Operate data centres at expert level, minimise risks & ensure high availability
The daily operation of a data centre determines whether an infrastructure is stable and high‑performing — or vulnerable and prone to outages. Research shows that most failures are caused not by technology, but by human error.
To ensure efficiency, safety and compliance, data centres require well‑defined processes, standards, SOPs and clearly documented operational procedures.
The CDFOS® (Certified Data Centre Facilities Operations Specialist) is a three‑day hands‑on training based on the DCOS® – Data Centre Operations Standard.
It provides comprehensive knowledge of mission‑critical data centre operations — from service level management, safety and maintenance to physical security, governance, documentation and sustainability.
After completing the course, you will be able to operate a mission‑critical data centre professionally, reduce risks, avoid human‑error‑related incidents and ensure stable high‑availability operations.
Our experienced trainers will show you how to:
- manage daily operations, safety and process quality efficiently
- use SOPs, policies & standards to ensure safe and compliant operations
- reduce risks, incidents and operational disruptions effectively
- define, measure & improve service levels
- implement physical security, access control & crisis management
- manage maintenance, spare‑parts handling & facility processes
- establish reliable monitoring, reporting & escalation structures
- integrate sustainability & energy efficiency into daily operations
- prepare thoroughly for the CDFOS® exam
Your benefits at a glance
- deep understanding of operational data‑centre processes
- structured implementation of safety, maintenance & compliance
- significantly reduced risk of human error & unplanned downtime
- recognised qualification based on the DCOS® standard
- ideal for professionals in mission‑critical operations environments
Course Contents
Service Level Management
- demand & capability analysis
- service portfolio & service catalogue
- SLAs (Service Level Agreements)
- reporting, complaint handling & customer satisfaction
- Service Improvement Process (SIP)
Occupational Safety & Crisis Management
- common accident types, causes & prevention
- roles & responsibilities of safety officers
- importance of safety & health handbooks
- lock‑out / tag‑out procedures
- calibration of test & measurement equipment
- emergency & evacuation plans
- “Permit to Work” (PTW) procedures
Physical Security
- security SOPs & risk assessments
- security zones & physical inspections
- delivery handling & pre‑entry areas
- access control, badge & key management
- surveillance & incident reporting
Facility Maintenance
- importance & types of maintenance
- Maintenance Operations Procedures (MOPs)
- maintenance reports & SLA alignment
- spare‑parts management & tools
- order, cleanliness & safe working environments
Data Centre Operations
- shift handover & inspections
- service & release management
- configuration & space management
- equipment lifecycle management
Monitoring, Reporting & Control
- monitoring requirements & monitoring matrix
- testing & calibration of sensors
- alarm workflows, escalation matrix & communication chains
- operational reporting
Project Management
- fundamentals, project organisation & roles
- initiation, planning, execution
- monitoring, controlling & closure
- evaluation & lessons learned
Environmental Sustainability
- importance of sustainable operations
- environmental standards in data centres
- energy‑efficiency indicators
- best practices for energy & water savings
- sustainable energy usage
Governance & Compliance
- documentation management & its six sub‑processes
- asset management & documentation requirements
Exam: Certified Data Centre Facilities Operations Specialist (CDFOS®)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Format: 60 multiple‑choice questions
- Passing score: 42 correct answers
- Result:
- online exam → immediate result
- paper‑based exam → result within approx. one week
Target Audience
Ideal for:
- data‑centre operations teams & infrastructure specialists
- facility‑management staff & building‑services technicians
- IT operations, service managers & operations leads
- architects, consultants & service providers in the DC environment
- professionals in critical infrastructure (CI/KRITIS)
Prerequisites
- no formal prerequisites
- recommended: basic knowledge of DC or facility operations
Additional Information
- Course language: German
- Training materials: English
- Exam language: English