How to Become an RCDD

Are you an ICT (Information and Communications Technology) professional looking to tackle RCDD (Registered Communications Distribution Designer) as a career? Every professional is looking to advance in their profession, and aiming to achieve a renowned certification may be the most efficient way to move forward.

As the RCDD designation remains the gold standard of all ICT industry credentials for many years, lots of telecommunications professionals started to wonder just how they can attain this certification and whether their skills and knowledge could help them achieve this license. 

Frankly, becoming an RCDD is not as easy as simply writing the check, then taking the exam. There are far more steps and processes required to achieve this designation successfully.

But have no worries because here in this article, we will try to make your life easier by doing the leg work for you and break down all the processes in becoming an RCDD in three comprehensive segments:

  • Building your credentials

  • Completing your registration

  • Recertifying your credentials

Before we dive any deeper, we highly recommend that you read over our “What is an RCDD” blog post, as it will help you understand many topics that we are going to discuss in this article.

An image showing what the RCDD certification looks like

Building your credentials

The first part of the RCDD credentialing process starts by building your credentials. To even apply for RCDD, you must have a minimum of five years of ICT design experience, approved education, and qualification in the industry. You can pursue these experiences and education in two ways:

  • By completing your associate’s or bachelor’s degree online or through your local community college or university.

  • By acquiring an entry-level position with ICT companies to gain hands-on experience in the field.

Your experience and education do not have to be consecutive; however, it must all be from within the last ten years. Once you successfully finish school and have several years of work experience under your belt, you are eligible to apply for RCDD certification.

One important recommendation we want to mention before you apply is you must review your core competencies. Your RCDD institution will assume you come into your course with a fundamental knowledge of a wide variety of ICT topics, such as:

  • Principles of transmission

  • Electromagnetic compatibility

  • Different types of distribution systems

  • Proper cables and connecting hardware

  • Safety systems and protocol

  • ICT systems administration

Many of these fundamental topics are used every day by many RCDDs. For this reason, you must put yourself ahead and ensure you thoroughly understand these foundational ICT topics.

Completing your registration

Now that you have built your credentials and are eligible to apply, it’s time to register for your RCDD courses. Most RCDD courses are offered by BICSI (Building Industry Consulting Service International) or through a BICSI-affiliated certifying institution. These courses can be registered via online, and their cost range between $500 and $1,000 USD depending on which course you take.

Once registered, you will be given a year to complete all your required course materials and prepare for an extensive exam, which you must pass to earn the prestigious RCDD credentials. BISCI administers the RCDD exam, and they are designed to test your knowledge and ability to solve different problems by applying the acquired knowledge. Average RCDDs will likely spend hundreds of hours studying the Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM) and sit through numerous ICT fundamentals and design courses to prepare for the exam.

The RCDD examination is a closed book exam and includes 100 multiple-choice questions. These questions will cover every chapter of the content you have learned throughout your course. You are given 2 ½ hours to finish the exam and receives a pass/fail score report from BISCI, rather than the actual passing score. Upon successfully passing your exam, you will receive certified RCDD credentials valid for three years.

An image of a graph that portrays the top 5 best telecommunications certifications in 2019.


Recertifying your credentials

Passing the exam and attaining the RCDD certification means nothing if you don’t plan on recertifying your credentials every three years. To recertify, you must earn at least 45 continuing education units (CEUs) over the course of three years from your test date. You can achieve these CEUs through BISCI or any other authorized professional association or ICT training program.

When you recertify your credentials, you will be asked to provide proof of your CEUs along with your renewal fees. For all members of BISCI, a renewal fee is $175 USD online and $195 through the mail. For all non-members, a renewal fee is $325 USD regardless of how you submit your payment. To ensure you have all the required paperwork, we highly recommend you get copies of your course completion documents, certificates, or transcripts.

In addition to the 45 CEUs, you must attend at least 1 BISCI-approved conference within three years of your test or last recertification. BISCI hosts various conferences worldwide, providing an excellent opportunity for RCDDs to network and learn while gaining new inspiration and ideas.

BICSI conference

Have more questions?

Here at Cabco’s, we believe it is our responsibility to provide our customers with answers and information they need to make an informed decision. After reading this article, if you still have any questions, feel free to email us at sales@cabco.ca or call us using 1-800-675-4025. We are always happy to help you stay connected!

YoungHoon Choi
Digital Marketing Associate
Cabco Communications Group




SalesCabco Communications Group