APCs Data Center University Certification Programme Validates the Knowledge, Skills and Ability for Designing, Building, and Operating Data Centres

American Power Conversion  (APC), a global leader in power, cooling, and management solutions, have announced that its Data Centre University (DCU) online curriculum now offers an Associate Certification, an international, vendor-neutral credential that recognizes foundational knowledge in data centre infrastructure including power, cooling, racks, cabling, fire protection, management, and physical security. The DCU Associate Certification provides the IT industry with a global standard for measuring competency in the core elements of a data centre.

This new DCU Certification gives todays data centre professionals the opportunity to advance their status in the designing, building, and operating of data centres and gain credibility and respect within the industry. A recent survey conducted by AFCOMs Data Centre Institute (DCI) indicates that by the year 2015, the number of qualified senior-level data centre professionals will have diminished by 45 percent. As the talent pool diminishes and the demand for these professionals grows, certifications will offer the assurance that individuals have the knowledge, skills and the ability to successfully implement data centre solutions.

Certification is awarded to those passing an exam of approximately 75 conventional test questions administered by Thomson Prometric Testing Centres, the leading international testing provider. It is recommended, but not mandatory, that candidates complete the DCU Associate Certification e-learning curriculum that consists of 14 online courses covering a variety of data centre subjects.

Since its launch in January 2006, Data Center Universitys on-line courses have become an invaluable resource for IT professionals seeking real world training on the fundamental issues surrounding data centres, said Aaron Davis, chief marketing officer at APC. Our tens of thousands of registered students speak clearly to the increased need for education in the face of increasing server densities and increasing energy costs. APC is excited to
offer an Associate Certification to individuals who want to validate their qualifications to design, upgrade, or operate a data centre.

Recently, Bersin & Associates and Elearning magazine recognized Data Center Universitys outstanding operational efforts with a 2006 Learning Leaders Award for Excellence and Innovation in Corporate Learning. The 2006 Learning Leaders Operational Programme Excellence winners included APC, General Motors Corp., and Scottrade, Inc.