Data Centre Foundation Certificate (DCFC®)

Target group

The audience for this course is anyone who wants to acquire foundation level knowledge on data centre infrastructure. This course is ideally suited for data centre new hires, internal data centre support staff, IT support staff who work in the data centre, helpdesk staff, vendors/suppliers who install/maintain data centre equipment, building maintenance staff including data centre cleaners and other supporting functions, and fresh graduates. This course is also well suited for individuals working in data centre business support functions such as sales/pre-sales, HR, Finance and business administration.

Course structure

Introduction to Data Centres

• History of data centres
• Definition of different type data centres

The Data Centre and its Relation to Business

Data Centre Standards

• List of standards
• Rating definitions

Data Centre Site Selection

Data Centre Facilities Areas

• Listing of all areas and their functions

Topology Designs

• Definition of Ratings

Components of the Power Infrastructure

• Utility power
• Transformers
• Generators
• Fuel systems
• ATS
• UPS systems
• Batteries
• Electric panels
• Cabling/busbar systems
• Power rails/strips

Lights

• Lights
• Emergency lights

Cooling Infrastructure

• Chillers
• DX Systems
• Evaporators
• CRAC/CRAU/HVAC
• Raised floor
• Non-raised floor
• Containment

ICT/Network Infrastructure

• Equipment racks
• Network cabling (fibre, copper)
• Cable trays and pathways
• TIA-606 labelling

Data Centre Security

• Perimeter security
• Physical protection
• CCTV
• Access control
• Security management

Fire Suppression

• Detection systems
• Suppression systems
• Prevention systems
• Fire extinguishers
• Fire Safety

Monitoring and reporting

• DCIM
• EMS/BMS

Certification

The DCFC® exam is a 60-minute closed-book exam with 40 multiple-choice questions. The candidate requires a minimum of 24 correct answers to pass the exam.