Plan, evaluate & optimise data centres at expert level

The CDCS® is an advanced three‑day course that enables you to professionally assess, review and optimise existing data centres. You learn how to implement new data centre environments correctly, evaluate technical solutions according to engineering standards and apply deep technical expertise across all key subsystems.

Building on the CDCP® level, this course expands your knowledge in the areas of power, cooling, safety, fire protection, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), cabling, redundancy, efficiency and design validation. Many of the topics include calculations and specialised engineering techniques that are essential for high‑availability mission‑critical environments.

Our experienced trainers will show you how to:

• understand the full lifecycle of a data centre
• apply standards, guidelines & classification systems professionally
• evaluate site conditions, building structures, floors, ceilings & physical security
• design and size power supply, UPS, battery banks & generators correctly
• analyse EMC risks & define proper shielding measures
• plan high‑level cooling, airflow & climate systems
• calculate, design & validate fire suppression systems
• design scalable network and cabling infrastructure
• improve efficiency, sustainability & PUE performance
• critically assess, validate & document technical solutions
• prepare effectively for the CDCS® certification exam

Your benefits at a glance

• deep, specialised technical knowledge for expert‑level data centre operation
• ability to evaluate and audit existing data centre infrastructures
• significantly improved understanding of electrical, mechanical & safety subsystems
• expertise for planning high‑availability designs & redundancy concepts
• enhanced skills for troubleshooting, optimisation & audit preparation
• valuable insights for collaboration with vendors & service providers
• recognised certification as Certified Data Centre Specialist (CDCS®)

Course Contents

Data Centre Design & Lifecycle

• lifecycle phases
• planning, re‑alignment & continuous improvement
• standards, guidelines & competence development

Standards & Classification Levels

• history & relevance of rating levels
• Uptime vs. TIA‑942
• redundancy options: N+1, 2N, 2(N+1)
• maintainability & containment
• requirements for utility feeds & substations

Building & Structural Requirements

• site selection & risk evaluation
• floor & ceiling construction
• fire protection for walls & glass
• explosion protection
• access control & intrusion protection
• raised floors & suspended ceilings (expert level)

Power Systems (Specialist Level)

• electrical fundamentals & key formulas
• reading SLDs & identifying protection components
• surge protection & grounding systems
• power cabling & routing
• PDUs, DB setup, generators & paralleling
• UPS systems: selection, configuration & error prevention
• battery banks: sizing, testing & enclosure selection
• alternative energy storage (flywheel, compressed air etc.)

Electromagnetic Fields (EMC)

• EMF sources & measurement
• safe distance calculations & shielding
• standards & protective measures

Cooling Infrastructure (Specialist Level)

• temperature & humidity specifications
• psychrometrics & ASHRAE recommendations
• airflow management, Delta‑T, rack doors & plate surfaces
• AC unit selection & commissioning
• CFD analysis
• redundancy strategies
• modern cooling technologies

Fire Protection

• combustion triangle & suppression concepts
• advanced detection systems (VESDA, smoke sensors)
• water‑based suppression systems & risks
• inert gas & halocarbon systems
• gas calculation, hold times, piping requirements
• new suppression technologies

Network Infrastructure & Cabling

• ANSI/TIA‑942 topologies
• ToR & EoR designs
• intelligent patching systems
• installation best practices (bend radius, spacing etc.)
• containment ratio, bonding & grounding
• labelling & telecom management standards

Environmental Specifications & Contamination Control

• noise emissions & thresholds
• cleaning standards, particle classes & measurements
• preventive measures

Data Centre Energy Efficiency

• business drivers for sustainability
• PUE & efficiency models
• saving potential in IT, cooling & power
• green standards & guidelines

Target Audience

Ideal for professionals who design, operate or manage data centres, such as:

• data centre managers & infrastructure leads
• IT & facility managers
• architects & consulting engineers
• DC service providers & technical consultants
• technicians involved in high‑availability systems

Also suitable as preparation for advanced certifications and high‑responsibility project roles.

Prerequisites

• valid CDCP® certificate (mandatory)
• Course language: German
• Training materials: English
• Exam language: English or German

Exam Details

• Format: multiple‑choice
• Delivery: online or immediately after the course
• Language: English
• Certificate: Certified Data Centre Specialist (CDCS®)