Why Hire an RCDD?
Do you keep seeing the acronym RCDD? Do you wonder what it stands for and why you should care?
Here are answers to those questions…
What is an RCDD?
A Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD®) is an individual who has demonstrated
knowledge in the design, integration and implementation of telecommunications and data
communications transport systems and 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 Information Technology
Systems (ITS) industry, recognized worldwide.
An RCDD has worked hard to earn the reputation as a design expert. With a minimum of five years
of experience, an RCDD has likely spent hundreds of hours studying the Telecommunications
Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM) and sitting through numerous ITS fundamental and design
courses. But to earn the prestigious RCDD credential, they must have proven their knowledge by passing an extensive,
3-hour exam.
There’s a Reason RCDDs are Required on so Many Building Design Projects
Cabling infrastructure is complex. That’s why it’s essential that you have someone on your team who
understands all aspects of this highly technical area. The RCDD program was created to develop
individuals whose skills have made them authorities in the design of cabling infrastructure.
Why is an RCDD critical in the building design process?
Through comprehensive testing, an RCDD has been taught what it takes to achieve an efficient,
cost-effective, future-ready system, no matter what the stage of the project.
- Initial Planning Stage: An RCDD has learned how to create a smart design, evaluating the proper amount of space needed today and for years to come. By minimizing costly change orders, an RCDD can save you valuable time and money.
- Mid-Project: RCDDs who manage the infrastructure installation can guide the design so that it is
followed correctly and make any necessary modifications as needed. - Project Completion: An RCDD adds credibility to a project by signing off when the project is complete.
Many government and large business bids require an RCDD for the design and implementation phase of a structured cabling system.
- The GSA Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (2005) and the U.S.
Courts Design Guide (2007, with 2008 revisions) require that pathways and spaces be designed by
an RCDD. - Both Unified Facilities Criteria 3-580-01 -Telecommunications Building Cabling Systems
Planning and Design and the Army’s I3A -Technical Criteria for the Installation Information
Infrastructure Architecture (2010) require an RCDD to provide design services.
Having an RCDD on your building team is in everyone’s best interest—the architect, the builder and the end user.
- RCDDs have been taught the importance of standards, including those established by BICSI, as
well as the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA),
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and National Electrical Contractors Association
(NECA). With contributions made to TIA/EIA standards by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), you can expect an RCDD to use current practices for improved quality and performance. - RCDDs are required to demonstrate proficiency across a wide range of areas within structured
cabling systems, including network, outside plant, wireless and electronic safety and security design. This expanded knowledge enables the RCDD to advise the owner/end user of the appropriate IT, AV and security requirements. The RCDD has learned to perform the design tasks related to these systems, including construction drawings and specifications. RCDDs are also eligible to sit for any BICSI Specialist credential, such as ESS, NTS, OSP and WD. - By passing an extensive exam to earn the RCDD credential, RCDDs bring with them a high level of quality assurance. They are required to meet continuing education requirements to maintain their designation. In addition, RCDDs have access to a comprehensive library of timely resources, including BICSI manuals and standards, as well as BICSI subject matter experts and instructors.
Make Sure You Include an RCDD on Your Project Design Team
If you’re an architect or contractor looking to secure your next building project, keep in mind the value of an RCDD. Their ability to assess a building owner’s telecommunications needs, and to design and implement a plan that allows for imminent growth, can allow your team to design a highly efficient transport system with minimal costs for later upgrades. That means a satisfied customer today…and tomorrow.
This information was provided by BICSI. For more information about BICSI go to www.BICSI.org
1 GSA, Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service, U.S. General Services Administration
Office of the Chief Architect, March 2005, Chapter 6: Electrical Engineering (section 6.2 Codes and
Standards, p. 172 and section 6.11 Voice and Data Distribution System, p. 200).
2 U.S. Courts Design Guide, Judicial Conference of the United States, 2007 (with 2008 revisions),
Chapter 15: Building Systems, Communications Systems section, pp. 15-16.