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Exam Information
Official specifications published by BICSI
Exam Format
150 min
100
Not publicly disclosed
Professional
Registration
$510 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
Validity
3 years
Earn 45 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) during the 3-year certification cycle; Attend at least one (1) qualifying BICSI conference during the registration period; No more than one-third (1/3) of required CECs can come from Non-Core activities
RCDD Exam Topics and Domains
RCDD is organized into 4 weighted domains. Expect to work with Standards compliance, Acceptance testing, AV infrastructure design, BOM creation, and more.
1
Define Scope of ICT Design
10%
Project Requirements Analysis
Stakeholder CommunicationRegulatory and Standards Compliance
- Identify and communicate with project stakeholders
- Determine applicable codes, standards, and regulations
- Document project scope and design intent
Site Assessment and Analysis
Physical Site Survey
- Conduct thorough site assessments
- Identify existing infrastructure
- Document site conditions and constraints
2
Design ICT Solutions
66%
Telecommunications Spaces
Entrance FacilitiesEquipment Rooms and Telecommunications Rooms
- Design appropriate telecommunications spaces per TIA-942 and TIA-568
- Calculate room sizes based on served areas
- Specify environmental and power requirements
Backbone Distribution Systems
Copper Backbone CablingOptical Fiber Backbone Cabling
- Design backbone distribution systems per TIA-568
- Select appropriate cable types for backbone applications
- Understand fiber optic specifications and applications
Horizontal Distribution Systems
Horizontal Cabling DesignPathways and Spaces
- Design horizontal cabling per TIA-568 standards
- Size pathways and spaces appropriately
- Apply separation requirements for EMI/RFI mitigation
Outside Plant (OSP) Design
OSP Cabling and Infrastructure
- Design outside plant telecommunications infrastructure
- Select appropriate OSP cable types and installation methods
- Apply BICSI OSPDRM best practices
Data Networks
Network Topology and ArchitectureSingle-Pair Ethernet
- Design network infrastructure to support various Ethernet applications
- Understand PoE requirements and power budgeting
- Apply single-pair Ethernet for IoT and automation
Bonding and Grounding (Earthing)
Telecommunications Grounding and Bonding
- Design telecommunications grounding and bonding systems per TIA-607
- Calculate bonding conductor sizes
- Prevent ground loops and electrical hazards
Power Distribution
Electrical Requirements for ICTFault Managed Power Circuits
- Calculate power requirements for telecommunications spaces
- Design UPS and emergency power systems
- Apply NEC requirements for telecommunications power
Firestop Systems
Fire-Rated Penetrations
- Design firestop systems for telecommunications pathways
- Specify appropriate firestop materials
- Ensure compliance with building and fire codes
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
EMI/RFI Mitigation
- Identify and mitigate electromagnetic interference sources
- Apply proper separation requirements
- Design for electromagnetic compatibility
Principles of Transmission
Signal Transmission Theory
- Understand fundamental transmission principles
- Analyze cable performance parameters
- Calculate link loss and performance
Telecommunications Administration
Infrastructure Documentation and Labeling
- Apply TIA-606-C administration standards
- Design labeling and identification schemes
- Maintain accurate infrastructure documentation
Intelligent Building Systems
Building Automation and ControlAudiovisual Systems
- Design infrastructure for intelligent building systems
- Support converged networks for multiple building technologies
- Apply best practices for AV system integration
3
Support ICT Bid/Tender Process
9%
Specifications and Documentation
Technical SpecificationsConstruction Drawings
- Prepare technical specifications for ICT projects
- Create construction drawings and documentation
- Coordinate with other building systems
Estimating and Cost Analysis
Quantity Takeoffs and Estimates
- Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings
- Prepare cost estimates for ICT projects
- Support budget development
4
Support ICT Installation Process
15%
Installation Oversight and Quality Control
Construction AdministrationInstallation Standards Compliance
- Provide construction administration support
- Verify installation quality and compliance
- Respond to field questions and issues
Field Testing and Acceptance
Cable Testing RequirementsProject Closeout
- Specify field testing requirements
- Review and accept test results
- Ensure proper project closeout documentation
How do I earn this certification?
Passing RCDD earns the RCDD (Registered Communications Distribution Designer) certification. It sits in the ICT Design track.
Next Level Options
- RCDD Specializations Additional specialized BICSI credentials to complement RCDD
- Industry Certifications Complementary certifications from other organizations
Alternative Paths
- DCDC - Data Center Design Consultant Specialized focus on data center infrastructure design
- OSP - Outside Plant Designer Specialized focus on campus and outside plant telecommunications
- WD - Wireless Design Specialized focus on wireless network design
- ESS - Electronic Safety and Security Specialized focus on security and life safety systems
- RTPM - Registered Telecommunications Project Manager Shift toward project management in telecommunications
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for RCDD.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-09-11
- Announcement date: 2024-09-11
Updates
- Single-Pair Ethernet IEEE 802.3cg (10Base-T1L/T1S) New coverage in TDMM 15th edition, likely exam topic • Release date: 2019 (standard), 2024 (TDMM coverage)
- OM5 Wideband Multimode Fiber TIA-568.3-D Expanded coverage in TDMM 15th edition • Release date: 2016 (standard), 2024 (expanded TDMM coverage)
- Fault Managed Power Circuits Various standards New content in TDMM 15th edition • Release date: 2024 (TDMM coverage)
- 28 AWG Patch Cords TIA-568.2-D Amendment New specifications in TDMM 15th edition • Release date: 2018 (standard), 2024 (TDMM coverage)
- SC/APC Optical Fiber Connectors Various standards Added to TDMM 15th edition connector coverage • Release date: 2024 (TDMM coverage)
Who should take this exam?
Option: 1; Description: Two years of verifiable full-time work experience in ICT design AND a current BICSI certification (BICSI TECH, RTPM, DCDC, or OSP)
Option: 2; Description: Two years of verifiable full-time equivalent work experience in ICT design AND completion of two years of higher education course work in ICT (STEM, trade school, two-year degree, ICT programs, apprenticeships, certifications, or military training equivalent)
Option: 3; Description: Five years of verifiable ICT experience
- BICSI TECH certification
- RTPM certification
- DCDC certification
- OSP certification
- STEM or trade school education
- Two-year ICT degree
- Experience in telecommunications distribution design