The BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Design (RCDD) continues to be the leading design certification for the international ITS industry. Here in the South Pacific, there are an increasing number of projects and contracts, including several Government Agencies that mandate the involvement of an RCDD in their bid submission requirements. If you were ever sceptical about the level of knowledge that any RCDD needs just to pass the exam, talk to anyone who has sat the exam, and pass or fail, they all agree it is brutal. If nothing else, the RCDD credential is about commitment; to quality in the design of infrastructure systems and to professionalism in the industry.
What is NextGEN?
So after starting in 1984, the format of the RCDD program has changed. The new program is known as the BICSI NxtGEN Program. What this means is some structural changes have been made to in fact make it easier for those seeking to gain their specialities that were once only available to those who passed their RCDD as a pre-requisite. Effectively, RCDD has now become another specialty similar to Wireless, OSP, etc.
What pre-requisites do I need to have to become an RCDD Under NextGEN?
Anybody considering becoming an RCDD will need to meet one of the following criteria;
- Five years ITS design experience
- Two years verifiable ITS design experience and three years additional ITS equivalents chosen from combinations of experience, approved education and approved ITS license/certification.
What are the steps I need to complete to become a BICSI RCDD?
- Join BICSI by completing an individual membership application form
- Study the contents of the latest edition of the BICSI TDMM (Telecommunications Distribution Design Manuals).
- Complete the RCDD Exam Application form including your 3 x career references and send this with your fee of US$295 to BICSI USA.This form needs to be recieved by BICSI USA a minimum of 4 weeks prior to a scheduled RCDD Exam date.
What is the new RCDD Exam like?
The new exam for RCDD based on the 12th Edition TDMM has now been dropped back to 120 questions. The time allowed for the exam is 3 hours.
What preparation should I do for the RCDD Exam?
Study and study some more. No body that we know who is an RCDD, and that's around 500 people, has simply walked in, sat the exam and passed. It is very tough. But it's not impossible. With the right preparation, you can pass the exam first time. We have developed a number of strategies for our participants that have proved extremely successful. We have 3 RCDD staff who are all '1st time pass RCDD's', so we have plenty of war stories and tips to share with you!
Will there be any training available for the RCDD Exam in my region?
As the only BICSI Authorised Design Training Partner (ADTP) in the South Pacific, TEX Solutions will be offering a 2 day RCDD Bootcamp for those who feel they have done enough self study and want to test their skills in an intensive workshop prior to the exam. For those who would like to prepare in an organised format, we are commencing our self paced RCDD Exam Preparation Program as a compliment to the 2 day bootcamp training course. This program runs for 12 weeks leading up to the bootcamp and the RCDD Exam. It consists of a series of webinars run by our resident BICSI Master Instructor. There are assignments that need to be completed during the program and online resources including the largest collection of review quizzes in the world. What this means is that you will cover all of the TDMM chapters prior to the exam. We strongly recommend participants complete both the self paced program and bootcamp to maximise your chances of a successful 1st exam attempt.
How much will it cost me to become an RCDD?
To answer this question “it depends…” on what your individual circumstances are;
We have listed out below the things that you would have to pay for, assuming you approached from a standing start;
1. BICSI Membership – AUD$230 (exc.GST) - payable to BICSI South/Pacific
2. TDMM Manuals – 12th Edition – USD$225 (member price) - payable to BICSI US...or borrow a set from a friend!
3. RCDD Application and Exam – USD$325 - payable to BICSI US
If you are interested in completing our self paced RCDD Exam Preparation program and/or bootcamp, the fees are as follows;
1. Self paced RCDD Exam Preparation program - AUD$1995 (exc GST)
2. 2 Day Bootcamp - AUD$995 (exc.GST)
If you have any questions, please contact us with them and a TEX Team member will be in touch to assist.
