Datacentre Dci Syllabus

8/9/2019 Datacentre Dci Syllabus

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BCS Foundation Certificatein Data CentreInfrastructure Syllabus

Version 1.1

October 2013

Effective From: 26 November 2012


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Copyright © BCS 2013Foundation Certificate in Data CentreInfrastructure Syllabus

Version 1.1 October 2013Effective 26 November 2012

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Change History

Version Number Changes Made

Version 1.1 Updated trainer requirements to includeminimum experience.

Version 1.0 No further change to technical content.Final approved version.

Version 0.2 Final formatting – no change to technicalcontent.

Version 0.1 New qualification and syllabus created


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BCS Certificate in Data CentreInfrastructure Syllabus

Contents

Change History ..................................................................................................................1

Syllabus .............................................................................................................................5

Eligibility for the Examination............................................................................................11

Duration and Format of the Examination .............................. ............................................11

Accreditation Guidelines for Training Providers................................................................11

Additional Time for Candidates requiring Reasonable Adjustments due to a temporary orpermanent disability .........................................................................................................11

Additional Time for Candidates whose business language is not English.........................11

Levels of Knowledge ........................................................................................................12

Levels of Skill and Responsibility (SFIA Levels) ................... ............................................13

Trainer Qualification Criteria.............................................................................................16

Classroom Size................................................................................................................16


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Aims and Objectives

This course will introduce the student to all of the main disciplines associated with thedesign and running of a data centre.

Target Group

The purpose of the Foundation Certificate in Data Centre Infrastructure is to certify thatthe candidate has gained a knowledge of the various elements within a data centre, thevarious specialisms involved, and the associated best practices. It is best suited to anyperson involved directly/indirectly in the management/operation of an existing datacentre/computer room or involved in the exploration, design or build phase of a newproject OR any person using the services of a 3rd party data centre operator wishing togain an insight into the nature of data centre infrastructure.

Data centre infrastructure/design is a systems level issue requiring a multi-disciplinarysolution, therefore the Certificate is not intended to enable the holder of the Certificate to

individually be able to manage, control or optimise all aspects of a data centre design orbuild but to provide them with the skills to work with assistance from experts in otherdisciplines to deliver an overall design and efficiency strategy.

Those likely to be interested in obtaining a qualification of this nature include:

Data Centre ManagementIT ManagementNetwork ManagementFacility ManagementM&E ConsultantsElectrical EngineersHVAC Engineers

Data Centre owners/operatorsArchitectsProject ManagersBuilding ContractorsProperty DevelopersSales Engineers from OEM Vendors


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Specific Learning Objectives

Candidates can expect to gain knowledge and understanding in the following areas uponsuccessful completion of the education and examination components related to thiscertification.

• Why the design of a data centre is important (Blooms Level 1 – Remembering)

• Explain what best practice of design in the data centre involves (Blooms Level 2 –Understanding)

• Developing and demonstrating appropriate understanding of the options in therunning of an efficient data centre (Blooms Level 3 – Applying)


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Syllabus

The subject areas and topics covered by this syllabus by section:

Part 1

1. An introduction to the data centreThe purpose of this unit is to explain the basics of the history of the data centre, whybusinesses build them and how various designs are classified (e.g. Tier I – IV)

Specifically, candidates must be able to:

1.1. Understand the history of the data centre, from its humble beginnings as acomputer room to the football field sized behemoths of today.

1.2. Understand the critical services data centres provide and how they areembedded across most things we do throughout a typical day without usknowing.

1.3. Understand the important role data centres play and how they enable the

digital, and likely low carbon economy, of the future.1.4. Identify the relevant industry bodies, and the associated standards andregulations.

1.5. Describe and explain the most used definitions in the data centre industry.1.6. Understand how the efficiency metrics are calculated – explain how legacy

data centres performed and current trends.1.7. Explain the market forces that are shaping the industry and how they are

impacting today’s designs.1.8. Understand the design process and how criticality, the importance/impact of

downtime, and the needs of the business informs the design.1.9. Understand resilience vs. business need.1.10. Identify the options available to those seeking data centre designs including

the types of data centres for the different computing architectures and

business models.

The recommended study period for this unit is a minimum of 2 hours.

2. Site selection and environmental considerationsThe purpose of this unit is to help the candidate comprehend what should be takeninto account when selecting the location for a data centre.


2.1. Understand the standards recommendations.2.2. Explain how the availability of resources affects a design, including power,

connectivity and water.

2.3. Understand how geography influences the location of a data centre, includingair-quality and localised risks.

2.4. Understand how business needs can override other site selection criteria,e.g. communications latency.

2.5. Be aware of what future influences on design are likely to be.

The recommended study period for this unit is a minimum of 1 hour.


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3. Architecture Design and Standards Recommendations

Specifically, candidates must understand key elements of a data centre design:

3.1. Align design and architecture to business strategy today and into the future.3.2. Business impact of decisions – looking at design from a TCO perspective

over lifecycle.3.3. External Shell design.3.4. Space considerations.3.5. Structural Specifications.3.6. Applicable Standards – including fire resistance, fire suppression and

security, etc.3.7. Codes & Regulations – including legislative requirements across different

countries and voluntary initiatives (e.g. EU CoC, building sustainability –LEED, BREEAM)

3.8. Other types of data centre design – covering modular data centres, scalable

data centres, container based systems, fast provisioning, pre-fabricated datacentres, Pods, etc.3.9. Future thinking on data centre design.


4. Raised Access Floor and Design Best Practices, connecting the infrastructurewith copper and fibre.


4.1. Understand the history of the access floor and debate whether a raised flooris still needed.

4.2. Define the relevant standards and regulations.4.3. Understand floor loading.4.4. Explain the design considerations with regard to flooring.4.5. Explain where air grille tiles and ramps should be sited and the role played in

airflow management and management of the data centre.4.6. Be aware of the implications of cutting floor tiles and build up of zinc

whiskers.4.7. Understand current cabling standards and why they are important. Explain

the technology behind copper cable and fibre cable technology.4.8. Describe the various methods of cable containment and associated benefits.4.9. Understand the design principles of communication cabling.4.10. Be aware of recent/future developments in this area.

The recommended study period for this unit is a minimum of 2 hours inclusive ofrevision.


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Part 2

5. IT Hardware The purpose of this unit is to help candidates understand the terminology andtechnology of the IT hardware to be housed in a data centre.


5.1. Identify the roles and terminologies of servers.5.2. Understand the issues surrounding low server utilisation and the benefits of

virtualisation.5.3. Understand the various types of storage equipment.5.4. Understand the various types of communications equipment.5.5. Be aware of technology developments, today’s challenges and the

associated standards & regulations around IT hardware – think about whatthe next 4 – 5 next generations of equipment could look like in the interest offuture proofing data centre design.

5.6. Understand the number of generations and versions that will be

accommodated in the data centre throughout its lifecycle.5.7. Understand container based systems and the benefits to IT hardware anddata centre systems.

5.8. Understand provisioning guidelines associated with IT, and how they affectmanaging data centre capacity.

5.9. Be aware of innovative designs – Google, Facebook, Yahoo, Deutsche Bank,Kyoto cooling, eBay.

5.10. Be aware that future IT loads will be more variable than in the past. Considerhow to manage this, in a dynamic consumption world, through workloadmanagement.


6. Cooling System Options and Environmental ControlThe purpose of this unit is to help the candidate to comprehend cooling in the contextof the data centre.


6.1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the fundamentals of cooling.6.2. Understand what cooling options are available and the

advantages\disadvantages of each method, especially with respect to riskmanagement.

6.3. Understand different monitoring and control strategies including associatedbenefits.

6.4. Be aware of the evolution of ASHRAE temperature, humidity and

contamination recommendations around cooling and why they have changed.Be aware of how to implement the changes in an operational environment.

6.5. Understand how cooling is affected by design considerations across theworld.

6.6. Understand how to make cooling systems more efficient – understandCoP/EER and operational efficiency across the whole lifecycle of the datacentre including part load efficiency.


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6.7. Be aware of codes and regulations covering cooling.6.8. Be aware of likely future developments in this area.6.9. Heat re-use use and possible applications.


7. Electrical Power SystemsThe purpose of this unit is to explain the various electrical elements in the context ofthe data centre.


7.1. Understand electrical basics.7.2. Identify what is meant by power quality for the ICT load and understand the

ITIC/CBEMA Power Quality Curve.7.3. Explain the term ‘grid power supply’.7.4. Understand AC and DC power solutions.

7.5. Identify the various types of UPS including scalable & modular designs forenergy efficiency and eco-mode operation.7.6. Identify the various forms of energy storage, particularly battery and flywheel,

and understand the limitations of each. Understand how power can bedistributed in the data centre.

7.7. Explain standby/backup power and understand emerging technologies in thisarea – including fuel cell technologies.

7.8. Be aware of the codes and regulations covering electrical installation.7.9. Managing UPS capacity throughout the lifecycle of the data centre.7.10. Maintenance considerations.7.11. Renewable power – low carbon generation and its applicability to the modern

data centre.

The recommended study period for this unit is a minimum of 2 hours inclusive of revision

8. Room LayoutThe purpose of this unit is to explain the importance of a room layout in the context ofthe data centre.


8.1. Understand equipment considerations.8.2. Identify IT cabinet types and their installation – including rack mount and

blade configurations.8.3. Explain what is a hot aisle/cold aisle configuration and understand the

benefits of air management.8.4. Understand how to incorporate non-standard equipment.8.5. Be aware of applicable standards.8.6. Future considerations aligned to IT roadmap, including liquid cooled servers.



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9. Fire Protection and Security SystemsThe purpose of this unit is to explain the various methods of fire protection andsecurity protection used in the data centre.


9.1. Explain the importance of fire regulations, how to prevent fire and identify theprime reasons for a fire suppression strategy.

9.2. Understand the various systems for fire detection, warning and firesuppression; including water, water-mist & gaseous suppressants.

9.3. Identify how any system design needs to consider fire.9.4. Understand the elements of a security plan.9.5. Understand the difference between physical security and electronic security.9.6. Be aware of surveillance policy and procedures along with associated

regulations and standards.


10. Building Automation and Energy Management SystemsThe purpose of this unit is to provide an overview of the various data centremanagement software and hardware available.


10.1. Define BMS & EMS.10.2. Understand what is involved in building automation protocols.10.3. Understand integrated systems and interfaces.10.4. Be aware of measuring and monitoring, and reporting systems and the

minimum requirements for a high energy-efficiency strategy.

10.5. Identify applicable standards and likely future thinking.10.6. Understand the drivers in infrastructure management and why it is important.10.7. DCIM technology and future (IT and Facilities Management converging).


11. Commissioning and HandoverThe purpose of this unit is to familiarise the student with the timeline of a data centrebuild from drawing up a business case to handing over the facility to a manager.


11.1. Understand what is the minimum commissioning scope of works.11.2. Identify project phases and the involvement of a training element for the

future operational staff.11.3. Understand the elements of a commissioning plan.11.4. Be aware of the likely documentation needed.11.5. Understand the elements of maintenance plans, both planned and

emergency including OEM & third-party contracts and SLAs.


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11.6. Understand how to deal with equipment moves, adds and changes.



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Eligibility for the Examination

There are no specific pre-requisites for entry to the examination; however candidatesshould possess the appropriate level of knowledge to fulfil the objective shown above.

Duration and Format of the Examination

This syllabus has an accompanying examination at which the candidate must achieve apass score to gain the relevant qualification. The pass mark is 26/40.

Accreditation Guidelines for Training Providers

It is required that all courses accredited for the Foundation Certificate in Data Centre

Infrastructure will provide a minimum of 19 study hours.Additional Time for Candidates requiring Reasonable Adjustments due to atemporary or permanent disability

Candidates may request additional time if they require reasonable adjustments. Pleaserefer to the reasonable adjustments policy for detail information on how and when toapply.

Additional Time for Candidates whose business language is not English

An additional 15 minutes will be allowed for candidates sitting the examination

• in a language that is not their mother tongue, and• where the language of the exam is not their primary business language,

Foreign language candidates who meet the above requirements are also entitled to theuse of a paper dictionary (to be supplied by the candidate).

The candidate registration form asks for the candidate’s business language, if this is notEnglish then BCS will automatically allocate additional time.


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Levels of KnowledgeThis course will provide candidates with the levels of difficulty / knowledge highlightedwithin the following table, enabling them to develop the skills to operate at the levels ofresponsibility indicated.

The levels of knowledge are explained in the following text. Note that each K levelsubsumes lower levels. For example, a K4 level topic is one for which a candidate mustbe able to analyse a situation and extract relevant information. A question on a K4 topiccould be at any level up to and including K4. As an example, a scenario requiring acandidate to analyse a scenario and select the best risk identification method would be atK4, but questions could also be asked about this topic at K3 and a question at K3 for thistopic might require a candidate to apply one of the risk identification methods to asituation.

Level 1: Remember (K1)The candidate should be able to recognise, remember and recall a term or concept butnot necessarily be able to use or explain. Typical questions would use: define, duplicate,list, memorise, recall, repeat, reproduce, state.

Level 2: Understand (K2)The candidate should be able to explain a topic or classify information or makecomparisons. The candidate should be able to explain ideas or concepts. Typicalquestions would use: classify, describe, discuss, explain, identify, locate, recognise,report, select, translate, paraphrase.

Level 3: Apply (K3)The candidate should be able apply a topic in a practical setting. The candidate shouldbe able to use the information in a new way. Typical questions would use: choose,demonstrate, employ, illustrate, interpret, operate, schedule, sketch, solve, use, write.

Level 4: Analyse (K4)

The candidate should be able to distinguish/separate information related to a concept ortechnique into its constituent parts for better understanding, and can distinguish betweenfacts and inferences. Typical questions would use: appraise, compare, contrast, criticise,differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, examiner, question, test.

Level 5: Synthesise (K5)The candidate should be able to justify a decision and can identify and build patterns infacts and information related to a concept or technique, they can create new meaning orstructure from parts of a concept. Typical questions would use: appraise, argue, defend, judge, select, support, value, evaluate.

Level 6: Evaluate (K6)The candidate should be able to provide a new point of view and can judge the value of

information and decide on its applicability in a given situation. Typical questions woulduse: assemble, contract, create, design, develop, formulate, write.


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Level 5: Ensure and adviseWorks under broad direction, being fully accountable for their own technical work and/orproject/supervisory responsibilities, receiving assignments in the form of objectives.Their work is often self-initiated and they can establish their own milestones, teamobjectives, and delegates responsibilities. They have significant responsibility for thework of others and for the allocation of resources, making decisions which impact on thesuccess of assigned projects i.e. results, deadlines and budget. They can also developbusiness relationships with customers, perform a challenging range and variety ofcomplex technical or professional work activities and undertake work which requires theapplication of fundamental principles in a wide and often unpredictable range of contexts.They can advise on the available standards, methods, tools and applications relevant toown specialism and can make correct choices from alternatives. They can also analyse,diagnose, design, plan, execute and evaluate work to time, cost and quality targets,communicating effectively, formally and informally, with colleagues, subordinates andcustomers. They can demonstrate leadership, mentor more junior colleagues and takethe initiative in keeping their skills up to date. Takes customer requirements into accountand demonstrates creativity and innovation in applying solutions for the benefit of the

customer.

Level 6: Initiate and influenceHave a defined authority and responsibility for a significant area of work, includingtechnical, financial and quality aspects. They can establish organisational objectives anddelegates responsibilities, being accountable for actions and decisions taken by themself and their subordinates. They can influence policy formation within their ownspecialism to business objectives, influencing a significant part of their own organisationand customers/suppliers and the industry at senior management level. They makedecisions which impact the work of employing organisations, achievement oforganisational objectives and financial performance, developing high-level relationshipswith customers, suppliers and industry leaders. They can perform highly complex workactivities covering technical, financial and quality aspects. They contribute to the

formulation of IT strategy, creatively applying a wide range of technical and/ormanagement principles. They absorb complex technical information and communicateeffectively at all levels to both technical and non-technical audiences, assesses andevaluates risk and understand the implications of new technologies. They demonstrateclear leadership and the ability to influence and persuade others, with a broadunderstanding of all aspects of IT and deep understanding of their own specialism(s).They take the initiative in keeping both their own and subordinates' skills up to date andto maintain an awareness of developments in the IT industry.

Level 7: Set strategy, inspire and mobiliseHave the authority and responsibility for all aspects of a significant area of work,including policy formation and application. They are fully accountable for actions takenand decisions made, by both them self and their subordinates. They make decisions

critical to organisational success and influence developments within the IT industry at thehighest levels, advancing the knowledge and/or exploitation of IT within one or moreorganisations. They develop long-term strategic relationships with customers andindustry leaders, leading on the formulation and application of strategy. They apply thehighest level of management and leadership skills, having a deep understanding of the ITindustry and the implications of emerging technologies for the wider businessenvironment. They have a full range of strategic management and leadership skills and


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can understand, explain and present complex technical ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences at all levels up to the highest in a persuasive and convincingmanner. They have a broad and deep IT knowledge coupled with equivalent knowledgeof the activities of those businesses and other organisations that use and exploit IT.Communicates the potential impact of emerging technologies on organisations andindividuals and analyses the risks of using or not using such technologies. They alsoassess the impact of legislation, and actively promote compliance.

Level Levels of knowledge Levels of skill and responsibility (SFIA)

K7 Set strategy, inspire and mobiliseK6 Evaluate Initiate and influenceK5 Synthesise Ensure and adviseK4 Analyse EnableK3 Apply ApplyK2 Understand AssistK1 Remember Follow


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Format of the Examination

Trainer Qualification Criteria

Criteria: Trainers must hold the BCS Certificate inData Centre Foundation with a minimumpass rate of 30/40 75%. In addition eachapplicant must have a minimum of 2 yearstraining experience or 1 year with a

recognised training qualification.

Classroom Size

Trainer to candidate ratio: 1:16

Type: 40 multiple choice questions

Duration: Maximum 1 hour. Candidates sitting the

examination in a language other than theirnative language have a maximum of onehour and fifteen minutes and are allowedthe use of a paper dictionary. Thedictionary will need to be checked by theinvigilator prior to the examination.

Pre-Requisite: Accredited training is stronglyrecommended but is not a pre-requisite.

Supervised/Invigilated: Yes.

Open Book: No.

Learning Hours 19 hours over 3 days.

Pass Mark 26/40 (65%).Distinction Score None.

Delivery: Paper based exam only

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Datacentre Dci Syllabus