although currently still in the research and analysis stages, the program will enhance the BICSI credentialing and education programs. Currently, the credentialing has a linear path, where a person can enter the organization as an Installer or Technician, and then must become an RCDD prior to being able to obtain one of the three Specialty programs: Network Transport Systems, Wireless Design and Outside Plant. The NxtGEN program will evaluate the path of becoming an RCDD, and reconfigure the path to match the needs of today's information transport systems professionals. New credentialing programs that complement BICSI's publications are also possible enhancements.
"The NxtGEN program will drive the BICSI strategic plan in building our credentialing and outreach programs," says Bakowski. "The ITS industry will benefit from the availability of our venues on a more open basis, both locally and globally."
The BICSI NxtGEN Program and the committee's findings will be presented to the BICSI board of directors in December of this year, and if approved, presented to the membership in January 2008. Further research and analysis will take place prior to implementation.
"Today marks the beginning of the next generation of candidates BICSI welcomes to the information transport systems industry," comments Ed Donelan, RCDD/NTS Specialist, and BICSI's incoming president. "Tomorrow, we measure the success of more effective access to our products and the way we help so many achieve their knowledge-based goals."
