Critical Environment
Certified Data Centre Expert
EPI's highest-level Design/Build certification, focused on evaluating business requirements and planning, designing, implementing, validating, handing over and retiring mission-critical data center facilities.
At a Glance
- Provider
- EPI
- Level
- Advanced
- Category
- Critical Environment
- Estimated Effort
- 5-day course with substantial practical work, followed by a two-part certification examination.
- Validity
- 3 years
- Assessment
- Two-part closed-book examination: Part A multiple choice and Part B open questions
Overview
The Certified Data Centre Expert (CDCE) is the highest-level certification in EPI's Design/Build training track. It builds on CDCP and CDCS and is designed for experienced data center professionals involved in the design, build, renovation or relocation of mission-critical facilities. The program moves beyond individual infrastructure components into business-case analysis, conceptual sizing, design planning, project execution, equipment evaluation, testing, handover and facility retirement.
What It Covers
CDCE covers the data center lifecycle from initial need through design, implementation, handover and eventual retirement. Topics include statement-of-need development, technology review, conceptual sizing, computer-room and facility-space calculations, incoming-power requirements, capacity analysis, investment options, site selection, permits and approvals, conceptual design, budgeting and project timelines. It also addresses project-delivery structures, operational and technical requirements analysis, equipment evaluation, individual equipment testing, integrated performance and validation testing, facility handover, defect management, ICT installation and testing, and retirement planning.
Who It's For
Experienced IT, facilities and data center professionals involved in the design, build, renovation, expansion or relocation of mission-critical data center facilities.
Prerequisites & Experience
Stated Prerequisites
A valid Certified Data Centre Specialist (CDCS) certificate is required.
Experience Expectations
Not a formal provider requirement.
This is the highest level of EPI's Design/Build pathway and is intended for experienced professionals who already possess substantial data center infrastructure knowledge. Candidates should be comfortable evaluating technical designs, infrastructure requirements, business cases, project plans, equipment choices, testing and handover activities.
Exam & Assessment
- Exam Code
- CDCE
- Format
- Two-part closed-book examination: Part A multiple choice and Part B open questions
- Question Count
- Part A: 60 multiple-choice questions; Part B: 25 open questions
- Duration
- Part A: 90 minutes; Part B: 90 minutes
- Passing Score
- Part A: minimum 45 of 60 correct; Part B: minimum 75%
- Delivery Method
- Instructor-led training (ILT) or virtual instructor-led training (VILT)
Cost & Commitment
- Cost
- Varies by country, training partner and delivery arrangement
- Estimated Effort
- 5-day course with substantial practical work, followed by a two-part certification examination.
- Validity
- 3 years
- Renewal
- Recertification is required after three years. Candidates should consult EPI's current Recertification Program for available options.
EPI does not publish one universal global price for this certification. Verify current pricing directly with EPI or an authorized training provider.
Pricing and exam details change. Check the official provider page before registering or purchasing.
Why It May Be Useful
CDCE can be valuable for experienced data center professionals who participate in complex facility design, expansion, renovation, migration, validation or handover programs. It develops the ability to connect business requirements with technical infrastructure decisions and can help experienced professionals work more effectively across engineering, operations, project delivery, vendors and business stakeholders.
When It May Not Be Necessary
CDCE is not an entry-level or general-purpose data center certification. It is unlikely to provide appropriate value for someone who has not yet developed substantial infrastructure knowledge or whose role does not involve design, build, expansion, renovation, technical evaluation or major facility change. It does not replace professional engineering credentials, regulated trade qualifications or jurisdiction-specific authorization.
Relevant Career Roles
Useful
- Data Center Project Manager
Project Management
Provides deep data center-specific context across design, project execution, testing and handover that can strengthen delivery of complex facility projects, although it is not a substitute for project-management capability.
- Technical Program Manager
Program Management
Can strengthen the technical infrastructure knowledge of TPMs responsible for large data center build, expansion, migration or infrastructure-transformation programs.
- Critical Environment Technician
Critical Environment
Provides advanced lifecycle, design, validation and infrastructure knowledge for experienced Critical Environment professionals moving beyond day-to-day operations into design review and major facility change.
- Electrical Technician
Electrical
Provides broader mission-critical design and project context around electrical infrastructure, while remaining complementary to formal electrical qualifications, engineering authority and site authorization.
- Mechanical Technician
Mechanical
Provides broader mission-critical design and project context around cooling and mechanical infrastructure while remaining complementary to mechanical, HVAC and engineering qualifications.
- Data Center Operations Manager
Operations
Can help technically oriented operations managers evaluate major facility changes, design decisions, testing, handover and lifecycle risks.
Situational
- Senior Data Center Technician
IT Infrastructure
Can support senior technicians moving toward infrastructure design, major deployment, facility expansion or technical project responsibilities, but exceeds the requirements of most conventional senior technician positions.
Career Disciplines
Critical Environment · Electrical · Mechanical · Operations · Project Management · Program Management
Official Provider
Certification information is career guidance. Requirements, cost and value vary by employer, site and region.