Certified Data Center Project Management (CDCPM®)

Upcoming CDCPM® Dates

Program Overview

Establish a robust project baseline and a comprehensive plan for a complex, high value data center expansion project that demonstrates an accurate interpretation of the project scope and focuses on delivering project success in support of business strategy.

Working as a critical member of a multi-disciplinary project team, you will make a significant impact by exhibiting strong leadership qualities, optimizing tools and processes to implement effective stage management to ensure product quality and financial control.

Driven by the exponential demand for data processing and storage, and the need to bring services closer to the customer (the edge), the pressure to deliver additional data center facilities is a constant challenge for owners and operators. Highly skilled and dedicated project managers provide the confidence that facilitates the extension, build and renovation of facilities that contribute to the expansion of the global data center footprint.

The comprehensive Certified Data Center Project Management (CDCPM®) program is designed to provide in-depth knowledge into the application of processes, procedures, skills, knowledge and experience to deliver successful data center projects. The program first invites learners to evaluate the personal attributes that contribute to developing a successful project manager and prioritizes the main characteristics to consider.

Successful project management requires clear visibility of the organizational strategy and recognition of the importance of gaining maximum contribution from all project stakeholders. Situational awareness is key to proactivity, it enables managers to positively impact risk, have the foresight to accurately predict adverse outcomes and develop actions to prevent catastrophic failure of the project.

With a focus on a ‘concept to closure’ theme, the CDCPM® examines traditional principles and processes and tailors project management tools to the unique requirements of a critical infrastructure project. Tools such as Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS), Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Programme Evaluation Review Techniques (PERT), Critical Path Analysis (CPA) and Earned Value Analysis (EVA) are all utilized throughout the program.

The program also examines the evaluation techniques that determine the success of the project, or the lessons that need to be learned to improve future projects. This activity poses questions. Was the project completed on time/on budget? Was it completed to the right quality standard? Have the strategic business benefits been realized and was the risk profile managed effectively?

The CDCPM® program is led by one of CNet's expert Instructors and is available via remote attendance or classroom-based.

Following this program, you are encouraged to continue your professional development by advancing your knowledge and skills to gain further official certifications and qualifications by progressing through The Global Digital Infrastructure Education Framework which maps education programs to career advancement throughout the network infrastructure and data center sectors.

Data Center Review

  • Data center categories
  • The 4 key constraints (the 4Cs):
    • Power
    • Cooling
    • Space
    • IT Infrastructure
      • Maintenance strategies
    • Data Center Design Principles

      • Examining opportunities for geographical location:
        • Live mapping natural disasters
        • Sustainable development
        • Resource availability:
          • Power
          • Cooling
          • IT connectivity
          • People (skill sets)
          • Equipment
          • Transport
        • Cost effective solutions
        • Security
        • Local restrictions (e.g. noise pollution)
        • Local government incentives (e.g. financial, planning laws, etc.)
      • Resilience modeling
      • Cost
        • Construction costs
        • Operating costs
          • Power
          • Operations
          • Administration
          • Maintenance
        • The Multi-disciplined Team

          • Recognize key stakeholders, understand lines of communication and project escalation. Engage with:
            • Strategic leadership
            • Workstream managers
            • Subject matter experts (SMEs)
            • The design team
            • The implementation team
            • Quality assurance
            • Safety and security
          • Understanding the Data Center Build Project

            • Scope of works and review process (avoidance of scope creep)
            • Business drivers
            • Stakeholder relationships
            • Technical deliverables
            • Ongoing customer activities
            • Project controls
            • Contractual constraints and disturbances
            • Utility and vendor services
            • Communication
            • Escalation management and decision making
            • Documentation
            • Project closure
            • Measuring success
            • Writing lessons learned
            • Improving organizational projects

            Attributes of a project manager

            • Understand management concepts
            • Communication style (internal and external)
            • Decision making
            • Interpersonal relationships
            • Delegation skills
            • Ability to meet key project objectives
            • Competence (appropriate technical knowledge)

            Project Management Principles

            • Appreciate the role of the PM in a multi-disciplined high-value project
            • Core principles
            • Develop a clear understanding of the project objectives and critical deliverables
            • Create a structured plan defining the pathway to achievement
            • Monitor and manage project activities to maintain anticipated progress
            • Evaluate performance and develop appropriate strategies

            Project Management Process

            • Project scope development (needs to be agreed and baselined)
            • Project estimation reviews
            • Quality planning
            • Quality control
            • Change management process
            • Configuration management processes
            • Health and safety (including CDM)
            • Stakeholder communications
              • Project meetings
              • Project reporting
            • Project deviation impact analysis
              • Cost fluctuation
              • TCO, ROI re-alignment
              • Customer satisfaction
            • Commissioning
            • Handover procedure and customer training
            • Projects closure and payment

            Project Management Tools

            • Organization and Work breakdown Structures (OBS/WBS)
            • Precedence diagramming (project plan/program)
            • Program Evaluation Review Techniques (PERT)
            • Critical Path Analysis (CPA)
            • Earned Value Management (EVM)
            • GANTT
              • Task planning
              • Resource leveling
              • Deconfliction
            • Risk management
              • Risk Breakdown Schedule (RBS)
              • Quantitative Risk Management (QRM)
              • Risk Assumptions Issues and Dependencies (RAID)
  • This program is perfect for project managers seeking to employ their knowledge and skills within the data center project environment. It is also ideal for those already working at a data center looking to develop as a project manager.

    Project management experience would be advantageous, along with previous experience in a relevant technical discipline. Learners at this level should be able to analyze, interpret and evaluate relevant information, concepts and ideas. Completion of the Certified Telecommunications Project Management (CTPM®) program would be an advantage. If you would like to discuss your experience or suitability for this program, please contact us.

    Learners are required to have:

    • A webcam and microphone enabled laptop with unrestricted wireless internet connectivity and a pre-installed web browser
    • A suitable application for reading/annotating PDFs and a suitable application for editing standard office documents such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

    CDCPM® certified individuals will possess unrivaled knowledge, expertise and capability to deliver complex data center projects.

    • Internationally and industry recognized Pearson BTEC Level 5 Award in Certified Data Center Project Management
    • Official Certified Data Center Project Management (CDCPM®) certification
    • Use of CDCPM post nominal title, e.g. Jane Smith CDCPM
    • Use of the official Certified Data Center Project Management (CDCPM®) digital badge
    • Use of the CDCPM® logo

    Certifications are a lifelong commitment to learning and offer the perfect portal to ensure knowledge, skills and certification remain current and up-to-date. Each certification requires re-certifying every three years via an online learning management system.

    • Continuing Professional Development (CPDs)
    • 3 IEEE Continual Education Units (CEUs)
    • Develop competency in the use of a broad range of project management tools
    • Gain technical knowledge and understanding of complex data center build projects
    • Increase confidence when interacting with project stakeholders
    • Develop personal leadership and management attributes
    • Demonstrate the ability to manage complex repeatable processes successfully
    • Greatly improved business reputation through successful project delivery
    • Reduce operational cost by delivering competent project management
    • Demonstrate investment and development of the individual project managers and overall development of a successful team
    • Create greater opportunities for repeat business from satisfied customers
    Project Manager, Infra Management Services BV
    One of the things that stood out to me was the level of engagement and interaction that was fostered in the virtual classroom. Despite being physically distant from one another, the facilitator used a variety of tools and techniques to keep everyone actively participating and engaged throughout the entire training. From breakout rooms, group discussions and quizzes, there was always something to keep us engaged and involved. Additionally, the trainer was highly knowledgeable and skilled in his field, and was able to effectively communicate complex ideas and concepts in a clear and concise manner. He was also very responsive to our questions and feedback, and did an excellent job of tailoring the training to meet our specific needs and learning styles. Overall, I would highly recommend this remote classroom training to anyone who is looking for a dynamic and engaging learning experience. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the field, you're sure to walk away with a wealth of knowledge and skills that you can apply in your professional life.
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