Demystifying BICSI Certifications: A Complete Guide

If you work in the ICT industry, you’ve probably heard about BICSI and their renowned certifications. But what exactly are BICSI credentials and what value do they offer to ICT professionals? This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about obtaining BICSI certifications.

What is BICSI?

BICSI stands for the Building Industry Consulting Service International. It is a professional association that supports the advancement of the information and communications technology (ICT) community.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, BICSI has over 26,000 members spanning 100 countries The organization serves ICT professionals including designers, installers, project managers, consultants, and technology providers.

BICSI offers training manuals, conferences, credentialing, and other resources to help ICT professionals stay current on best practices and expand their skills. They are best known for their highly-regarded BICSI certifications.

What are BICSI Certifications?

BICSI certifications are credentials that validate an ICT professional’s knowledge and competency within specializations like network design, wireless integration data center design and more.

Obtaining a BICSI certification demonstrates that you have mastered the core body of knowledge for your ICT sub-field and meet industry standards of excellence It signals to employers and clients that you are committed to career advancement and delivering quality outcomes

BICSI offers certifications across its core areas of expertise, allowing professionals to highlight their specialization. The major certifications include:

• RCDD: Registered Communications Distribution Designer

• RTPM: Registered Telecommunications Project Manager

• OSP: Outside Plant Designer

• NTS: Network Transport Specialist

• WOS: Wireless Design Specialist

• DCDC: Data Center Design Consultant

We’ll explore the specifics of each certification more in the sections below.

Why Get BICSI Certified?

Investing the time and money to prepare for and pass a BICSI exam brings many benefits that can accelerate your ICT career.

Industry recognition – BICSI credentials are globally respected and signal your expertise. Employers, clients, and peers will understand the knowledge you possess.

Higher salary potential – ICT professionals with certifications typically command higher salaries than those without.

Job mobility – Certifications make it easier to transition across IT/telecom employers since your skills are validated.

Skill development – Preparing for the exams expands your knowledge of best practices, latest trends, and design standards.

Personal pride – Joining the ranks of BICSI credential holders brings a sense of achievement.

Whether you’re looking to move up with your current ICT employer or make a career change, BICSI certifications can help open doors and elevate your expertise.

Overview of BICSI Credential Exams

BICSI credential exams aim to evaluate whether candidates possess the core knowledge and competencies to perform a specific ICT job role at the mastery level.

The computer-based exams consist of a series of multiple choice questions testing factual knowledge and the application of concepts. Here’s a quick overview of key info on the exams:

• Frequency: Offered year-round at testing centers globally

• Length: Each exam is 2 hours, with 75-125 questions

• Format: Multiple choice, closed book

• Scoring: Scored on a scale of 100-500. Passing is 350.

• Availability: Offered in English, Spanish, and Korean

BICSI provides a detailed exam outline listing the knowledge domains tested in each credential exam. This helps candidates assess knowledge gaps to focus their preparation.

Top BICSI Certifications and Requirements

Let’s explore some of the most popular BICSI certifications more closely and cover the requirements and exam details.

RCDD – Registered Communications Distribution Designer

The RCDD is BICSI’s flagship credential recognizing expertise in the design and integration of telecommunications distribution systems.

To qualify for the RCDD exam, you must have:

• 3+ years of ICT design experience
• A related ICT credential like RTPM or NTS
• 125 hours of approved education credits

The 125-question exam covers:

• Developing project documentation (20%)
• Applying standards for telecom distribution design (20%)
• Implementing pathways and spaces (15%)
• Ensuring safety and performance (15%)
• Conducting inspections and audits (15%)
• Managing coordination and team collaboration (15%)

RCDDs are viewed as senior-level designers and earn some of the highest salaries in the industry. The RCDD demonstrates the pinnacle of distribution design knowledge.

RTPM – Registered Telecommunications Project Manager

RTPMs are experts in managing complex ICT installation and upgrade projects. To qualify for the RTPM exam, you’ll need:

• 2 years of project management experience
• 35 hours of approved education credits

Test topics include:

• Developing project plans (20%)
• Managing project activities and resources (20%)
• Ensuring project quality (15%)
• Managing communications, documentation and closure (15%)
• Assessing project risks (15%)
• Managing teams and stakeholders (15%)

For project managers looking to level up their skills and credibility, the RTPM certification delivers proven leadership abilities.

OSP – Outside Plant Designer

The OSP certification validates skills in designing outside plant cabling networks such as for fiber, copper, wireless, and more. To be eligible for the OSP exam, you must have:

• 18 months of outside plant design experience
• Complete 35 hours of approved education

Exam sections cover:

• Developing design deliverables (25%)
• Applying design standards and codes (20%)
• Designing pathways and spaces (15%)
• Ensuring site safety (15%)
• Selecting materials and components (15%)
• Conducting inspections (10%)

For professionals specializing in outside plant networks, the OSP demonstrates end-to-end design expertise.

NTS – Network Transport Specialist

The NTS targets professionals responsible for installing and integrating network infrastructure and transport systems. To qualify for the exam, you need:

• 18 months of related work experience
• 35 hours of approved education

The NTS exam covers:

• Developing project plans (15%)
• Installing pathways and spaces (20%)
• Installing copper and fiber cabling (20%)
• Testing cable infrastructure (15%)
• Ensuring installation quality (15%)
• Applying safety standards (15%)

NTS holders showcase their skills in executing complex network transport projects from start to finish.

How to Prepare for BICSI Exams

To maximize your chance of passing, you’ll want to devote serious preparation time before taking a BICSI exam. Here are some tips:

• Review the exam outline – Know the knowledge domains tested to guide your studying.

• Study the reference manual – These comprehensive manuals reflect the exam content.

• Take a training course – Multi-day classes provide instruction on the exam material.

• Join a study group – Interacting with peers reinforces learning.

• Take practice exams – Timed quizzes help assess exam readiness.

• Read industry publications – Stay up on latest standards and trends.

• Remember formulas/protocols – Expect questions on calculations and technical specifications.

• Visit hands-on labs – Apply concepts physically instead of just studying theory.

With diligent preparation, you can head into your BICSI exam with confidence.

Recertification Requirements

BICSI certifications are valid for three years. To recertify, credential holders must:

• Earn 45 continuing education credits (CECs) in your renewal cycle
• Pay a recertification fee
• Continue working in the ICT field

CECs can be earned through BICSI conferences, educational events, writing articles, and other activities. BICSI provides a guide to available CEC opportunities.

Staying current on trends through recertification ensures credentials remain meaningful and valued by the industry.

Is BICSI Certification Worth It?

Investing the time and money to obtain a BICSI credential is a major commitment. Is it worth the effort? For most ICT professionals, the answer is a resounding yes.

BICSI qualifications provide:

• Prestigious, globally recognized credentials
• Validation of your specialized expertise
• Ability to command higher salaries
• Enhanced job mobility and promotion chances
• Immersion in best practices and latest technologies
• Professional development and networking

Beyond the career benefits, many ICT pros find the pursuit of BICSI certifications incredibly rewarding on a personal level. Joining the ranks of BICSI’s elite group of credential holders brings a real sense of achievement.

BICSI Certifications – Your Key to ICT