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Certified Data Centre Professional
Continue into the Design/Build pathway and develop broader technical knowledge across key data centre infrastructure and design considerations.
Explore CDCP
Data Centre Foundation
CDCA®
Certified Data Center Associate (Academic)
Designed specifically for higher education students pursuing IT or engineering studies, CDCA® introduces key data centre concepts and prepares students for careers in the digital economy.
Competency Scope
Target Audience & Professional Profile
University and college students enrolled in computer science, electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering, or IT programmes.
Selected Course Benefits
- Connect academic studies with real data centre infrastructure and roles.
- Understand the interaction of engineering, IT and sustainability disciplines.
- Explore professional specialisations after the academic entry route.
For further details on the programme and its benefits, download the CDCA® brochure.
Course Content
What the CDCA® Programme Covers
View the detailed topics included in EPI’s Certified Data Center Associate (Academic) training programme.
CDCA® Course Syllabus
Introduction to Data Centers
- History of Data Centers
The Data Center and Its Relation to Business
- The relationship between data center and business
- Importance of a data center
- Causes of unavailability
- The data center market and industry challenges
Definition of Different Types of Data Centers
- Enterprise data center
- Commercial/Co-lo data center
- Wholesale
- Cloud data center
- Modular/Edge data center
- Hyperscale data center
Data Center Standards
- Standards and guidelines
- Standard development process
- SDO, SO, AB/NAB, RCB/CB/CAB
- Comparison of common data center standards
Topology Designs
- Rating definitions
- Example of ratings levels
- Concurrent Maintainability
- Fault Tolerant
- Compartmentalization
- Definitions of N, N+x, 2N, 2N+x
Data Center Site Selection
- Criteria for selecting the data center location
- Criteria for facility and supporting infrastructure
Data Center Facilities Areas
- Listing of all areas and their function
Components of the Architectural Infrastructure
- Walls
- Windows
- Doors
- Roof
- (Raised) Floor
- (Suspended) Ceiling
Components of the Power Infrastructure
- The basics of electricity
- Basic formulas and calculations
- AC/DC/Power/Power factor
- Utility power
- Microgrid
- Transformers
- Diesel and Turbine Generators
- Fuel systems
- ATS
- Static/Dynamic UPS systems
- Battery types and technology
- Electrical switch gear
- Cabling/busbar systems
- Power rails/strips
Lights
- Lights
- Emergency lighting
Components of the Cooling Infrastructure
- Cooling requirements and standards
- Chillers
- DX Systems
- Make up water
- Chemical dosing
- CRAC/CRAU/HVAC
- Cooling concepts for computer rooms
- Raised/non-raised floor, containment
- High density / liquid cooling
- Geothermal cooling
Components of the ICT/Network Infrastructure
- Racks
- Equipment mounting
- Network cabling (fibre, copper)
- Cable trays and pathways
- TIA 606B labelling
AI Infrastructure Design Requirements
- Power infrastructure design considerations
- Cooling infrastructure design considerations
Components of Fire Suppression
- Detection systems
- Water-based suppression systems
- Gaseous-based suppression systems
- Fire prevention system
- Fire extinguishers
- Fire safety
Safety
- Safety requirements
- Safety practices and industry norms
- Safety signage and alarm systems
Data Center Monitoring Systems
- Environmental Monitoring System (EMS)
- Building Management System (BMS)
- Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM)
- Liquid leak detection
- Notification Systems
Components of Security Infrastructure
- Perimeter security
- Physical protection
- CCTV/VSS
- Access control
Data Center Operations
- Operations team
- Roles and duties of the operations team
- Asset management
- Facilities Maintenance
- Floor management
- Equipment installation from truck to rack
- Monitoring and reporting
- Vendor management
- Security management
- Safety & Crisis management
- Document management
Impact of Data Centers on the Environment
- Predictions made in 2010
- Current situation
- Kyoto protocol / the Paris agreement and others
- Outlook and commitments
Environmental Sustainability
- Environmental sustainability framework (ISO 14001)
- Standards and guidelines – ISO 50001 / ISO 30134
- Data center efficiency mode
- The three scopes for GHG emissions
- Measurement and categories
- Baselining
- Trend analysis
- Reporting
Key Metrics
- PUE - Power Usage Effectiveness
- WUE - Water Usage Effectiveness
- CUE - Carbon Usage Effectiveness
- REF - Renewable Energy Factor
Waste Management
- Life-cycle assessment
- 3 R’s for waste management
Sustainable Energy Usage
- Sustainable energy sources
- Power purchase agreements
- Energy attribute certificates
- Renewable Energy Factor (REF)
- Matching renewable energy supply and demand
- Sustainable energy storage
- Carbon trading
Curriculum Objectives
Key Learning Outcomes
- Understand core data centre architecture and operations
- Recognize industry standards and career progression pathways in data centre engineering
Exam
The exam is a 2.5 hours closed book exam with 120 multiple-choice questions. The passing mark is 84 out of 120.
Certification & Accreditation
Students who pass the exam will be awarded the internationally accredited and recognised 'Certified Data Center Associate’ (CDCA®) certificate. Valid for three years, the certificate can easily be renewed through a simple recertification process, ensuring it remains relevant for career advancement. Candidates can also progress to higher level certifications within the EPI Data Center Training Framework, accelerating your career growth.
The CDCA® certification is accredited by EXIN, an internationally respected, independent organization that ensures training programs meet high standards of quality.
Where Can CDCA® Take You Next?
Certified Data Centre Facilities Operations Specialist
Progress into the operations pathway and develop capability in the day-to-day operation and management of mission-critical data centre facilities.
Explore CDFOS