Data centers are often thought of as the “brain of a company” since many different people, pieces of equipment, and systems need to work together to disseminate large amounts of data to ultimately help run a business. However, ensuring that your data center operates smoothly requires data center professionals with specific expertise and skills.
Whether you are looking to advance your abilities or you need to address skill gaps in your organization, data center certifications and training programs are key for keeping up with changes in the industry and providing high ROI in knowledgeable and proficient data center teams. Read below to explore the top options for data center training and certifications.
Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL®) Foundation:
The ITIL Foundation certification is aimed at IT professionals and others who require a foundational understanding of the concepts and terminology that are part of the ITIL service lifecycle for IT service management. Whether your organization has adopted the ITIL framework or you simply want to learn more about ITSM, this credential can be a good starting point.
Data Center Design Consultant (DCDC):
This credential is appropriate for individuals who have demonstrated knowledge of the systems and needs of a data center and the ability to apply this knowledge within data center design. The DCDC is recommended if you are seeking advanced knowledge in the planning, implementing, critical decision making, and other facets of data center design, construction and/or maintenance.
Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD):
Individuals who achieve this designation have demonstrated knowledge in design, implementation, integration, and project management of telecommunications and data communications technology as well as related infrastructure. The RCDD credential is recommended if you are seeking to advance your knowledge in these areas.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®) Data Center Certification:
The CCNA Data Center certification provides you with the knowledge required to install, configure, and maintain data center technology. Candidates include anyone interested in gaining ground in data center infrastructure, data center networking concepts and technologies, storage networking, unified computing, network virtualization, data center automation and orchestration, and Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI).
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP®) Data Center:
The CCNA Data Center certification is aimed at data center professionals looking to improve their skills and knowledge around designing, implementing, and managing modern data center infrastructure. Individuals who complete this certification are highly qualified for roles focused on digital transformation, cloud, and other initiatives that require professional expertise with using Cisco technologies in real-world environments.
Certified Data Centre Management Professional (CDCMP®):
The CDCMP program is an essential tool for data center managers, operations managers, facilities managers and IT and network managers. This certification is recommended if you are looking to enhance your skills in effectively managing, controlling, and improving the operational effectiveness of the data center environment.
Data Center Operations Manager (DCOM)®:
The DCOM certification provides data center managers, operators, and other professionals involved in the day-to-day data center operations with knowledge and skills to help them manage their data centers. Topics covered in this certification include disaster recovery, capacity planning, and risk management as well as human resources management and vendor management.
Accredited Tier Specialist:
The Uptime Institute’s Accredited Tier Specialist is designed for data center managers and operators looking to apply Tier Standards in their own organizations. With this credential, you’ll learn how to ensure that the design and operation of critical facilities meet the needs of the business. Additionally, you’ll expand your skillset to better communicate with upper management and influence capital expenditures.
VMware Certified Professional 6.5 - Data Center Virtualization (VCP6.5-DCV):
VMware certifications are tremendously popular, and this credential is no exception. Earning this certification validates that you know how to deploy and manage vSphere V6.5 infrastructures in real-world environments. It proves that you have the skills necessary to leverage virtualization best practices and provide your organization with a scalable and secure platform to meet their virtual infrastructure and cloud computing needs.
University Degrees
Another option to boost your data center knowledge and skills is to pursue a degree at a college or university. The many programs offered are tailored to various aspects of data center careers. See the infographic above for descriptions to determine which one could be right for you!
Bachelor of Engineering in Data Centre Facilities Engineering
Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies with Concentration in Data Center Technologies
Master’s Degree in Datacenter Systems Engineering
Master’s Degree in Data Centre Leadership & Management
Data center training and certification programs can help you advance your knowledge, learn new skills, bridge skill gaps, and ultimately increase your value to your organization and on the market.
For more information on data center certifications and training, visit www.sunbirddcim.com/careers
