The data center industry is a highly profitable field in IT, attracting numerous professionals every year.



To maximize career growth, it's important for professionals to obtain certifications, and below is a list of some of the best options. With the ever-increasing amount of data that needs to be processed, companies are constantly expanding and upgrading their data centers; however, many struggle to find qualified employees to keep them operational.

This presents an excellent opportunity for professionals to secure job opportunities in the field with the aid of prestigious data center-related certifications. These certifications have been designed to standardize the skills required in the industry, validate technical expertise, and help professionals learn new methodologies and tools while staying up-to-date with trends. While there are various areas of specialization in data centers, certain common topics are covered in most certifications.

For example, VMware's VCP-DCV certification focuses mainly on virtualization technology, which is the foundation of data centers. The certification evaluates proficiency in managing, implementing, and troubleshooting vSphere infrastructure and encourages candidates to use best practices to provide flexible, powerful, and secure business foundations that ease the transition to cloud computing.

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is one of the most respected certifications in the industry and is an ideal starting point for individuals seeking a career in data centers. It covers essential networking fundamentals, including IP services, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability. Another certification is the Schneider Electric Data Center Certified Associate (DCCA), which is vendor-neutral and covers the foundational knowledge of critical physical infrastructure in a data center. Candidates are tested on their ability to manage a data center's cooling, power, racks, cabling, fire protection, management, and physical security.
This certification is perfect for fresh graduates or professionals seeking a promotion in the data center industry.

EPI's Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP) is a certification that focuses on the best practices related to data center technologies such as UPS, fire suppression, monitoring systems, cooling, and cabling standards. Although there are no specific prerequisites for this certification, it is ideal for candidates who have a minimum of one or two years of experience in a data center.

CNet's Certified Data Centre Technician Professional (CDCTP) is designed for professionals seeking to enter a data center career as technicians and enables them to optimize the productivity and operational capability of a data center. This five-day program includes specialized subjects ranging from power to cooling, along with training in operational policies, procedures, and compliance based on legislation, standards, and codes of conduct.

Juniper Networks offers four certifications designed for data centers, with the first level being Data Center Associate, which validates proficiency in data center networking for professionals with introductory-level knowledge of Juniper Networks Junos software and data center devices. Exam topics include data center architectures, VLANs, layer two switching, availability, protocol-independent routing, security, and data center routing protocols.

BICSI's Data Center Design Consultant (DCDC) certification equips professionals with the skills needed to design data centers, including integrating documentation, plans, specifications, construction, and ongoing operational management activities that meet applicable codes, standards, and industry best practices.

For this certification, you'll need to have Registered Communications Distribution Designer certification or have a minimum of two years of full-time equivalent work experience in data center design, construction, and/or operations, and hold a current BICSI Technician, Registered Telecommunications Project Manager, or Outside Plant certification, or have three years of verifiable full-time equivalent work experience in data center design, construction, and/or operations within the past seven years.

There are several top certifications related to data center management that can help professionals enhance their skills and advance their careers in this field. Here are some of the most recognized certifications:

1. Certified Data Center Professional (CDCP): Offered by EPI, this certification focuses on the best practices and principles of managing data centers. It covers topics such as energy efficiency, security, cooling, power, and monitoring systems.

2. Certified Data Center Facilities Operations Manager (CDFOM): This certification, also offered by EPI, is specifically designed for professionals who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of data center facilities. It covers topics such as maintenance, capacity planning, risk management, and service level agreements.

3. Certified Data Centre Management Professional (CDCMP): This certification, provided by CNet Training, focuses on the management and operation of data centers. It covers topics such as facility management, asset management, budgeting, and governance.

4. ITIL Foundation: While not specifically focused on data centers, the ITIL Foundation certification provides an understanding of IT service management best practices. It covers topics such as incident management, problem management, change management, and service level management - all of which are crucial in data center management.

5. Data Center Management (DCM) Certification: Offered by AFCOM, this certification is designed for professionals who manage and operate data centers. It covers topics such as infrastructure management, capacity planning, disaster recovery, and security management.

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional development and can make candidates stand out in the competitive field of data center management. They provide a comprehensive understanding of the core principles and best practices required to manage data centers effectively and efficiently.