Do you want to become an expert in data centre energy management? Andrew Stevens, CEO, CNet Training, outlines the Certified Data Centre Energy Professional (CDCEP) program. This is an increasingly popular program as data centre managers and professionals are looking for innovative ways to cut carbon emissions and reduce the energy use within their data centres. It is an issue of utmost importance and an issue that that continues to be at the forefront of the minds of those operating data centre facilities.
Can you give us an overview of the Certified Data Centre Design Professional (CDCEP) program?
The Certified Data Centre Energy Professional (CDCEP) teaches the learner how to create an energy efficiency plan for a data centre. The program looks into the creation, implementation, analysis and formulating of recommendations with the ultimate objective of reducing energy use and cutting carbon emissions within a data centre.
What can learners expect to gain from the program?
The program considers the global focus on how energy prices and environmental protection is driving the need to reduce energy wastage through greater efficiency.
The five-day program teaches the learner how to strategically plan, design and implement an energy plan for a data centre facility, focusing on energy efficiency. Learners are introduced to current energy profiler tools and models to analyse site data and formulate a comprehensive action plan to implement real energy savings potential and capacity reclamation.
The use and distribution of power and how usage can quickly spiral out of control when it’s not being measured, monitored and maintained correctly is also explored. The program also makes the learner consider the use of redundant and back-up power utilisation for air-conditioning, fire suppression, security, alarms and other supporting systems.
A certified CDCEP will be able to acknowledge the requirements for compliance, having gained a full understanding of national and international regulations, codes, standards including the US Department of Energy (DoE) standard.
Who is the CDCEP designed for?
The CDCEP is beneficial for individuals who are already working in a data centre environment and who are responsible for the management and use of energy within a data centre. Experience working within a data centre environment is essential for the CDCEP program and, ideally, we also request that the learner has at least two years’ experience in a technical IT or facilities role.
Where do the (CDCEP) programs take place?
The CDCEP is taught internationally. CNet has programs scheduled in various locations across the UK and North America. The CDCEP is also available via remote attendance, allowing learners the opportunity to join the class from a location that best suits them, for example in their office or the comfort of their own home.
The remote attendance programs are delivered using collaboration-enabled facilities within specially designed smart rooms. Remote attendees benefit from the same instructor-led classroom environment in real-time, with the same levels of interaction, collaboration and instructor contact as those who are physically present in the room.
Remote attendees effectively sit in the same classroom with all the other learners and can therefore see, hear and enjoy the same learning experience. They can also participate in group activities. Check the CNet Training website for the latest dates for CDCEP classroom and remote attendance availability.
How long is the CDCEP program?
The CDCEP program is a five-day program. There is an additional requirement of around 20 hours pre-class study that is provided by the CNet team and supported by a dedicated online tutor.
What are the benefits of qualification and certification?
On completion of the CDCEP program, learners gain an internationally and industry-recognised qualification, the BTEC Level 5 Professional Diploma in Data Centre Energy. They also gain official Certified Data Centre Energy Professional (CDCEP) certification and can use the CDCEP postnominal title and use of the CDCEP logo. Certifications are a commitment to life-long learning as they require re-certifying every three years via an online learning management system. This offers the perfect portal to ensure knowledge, skills and certification remain current and up to date to reflect the evolving needs of the industry.
How does the CDCEP program help improve the long-term environmental impact of data centres and help make data centres more sustainable?
The program teaches expertise in energy efficiency and provides the tools to make a significant contribution to the business strategy by effectively dealing with energy-related issues and driving energy efficiencies. As well as embracing energy management, sustainability extends on the ‘here and now’ targeting long term strategies to significantly reduce carbon footprints. The CDCEP program is perfectly complemented by the Certified Data Centre Sustainability Professional (CDCSP) program. This program is designed to provide in-depth knowledge into the steps required to evaluate, plan, implement and monitor a sustainability strategy for data centre facilities whilst ensuring that the strategic business needs are continually met.
What program do you recommend after the (CDCEP)?
Following the CDCEP program,
learners are encouraged to continue their professional development by advancing
their knowledge and skills to gain further official certifications and
qualifications by progressing through the Global Digital Infrastructure Education
Framework which maps education programs to career advancement throughout the
data centre and network infrastructure sectors. While the programs flow
perfectly from one to another they are of equal value as stand-alone programs
and learners can enter the framework at any level depending on their level of
experience.
Often, CDCEP certified individuals choose to explore data centre management and
attend the five-day Certified Data Centre Management Professional (CDCMP)
program. This program provides unparalleled knowledge, skills and competency to
manage the complex technical environments of a data centre facility and the
ability to optimise its effectiveness by driving efficiencies.
Others decide to increase their knowledge of sustainability and management and attend the Certified Data Centre Sustainability Professional (CDCSP) program which is designed to provide in-depth knowledge into the steps required to evaluate, plan, implement and monitor a sustainability strategy for data centre facilities whilst ensuring that the strategic business needs are continually met.
The Certified Data Centre Audit Professional (CDCAP) is another popular program following the CDCEP. It gives learners the skills, knowledge and competency to create a strategic plan and undertake a comprehensive audit of data centre environments. For those who are ambitious, there is the prestigious Master’s Degree in Data Centre Leadership and Management. A three-year distance learning program where graduates join the worlds’ elite group of data centre professionals.
- For more information see cnet-training.com
