Key Certifications for Division 27

BICSI Certifications

For telecommunications infrastructure, the most prevalent vendor-neutral certifications are offered by BICSI International. Specifically, BICSI offers installer certifications: the general Installer Level 1 as well as the more advanced Installer Level 2 Copper and Installer Level 2 Fiber. These certifications are available directly through BICSI (or an authorized training facility) and simply require completion of the approved training program.

Some institutions, like the University of Texas at Austin, require all workers installing any part of the telecommunications systems to have a BICSI Level 1 Certified Installer credential (at minimum) and be supervised by an appropriate Level 2 Certified Installer. They may also consider similar training certificates from a telecommunications system manufacturer if that manufacturer's equipment is being used on the project.

Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)

The Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) designation is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge in the design, implementation, and integration of information technology systems and related infrastructure. To qualify for the RCDD exam, BICSI requires at least five years of direct design experience — or two years, if the individual has three years of educational or installation experience.

For installation projects, it's common for owners or specifications to require that the installing telecommunications contractor have an RCDD on staff. This ensures a fully qualified individual oversees the installation according to BICSI's Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM). It's not uncommon for owners to require contractors to stamp record or as-built drawings with their RCDD stamp at project completion.

Manufacturer Certifications

Even if not directly called out, project specifications may silently require the installation contractor to have an RCDD on staff. Many manufacturers offer advanced system warranties of 15 to 20 years, which the owner or designer may require. To offer this type of warranty, the installer needs to be a certified contractor with that manufacturer.

Outside Plant (OSP) Designation

If any portion of the telecommunications project falls outside the building envelope, the Outside Plant (OSP) designation might be required. This is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge in OSP right-of-way and route design; space design (maintenance holes, ducts, vaults); underground, direct-buried, and aerial plant design; cabling hardware; and grounding, bonding, and electrical protection systems.

Network and Data Center Certifications

For network equipment installation, several specialized certifications might be required:

BICSI offers the Network Technology Systems (NTS) designer, Wireless Designer (WD), and Data Center Design Consultant (DCDC) certifications. Although these are geared more toward planning and design, owners may require installers/contractors to have one or more of these certifications.

If an owner has decided on a specific vendor for network and wireless systems, they might require training or certification from that vendor. For example, Cisco offers its Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) designation, and Microsoft has many certifications indicating proficiency with its systems.

Audio/Video System Certifications

For audio/video system design and installation, the most common certifications are offered through InfoComm International via its basic certification, known as the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS).

For designers, InfoComm offers the CTS-Design (CTS-D) certification, which requires already holding the CTS certification and having two years of verifiable AV design experience.

For installers, InfoComm offers the CTS-Installation (CTS-I) certification, which also requires a current CTS certification and two years of experience.

Advanced AV systems with control systems may require specific certifications from manufacturers, each offering their own design, installation, and programming certifications.

Key Certifications for Division 28

ASIS International Certifications

ASIS International offers three certifications that test knowledge in specific security applications. The Certified Protection Professional (CPP) indicates board certification in security management and is widely recognized as the highest designation for a security practitioner. Two specialty certifications are also available: the Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) and the Physical Security Professional (PSP).

The Physical Security Professional (PSP) designation is perhaps the most practical to require for design or installation of security systems.

Electronic Safety and Security (ESS) Design Certification

Recognizing the convergence of security and IT systems, BICSI now offers an Electronic Safety and Security (ESS) design certification. This exam is available to those with two years of verifiable electronic safety and security system design who have previously passed the RCDD or ITS Fundamentals exam.

The Convergence of Communications and Security

As technology has advanced, security components and systems are converging onto the building's telecommunications infrastructure and data network. A significant example is the dramatic shift from CCTV video security systems with DVRs to IP (Internet protocol) cameras with Network Video Recorders (NVR). As a result, those installing Division 28 systems may increasingly see telecommunications system requirements, such as BICSI's RCDD, become part of security specifications.

What This Means for Contractors and Project Owners

Importance for Contractors

These certification requirements have significant implications for contractors:

1. Pre-bid qualification: Contractors need to carefully review project specifications for certification requirements before bidding. Without the necessary certifications, a contractor might be disqualified or face challenges during project execution.
2. Staff credentials: Having properly certified staff is crucial. As seen in documentation from Walker Telecomm, their promotional materials highlight their "dynamic blend of highly skilled staff, including RCDDs, cleared individuals and CTS-D Systems Design Engineers" to demonstrate their qualifications.
3. Manufacturer relationships: Many advanced warranties and specialized systems require contractor certification directly from manufacturers, adding another layer of qualification.

Importance for Project Owners

For project owners, requiring these certifications helps ensure:

1. Quality assurance: Owners and designers add certification requirements to their project specifications as a quality assurance measure.
2. System warranties: Properly certified installers can often provide extended manufacturer warranties of 15-20 years.
3. Standardized knowledge: Certified professionals have demonstrated proficiency according to industry standards, reducing variation in installation quality.
4. Proper documentation: Certifications like RCDD often include requirements for proper as-built documentation, ensuring accurate records of installed systems.

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