Study Confirms BICSI RCDD Maintains Its Position As Gold Standard Industry Credential

TAMPA, Fla., May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- BICSI, the association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, has compiled and released the results of a study conducted on its Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD®) credential holders.

The study confirms continued relevance for the RCDD, which is BICSI's strongest credential. RCDD credential holders serve the ITS industry with expertise in the design, implementation and integration of ITS and its related infrastructure. With more than 7,500 RCDDs worldwide, BICSI's recent study found that 99 percent of those who currently hold the RCDD plan to renew and maintain their credential. Nearly 65 percent of RCDDs have held their credential for more than 4 years, while about 35 percent have maintained the designation for more than 10 years. Many of these RCDDs own their own businesses or are partners in a business. For those RCDDs who are not self-employed, about 60 percent say that their continuing education costs are completely covered by their employer.

While it is a relatively difficult credential to attain, a majority of RCDDs stated that they would recommend the credential to others in the industry that design and implement IT systems. The RCDD exam requires between 100-200 hours of study from BICSI's Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM), which is now in its 12th edition. BICSI recommends studying the manual in conjunction with a BICSI exam preparation course.

Most individuals holding the RCDD credential are also BICSI members. More than 20 percent of RCDDs have been BICSI members for 16 years or longer.

"As an organization, BICSI is committed to offering the highest quality education and training to better serve the needs of these ITS industry professionals," said John D. Clark, Jr., CAE, BICSI's Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. "RCDD credential holders follow current standards and best practices and must meet continuing education requirements to maintain their credential. The RCDD is a core element of BICSI, and timely research will insure the gold standard quality of this credential. BICSI is pleased to continue providing essential education and credentialing programs to further support and advance information technology systems."

An RCDD has demonstrated knowledge in the design, integration and implementation of telecommunications and data transport systems and their related infrastructure. These individuals are uniquely positioned to create the detailed design of a new system and/or integrate design into an existing structure. The RCDD is one of the highest design credentials in the ITS industry and is recognized worldwide, including by many private and governmental organizations.

"We have worked very hard to keep the RCDD relevant to both the credential holder and the employer or customer who uses their skills," said Jerry L. Bowman, RCDD, RTPM(i), NTS, CISSP, CPP, CSI, BICSI President. "Keeping the RCDD relevant involves continuously updating the RCDD program, constantly refining the educational opportunities available to our credentialed stakeholders and managing the continuing education credits offered to them. This survey tells us that the RCDD is still relevant, in demand and clearly valued as a global mark of distinction for the ITS designer."

Candidates for the RCDD credentials are required to have at least five years of ITS design experience or an equivalent combination of experience and industry certifications. For more information, please visit www.bicsi.org/rcdd.

BICSI is a professional association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry. ITS covers the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, project management and audio & video technologies. It encompasses the design, integration and installation of pathways, spaces, optical fiber- and copper-based distribution systems, wireless-based systems and infrastructure that supports the transportation of information and associated signaling between and among communications and information gathering devices.

BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the ITS industry. We serve more than 23,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ITS professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 100 countries.

SOURCE BICSI