The DCD Data Centre Design Course is grounded in real-life project experience from our expert consultants. Designed to guide you through best practices in specifying, sizing, and designing data centres, this course is your gateway to mastering efficient and resilient data centre infrastructure.

By completing the course and passing the exam, you’ll earn an industry-recognized certificate along with the right to display the DCD designation and logo—a symbol of your professional credibility.

Why Choose This Course?

Designed Around Real Projects

This was the first-ever data centre design course—and it remains unmatched. Created by industry pioneers actively engaged in the field, the course draws on extensive experience in designing and auditing data centres of all types and sizes.

Our facilitators work in the industry when they’re not teaching, ensuring they bring the latest insights and practices into the classroom. They’re ready to answer even the most complex questions with authority and clarity.

What Will You Learn?

This course covers everything from defining optimal rack layouts to calculating cooling loads, selecting appropriate UPS and generator sizes, and ensuring system redundancy. You’ll walk away with the knowledge to confidently design or upgrade a data centre to meet today’s performance and reliability standards.

An Exceptional Learning Experience

While many data centre managers encounter only a handful of facilities in their careers, our instructors visit new sites every month. This exposure brings unmatched diversity of experience into the course.

The curriculum is full of practical exercises and case studies to help you understand core design elements, backed by global standards from the US, UK, EU, and beyond. Our team also contributes directly to data centre standards development, offering you truly authoritative insights.

Who Should Enroll?

This course is ideal for:

  • IT Managers & Directors
  • Data Centre Managers & Directors
  • Facilities Managers
  • Engineers and Consultants involved in data centre design or specifications

Get Certified – DCD Certificate and Designation

Successfully complete the course and exam, and you’ll receive a certificate valid for three years, along with the right to use the DCD logo and designation. A renewal exam and course subscription are required to maintain certification after expiry. We’ll notify you before your certificate expires to keep you up to date.

Course Content Overview

Introduction to Data Centres

  • What defines a data centre
  • Constraints and cost drivers
  • Understanding ratings, tiers, and reliability classes
  • PUE and energy efficiency metrics

Planning and Building

  • The full design and construction lifecycle
  • Defining roles and budgets
  • mportance of documentation and commissioning

IT Systems

  • Key IT building blocks
  • Tech evolution: impact on design
  • Telecom vs. IT equipment
  • Design tips to improve cooling efficiency

Space & Structure

  • Choosing ideal locations
  • Engineering spaces to suit function
  • Architectural needs and access requirements
  • Floor strength, room heights, emergency features
  • Raised floors: load calculations, sealing, and zinc whisker prevention

Racks & Layouts

  • Hot vs. cold aisle strategies
  • Server rack standards (2 and 4 post designs)
  • Pitch models and layout optimization

Cooling Systems

  • Principles of air conditioning and thermodynamics
  • Precision vs. comfort cooling
  • DX vs. central chillers, ASHRAE and TIA standards
  • Efficiency techniques: economizers, airflow management
  • Calculating loads (kW, BTU, tons)
  • CFD analysis and advanced cooling tech

Power Systems

  • Power redundancy models (N, N+1, 2N)
  • AC vs. DC, kW vs. kVA, single vs. 3-phase
  • UPS and generator types
  • Emergency Power Off, PDUs, grounding (EN 50310, TIA 607)

Fire Protection

  • Fire detection (VESDA) and suppression methods
  • Integrating fire safety with BMS/HVAC/power systems
  • Cabling fire safety standards (US & EU)

Security

  • Physical and digital security standards
  • Access control systems and CCTV

IT Cabling Infrastructure

  • History and evolution of IT cabling
  • Copper and fiber standards (Cat 5-7, OM4, OS2)
  • Cabling design models and intelligent patching
  • Comparing global standards and optimizing layout

Cable Containment

  • EU and US standard compliance
  • Fill factor calculations, containment options, fire stopping

Monitoring Systems

  • Understanding DCIM and BMS systems
  • Key functionality and implementation guidance
  • Cost-benefit analysis

Register

Ready to Design World-Class Data Centres?

Join our 3-Day DCD Data Centre Design Course and gain the practical skills you need to plan, size, and design efficient, reliable data centres.

Duration: 3 Days

Level: Implementer Course

Investment: $3,495

Get Certified & Stand Out in the Industry!

Register