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Technology & Design · course plan

⚠ Pending professional review

This course plan, its lessons and its assessments has not yet been verified by an industry-certified professional or by a certification or approval body. It is a study draft and may contain errors. Do not use it as instructions for work on a job site or on live equipment. Always follow your instructor, your supervising professional, and current official references and regulations.

VoTechWorks program approval and accreditation are still in progress. Credentials are issued only by the certifying bodies named in each program, after their own exams.

Data Center Technician

13 courses · 1,350 clock hours · 6–9 mo full-time. Grading is competency-based: each course requires the written exam, a competent skills demonstration with zero safety faults, a signed log, and a passed safety audit; percentage weights only rank performance above the competency floor.

~~$13,185~~ COMPLIMENTARYprogram tuition

13courses

82lessons

1,350hours

47assessments

Development progressPlanCourses, lessons and assessments written for this tradeLessons82 of 82 lesson pages writtenPractice656 practice questionsResources113 reference entries (study list)Review0 lesson pages reviewed by a licensed professional

Study now: 82 lesson pages are open (lesson titles below are links).

TEC-DATA82-01 Universal core

Universal Core: Safety, Math, Communication & Career for Data Center Technicians

148 hr · ~~$1,185~~ COMPLIMENTARY

This foundational course prepares adult learners for every downstream course and the worksite by establishing OSHA 10 safety principles, first aid and CPR, the trade math and measurement skills used daily in data centers, and the technical reading, digital communication, and career-readiness habits employers expect. Lessons are sequenced so that safety is non-negotiable before any hands-on work begins, and every skill is practiced in data-center contexts—rack unit calculations, cable-length estimation, reading vendor spec sheets, and writing work-order tickets. Credential exam areas addressed include OSHA 10 (all domains), CompTIA A+ (safety and professionalism), and CompTIA Server+ (safety and documentation).

Outcomes

Complete OSHA 10 General Industry training and demonstrate correct lockout/tagout and PPE selection for at least four data-center hazard scenarios with no critical errors.
Perform and document adult CPR and basic first aid to the standard of an approved provider course, achieving a passing score on the provider's skills evaluation.
Apply arithmetic, unit conversion, and basic electrical math (Ohms law, power calculations in watts and kilowatts, rack unit measurements) accurately on trade problems with at least 80% correctness.
Read and extract key specifications from a vendor data sheet, a safety data sheet, and a structured work order, demonstrating comprehension through written summaries and correctly completed forms.
Use standard digital workplace tools—email, ticketing system, cloud-shared documents, and a digital multimeter—to communicate and record work in a professional format acceptable to a supervisor.
Construct a career portfolio containing a resume, a LinkedIn-style professional profile, and a 60-second elevator pitch tailored to entry-level data center technician positions.

Course text

How the course runs. 7 blocks: OSHA 10 General Industry: Hazard Recognition and Regulatory Framework; Lockout/Tagout, PPE, and Electrical Safety in the Data Center; First Aid and CPR/AED for the Data Center Environment; Trade Math and Measurement for Data Center Work; Technical Reading: Spec Sheets, Work Orders, and Safety Data Sheets; Digital Workplace Tools: Email, Ticketing, Documentation, and the Digital Multimeter; Career Readiness: Resume, Professional Profile, and Elevator Pitch.

What competent looks like. Complete OSHA 10 General Industry training and demonstrate correct lockout/tagout and PPE selection for at least four data-center hazard scenarios with no critical errors. Perform and document adult CPR and basic first aid to the standard of an approved provider course, achieving a passing score on the provider's skills evaluation. Apply arithmetic, unit conversion, and basic electrical math (Ohms law, power calculations in watts and kilowatts, rack unit measurements) accurately on trade problems with at least 80% correctness. Read and extract key specifications from a vendor data sheet, a safety data sheet, and a structured work order, demonstrating comprehension through written summaries and correctly completed forms. Use standard digital workplace tools—email, ticketing system, cloud-shared documents, and a digital multimeter—to communicate and record work in a professional format acceptable to a supervisor. Construct a career portfolio containing a resume, a LinkedIn-style professional profile, and a 60-second elevator pitch tailored to entry-level data center technician positions.

Lessons · 7 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	OSHA 10 General Industry: Hazard Recognition and Regulatory Framework	12	theory	Students will identify OSHA General Industry standards relevant to data centers—including electrical safety, confined spaces, walking/working surfaces, and hazard communication—and explain the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers under the OSH Act.	Work through the OSHA 10 General Industry outreach curriculum delivered by an authorized OSHA trainer, completing all required modules (introduction to OSHA, focus-four hazards adapted to the data-center environment, and hazard identification). Analyze three real-world data-center incident descriptions (provided as redacted OSHA investigation summaries) and classify each hazard by OSHA standard category on a structured worksheet. Participate in a facilitated class discussion on workers' right to refuse unsafe work, documenting two specific scenarios relevant to a data center floor and the correct reporting path for each.	OSHA 10 General Industry authorized trainer materials, OSHA outreach program participant guide, redacted incident summary handouts, OSHA poster (It's the Law), student worksheet set	Completion of all OSHA 10 outreach modules verified by authorized trainer sign-off; written hazard-classification worksheet scored at 80% or higher; OSHA 10 card issued upon successful course completion.
2	Lockout/Tagout, PPE, and Electrical Safety in the Data Center	20	lab	Students will execute a complete lockout/tagout sequence on a simulated data-center power circuit and select correct PPE for at least four distinct data-center hazard categories with zero critical safety errors.	Demonstrate, step by step on a training panel with mock breakers and lock stations, the full LOTO procedure: identify energy sources, notify affected workers, shut down equipment, isolate energy, apply lock and tag, release stored energy, and verify isolation using a non-contact voltage tester. Complete a PPE selection exercise: given six scenario cards (working near live bus bars, handling fiber, lifting heavy equipment, working in a hot aisle above 95 °F, handling chemical cooling agents, and cable routing at height), select the correct PPE from a displayed set and justify each choice in writing. Inspect a set of ten sample items (two extension cords, two safety glasses, two pairs of cut-resistant gloves, two hard hats, two pairs of ESD wrist straps) and tag each as serviceable or remove-from-service using a provided inspection checklist.	LOTO training panel (non-energized, classroom-safe), personal locks and tags (one set per student), non-contact voltage tester, PPE display set (class-II arc-rated PPE, safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, ESD wrist straps, hard hats, N95 respirators), scenario cards, inspection checklist, NFPA 70E reference (current edition)	Instructor observes each student's LOTO demonstration and scores it on a pass/fail checklist of 12 required steps; any step skipped or performed out of order is a fail requiring immediate re-demonstration; PPE selection exercise scored at 80% or higher.
3	First Aid and CPR/AED for the Data Center Environment	16	lab	Students will perform hands-only and full-cycle adult CPR, use an AED trainer, and apply basic first-aid protocols for the injuries most likely in a data center (electrical shock, lacerations, heat stress, eye injury from chemical splash) to the passing standard of an approved provider.	Complete an approved adult CPR/AED course (classroom or blended format) including hands-on mannequin practice for compression depth, rate, and full AED sequence; instructor verifies each student reaches the provider's minimum skills standard. Role-play three first-aid scenarios in pairs using scenario cards: (1) a coworker who touched an energized component and is unresponsive, (2) a laceration from a sheet-metal server chassis edge, and (3) a heat-stress incident in a hot aisle; students document each response on a provided incident-report form. Locate and map all first-aid stations, AEDs, eyewash stations, and emergency exits on a printed floor plan of the training facility, then verbally brief the class on the shortest route to each resource from two different starting points.	CPR mannequins (one per two students), AED trainer units, first-aid kit (training-grade), scenario cards, blank incident-report forms, facility floor plan, approved CPR/First Aid provider materials (e.g., American Red Cross or American Heart Association curriculum)	Provider skills evaluation sign-off for CPR/AED (pass/fail per provider standard); incident-report forms reviewed by instructor for completeness and accuracy, scored at 80% or higher; facility map graded for correct location of all safety resources.
4	Trade Math and Measurement for Data Center Work	30	practice	Students will solve data-center trade math problems—including rack unit calculations, cable-length estimation with service loops, power load calculations using Ohm's Law and the power formula, unit conversions between imperial and metric, and BTU/kW heat-load estimates—achieving at least 80% accuracy.	Work through a structured problem set of 40 trade math problems drawn exclusively from data-center scenarios: calculate the usable rack units remaining after mounting specified equipment, determine minimum cable runs including service loops from a scaled floor plan, convert watts to kilowatts and BTUs per hour for a given server load, and apply P = IV and V = IR to find missing values in simple DC circuits; students work individually and self-grade using an answer key before instructor review. Use a tape measure, digital caliper, and rack-unit gauge to physically measure five pieces of lab equipment (a patch panel, a 1U server chassis, a PDU, a switch, and a cable management arm), record measurements in both imperial and metric on a data sheet, and compare results with manufacturer spec sheets to within an acceptable tolerance. Build a simple rack-load spreadsheet in Google Sheets (or Excel) that calculates total rack weight, total power draw in watts and kilowatts, and remaining capacity when equipment rows are added; populate it with data from three provided equipment spec sheets and verify that the spreadsheet formulas produce correct results.	Printed problem set (40 problems), answer key (instructor copy), tape measure, digital caliper, rack-unit gauge (1U = 1.75 in reference card), five pieces of lab equipment, vendor spec sheets, calculator, laptop with Google Sheets or Excel, graph paper for scaled floor plan exercise	Problem set scored at 80% or higher by instructor; measurement data sheet accepted when all five items are within ±1/16 inch (±1.6 mm) of spec-sheet dimensions; spreadsheet verified by instructor to produce correct totals matching an answer key.
5	Technical Reading: Spec Sheets, Work Orders, and Safety Data Sheets	20	theory	Students will extract and accurately record critical specifications from a vendor data sheet, required safety precautions from a Safety Data Sheet, and all required fields from a structured work order, demonstrating comprehension through correctly completed summary forms.	Given a real server vendor data sheet (publicly available), complete a structured extraction form requiring students to locate and record: model number, dimensions, weight, power supply input voltage and current, maximum operating temperature, supported operating systems, and front/rear port layout; compare results with a provided answer key. Read a Safety Data Sheet for a common data-center chemical (for example, a cooling-system refrigerant or UPS battery electrolyte) and complete a summary form identifying: product identity, health and physical hazards, required PPE, first-aid measures, spill-control procedure, and proper disposal method. Receive a written work-order scenario in plain English (a server needs to be racked, cabled, and powered on in Bay 3, Row C) and translate it into a structured work-order form, filling in all required fields: requestor, date/time, location, equipment list with part numbers, steps, safety notes, and estimated duration; peer-review swap and provide written feedback.	Printed or digital vendor data sheets (publicly available server and PDU datasheets), one SDS for a data-center chemical, blank structured extraction forms, blank work-order forms, answer key (instructor copy), peer-review rubric	Data-sheet extraction form scored at 80% or higher against answer key; SDS summary form scored at 80% or higher; work-order form graded by instructor using a 10-point rubric requiring all mandatory fields completed correctly; peer-review feedback evaluated for constructive specificity.
6	Digital Workplace Tools: Email, Ticketing, Documentation, and the Digital Multimeter	30	demo	Students will compose professional work-related emails and ticket entries, create and share a cloud-based technical document, and use a digital multimeter to measure DC voltage, continuity, and resistance in a practice circuit, recording results in a standard log format.	Write three professional emails from provided scenario prompts (requesting access to a data hall, notifying a supervisor of a discovered hazard, and following up on a pending work order) and submit them for instructor review; revise one email based on written feedback, demonstrating understanding of subject-line clarity, formal greeting, concise body, and professional sign-off. Open a simulated helpdesk ticket in a free-tier ticketing tool (such as Freshdesk or osTicket installed in the classroom environment), log a fictional incident with all required fields (category, priority, affected asset, description, steps taken, resolution), close the ticket, and export the record as a PDF for the portfolio. Using a digital multimeter, instructor-guided demonstration followed by individual practice: measure DC voltage across a 9V battery, test continuity on a known-good and a known-open patch cable segment, and measure resistance of three labeled resistors; record all readings on a lab data sheet and compare to expected values within the meter's stated accuracy tolerance.	Laptop or desktop with browser access, free-tier ticketing tool (Freshdesk or osTicket), Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 account, email scenario cards, digital multimeter (Fluke 101 or equivalent), 9V battery, resistor set, patch cable segments (one good, one with an open conductor), lab data sheet, DMM user manual	Emails evaluated on a 5-point professional-communication rubric; ticket record reviewed by instructor for completeness of all required fields (pass/fail); DMM lab data sheet accepted when all measurements are within the meter's rated accuracy and readings are correctly labeled with units.
7	Career Readiness: Resume, Professional Profile, and Elevator Pitch	20	practice	Students will produce a complete, error-free resume and LinkedIn-style professional profile targeted to entry-level data center technician roles and deliver a 60-second verbal elevator pitch that accurately represents their skills and goals.	Draft a one-page resume using a provided data-center-industry template, incorporating correct formatting, a skills section listing technical competencies introduced in this course (LOTO, first aid, trade math, DMM use, work-order documentation), and any prior work or volunteer experience; submit for instructor line-by-line feedback and produce a final corrected version. Create a professional profile on a platform approved by the institution (LinkedIn or a classroom-hosted equivalent), including a professional headshot or appropriate placeholder, a headline targeting 'Data Center Technician,' a summary paragraph written in first person, and the certifications and training completed so far; peer-review partner checks for spelling, tone, and completeness using a provided checklist. Prepare and rehearse a 60-second elevator pitch that introduces the student by name, states their program and credential goals, names two or three specific technical skills, and closes with a clear ask (internship, informational interview, or job-shadow); deliver the pitch live to the class, receive structured peer feedback on a provided rubric, and submit a written version for the portfolio.	Resume template (data-center-industry focused), laptop with internet access, professional profile platform, peer-review checklist, elevator-pitch rubric, optional ring light or phone camera for recorded practice run, instructor feedback form	Final resume accepted when it contains zero spelling or grammar errors, all required sections are present, and skills are accurately represented; professional profile accepted when all five required elements are present and peer-review checklist is marked complete; elevator pitch scored on a 10-point rubric (content 6 points, delivery 4 points), passing score 7/10.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
OSHA 10 and Workplace Safety Knowledge Exam	Written exam	25%	70% or higher on the written exam; OSHA 10 card issued by the authorized trainer upon completion of all required outreach modules	A 40-question multiple-choice and short-answer written exam covering OSHA General Industry hazard categories, LOTO procedures, PPE selection, electrical safety, and first-aid response scenarios drawn from data-center contexts. Students who do not reach 70% on the first attempt receive one remediation session and one retake opportunity. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism
Trade Math and Technical Reading Exam	Written exam	25%	80% or higher	A 50-item closed-book exam combining trade math problems (rack unit calculations, power load math, unit conversions, BTU/kW estimates) and technical reading questions (data sheet extraction, SDS interpretation, work-order completion) identical in format and difficulty to the practice problem sets used in lessons. Students who score below 80% must complete a targeted remediation problem set before sitting a parallel-form retake. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism
Career Portfolio Project	Project	25%	Rubric total of 80% or higher across all three components; any component scoring below 60% must be revised and resubmitted before overall pass is awarded	Students submit a portfolio containing their final resume, a screenshot or PDF export of their completed professional profile, a written elevator pitch, a completed and instructor-approved work-order form from Lesson 5, and a PDF of a closed ticketing record from Lesson 6. Each component is scored on a published rubric assessing accuracy, completeness, professional presentation, and freedom from errors. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism
Safety Skills Oral Defense	Oral / panel	25%	Pass on all three mandatory skills demonstrations (LOTO, PPE selection, CPR) with no critical errors; overall oral questioning scored at 80% or higher	In a 15-minute one-on-one session with the instructor, each student physically demonstrates the LOTO sequence on the training panel, selects and dons correct PPE for one drawn scenario card, and performs a 2-minute CPR cycle on a mannequin; the instructor then asks five verbal questions drawn from across the course to confirm understanding of the rationale behind safety decisions. Any critical safety error in the physical demonstration requires an immediate remediation and same-day re-demonstration before the student may proceed to Course 2. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism

TEC-DATA82-02 Trade course

Rack & Stack: Data Center Hardware Installation

81 hr · ~~$970~~ COMPLIMENTARY

Students learn to safely receive, position, and install server and network equipment into standard 19-inch equipment racks following manufacturer specifications and data center best practices. Topics include rack assembly, equipment mounting, cable management, weight and power planning, and documentation. Lessons map to CompTIA Server+ domain objectives for hardware installation and CNet CDCTP rack and physical infrastructure competencies.

Outcomes

Assemble and level a two-post and a four-post equipment rack to manufacturer specifications without supervision.
Calculate rack unit capacity, weight load limits, and basic power draw for a planned rack layout before installation begins.
Mount at least five different hardware form factors—including 1U servers, blade chassis, patch panels, and PDUs—using correct fasteners and torque practices.
Apply data center cable management standards, including horizontal and vertical managers, Velcro bundling, and bend-radius rules, producing a tidy, documented installation.
Execute and document a pre-installation equipment inspection and a post-installation rack audit using a standardized checklist.
Perform all rack and stack tasks in compliance with OSHA general industry standards for manual material handling, PPE, and electrical awareness.

Course text

How the course runs. 7 blocks: Rack Standards, Form Factors, and Pre-Installation Planning; Safety for Rack Work: PPE, Manual Handling, and Electrical Awareness; Rack Assembly: Two-Post and Four-Post Frames; Mounting Hardware: Rail Kits, Toolless Slides, and Shelf Installation; Cable Management: Horizontal Managers, Vertical Managers, and Bend Radius; Rack Documentation: Elevations, Asset Tags, and Change Records; Full Rack Build Practical: End-to-End Installation and Audit.

What competent looks like. Assemble and level a two-post and a four-post equipment rack to manufacturer specifications without supervision. Calculate rack unit capacity, weight load limits, and basic power draw for a planned rack layout before installation begins. Mount at least five different hardware form factors—including 1U servers, blade chassis, patch panels, and PDUs—using correct fasteners and torque practices. Apply data center cable management standards, including horizontal and vertical managers, Velcro bundling, and bend-radius rules, producing a tidy, documented installation. Execute and document a pre-installation equipment inspection and a post-installation rack audit using a standardized checklist. Perform all rack and stack tasks in compliance with OSHA general industry standards for manual material handling, PPE, and electrical awareness.

Lessons · 7 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Rack Standards, Form Factors, and Pre-Installation Planning	10	theory	Students can identify EIA/ECA-310 rack standards, common rack unit (U) form factors, and produce a rack elevation diagram for a given equipment list.	Label a rack diagram worksheet identifying the front, rear, top, and bottom of a standard 42U open-frame rack and mark where each of five supplied equipment specs would be mounted, showing U positions. Use a rack power/weight planning spreadsheet to calculate total weight, center-of-gravity guidance (heaviest equipment low), and estimated amperage draw for a sample 10-device equipment list. Read and annotate two manufacturer installation guides—one for a 1U rackmount server and one for a blade chassis—highlighting torque values, clearance requirements, and airflow direction markings.	EIA/ECA-310-E standard summary handout, sample rack elevation diagram templates, manufacturer quick-start guides (server and blade chassis), rack planning spreadsheet (instructor-provided), whiteboard	Student completes a rack elevation diagram and planning worksheet for an instructor-supplied equipment list; diagram must correctly place all five devices with accurate U counts and the weight total must be within 5% of instructor key. Pass = 80% accuracy.
2	Safety for Rack Work: PPE, Manual Handling, and Electrical Awareness	9	theory	Students identify the PPE required for rack and stack tasks, demonstrate correct manual lifting technique for heavy equipment, and describe the electrical hazards present in a live data center aisle.	Inspect and don the correct PPE set for rack work—safety-toe boots, anti-static wrist strap, cut-resistant gloves for sheet metal edges—and explain in writing why each item is required for this specific task. Practice two-person lift technique with a weighted box simulating a 2U server (approximately 30 lbs) using a server lift cart, demonstrating proper back posture, hand placement, and communication calls before movement. Complete an electrical hazard identification exercise on a printed data center floor photo, circling and labeling shock, arc flash, and trip hazards, and matching each hazard to the correct OSHA general industry precaution.	Safety-toe boots, anti-static wrist straps, cut-resistant gloves, ESD mats, server lift cart, weighted practice box (approx. 30 lbs), OSHA 29 CFR 1910 general industry safety summary handout, data center floor photograph set	Instructor observes each student don PPE correctly (100% correct items required) and perform the two-person lift with proper technique (no back-bend, verbal call-out confirmed); student scores 80% or higher on written hazard-identification worksheet. Pass = all three sub-tasks met.
3	Rack Assembly: Two-Post and Four-Post Frames	12	lab	Students assemble a two-post open-frame rack and a four-post enclosed rack frame from components, level both units, and anchor them per manufacturer instructions without instructor assistance.	Working in pairs, unbox and inventory all hardware for a two-post relay rack, then assemble it using the manufacturer's torque specification and a calibrated torque screwdriver, verifying squareness with a bubble level. Repeat the assembly process for a four-post open-frame rack, adjust the front-to-rear rail depth to match a specified equipment depth measurement, and confirm the frame is plumb and square on all axes. Complete a post-assembly checklist confirming all bolts are torqued, leveling feet are deployed, anti-tip provisions are in place, and the rack is properly grounded via the bonding lug—then submit the signed checklist to the instructor.	Two-post relay rack kit, four-post open-frame rack kit, manufacturer assembly instructions, calibrated torque screwdriver set, bubble level, tape measure, anti-tip hardware, grounding/bonding strap, assembly checklist (instructor-provided)	Instructor physically checks both assembled racks: frame must be level within 1/8 inch over the full height, all fasteners torqued to spec, grounding bond confirmed with a continuity tester, anti-tip hardware installed. Pass = all checklist items marked acceptable.
4	Mounting Hardware: Rail Kits, Toolless Slides, and Shelf Installation	12	lab	Students install at least three types of rack rail systems—fixed rails, sliding rails, and a universal shelf—and mount a 1U and 2U device in each, confirming secure seating and smooth operation.	Install a manufacturer-supplied sliding rail kit for a 1U server into the four-post rack, following the click-to-lock or screw-in sequence step by step, then slide the server chassis in and confirm the release-latch operation. Install a pair of fixed-mount rails for a 2U UPS or patch panel using cage nuts and M6 screws, torquing to specification, then seat the device and verify it does not shift more than 1 mm side-to-side. Mount a 1U universal vented shelf at a designated U position, confirm weight rating against a supplied device spec sheet, and place a practice device on the shelf, verifying it remains stable at the rated load.	1U and 2U rail kits (sliding and fixed, from server OEM), universal vented shelf, cage nut insertion tool, cage nuts and M6 screws, torque screwdriver, practice server chassis (empty or weighted), UPS (or practice equivalent), tape measure	Instructor tugs each mounted device with moderate force (approximately 10 lbs lateral) and operates sliding rails three times; device must remain fully seated, rails must not bind, cage nuts must not pull free. Pass = all mounts pass physical test with zero failures.
5	Cable Management: Horizontal Managers, Vertical Managers, and Bend Radius	14	lab	Students route and dress patch cables and power cords through horizontal and vertical cable managers, maintaining correct bend radius and producing a tidy, labeled installation that meets TIA-568 minimum bend-radius guidelines.	Mount one 1U horizontal cable manager above and below a patch panel in the practice rack, then route 12 pre-labeled Cat 6 patch cords from the panel through the manager to a practice switch, maintaining a 4x-diameter minimum bend radius at every turn. Route six power cords from a rack-mounted PDU to practice equipment along a vertical cable manager on the rear of the rack, bundling with Velcro straps at intervals of no more than 12 inches and keeping power separated from data on opposite sides of the vertical manager. Inspect a deliberately mis-dressed cable run (prepared by the instructor) and produce a written snag list identifying every bend-radius violation, Velcro-over-tightened pinch point, and unlabeled cable, then re-dress the run to correct all findings.	1U horizontal cable managers (2), vertical cable managers (2), Cat 6 patch cords (pre-labeled set of 12), power cords (6), Velcro cable straps, cable labels and label printer, patch panel, practice switch, PDU (rack-mount), TIA-568 bend-radius reference card	Instructor measures bend radius at three random points using a bend-radius gauge card; all must meet minimum. Instructor checks Velcro strap tension (not cutting into jacket), spacing (≤12 in), and that all cables are labeled. Pass = zero bend violations, ≤1 minor dressing deficiency, all cables labeled. 80% of snag list items correctly identified in inspection activity.
6	Rack Documentation: Elevations, Asset Tags, and Change Records	12	practice	Students produce an accurate as-built rack elevation diagram, apply asset tags to each device, and complete a change record using a standard data center change-management form for the rack they assembled.	Measure and document the final rack installation from the previous labs by creating an as-built elevation diagram (front and rear views) in a provided drawing template, recording device name, model, serial number, and U position for every installed item. Apply pre-printed asset tags to all equipment in the rack and record each tag number against the device serial number in a simple asset register spreadsheet, then cross-check two classmates' registers for accuracy. Complete a sample change-request form (CR) documenting the rack build as a completed change: reason for change, equipment added, before/after U positions, installer name, and date—mirroring the forms used in real data center change management systems.	Rack elevation diagram template (paper and digital), tape measure, asset tags (pre-printed), label printer, asset register spreadsheet template, sample change-request form, pen, laptop or tablet for digital entry	Instructor compares student's as-built diagram against the physical rack; every device must be in the correct U position with correct model and serial number. Asset register must have 100% of devices tagged and recorded. CR form must have all required fields completed. Pass = as-built diagram 100% accurate, no missing asset tags, CR form complete.
7	Full Rack Build Practical: End-to-End Installation and Audit	12	lab	Working individually from a written work order, students assemble a rack, install a mixed set of equipment, dress all cables, and pass a post-installation audit against an industry-style acceptance checklist within the allotted time.	Receive a written work order specifying a five-device rack build (1U server, patch panel, 1U switch, PDU, and 2U UPS or equivalent practice unit); plan the rack layout on paper before touching any hardware, then execute the build from start to finish within a four-hour block. After installation, self-audit the build using the course acceptance checklist, marking each line item pass or fail and correcting any failures before calling for instructor inspection. Present the completed rack to the instructor, narrate each item on the checklist aloud (simulating a handover to a shift team), and answer three instructor-posed troubleshooting questions such as 'Why is this device mounted at that U position?' or 'What would you check first if this server slid out during an earthquake?'	Full rack kit (four-post), 1U server chassis, patch panel, 1U switch, PDU, 2U UPS or practice equivalent, rail kits, cable managers, Cat 6 patch cords, power cords, Velcro straps, asset tags, work order (instructor-provided), acceptance checklist, torque screwdriver, cable-radius gauge, bubble level, server lift cart	Instructor scores the build using the 20-item acceptance checklist (structural, mounting, cable management, documentation, safety); each item is pass/fail. Student must score 17/20 (85%) or higher and answer at least two of three verbal questions correctly. Pass = 85% checklist score and 2/3 verbal questions correct.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Rack & Stack Written Knowledge Exam	Written exam	25%	75% correct (30 of 40 questions)	A 40-question multiple-choice and matching exam covering EIA/ECA-310 rack standards, U form factors, weight and power planning calculations, cable management rules (bend radius, separation of power and data), PPE requirements for rack work, and basic documentation terminology. Questions are aligned to CompTIA Server+ Hardware and Storage domain and CNet CDCTP physical infrastructure knowledge areas. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Rack Mount Skills Demonstration	Skills demonstration	45%	Instructor marks all five critical steps as satisfactory; overall score 80% or higher on the 10-item rubric	The student receives a rail kit and a 1U server and must install the rails and seat the server in a designated U position within 20 minutes, then demonstrate correct sliding-rail operation and explain the torque spec used. Critical steps include correct cage-nut orientation, meeting torque spec, bend-radius compliance on the power cord, and verbal confirmation of the release-latch test. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Lab Log Portfolio	Log	15%	All six lab session logs submitted; each log scores 80% or higher on the four-point rubric (objective stated, steps recorded, measurements documented, reflection complete)	Students maintain a lab log for every hands-on lesson, recording the objective, the steps performed, all measurements taken (torque values, U positions, bend-radius checks), any errors encountered and corrections made, and a one-paragraph reflection. The complete portfolio is submitted at the end of the course and reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and professional documentation style. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Safety Compliance Check	Safety audit	15%	Zero critical safety failures; pass all four observable behaviors	The instructor conducts an unannounced observation during one of the lab sessions and scores the student on four behaviors: correct PPE donned before touching equipment, two-person lift technique used for any item over 35 lbs, electrical hazards not bridged or bypassed, and anti-static precautions followed when handling any ESD-sensitive component. A single critical failure (e.g., no wrist strap when handling a server board) results in an automatic incomplete until the behavior is corrected and re-observed. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation

TEC-DATA82-03 Trade course

Structured Cabling & Fiber for Data Centers

81 hr · ~~$970~~ COMPLIMENTARY

Students learn to design, install, terminate, and test copper and fiber-optic cabling systems inside a data center environment following ANSI/TIA standards and BICSI best practices. Emphasis is placed on proper cable management, connector termination, and using professional test equipment to certify installed links. This course directly supports the BICSI Installer credential and contributes to CompTIA A+ and Server+ exam objectives covering networking infrastructure.

Outcomes

Identify and correctly apply ANSI/TIA-568 and BICSI TDMM standards to select and route copper and fiber cabling in a data center environment.
Terminate Cat 6A copper cabling to keystone jacks and patch panels using correct T568A/T568B wiring schemes and verify with a cable certifier to a defined pass standard.
Splice and terminate single-mode and multimode fiber-optic cable using pre-polished connectors and verify insertion loss with an OLTS to manufacturer-specified tolerances.
Perform OTDR testing on installed fiber runs, interpret the trace, and document results in a structured test report.
Install and dress patch cables, horizontal runs, and trunk cables using proper bend-radius, Velcro bundling, and cable tray fill practices.
Follow all required PPE, lockout/tagout, and fiber-safety protocols during every hands-on activity without a prompted reminder.

Course text

How the course runs. 7 blocks: Cabling Standards, Pathways, and Data Center Topology; Copper Cable Installation and Cable Management; Copper Termination: Jacks, Patch Panels, and T568 Wiring; Fiber-Optic Safety, Handling, and Connector Termination; Fiber Testing: OLTS, OTDR, and Loss Budgets; Patch Cord Management, Documentation, and Structured Moves/Adds/Changes; End-to-End Cabling System Certification and Reporting.

What competent looks like. Identify and correctly apply ANSI/TIA-568 and BICSI TDMM standards to select and route copper and fiber cabling in a data center environment. Terminate Cat 6A copper cabling to keystone jacks and patch panels using correct T568A/T568B wiring schemes and verify with a cable certifier to a defined pass standard. Splice and terminate single-mode and multimode fiber-optic cable using pre-polished connectors and verify insertion loss with an OLTS to manufacturer-specified tolerances. Perform OTDR testing on installed fiber runs, interpret the trace, and document results in a structured test report. Install and dress patch cables, horizontal runs, and trunk cables using proper bend-radius, Velcro bundling, and cable tray fill practices. Follow all required PPE, lockout/tagout, and fiber-safety protocols during every hands-on activity without a prompted reminder.

Lessons · 7 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Cabling Standards, Pathways, and Data Center Topology	10	theory	Students will correctly identify the ANSI/TIA-568, ANSI/TIA-942, and BICSI TDMM requirements that govern data center cabling topology, pathway types, and media selection.	Read and annotate excerpts from ANSI/TIA-942 covering main distribution area (MDA), horizontal distribution area (HDA), and zone distribution area (ZDA) definitions, then label a blank data center floor plan with the correct zones. Compare copper categories (Cat 6, Cat 6A, Cat 8) and fiber types (OM3, OM4, OS2) using a specification table; complete a media-selection worksheet where students choose the correct medium for five given distance-and-speed scenarios. Complete a structured note-taking guide during a 30-minute instructor walkthrough of a real data center cabling diagram, identifying cable trays, conduit, ladder rack, and underfloor pathways.	ANSI/TIA-942 standard excerpt, BICSI TDMM (current edition) Chapter references, sample data center floor plan drawings, media-specification comparison chart, whiteboard	10-question written quiz covering zone definitions, media categories, and pathway types; 8/10 correct required to pass
2	Copper Cable Installation and Cable Management	14	lab	Students will pull, route, and dress Cat 6A UTP cable through ladder rack and cable tray sections to within ANSI/TIA-568 bend-radius and fill-ratio specifications.	In pairs, pull a 15-meter Cat 6A run from a simulated telecommunications room through overhead ladder rack to a simulated rack, maintaining the minimum bend radius and not exceeding the maximum pulling tension; instructor observes and records each pair on a skills checklist. Dress and bundle three separate cable runs in the cable tray using Velcro hook-and-loop straps at intervals consistent with industry practice, keeping bundles separated by circuit type; peer evaluators score each bundle against a photographic standard. Label every cable segment at both ends using a handheld label maker and a pre-defined naming convention derived from TIA-606 guidelines, then verify labels against a cable schedule before an instructor sign-off.	Cat 6A UTP cable (spools), ladder rack section, cable tray section, cable management rings, Velcro straps, fish tape, cable puller, TIA-606 label maker, PPE (safety glasses, gloves), ANSI/TIA-568 standard excerpt	Instructor skills checklist: pull completed without kinks or over-bend (pass/fail), bundle spacing meets standard (pass/fail), all labels match cable schedule with zero errors; all three items must pass
3	Copper Termination: Jacks, Patch Panels, and T568 Wiring	14	lab	Students will terminate Cat 6A cable to 110-punch keystone jacks and a 24-port patch panel using the T568B wiring scheme and verify continuity with a wiremap tester.	Terminate six Cat 6A cable ends to Cat 6A keystone jacks using a punch-down tool, maintaining pair twist as close to the termination point as the connector design allows; instructor measures untwisted pair length and records on a checklist. Terminate the opposite ends of the same six cables to a 24-port Cat 6A patch panel, label each port, and run the wiremap tester on each link; correct any wiremap faults (open, short, miswire, split pair) identified during testing before moving on. Complete a termination log documenting cable ID, port assignment, wiring scheme used, and wiremap pass/fail result for all six links, then compare logs in a small-group review to identify common errors.	Cat 6A UTP cable pre-cut to 3 m, Cat 6A keystone jacks, 24-port Cat 6A patch panel, 110 punch-down tool, modular patch panel mount frame, basic wiremap tester (e.g., Fluke MicroMapper or equivalent), termination log template, PPE (safety glasses)	All six links must show PASS on wiremap tester with zero faults; untwisted pair length at termination point must meet the Cat 6A connector manufacturer's specification; termination log complete and accurate — all items required to pass
4	Fiber-Optic Safety, Handling, and Connector Termination	14	lab	Students will safely handle fiber-optic cable, terminate pre-polished LC connectors on OM4 multimode fiber, and clean and inspect each connector end-face to IEC 61300-3-35 cleanliness criteria using a fiber microscope.	Complete a fiber-safety briefing covering invisible IR radiation hazards, proper disposal of cleaved fiber ends in a puncture-resistant sharps container, no food or drink rule, and mandatory safety glasses; each student signs a safety acknowledgment and passes a 5-question safety check before touching any fiber. Terminate pre-polished LC connectors on four OM4 fiber ends following the manufacturer's procedure (strip, clean, cleave or insert, crimp/latch); inspect each end-face under a 200× fiber inspection microscope and record the result using a standardized end-face zone classification (core, cladding, adhesive, contact zones). Clean any dirty connectors using a one-click cleaner and lint-free IPA pad, re-inspect, and document the before-and-after inspection images in a termination log; repeat until all four end-faces meet the IEC 61300-3-35 Grade B or better standard.	OM4 multimode fiber patch cable stock, pre-polished LC connector kits, fiber-optic stripping tool, fiber cleaver, one-click fiber cleaner, lint-free IPA wipes, 200× fiber inspection scope (video or optical), sharps disposal container, PPE (safety glasses mandatory), IEC 61300-3-35 reference card, termination log template	All four connectors must achieve IEC 61300-3-35 Grade B or better on final inspection; sharps disposal observed correctly throughout; safety acknowledgment signed before work begins — all required to pass
5	Fiber Testing: OLTS, OTDR, and Loss Budgets	15	lab	Students will measure insertion loss on a two-fiber multimode link using an optical loss test set (OLTS) and capture and interpret an OTDR trace, comparing measured values against a calculated loss budget.	Calculate the maximum allowable insertion loss for a given OM4 link (patch cords, connectors, and splice allowances) using the ANSI/TIA-568 loss budget formula provided on a worksheet, then record the budget before any testing begins. Using a calibrated OLTS, measure insertion loss in both directions on a pre-assembled OM4 duplex link according to the TIA-526-14 Method B procedure; record bi-directional results and compare to the calculated budget, flagging any link that exceeds the budget. Connect an OTDR to the same link, capture a trace, and annotate a printout identifying launch cable, connector events, fiber span, and end reflection; calculate connector loss values from the trace and write a one-paragraph interpretation statement explaining whether the link is within spec and why.	OLTS (light source and power meter matched to OM4/850 nm and 1300 nm), OTDR with launch and receive cables, pre-assembled OM4 duplex test link with at least two connector pairs, loss-budget worksheet, ANSI/TIA-526-14 procedure reference card, OTDR trace printout forms, scientific calculator	OLTS measured loss must be correctly compared to the calculated budget (calculation verified by instructor); OTDR trace annotation must correctly identify all major events and connector loss values within ±0.5 dB of instructor-measured reference; written interpretation must be factually accurate — all three required to pass
6	Patch Cord Management, Documentation, and Structured Moves/Adds/Changes	9	demo	Students will execute a simulated move/add/change (MAC) on a live-lab patch panel using a change-control ticket, update as-built documentation, and verify connectivity after every change.	Receive a written MAC ticket specifying four port changes on a populated 24-port copper patch panel; execute each change in the correct sequence (verify before disconnect, document, reconnect, verify after) without disrupting ports not listed on the ticket. After completing the MAC, update a pre-formatted as-built spreadsheet with new port assignments, cable IDs, and date/time stamp, then cross-check the spreadsheet against a physical port audit to confirm zero discrepancies. Participate in a 10-minute class debrief reviewing two common MAC errors shown on a projected before-and-after photo set (wrong port, missing label, undocumented change) and discuss how each error would be detected and corrected using the documentation process practiced.	Pre-populated lab patch panel (copper, 24-port), patch cords (various lengths), wiremap tester, MAC change-control ticket template, as-built documentation spreadsheet, label maker, projector for debrief photos	MAC executed with zero unintended disruptions (verified by instructor connectivity check on all untouched ports); as-built spreadsheet matches physical port audit with zero discrepancies — both required to pass
7	End-to-End Cabling System Certification and Reporting	5	practice	Students will operate a cable certifier to run a TIA-568 Cat 6A permanent link test on a pre-installed copper channel and produce a professional test report that meets the documentation standard required for a job turn-over package.	Configure a cable certifier (e.g., Fluke DSX or equivalent) for Cat 6A permanent link autotest, run the test on four pre-installed links, and save all results to the instrument's internal storage; any FAIL result must be diagnosed using the certifier's diagnostic screens and the fault recorded before re-testing. Export saved results to a PC and use the certifier's companion software to generate a formatted test report showing pass/fail status, worst-margin parameter, and headroom for each link; review a sample professional report side-by-side to verify all required fields are present. Prepare a one-page cover summary (in a provided template) stating the scope of testing, test equipment model and calibration date, standards tested to, number of links passed and failed, and technician signature; combine it with the certifier report into a single PDF and submit as the course deliverable.	Cable certifier with permanent link adapters (Cat 6A rated), pre-installed Cat 6A lab links, PC with certifier companion reporting software, USB cable or wireless transfer capability, sample professional turn-over report, cover summary template, printer or PDF export capability	All four links must show PASS on Cat 6A permanent link autotest or faults must be correctly diagnosed and documented; completed turn-over package PDF must contain all required fields with no blank entries and must match the certifier data — both required to pass

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Cabling Standards and Theory Knowledge Exam	Written exam	25%	70% or higher (35/50 questions correct)	A 50-question multiple-choice exam covering ANSI/TIA-568 and TIA-942 zone definitions, media categories and distance limits, T568A/B wiring, fiber types, loss-budget calculation, OTDR trace interpretation, and BICSI pathway and space requirements. Questions are aligned to BICSI Installer exam objectives and CompTIA A+ networking domain objectives. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Termination and Testing Skills Demonstration	Skills demonstration	45%	All five criteria on the skills checklist rated Satisfactory; zero safety violations	The student independently terminates two Cat 6A copper ends to a patch panel (T568B) and two LC connectors on OM4 fiber within a timed 45-minute window, then tests each with the appropriate instrument (wiremap certifier for copper, OLTS for fiber); an evaluator scores each step against a five-criterion checklist covering technique, results, safety practice, labeling, and documentation accuracy. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Lab Log and Test Report Portfolio	Log	15%	All six lab session logs submitted; each log rated Complete on the completeness rubric; final turn-over report PDF contains all required fields with data matching instrument output	Students maintain a cumulative lab log throughout the course recording procedures followed, instrument readings, pass/fail outcomes, faults encountered, and corrective actions for every hands-on session; the log is submitted together with the cable-certifier turn-over report from Lesson 7 as a single portfolio graded against a structured completeness rubric. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Fiber Safety Observation Check	Safety audit	15%	No unsatisfactory marks on any of the four mandatory safety behaviors; any single unsatisfactory mark requires a safety re-brief and re-observation before the student may continue lab work	An instructor observes each student during the fiber termination lab (Lesson 4) and scores four non-negotiable behaviors on a pass/fail checklist: safety glasses worn at all times while fiber is exposed, cleaved fiber ends disposed of in the sharps container immediately after cleaving, no food or drink present at the work surface, and fiber inspection scope used before any connector is mated. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation

TEC-DATA82-04 Trade course

Power Distribution in Data Centers

81 hr · ~~$970~~ COMPLIMENTARY

This course covers the principles, equipment, and safe work practices used to distribute electrical power from the utility entrance through the data center to individual server loads. Students learn to read single-line diagrams, work safely around energized and de-energized equipment, size and install power distribution units, and verify power paths using industry-standard testing procedures. Lesson content maps directly to CompTIA Server+ domain objectives on power and environmental systems, CNet CDCTP power infrastructure competencies, and OSHA 10 electrical safety requirements.

Outcomes

Explain the complete power distribution path from utility service entrance through transformers, switchgear, UPS systems, PDUs, and rack-level outlets using correct terminology.
Read and interpret single-line diagrams, panel schedules, and equipment nameplate data to verify circuit capacity and redundancy configurations.
Apply OSHA lockout/tagout procedures and appropriate PPE before performing any work on electrical panels, PDUs, or UPS systems.
Measure branch circuit voltage, current draw, and load balance using a clamp meter and digital multimeter, and record findings in a structured log.
Calculate power load in watts and volt-amperes, determine phase balance, and identify circuits approaching or exceeding safe loading thresholds.
Commission and document a rack-level power installation including dual-corded server connections, outlet-level monitoring PDU configuration, and transfer switch verification.

Course text

How the course runs. 7 blocks: Data Center Power Fundamentals and the Distribution Path; Electrical Safety: OSHA Standards, PPE, and Lockout/Tagout; UPS Systems: Types, Topologies, and Maintenance Tasks; Reading Single-Line Diagrams and Panel Schedules; Power Distribution Units: Selection, Installation, and Configuration; Measuring and Logging Electrical Load and Power Quality; Commissioning, Documentation, and Handover.

What competent looks like. Explain the complete power distribution path from utility service entrance through transformers, switchgear, UPS systems, PDUs, and rack-level outlets using correct terminology. Read and interpret single-line diagrams, panel schedules, and equipment nameplate data to verify circuit capacity and redundancy configurations. Apply OSHA lockout/tagout procedures and appropriate PPE before performing any work on electrical panels, PDUs, or UPS systems. Measure branch circuit voltage, current draw, and load balance using a clamp meter and digital multimeter, and record findings in a structured log. Calculate power load in watts and volt-amperes, determine phase balance, and identify circuits approaching or exceeding safe loading thresholds. Commission and document a rack-level power installation including dual-corded server connections, outlet-level monitoring PDU configuration, and transfer switch verification.

Lessons · 7 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Data Center Power Fundamentals and the Distribution Path	10	theory	Students can trace and label all major stages of the data center power chain—from utility service entrance through UPS, switchgear, RPP, PDU, and rack outlet—and explain the function of each stage using correct terminology.	Students study a printed single-line diagram of a Tier II data center and, working in pairs, label each component with its name, voltage level, and function, then compare answers against an answer key and discuss discrepancies. Instructor-led whiteboard walkthrough of AC power concepts (voltage, current, resistance, apparent vs. real power, power factor) with students working sample calculations using facility nameplate data provided on a worksheet. Students read the relevant sections of the Uptime Institute Tier Standard overview and the CompTIA Server+ official study guide chapter on power and environmental systems, then write a half-page summary identifying two differences between Tier I and Tier III power redundancy designs.	Sample single-line diagrams (instructor-provided), CompTIA Server+ official study guide, Uptime Institute Tier Standard overview (public document), scientific calculators, whiteboard	Five-question written quiz on power path stages and basic AC calculations; students must score 80% or higher to proceed.
2	Electrical Safety: OSHA Standards, PPE, and Lockout/Tagout	12	demo	Students can select correct PPE for a given electrical task, demonstrate a complete OSHA-compliant lockout/tagout sequence on a de-energized panel, and state the key OSHA General Industry electrical safety requirements applicable to data center maintenance work.	Instructor demonstrates full lockout/tagout procedure on a training panel equipped with a main breaker and multiple branch breakers, narrating each step; students then take turns performing the six-step LOTO sequence while the class evaluates each step against a printed OSHA LOTO checklist. Students examine and don each class of PPE used in data center electrical work—arc-rated gloves rated for the voltage range present, safety glasses, arc-flash face shields, and non-conductive footwear—discussing when each is required and what hazards it mitigates. Case-study analysis: instructor presents three anonymized incident reports from OSHA's public database involving data center or computer room electrical injuries; small groups identify which OSHA requirement was violated and what corrective action would have prevented the incident, then report findings to the class.	OSHA lockout/tagout standard reference (29 CFR 1910.147 overview handout), OSHA electrical safety standard overview handout, training panel with lockable breakers, LOTO padlocks and tags (one set per student), PPE assortment (arc-rated gloves, face shields, safety glasses, non-conductive footwear), OSHA incident report excerpts	Instructor observes each student perform a solo LOTO sequence on the training panel using a competency checklist; all eight steps must be performed in correct order with zero errors to pass. Any omission results in immediate remediation before retest.
3	UPS Systems: Types, Topologies, and Maintenance Tasks	12	demo	Students can distinguish between standby, line-interactive, and double-conversion online UPS topologies, explain the function of bypass circuits, and perform a guided battery visual inspection and runtime estimation on a training-grade UPS.	Instructor demonstrates the internal signal path of each UPS topology using cutaway diagrams and a working line-interactive and double-conversion UPS on the bench; students complete a comparison chart noting transfer time, efficiency range, and typical data center application for each type. Students follow a manufacturer-provided maintenance checklist to visually inspect the batteries, check torque indicators on terminal connections, record ambient temperature, and log all findings on a structured maintenance form—mimicking a scheduled preventive maintenance visit. Simulated transfer test: instructor triggers a simulated utility failure on a double-conversion training UPS connected to a small server load; students observe the front-panel display, record transfer behavior and battery voltage under load, and compare observations to the manufacturer's specifications.	Working line-interactive UPS (training unit, low voltage), working double-conversion UPS (training unit), UPS manufacturer maintenance checklist, battery inspection tools (flashlight, torque wrench), multimeter, UPS cutaway diagrams, CompTIA Server+ study guide UPS chapter	Students submit a completed maintenance log for the UPS inspection activity; log must include all required fields with legible, accurate values and be signed off by the instructor. Incomplete or inaccurate logs must be corrected before moving on.
4	Reading Single-Line Diagrams and Panel Schedules	10	theory	Students can extract circuit capacity, breaker rating, phase assignment, and load information from a panel schedule and trace the circuit path on a single-line diagram with no assistance.	Students receive a packet of four panel schedules of increasing complexity and identify the service voltage, total connected load in amps and kVA, and which circuits are at or above 80% of breaker rating, marking findings with a highlighter and showing calculations on a separate sheet. Small groups receive a partial single-line diagram with ten intentional errors (wrong symbol, missing component, incorrect voltage label) and must locate and correct all ten errors using a standard electrical symbol legend and their knowledge of the power distribution path. Students use provided load data to create a simplified panel schedule for a hypothetical 10-rack row, distributing loads across phases to achieve balance within 10% phase-to-phase, showing all arithmetic and explaining their decisions in writing.	Printed panel schedule packet (four examples, instructor-created using realistic but fictional facility data), partial single-line diagram with intentional errors, electrical symbol legend (ANSI/IEEE standard symbols reference sheet), scientific calculators, blank panel schedule forms	Students independently complete a panel schedule exercise using a new set of data not seen in class; they must correctly identify all overloaded circuits and calculate phase balance. Score of 80% or higher required.
5	Power Distribution Units: Selection, Installation, and Configuration	14	lab	Students can select an appropriate PDU for a given rack load profile, install a vertical PDU in a standard 42U rack, connect dual-corded loads to separate PDUs, and configure a basic outlet-level monitored PDU via its management interface.	Given a scenario card describing five servers with specific power supply wattages and power factor values, students calculate total rack load in watts and VA, apply the 80% derate rule, and select the correct PDU model from a catalog specification sheet, documenting their reasoning on a selection worksheet. Students physically install a vertical switched and monitored PDU into a two-post open frame rack, route the inlet cord to the designated floor outlet, verify the PDU is grounded, and connect three dual-corded training servers so that each power supply goes to a different PDU—achieving A+B power path separation. Using a laptop and the PDU's web-based management interface, students log in, rename each outlet to match the device connected, set an outlet-level current threshold alert, view real-time per-outlet current readings, and export a usage report—recording all steps in their lab log.	Two vertical monitored PDUs (one from each of two different manufacturers), 42U two-post training rack, three dual-power-supply training servers (or equivalent dummy loads), PDU catalog specification sheets, patch cords, cable ties, PDU management laptop, lab log forms	Instructor inspects completed rack: correct PDU model selection verified against worksheet, A+B wiring confirmed by tracing each cord, PDU management interface showing correct outlet labels and threshold settings. All three criteria must be met to pass.
6	Measuring and Logging Electrical Load and Power Quality	13	lab	Students can safely measure branch circuit voltage, phase current, and power factor using a clamp meter and digital multimeter, correctly interpret the readings, and record findings in a structured load measurement log.	Instructor demonstrates safe technique for clamping around a single conductor in a loaded branch circuit, reading the clamp meter display, and verifying the reading against the PDU panel display; students then rotate through four energized training stations (each a different load level) and record voltage and current for each using a standardized data entry form. Students use their recorded measurements to calculate actual power (W), apparent power (VA), and power factor at each station, then determine whether each circuit is within the 80% continuous load limit, flagging any that are not and proposing a corrective action in writing. Power quality observation: students connect a basic power quality meter to a training circuit and observe voltage waveform, total harmonic distortion (THD) reading, and frequency; they sketch the waveform and compare it to a textbook ideal sine wave, then write two sentences explaining how THD affects UPS and server power supply performance.	Clamp meters (one per pair), digital multimeters, power quality meter (instructor demonstration unit), four energized training stations with varying resistive and reactive loads, load measurement log forms, CompTIA Server+ study guide, safety glasses, arc-rated gloves	Students submit completed measurement logs; all voltage and current values must be within ±5% of instructor-verified reference readings, all calculations must be arithmetically correct, and all circuits must be correctly classified as within or over the 80% threshold. Score of 80% on correctness rubric required.
7	Commissioning, Documentation, and Handover	10	practice	Students can execute a structured commissioning checklist for a newly installed rack power system, produce accurate as-built documentation including a circuit labeling scheme and power inventory, and present findings in a format suitable for handover to a facilities team.	Working from a commissioning checklist modeled on industry practice (CNet CDCTP curriculum reference), students walk through a completed lab rack and verify every item—incoming circuit identity, PDU inlet rating match, outlet labeling, cord dress, grounding, and breaker identification—marking each step pass or fail and noting any deficiencies found. Students produce an as-built power inventory document for the lab rack listing every device, its power supply count, which PDU outlet it connects to, measured current draw at time of commissioning, and circuit breaker identification at the panel; document must be formatted clearly enough for a new technician unfamiliar with the installation to understand it. Students conduct a five-minute tabletop handover presentation to a small group playing the role of the facilities operations team, walking through their commissioning checklist results and as-built document, answering two questions posed by the instructor about a hypothetical alarm condition or capacity addition.	Commissioning checklist (instructor-developed, aligned to CNet CDCTP competencies), completed lab rack from Lesson 5, as-built document template, laptops for document creation, label maker, panel schedule reference, presentation area	Instructor evaluates the as-built document against a rubric: all required fields present and accurate, circuit IDs match physical labels, measured values recorded. Document must score 80% or higher. Commissioning checklist must show zero items skipped.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Power Distribution Knowledge Exam	Written exam	25%	80% correct (40 out of 50 questions)	A 50-question written exam covering AC power theory, UPS topologies, single-line diagram interpretation, panel schedule analysis, PDU selection, and OSHA electrical safety concepts aligned to CompTIA Server+ power and environmental domain objectives and CNet CDCTP power infrastructure knowledge areas. Questions include multiple choice, matching, and short calculation problems drawn from all seven lesson topics. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
PDU Installation and Load Measurement Skills Demonstration	Skills demonstration	45%	All five critical tasks completed correctly; no safety violations observed	Each student independently installs a vertical PDU into an unloaded rack, connects dual-corded loads to achieve A+B separation, measures live branch circuit current with a clamp meter using correct PPE, calculates load as a percentage of circuit capacity, and configures one outlet alert threshold in the PDU management interface. An instructor evaluates performance live against a five-task competency checklist; any PPE omission or LOTO error results in an automatic fail regardless of technical correctness. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Lab Log Portfolio	Log	15%	All six lab log entries submitted; average rubric score of 80% or higher across entries	Students submit the cumulative lab log maintained across all hands-on lessons, containing measurement tables, PDU selection worksheets, commissioning checklists, and the final as-built power inventory document. Each entry is scored on accuracy of recorded values, completeness of required fields, legibility, and correctness of any calculations, using a consistent four-criterion rubric worth 25 points each per entry. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Electrical Safety Compliance Check	Safety audit	15%	100% on all mandatory safety behaviors; any single failure requires full remediation and retest	Conducted twice during the course—once at the start of Lesson 2 and once unannounced during Lesson 6—the instructor uses a binary (yes/no) checklist to verify that each student selects correct PPE for the task, performs LOTO steps in order before touching any panel or PDU breaker, does not bypass or skip any safety step under time pressure, and correctly identifies the hazard before beginning work. This assessment directly supports OSHA 10 competency requirements and must be passed at 100% on every item. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation

TEC-DATA82-05 Trade course

Cooling & Airflow Management for Data Centers

81 hr · ~~$970~~ COMPLIMENTARY

This course covers the thermodynamic principles, equipment, and operational practices used to manage heat in live data center environments. Students learn to configure hot-aisle/cold-aisle containment, commission CRAC/CRAH units, and measure airflow and temperature to maintain equipment within safe operating ranges. Lessons are mapped to CNet CDCTP cooling competencies, CompTIA Server+ environmental domain objectives, and OSHA 10 heat and confined-space awareness requirements.

Outcomes

Explain the principles of heat transfer, psychrometrics, and the refrigeration cycle as they apply to data center cooling systems.
Configure and verify hot-aisle/cold-aisle containment layouts, blanking panels, and raised-floor grommet seals to eliminate bypass airflow.
Commission, inspect, and perform operator-level maintenance on CRAC, CRAH, and in-row cooling units following manufacturer procedures and safe work practices.
Use a digital manometer, vane anemometer, and data logger to measure airflow volume, differential pressure, and inlet temperatures at rack level, and interpret results against ASHRAE thermal guidelines.
Interpret cooling-system monitoring data to identify hot spots, under-cooled zones, and inefficient airflow patterns, and propose corrective actions.
Apply lockout/tagout, refrigerant-handling awareness, and confined-space entry protocols specific to mechanical cooling spaces in compliance with OSHA general industry standards.

Course text

How the course runs. 7 blocks: Heat Transfer Fundamentals & the Refrigeration Cycle; Data Center Cooling Architectures & ASHRAE Thermal Classes; Hot-Aisle/Cold-Aisle Containment & Blanking Panels; CRAC/CRAH Unit Operation & Operator-Level Maintenance; Airflow Measurement & Thermal Mapping; Cooling System Monitoring, Alarms & Troubleshooting; Cooling Safety: LOTO, Refrigerants & Confined Spaces.

What competent looks like. Explain the principles of heat transfer, psychrometrics, and the refrigeration cycle as they apply to data center cooling systems. Configure and verify hot-aisle/cold-aisle containment layouts, blanking panels, and raised-floor grommet seals to eliminate bypass airflow. Commission, inspect, and perform operator-level maintenance on CRAC, CRAH, and in-row cooling units following manufacturer procedures and safe work practices. Use a digital manometer, vane anemometer, and data logger to measure airflow volume, differential pressure, and inlet temperatures at rack level, and interpret results against ASHRAE thermal guidelines. Interpret cooling-system monitoring data to identify hot spots, under-cooled zones, and inefficient airflow patterns, and propose corrective actions. Apply lockout/tagout, refrigerant-handling awareness, and confined-space entry protocols specific to mechanical cooling spaces in compliance with OSHA general industry standards.

Lessons · 7 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Heat Transfer Fundamentals & the Refrigeration Cycle	10	theory	Given a labeled diagram, the student will correctly explain conduction, convection, and radiation heat-transfer modes and trace refrigerant flow through all four stages of a vapor-compression cycle.	Annotate a cross-section diagram of a CRAC unit, labeling compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator, and write a short paragraph explaining what happens to refrigerant at each stage. Use an online psychrometric chart tool to plot dry-bulb temperature, wet-bulb temperature, relative humidity, and enthalpy for three data-center inlet scenarios and explain implications for cooling capacity. Complete a worksheet calculating sensible heat load (Q = m·Cp·ΔT) for a 10 kW server pod given airflow rate and temperature rise values provided by the instructor.	ASHRAE Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments (current edition), psychrometric chart (printed and digital), whiteboard, scientific calculator, vendor CRAC unit cut-sheet for reference	Scored worksheet: student correctly labels all four refrigeration-cycle components and completes two of two heat-load calculations within 5% of the answer key; pass = 75% overall.
2	Data Center Cooling Architectures & ASHRAE Thermal Classes	11	theory	The student will compare room-based, row-based, and rack-level cooling topologies and classify a given data center scenario into the correct ASHRAE equipment thermal class, justifying the classification with measured or stated parameters.	Read the ASHRAE A1–A4 server inlet temperature and humidity ranges from the current ASHRAE Thermal Guidelines; fill in a comparison table and discuss which class applies to enterprise vs. edge deployments. Study three floor-plan diagrams (room cooling only, in-row cooling, rear-door heat exchanger) and write a one-page pros/cons analysis identifying which topology best suits a given power density scenario (less than 5 kW/rack vs. 15 kW/rack vs. 30+ kW/rack). Watch a vendor-neutral video overview of liquid cooling variants (direct liquid cooling, immersion cooling) and list two operational differences versus air cooling that a technician must be aware of during maintenance.	ASHRAE Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments, floor-plan handouts, projector, whiteboard markers, vendor product datasheets for in-row and rear-door cooling units	Exit quiz of 10 short-answer questions on architecture types and ASHRAE classes; pass = 7 of 10 correct.
3	Hot-Aisle/Cold-Aisle Containment & Blanking Panels	12	lab	The student will set up a compliant hot-aisle/cold-aisle containment layout in the lab data center, install blanking panels in all empty rack spaces, and demonstrate that inlet temperature variance across the cold aisle is within the range expected for proper containment.	Using instructor-provided floor-plan templates, draw a scaled hot-aisle/cold-aisle layout for a 20-rack room specifying row orientation, containment curtain or door placement, and perforated tile positioning under CRAC units. Physically rearrange two lab racks to create one contained cold-aisle segment: install snap-in blanking panels in all empty 1U spaces, attach overhead containment panels (or curtain), and seal cable cutouts in the raised floor with brush grommets. Measure inlet temperature at the top, middle, and bottom of each rack face using a calibrated probe thermometer before and after blanking-panel installation; record results in a structured log and compare against ASHRAE A1 inlet limits.	Lab data center with raised floor, two or more populated racks, 1U blanking panels (assorted), brush grommets, raised-floor perforated tiles, overhead containment panels or curtain kit, probe thermometer, tape measure, floor-plan graph paper	Lab log reviewed by instructor: all empty rack Us are blanked, cable cutouts sealed, temperature measurements recorded before and after; post-installation inlet variance across the cold aisle must be ≤3 °C. Pass = all three criteria met.
4	CRAC/CRAH Unit Operation & Operator-Level Maintenance	14	demo	The student will demonstrate operator-level inspection and filter replacement on a CRAC unit, following the manufacturer's maintenance checklist and all applicable OSHA lockout/tagout procedures before opening the unit.	Instructor demonstrates full LOTO sequence on the lab CRAC unit (de-energize, isolate, lock, tag, verify zero-energy state); students repeat the procedure individually and have it verified by the instructor before touching internal components. Working from the manufacturer's operator maintenance checklist, students inspect the CRAC's air filter, drain pan, and coil face for fouling; replace the filter using the correct replacement media and record findings on a maintenance form. Restart the CRAC unit following the manufacturer's startup procedure, observe the digital controller display for supply air temperature, return air temperature, and humidity setpoints, and adjust the temperature setpoint by 1 °C in each direction while logging the unit's response.	Lab CRAC unit with digital controller (Liebert, Stulz, or equivalent), manufacturer's operation and maintenance manual, LOTO kit (hasp, padlocks, tags), replacement air filters, drain-pan cleaning supplies, maintenance log forms, PPE (safety glasses, gloves)	Instructor observation checklist: correct LOTO sequence performed without prompting, filter replaced with correct media, setpoint adjusted and logged; any skipped LOTO step = immediate retest required. Pass = all checklist items satisfactory.
5	Airflow Measurement & Thermal Mapping	14	practice	The student will use a vane anemometer and digital manometer to measure and record airflow velocity and differential pressure at raised-floor tiles and rack inlets, then produce a thermal map of the lab floor identifying hot spots and bypass airflow zones.	Calibrate (zero) the digital manometer and vane anemometer per the instrument instructions; measure airflow velocity at three perforated tiles and convert velocity readings to volumetric flow rate (CFM) using the formula Q = V × A, where A is the tile open area. Take dry-bulb temperature readings at the top, middle, and bottom of the front face of six racks and enter the 18 data points into a provided spreadsheet template that generates a color-coded thermal map of the room. Identify at least one hot spot and one zone of excessive bypass airflow from the thermal map; write a one-page corrective-action memo recommending tile repositioning, blanking panel additions, or CRAC setpoint changes, citing ASHRAE inlet temperature limits as the acceptance criterion.	Vane anemometer (calibrated), digital manometer with static-pressure tips, probe thermometer, data-logging spreadsheet template (instructor-provided), raised-floor lab environment, measuring tape, PPE (safety glasses for raised-floor access), ASHRAE Thermal Guidelines reference card	Student submits completed measurement log and thermal map: all 18 temperature data points recorded, volumetric flow calculations correct within 10%, at least one corrective action identified and justified. Pass = all three elements present and calculations within tolerance.
6	Cooling System Monitoring, Alarms & Troubleshooting	12	practice	Given simulated alarm conditions in a building management system or DCIM environment, the student will correctly identify the root cause of each cooling alarm and select the appropriate first-response action without escalating a minor setpoint issue to a major outage.	Log into the lab DCIM or BMS console (or a provided simulator); acknowledge and categorize five pre-set alarm conditions (high supply-air temp, high return-air temp, low refrigerant pressure, high humidity, loss of cooling unit) and document probable causes for each in a structured troubleshooting log. Role-play a troubleshooting scenario in pairs: one student acts as the remote NOC technician reviewing dashboard alerts while the other physically inspects the lab CRAC and rack environment; both document findings and agree on a corrective action before implementing it. Review three real-world incident reports (sanitized, instructor-supplied) describing cooling failures and hot-aisle temperature excursions; identify which ASHRAE limits were exceeded, what monitoring gap allowed the situation to develop, and what process change would prevent recurrence.	DCIM console or BMS workstation (or vendor demo simulator), lab CRAC unit, sanitized incident reports (instructor-supplied), troubleshooting log forms, ASHRAE Thermal Guidelines	Troubleshooting log reviewed: all five alarms correctly categorized, probable cause stated for each, corrective action appropriate (no action that would risk a wider outage). Pass = 4 of 5 alarms correctly handled.
7	Cooling Safety: LOTO, Refrigerants & Confined Spaces	8	field	The student will correctly apply LOTO procedures to a cooling unit, identify refrigerant safety hazards using a Safety Data Sheet, and describe the confined-space entry requirements that apply to a mechanical cooling room or under-floor plenum.	Using the SDS for a common HFC refrigerant (such as R-410A), identify health hazards, required PPE, and emergency response procedures; answer five instructor-written questions from the SDS content alone, without reference to other materials. Perform a complete LOTO sequence on the lab CRAC unit from memory (without the instructor's earlier demonstration visible), then have a peer and the instructor independently verify each step using the OSHA LOTO verification checklist; restore energy after verification. In a group discussion facilitated by the instructor, walk through the OSHA confined-space entry requirements relevant to a raised-floor plenum and a mechanical room with refrigerant-containing equipment: identify whether each space is a permit-required confined space, who must be notified, and what atmospheric testing must occur before entry.	SDS for R-410A (or equivalent HFC), LOTO kit, OSHA LOTO verification checklist (29 CFR 1910.147 reference), OSHA permit-required confined-space entry standard reference (29 CFR 1910.146), PPE (gloves, safety glasses), lab CRAC unit	SDS quiz: 4 of 5 questions correct; LOTO checklist: all steps completed correctly with no safety step skipped (any missed energy-isolation step = automatic retest); confined-space discussion: student correctly classifies the plenum scenario. All three elements must pass; overall pass = all three satisfactory.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Cooling Systems Knowledge Exam	Written exam	25%	75% or higher (38 of 50 questions correct)	A 50-question closed-book exam covering heat-transfer principles, refrigeration-cycle components, ASHRAE thermal classes, cooling architectures, and alarm interpretation, mapped to CNet CDCTP cooling objectives and CompTIA Server+ environmental/infrastructure domain. Students have 90 minutes; any student scoring below 75% receives one remediation session and one retest opportunity. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Cooling Equipment Skills Demonstration	Skills demonstration	45%	All critical items marked satisfactory; overall score 80% or higher on the rubric	The student performs a complete LOTO sequence on the lab CRAC unit, replaces the air filter, measures supply-air temperature and returns the unit to normal operation within 30 minutes, evaluated by the instructor against a 20-item rubric. Any skipped LOTO step or unsafe act results in an immediate stop and mandatory retest after additional remediation. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Thermal Mapping Lab Log	Log	15%	All required data fields completed; calculations within 10% of instructor key; corrective-action memo receives a 3 of 4 or higher on the analytical rubric	The student submits the completed measurement log, color-coded thermal map, and corrective-action memo produced during Lesson 5, evaluated for data completeness, calculation accuracy, and quality of engineering reasoning. Incomplete logs or memos that recommend actions that would introduce a safety risk are returned for revision before a passing grade is awarded. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Cooling Safety Compliance Check	Safety audit	15%	Pass on all three components: SDS quiz ≥ 4/5, LOTO checklist all steps satisfactory, confined-space classification correct	The instructor verifies, using the structured checklist from Lesson 7, that each student can correctly use an SDS, independently execute a LOTO sequence without prompting, and accurately classify confined spaces in a cooling environment. This checkpoint must be passed before the student is permitted to participate in any subsequent lab or externship activity involving cooling equipment. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation

TEC-DATA82-06 Trade course

Server and Network Hardware for Data Centers

81 hr · ~~$970~~ COMPLIMENTARY

Students learn to identify, install, configure, and troubleshoot server hardware components and network devices found in production data center environments. Emphasis is placed on safe handling, proper component selection, hardware diagnostics, and documentation practices that align with CompTIA A+, CompTIA Server+, and CNet CDCTP exam objectives. By the end of the course students can build and verify a functional server and connect it to data center switching infrastructure.

Outcomes

Identify and describe the function of server components—CPU, RAM, storage, NIC, HBA, PSU, and expansion cards—and select appropriate components based on workload specifications.
Install, seat, and secure server hardware components following manufacturer torque, ESD, and thermal-interface procedures without damage to equipment.
Configure BIOS/UEFI settings including boot order, RAID levels, and out-of-band management (IPMI/iDRAC/iLO) for initial server bring-up.
Install and cable network switches and patch panels, apply consistent labeling, and verify connectivity using a cable tester and ping/traceroute tools.
Perform hardware diagnostics using built-in POST codes, manufacturer diagnostic utilities, and event logs to isolate and document faults.
Complete accurate hardware change records and cable/port documentation in a ticketing system consistent with data center change-management practice.

Course text

How the course runs. 7 blocks: Server Anatomy and Component Identification; ESD Safety and Physical Component Installation; BIOS/UEFI Configuration and Out-of-Band Management; RAID Configuration and Storage Subsystems; Network Switch Installation and Data Center Cabling; Hardware Diagnostics and Fault Isolation; Integrated Server Build and Documentation Review.

What competent looks like. Identify and describe the function of server components—CPU, RAM, storage, NIC, HBA, PSU, and expansion cards—and select appropriate components based on workload specifications. Install, seat, and secure server hardware components following manufacturer torque, ESD, and thermal-interface procedures without damage to equipment. Configure BIOS/UEFI settings including boot order, RAID levels, and out-of-band management (IPMI/iDRAC/iLO) for initial server bring-up. Install and cable network switches and patch panels, apply consistent labeling, and verify connectivity using a cable tester and ping/traceroute tools. Perform hardware diagnostics using built-in POST codes, manufacturer diagnostic utilities, and event logs to isolate and document faults. Complete accurate hardware change records and cable/port documentation in a ticketing system consistent with data center change-management practice.

Lessons · 7 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Server Anatomy and Component Identification	10	theory	Students will identify and state the function of every major server hardware component—socket, DIMM slot, PCIe slot, NIC, HBA, PSU, and backplane—by referencing a manufacturer spec sheet and physical hardware.	Instructor-led teardown walk-through of a 1U and 2U server on a bench: students call out each component by name and record it on a labeled diagram worksheet. Small-group card-sort exercise: component name cards, form-factor cards, and function cards are matched and checked against a Lenovo/Dell/HPE quickspec sheet. Individual written exercise: given a fictional workload description (e.g., high-memory analytics node), students list required component types and justify each choice citing the spec sheet.	Decommissioned 1U and 2U rack servers (Dell PowerEdge or HPE ProLiant or equivalent), manufacturer service manuals, component diagram worksheets, CompTIA Server+ study guide (hardware domain), ESD wrist straps, anti-static mats	Completed labeled diagram with 100% of major components correctly identified; component-function card sort scored 80% or higher.
2	ESD Safety and Physical Component Installation	14	lab	Students will install CPU(s), DIMMs, PCIe cards, and hot-swap drives into a server chassis following ESD protection procedures and manufacturer torque/insertion specifications, verified by a POST with no hardware errors.	Pre-lab safety brief: instructor demonstrates proper ESD strap bonding, anti-static bag handling, and grounding to the rack frame; students demonstrate back before touching any component. Guided installation sequence—students install CPU(s) with thermal paste, seat DIMMs in correct population order per the QVL chart, insert a dual-port NIC into a PCIe slot, and populate drive bays—recording each step on a lab sheet. Power-on verification: students observe POST output on the VGA/iDRAC console, confirm all installed DIMMs and drives are detected, and document results including any POST error codes encountered and how they were resolved.	Server chassis with empty sockets/slots, CPUs, DIMMs, PCIe NIC, SATA/SAS drives, thermal compound, torque screwdriver, ESD wrist straps and mat, anti-static bags, manufacturer QVL memory chart, lab documentation sheets	Server completes POST with all installed components detected and no hardware error codes; ESD procedure checklist signed off by instructor; lab sheet complete—pass requires both POST success and ESD checklist.
3	BIOS/UEFI Configuration and Out-of-Band Management	12	lab	Students will configure BIOS/UEFI settings—boot order, secure boot state, memory operating speed, and IPMI/iDRAC/iLO network address—and demonstrate remote server power control from a management workstation.	Instructor demo: navigate Dell iDRAC or HPE iLO web interface; show virtual console, power control, and system event log—students follow on their assigned server. Students configure BIOS settings per a written specification sheet (e.g., set boot device priority, disable unused onboard ports, confirm UEFI mode), save settings, and document each changed parameter on a configuration record form. Partner exercise: one student remotely powers off and powers on a partner's server through the out-of-band management interface while the partner watches the physical server; they swap roles and record timestamps and interface steps.	Servers with iDRAC/iLO/IPMI configured, management workstations on a dedicated out-of-band network, configuration record forms, CompTIA Server+ objectives (server management domain), manufacturer BIOS/iDRAC user guide	Configuration record form matches instructor-provided spec sheet with no deviations; remote power cycle successfully demonstrated and documented—pass requires both.
4	RAID Configuration and Storage Subsystems	10	lab	Students will create RAID 1 and RAID 5 virtual disks using a hardware RAID controller utility, explain the fault-tolerance and capacity trade-offs of each level, and simulate a drive failure and rebuild.	Lecture and whiteboard session: instructor draws RAID 0, 1, 5, and 6 stripe/mirror maps; students calculate usable capacity and number of tolerated drive failures for each scenario using a provided worksheet. Hands-on RAID controller utility (e.g., CTRL+R or browser-based RAID manager): students create a RAID 1 pair, note the virtual disk properties, then create a separate RAID 5 array across four drives. Simulated drive failure: instructor hot-pulls one drive from the RAID 5 array; students observe degraded status in the controller log, re-insert a spare, initiate a rebuild, and document the rebuild time estimate and event log entries.	Servers with hardware RAID controllers and at least six identical drives, RAID controller utility access, RAID calculation worksheets, CompTIA Server+ study guide (storage domain), lab documentation forms	Both RAID arrays created with correct properties (capacity, stripe size); drive failure and rebuild documented accurately with event log screenshot or printout—pass requires correct arrays and complete documentation.
5	Network Switch Installation and Data Center Cabling	15	lab	Students will install a top-of-rack (ToR) network switch into a rack, connect servers and uplinks using structured patch cords, apply consistent port labeling, and verify end-to-end layer-2 connectivity with a cable tester and ping.	Instructor demo: mount a 1U switch, route power and management cables in the cable manager, and assign a management IP via console port—students observe and record the command sequence. Lab exercise: each student team installs a switch, patches four server NICs and two uplink fiber or copper connections per a provided port assignment map, labels every patch cord and port with the naming convention taught in Course 2 (Rack & Stack), and photographs the completed work. Connectivity verification: students run a cable tester on each copper run, confirm link lights on the switch, ping between two servers across the switch, run a traceroute, and record MAC address table entries from the switch CLI to confirm learning—pass requires all ports link-up and pings succeed.	1U managed Ethernet switches (Cisco Catalyst or equivalent), console cables and USB adapters, Cat 6 patch cords, SFP transceivers and fiber patch cords (if applicable), cable tester (Fluke LinkRunner or equivalent), label maker, rack with cable managers, lab port-assignment worksheet, CompTIA A+ and Server+ networking objectives	All server ports show link; cable tester reports pass on every run; ping between servers succeeds; port-label map matches physical cabling—instructor signs off on physical walkthrough.
6	Hardware Diagnostics and Fault Isolation	12	practice	Students will use POST error codes, manufacturer diagnostic utilities, and system event logs to identify an injected hardware fault in a server and document the root cause and corrective action in a change-management ticket.	Instructor introduces three injected faults (e.g., a partially seated DIMM, a failed PSU, and a miscabled storage backplane) on separate servers; students rotate through stations, observe symptoms—error codes, event log entries, indicator LEDs—and record observations on a fault-isolation worksheet. Students use the manufacturer's diagnostic tool (e.g., Dell SupportAssist, HPE Smart Storage Administrator, or equivalent open-source utility) to run a memory test and disk surface scan, interpret the output, and identify the faulty component. Students write a complete trouble ticket in the class ticketing system (or a printed form) including: asset ID, symptom, diagnostic steps taken, root cause, corrective action, parts replaced, and test-pass confirmation—mirroring the change-management documentation taught in Course 8.	Servers with known injected faults, manufacturer diagnostic software, system event log access, fault-isolation worksheets, ticketing system access or printed ticket forms, CompTIA A+ and Server+ troubleshooting methodology references	Fault correctly identified and root cause stated accurately on the worksheet; trouble ticket complete with all required fields and corrective action verified—pass requires correct diagnosis and fully completed ticket.
7	Integrated Server Build and Documentation Review	8	lab	Students will independently build a server from bare chassis to network-connected, RAID-configured, IPMI-enabled state within a set time limit and produce complete documentation that a second technician could use to replicate the build.	Timed independent build: each student receives a chassis, a parts kit, and a written specification sheet; they install all components, configure BIOS/UEFI and RAID, assign an IPMI address, and cable to the ToR switch—instructor observes ESD compliance throughout. Peer documentation review: students exchange their completed build documentation packets (labeled diagrams, configuration records, cable maps, and event log screenshots) and use a provided checklist to assess completeness and accuracy. Debrief and correction: each student revises any documentation gaps identified by their peer reviewer, then submits the final packet to the instructor for grading and retains a copy for their course portfolio.	Server chassis and complete parts kits, specification sheets, ESD protection equipment, label maker, camera or phone for photographs, documentation packet templates, build checklist, ticketing system or printed forms	Build complete within the allotted time with POST success and network connectivity verified; documentation packet passes peer review checklist with no more than one minor omission; instructor final review score 80% or higher.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Hardware Knowledge Exam	Written exam	25%	75% or higher (38 of 50 questions correct)	A 50-question multiple-choice and matching exam covering server component identification, RAID level trade-offs, BIOS/UEFI functions, out-of-band management concepts, and network switch fundamentals, mapped directly to CompTIA A+ Core 1 hardware objectives and CompTIA Server+ hardware/storage/networking domains. Students have 90 minutes; the exam is administered in the school's testing environment with no open notes. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Server Build Skills Demonstration	Skills demonstration	45%	All critical steps scored Satisfactory; overall rubric score 80% or higher; ESD procedure must be Satisfactory or the attempt does not pass regardless of other scores	The instructor observes the student perform a complete server build from bare chassis to POST-verified, network-connected state, scoring each step on a rubric that covers ESD compliance, correct component installation, BIOS configuration accuracy, RAID creation, IPMI setup, cabling, labeling, and connectivity verification. This demonstration maps to CNet CDCTP hands-on competencies and CompTIA Server+ installation objectives. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Lab Log Portfolio	Log	15%	All seven lesson lab sheets/documentation packets submitted; average accuracy score 80% or higher across all entries; no entry may be missing a safety section	Students submit a compiled portfolio of all lab documentation produced during the course—including component diagrams, configuration records, fault-isolation worksheets, cable maps, RAID property records, and trouble tickets—demonstrating the ability to create complete, accurate, and readable technical records consistent with data center change-management standards and CNet CDCTP documentation competencies. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
ESD and Safe Handling Safety Check	Safety audit	15%	All five critical safety behaviors observed as Satisfactory; a single Unsatisfactory on any critical item requires immediate re-instruction and re-check before the student handles live equipment again	During or immediately after the Lesson 2 lab, the instructor uses a five-item binary (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) checklist to verify that the student bonds the ESD wrist strap correctly, keeps components in anti-static bags until the moment of installation, grounds themselves to the chassis before touching internal parts, handles boards and cards by edges only, and replaces ESD packaging on removed components. This safety check satisfies the personal safety competency requirement aligned with OSHA 10 general industry electrical hazard awareness objectives. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation

TEC-DATA82-07 Trade course

Linux Basics for Data Center Technicians

81 hr · ~~$970~~ COMPLIMENTARY

This course introduces learners to the Linux operating system as used in production data center environments, covering command-line navigation, file-system management, user administration, network configuration, and service monitoring. Students work directly on physical and virtual Linux servers to build the hands-on competency required of entry-level data center technicians. Lesson content maps to CompTIA A+ (Core 2 OS technologies), CompTIA Server+ (server administration and OS management), and CNet CDCTP (data center operational skills).

Outcomes

Navigate the Linux file system and execute essential command-line operations to locate, copy, move, and modify files and directories without GUI assistance.
Create, modify, and delete local user accounts and groups and apply correct file permissions using octal and symbolic notation.
Configure and verify basic network settings on a Linux server including IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS resolver.
Manage and troubleshoot system services using systemd, interpret log files with journalctl and /var/log entries, and report findings in a structured ticket.
Install, update, and remove software packages using a distribution-appropriate package manager and verify package integrity.
Apply safe shutdown, reboot, and remote-access procedures consistent with data center lockout/tagout and change-control policies.

Course text

How the course runs. 7 blocks: Linux in the Data Center: Architecture, Distributions, and Safe Access; Command-Line Navigation and File-System Management; Users, Groups, and File Permissions; Network Configuration and Verification; Package Management and Software Installation; Service Management, Logging, and System Monitoring; Safe Shutdown, Reboot, Remote Access, and Data Center Operational Policies.

What competent looks like. Navigate the Linux file system and execute essential command-line operations to locate, copy, move, and modify files and directories without GUI assistance. Create, modify, and delete local user accounts and groups and apply correct file permissions using octal and symbolic notation. Configure and verify basic network settings on a Linux server including IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS resolver. Manage and troubleshoot system services using systemd, interpret log files with journalctl and /var/log entries, and report findings in a structured ticket. Install, update, and remove software packages using a distribution-appropriate package manager and verify package integrity. Apply safe shutdown, reboot, and remote-access procedures consistent with data center lockout/tagout and change-control policies.

Lessons · 7 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Linux in the Data Center: Architecture, Distributions, and Safe Access	10	theory	Students will identify the major Linux distributions used in enterprise data centers, explain the kernel/shell/user-space model, and log into a remote server securely using SSH without error.	Instructor-led comparison of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu Server, and Debian in a slide-and-discussion format; students complete a distribution-matching worksheet that links each distro to its typical data center role. Demonstration of SSH key-pair generation (ssh-keygen) followed by student practice: each learner generates a key pair on a workstation, copies the public key to a lab server with ssh-copy-id, and logs in without a password. Change-control scenario role-play: students fill out a simulated change-request form before performing a remote login, reinforcing data center policy that every server access must be authorized and documented.	Lab servers (physical or VM) running Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS and RHEL 9 / AlmaLinux 9; student workstations with terminal emulator; CompTIA Server+ Study Guide (current edition); CNet CDCTP learner handbook; SSH key-pair generation reference card.	Students submit their completed change-request form and a screenshot showing a successful passwordless SSH login; instructor verifies the authorized_keys file on the server. Pass mark: correct key placement and successful login with zero password prompts; 100% of students must reach this threshold before the course advances.
2	Command-Line Navigation and File-System Management	14	lab	Students will navigate the Linux directory hierarchy and create, copy, move, rename, and delete files and directories using at least ten core commands with correct syntax and no data-loss errors.	Guided lab: students follow a printed command sequence (pwd, ls, cd, mkdir, touch, cp, mv, rm, find, tree) on a dedicated practice partition, recording each command and its output in a lab log; instructor circulates and checks syntax in real time. Timed file-system scavenger hunt: instructor pre-populates a server directory tree with misnamed log files; students must locate, rename, and move each file to the correct path within 20 minutes using only the CLI, no tab-complete allowed on the first pass. Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS) mapping exercise: students draw and label /bin, /etc, /home, /var, /tmp, /proc, and /usr on a whiteboard diagram, then verify each path on a live server and annotate what they find.	Lab servers with a practice partition; printed command reference card (GNU coreutils); CompTIA A+ Core 2 Exam Objectives (current version, Domain: Operating Systems); whiteboard and markers; lab log notebooks.	Instructor reviews the lab log for all ten commands executed with correct syntax and expected output; scavenger hunt graded on accuracy of final file placement. Pass mark: 9 of 10 commands documented correctly and all scavenger-hunt files in correct locations (90% accuracy).
3	Users, Groups, and File Permissions	12	lab	Students will create user accounts and groups, set passwords, and assign file and directory permissions using both octal notation and symbolic chmod syntax, resulting in access control that matches a given security specification.	Instructor demo of useradd, usermod, userdel, groupadd, and passwd; students immediately replicate each command on their own server session, creating a test user named 'dctech1' and adding it to a 'datacenter' group. Permissions matrix lab: instructor distributes a one-page scenario specifying which users and groups should have read, write, or execute access to six directories representing data center function areas (logs, backups, scripts, configs, uploads, archives); students set permissions and use ls -l to verify, then swap servers with a partner who attempts to access each directory as a non-privileged user to confirm enforcement. Permission-vulnerability analysis: students are given a server with three intentionally misconfigured files (world-writable /etc/passwd permissions replica, SUID bit on a shell script, group-writable log directory); they identify each issue, document the risk in writing, and correct it.	Lab servers; printed permissions scenario worksheet; CompTIA Server+ Study Guide (user and security chapter); Linux man pages (man useradd, man chmod, man chown); lab log notebooks.	Instructor logs into each student's server as a test user and attempts actions that should be permitted and actions that should be denied per the scenario; student must also submit written vulnerability-analysis notes. Pass mark: all six directories match the specified access control and student correctly identifies and remediates all three misconfigured files (100% of security items correct).
4	Network Configuration and Verification	12	lab	Students will configure a static IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS resolver on a Linux server using the distribution's standard tooling, then verify end-to-end connectivity with diagnostic commands.	Instructor demonstration of ip addr, ip route, nmcli (on RHEL/AlmaLinux), and netplan (on Ubuntu Server); students configure a static IP on their lab server following a provided addressing plan, then run ip addr show and ip route show to verify settings. Connectivity troubleshooting relay: instructor introduces three sequential faults (wrong gateway, missing DNS entry, firewall rule blocking ICMP) one at a time; students use ping, traceroute, nslookup/dig, and ss to isolate each fault, document the symptom and fix in their lab log, and restore connectivity before the next fault is introduced. Network configuration documentation exercise: students write a concise network configuration record for their server (hostname, IP, mask, gateway, DNS, open ports from ss -tuln) formatted as if it were a data center asset record, mapping to real DCIM documentation practices.	Lab servers connected to a managed lab switch with a dedicated VLAN; pre-printed IP addressing plan; CompTIA A+ Core 2 and Server+ exam objectives (Networking domain); ip, nmcli, netplan man pages; lab log notebooks.	Instructor pings each student's server from an external host and from the server to an external address; student must demonstrate DNS resolution of at least two hostnames and show the correct static configuration with ip addr show. Pass mark: full bidirectional connectivity, correct static config visible, and lab log entries for all three faults (pass/fail binary on connectivity; 3/3 fault logs required).
5	Package Management and Software Installation	10	demo	Students will install, update, query, and remove software packages using apt (Debian/Ubuntu) and dnf (RHEL/AlmaLinux), verify package integrity, and explain the role of repositories in a controlled data center environment.	Side-by-side demonstration: instructor shows the equivalent apt and dnf commands for install, update, remove, search, and list-installed on two projected terminals simultaneously; students follow along on their assigned distro and record the command pairs in a reference table. Controlled installation lab: students install the 'htop' and 'net-tools' packages, verify installation with apt list --installed or dnf list installed, then remove one package and confirm removal; they also add an additional repository (EPEL on RHEL or a PPA on Ubuntu) and install a package from it, documenting each step. Repository policy discussion and worksheet: students read a one-page mock data center policy restricting unapproved repositories and answer five questions about why unvetted software is a security and stability risk in production, connecting the policy to real change-management and supply-chain security concepts.	Lab servers (one Ubuntu, one AlmaLinux per student pair); apt and dnf command reference cards; CompTIA Server+ Study Guide (software management chapter); mock repository-policy document; lab log notebooks.	Instructor checks each server for correct installation/removal state and reviews the repository-policy worksheet. Pass mark: correct install/remove/verify state on both distros and 4 of 5 policy questions answered correctly.
6	Service Management, Logging, and System Monitoring	14	lab	Students will start, stop, restart, enable, and disable system services with systemctl, interpret service status output, query the system journal with journalctl, and locate relevant entries in /var/log to diagnose a simulated service failure.	systemd deep-dive lab: students run systemctl status, start, stop, restart, enable, and disable on the sshd and cron services; they capture the before-and-after output in their lab log and annotate what each state field (Active, Loaded, Main PID) means. Simulated service-failure diagnosis: instructor intentionally breaks the sshd configuration (incorrect port entry in sshd_config) on a lab server; students must detect the failure with systemctl status sshd, trace the error in journalctl -u sshd and /var/log/auth.log or /var/log/secure, identify the misconfiguration, correct it, and restore the service — all documented in a structured incident note. Monitoring tools introduction: students run top, htop, df -h, free -m, and uptime to capture a snapshot of server resource utilization, then record the results in a table and flag any metric that would trigger an alert in a real data center environment (e.g., disk above 80% full, load average above CPU count).	Lab servers; systemctl and journalctl man pages; CompTIA Server+ Study Guide (server monitoring and troubleshooting chapter); CNet CDCTP learner handbook (operational procedures section); incident-note template; lab log notebooks.	Instructor reviews incident note for correct root-cause identification, corrective action, and restored service; resource-utilization table is checked for correct values and threshold annotations. Pass mark: service restored with correct configuration, incident note complete with root cause and fix, and resource table with at least one correctly flagged threshold (all three elements required to pass).
7	Safe Shutdown, Reboot, Remote Access, and Data Center Operational Policies	9	practice	Students will execute controlled shutdown and reboot procedures on a Linux server, explain the impact of ungraceful power-off in a data center context, and demonstrate compliant remote-access practices aligned with data center change-control and lockout/tagout policies.	Shutdown and reboot drill: students use shutdown -h now, shutdown -r +2 'scheduled reboot', and systemctl reboot on lab servers; they observe the systemd shutdown sequence in the console, note which services stop in which order, and compare graceful versus hard power-off outcomes using a hypervisor snapshot to demonstrate file-system corruption risk from ungraceful stops. Remote-access compliance scenario: students are given a written scenario in which a technician needs to patch a critical service on a production server at 02:00; they complete a mock change-request form, send a simulated notification to the operations team, perform the patch on their lab server via SSH, and write a post-change confirmation note — practicing the full change-control workflow without shortcuts. Policy and safety review: students review a one-page data center operational policy covering remote-access authorization, password management, and the relationship between OS-level shutdown commands and physical lockout/tagout when a server must be powered down for hardware work; they answer a five-question scenario quiz connecting software shutdown to OSHA lockout/tagout requirements from Course 1 and Course 10.	Lab servers with hypervisor access (snapshot capability); mock change-request form; mock operational policy document; OSHA lockout/tagout quick-reference card (cross-reference from Course 1); CompTIA Server+ Study Guide; post-change confirmation note template.	Instructor reviews completed change-request form, post-change note, and scenario quiz; lab server must be in correct state after shutdown/reboot drill. Pass mark: change-request form complete with no missing required fields, post-change note accurate, and 4 of 5 scenario quiz questions correct.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Linux Concepts Knowledge Exam	Written exam	25%	75% (38 of 50 questions correct)	A 50-question multiple-choice and multiple-select exam covering Linux architecture, distributions, file-system hierarchy, permissions notation, package management, systemd service states, and network configuration concepts; questions are mapped to CompTIA A+ Core 2 (Operating Systems domain) and CompTIA Server+ (Server Administration domain) exam objectives to serve as diagnostic preparation. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Practical Skills Demonstration	Skills demonstration	45%	All eight required tasks completed correctly within 60 minutes; any task failure requires one remediation attempt before the next course day	Working alone on a freshly provisioned lab server, each student completes eight timed tasks: create a user and group, set specified file permissions, configure a static IP, install and verify a package, start and enable a service, diagnose a seeded service failure using journal logs, perform a graceful shutdown, and document all actions in a structured lab record; the instructor evaluates correctness of each task against a binary checklist. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Lab Log Portfolio	Log	15%	At least 85% of required log entries present, legible, and technically accurate as judged by the instructor rubric	Students submit their complete lab log accumulated across all seven lessons; the log must include command-and-output records, the network-fault troubleshooting notes, the service-failure incident note, the resource-utilization table, and the change-request and post-change forms; the instructor grades each entry for completeness, accuracy, and professional formatting using a printed rubric. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Safe-Procedures Safety Check	Safety audit	15%	Pass/fail — all five safety behaviors must be observed; any critical failure (e.g., skipping lockout/tagout step) requires immediate remediation and recheck before course credit is awarded	During the Lesson 7 shutdown drill, the instructor uses a five-point behavioral checklist to verify that the student: (1) checks for active user sessions before initiating shutdown, (2) issues a properly timed warning before rebooting a shared resource, (3) follows the mock change-control procedure without skipping steps, (4) correctly identifies when a physical lockout/tagout would be required before a hardware-level power action, and (5) logs off the remote session and confirms the terminal is closed after the task. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation

TEC-DATA82-08 Trade course

Monitoring & Ticketing for Data Center Operations

81 hr · ~~$970~~ COMPLIMENTARY

Students learn to use industry-standard monitoring platforms to observe server, network, power, and environmental health in a data center, interpret alerts, and manage the full lifecycle of an incident ticket from detection through closure. Emphasis is placed on reading dashboards, setting meaningful alert thresholds, escalating correctly, and writing clear technical documentation that meets ITSM best practices. Lesson content maps directly to CompTIA Server+ infrastructure monitoring objectives and CNet CDCTP operational procedures.

Outcomes

Configure basic monitoring agents and SNMP polling on servers and network devices and verify that metrics are collected correctly.
Interpret real-time and historical dashboard data for CPU, memory, disk I/O, network throughput, temperature, humidity, and power draw to identify anomalies.
Create, categorize, prioritize, assign, escalate, and close incident tickets in a service-desk platform following ITIL-aligned procedures.
Write clear, accurate incident reports and change-request documentation that a technician unfamiliar with the event can follow.
Apply alert threshold best practices to reduce false positives while ensuring genuine faults are caught within defined response time targets.
Demonstrate safe work habits—including awareness of electrical hazards and proper PPE—when accessing live monitoring consoles and physical hardware during on-floor checks.

Course text

How the course runs. 7 blocks: Foundations of Data Center Monitoring: Concepts, Protocols, and Tools; Configuring Monitoring Agents and SNMP on Servers and Network Devices; Reading Dashboards and Interpreting Infrastructure Metrics; Environmental and Power Monitoring: Temperature, Humidity, and PDU Readings; IT Service Management and the Incident Ticket Lifecycle; Using a Service Desk Platform: Ticket Creation, Escalation, and Closure; Incident Reporting, Change Requests, and Shift Handoff Documentation.

What competent looks like. Configure basic monitoring agents and SNMP polling on servers and network devices and verify that metrics are collected correctly. Interpret real-time and historical dashboard data for CPU, memory, disk I/O, network throughput, temperature, humidity, and power draw to identify anomalies. Create, categorize, prioritize, assign, escalate, and close incident tickets in a service-desk platform following ITIL-aligned procedures. Write clear, accurate incident reports and change-request documentation that a technician unfamiliar with the event can follow. Apply alert threshold best practices to reduce false positives while ensuring genuine faults are caught within defined response time targets. Demonstrate safe work habits—including awareness of electrical hazards and proper PPE—when accessing live monitoring consoles and physical hardware during on-floor checks.

Lessons · 7 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Foundations of Data Center Monitoring: Concepts, Protocols, and Tools	10	theory	Students will explain how SNMP, IPMI, syslog, and agentless vs. agent-based monitoring methods collect data from data center infrastructure and name at least four common open-source and commercial monitoring platforms used in the trade.	Annotated diagram exercise: students label a provided data center topology showing which protocol (SNMP, IPMI, syslog, REST API) each device type uses to report health data, then discuss answers as a group. Side-by-side comparison worksheet: students research and complete a feature matrix for four monitoring platforms (e.g., Nagios Core, Zabbix, PRTG, and Datadog free tier), identifying collection method, supported OSes, alerting capability, and licensing model. Reading comprehension: students read excerpts from the Uptime Institute's operational sustainability guidelines and the CompTIA Server+ study guide section on monitoring, then answer ten short-answer questions about key terms and concepts.	Whiteboard, printed data center topology diagrams, CompTIA Server+ official study guide (current edition), instructor-prepared comparison worksheet, internet access for platform research, projector for group discussion	Students complete the comparison worksheet and short-answer questions; passing standard is 80% correct answers on the ten comprehension questions and a fully populated feature matrix with no blank cells.
2	Configuring Monitoring Agents and SNMP on Servers and Network Devices	14	lab	Students will install a monitoring agent on a Linux server, configure SNMP v2c or v3 on a managed switch, and confirm that both devices appear as monitored hosts returning live metric data in the class monitoring server within the lab session.	Guided lab: each student pair installs the Zabbix agent (or equivalent) on an assigned Linux VM, edits the agent configuration file to point to the class Zabbix server, and restarts the service; students capture a screenshot of the host appearing as 'Available' in the dashboard. SNMP configuration drill: students connect to a managed switch via console or SSH, enable SNMP, set a community string (v2c) or create a user with authentication and privacy passphrases (v3), then verify the monitoring server receives interface traffic counters. Threshold-setting exercise: once hosts are reporting, students create at least three triggers in the monitoring platform—CPU usage above 85% for five minutes, disk usage above 90%, and ping loss above 10%—then use a stress-testing tool on the VM to intentionally fire the CPU alert and confirm notification delivery.	Lab servers or PCs running Linux VMs (Ubuntu LTS recommended), managed switch with SNMP support, Zabbix or Nagios Core installed on class monitoring server, console cables, SSH client, stress-testing utility (e.g., 'stress' package), CompTIA Server+ study guide	Instructor verifies that each student's assigned host appears online in the monitoring dashboard, SNMP data is populating, and all three triggers fire correctly when thresholds are crossed; all three conditions must be met to pass this lab.
3	Reading Dashboards and Interpreting Infrastructure Metrics	12	demo	Students will analyze a pre-built monitoring dashboard showing historical and real-time metrics for servers, power distribution, cooling, and network equipment, correctly identify at least four abnormal conditions, and explain the likely cause and urgency of each.	Instructor-led walkthrough: instructor displays a live or recorded dashboard with intentionally seeded anomalies (thermal spike, NIC errors, UPS battery at low runtime, disk latency increase) and thinks aloud while identifying each, modeling professional interpretation language. Small-group scenario analysis: groups receive printed or on-screen snapshots of six different dashboard states; each group identifies normal vs. abnormal readings, assigns a severity (informational, warning, critical), and presents findings to the class for discussion. Individual interpretation quiz: each student receives a unique dashboard screenshot set and writes a one-paragraph situational summary for each of three scenarios, naming the affected component, the observed metric value, the threshold it violates, and the recommended immediate action.	Projector, monitoring dashboard with seeded anomaly scenarios (live lab or recorded screen captures), printed dashboard snapshot packets, Uptime Institute tier definitions reference sheet, CompTIA Server+ study guide chapter on performance baselining	Individual interpretation quiz is scored by the instructor; students must correctly identify the abnormal condition, severity, and recommended action for at least 4 of 6 scenarios (approximately 67%) to pass, with any life-safety scenario (overheating, UPS failure) requiring a correct answer to pass.
4	Environmental and Power Monitoring: Temperature, Humidity, and PDU Readings	10	practice	Students will locate environmental sensor data and PDU outlet-level power readings within a monitoring platform, compare values against ASHRAE A1/A2 recommended ranges and equipment nameplate ratings, and document findings in a structured log entry.	Sensor map exercise: students use the monitoring platform to find temperature and humidity readings from sensors placed at the top, middle, and bottom of a simulated hot-aisle/cold-aisle rack layout, then plot values on a provided rack elevation diagram and highlight any readings outside ASHRAE A1 recommended inlet temperature range. PDU power audit: students query PDU outlet-level amperage data from the monitoring platform, calculate load as a percentage of circuit breaker rating for each phase, and flag any circuit at or above 80% of rated capacity in accordance with NEC derate guidance (general principle, no specific code section cited). Documentation drill: students write a formal environmental audit log entry using a provided template that includes timestamp, sensor locations, observed values, pass/fail against thresholds, and a corrective-action recommendation if any threshold is exceeded.	Monitoring platform with environmental sensor and PDU data (live lab or instructor-prepared dataset), ASHRAE Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments summary card, PDU spec sheets, rack elevation diagram templates, NEC load calculation reference (general derate principle), log entry template	Instructor reviews each student's completed rack elevation diagram and log entry; passing requires correct identification of any out-of-range readings and a log entry that contains all required fields with plausible corrective actions, assessed on a provided rubric with a minimum score of 80%.
5	IT Service Management and the Incident Ticket Lifecycle	12	theory	Students will describe the full lifecycle of an incident ticket—from detection and logging through categorization, prioritization, escalation, resolution, and closure—using ITIL-aligned terminology and explain how ticketing integrates with monitoring alert workflows.	ITIL incident lifecycle lecture and mapping activity: instructor presents the stages of incident management; students then receive a shuffled set of process-step cards and physically arrange them in the correct lifecycle order, discussing disputed placements as a class. Priority matrix workshop: students study a sample organization's impact/urgency matrix and apply it to ten written incident scenarios (e.g., a single user cannot log in vs. all servers in a cage unreachable), assigning a priority level and justifying each choice in writing. Monitoring-to-ticket integration diagram: students draw a flowchart showing how an automated alert from the monitoring platform generates a ticket, routes it to the correct queue, notifies an on-call technician, and links back to the monitoring event for root-cause evidence; pairs exchange diagrams and provide peer feedback.	Whiteboard, printed process-step cards, impact/urgency matrix template, ten incident scenario cards, ITIL 4 Foundation reference summary (publicly available), CompTIA Server+ study guide section on change and incident management	Students complete the priority matrix worksheet for all ten scenarios; passing requires correct priority assignment on at least 8 of 10 scenarios and written justifications that reference impact and urgency for each.
6	Using a Service Desk Platform: Ticket Creation, Escalation, and Closure	13	lab	Students will use a service desk application to open, update, escalate, and close tickets for simulated data center incidents, producing documentation that meets a provided quality rubric without instructor assistance.	Platform orientation lab: instructor provides logins to a service desk application (e.g., osTicket, Freshdesk free tier, or JIRA Service Management trial); students locate the ticket queue, create a test ticket with all required fields, assign it to a group, add a work note, and mark it resolved. Escalated incident simulation: instructor injects four scripted incidents of varying severity (a cooling unit alarm, a server ping failure, a disk filling warning, and a complete rack power loss); each student independently opens a ticket for each incident, sets priority, writes a clear problem description, adds update notes as the scenario evolves, assigns or escalates appropriately, and closes with a root-cause summary. Peer audit: students exchange completed ticket sets and score each other's tickets against a provided rubric covering required fields, clarity of description, correct priority, appropriate escalation path, and closure notes; discrepancies are discussed with the instructor.	Service desk application (cloud trial or lab-hosted instance), scenario script cards for four incidents, ticket quality rubric, computers with browser access, CompTIA Server+ study guide, CNet CDCTP operational documentation reference	Instructor reviews all four ticket sets using the quality rubric; students must score 80% or higher across all rubric categories combined, and any ticket involving a life-safety scenario (power loss) must include an escalation note to pass.
7	Incident Reporting, Change Requests, and Shift Handoff Documentation	10	practice	Students will produce a complete, professional incident report, a basic change request, and a shift handoff summary for a simulated data center event using standard templates, demonstrating writing clarity sufficient for a technician unfamiliar with the incident to take over.	Incident report writing exercise: using a detailed scenario narrative (a server thermal event that caused a controlled shutdown), each student writes a full incident report covering event timeline, affected systems, actions taken, root cause, and preventive recommendations, following the provided report template. Change request drafting: students complete a change request form for installing a replacement cooling fan in the affected server, including the justification, risk assessment, rollback plan, and required approvals section, referencing their organization's (simulated) change advisory board process. Shift handoff memo: students draft a one-page handoff summary suitable for the incoming shift lead, highlighting open tickets, any systems operating outside normal parameters, completed work during the shift, and items requiring follow-up; a peer reads the memo and rates its clarity using a provided checklist.	Incident report template, change request form template, shift handoff memo template, detailed scenario narrative packet, peer clarity checklist, CompTIA Server+ study guide documentation section, CNet CDCTP operational documentation standards reference	Instructor scores each document (incident report, change request, shift handoff) on the provided rubric; passing requires an overall score of 80% or higher across all three documents, with the incident report requiring a complete and accurate timeline to pass.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Monitoring & Ticketing Knowledge Exam	Written exam	25%	75% or higher (38 of 50 questions correct)	A 50-question multiple-choice and matching exam covering SNMP, IPMI, and syslog monitoring concepts; ASHRAE environmental thresholds; ITIL incident lifecycle stages; priority matrix logic; and change management vocabulary, mapped to CompTIA Server+ monitoring and operational procedure objectives and CNet CDCTP operational knowledge areas. Students are given 75 minutes and may not use notes. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Live Dashboard Interpretation and Ticket Creation Skills Demo	Skills demonstration	45%	Instructor checklist: all six required tasks rated 'Meets Standard'; any critical-severity scenario must be handled correctly or the student does not pass	The instructor presents the student with a live or high-fidelity simulated monitoring dashboard containing four injected anomalies of varying severity; the student must verbally identify each anomaly, assign correct severity, explain the likely cause, and open a properly completed ticket in the service desk platform for each—observed and rated by the instructor against a six-task performance checklist in real time. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Lab Log Portfolio	Log	15%	80% aggregate score across all five lab log entries on the provided rubric, with no mandatory field left blank in any entry	Students submit a portfolio of five completed lab log entries collected across the course labs covering agent installation, SNMP configuration, environmental audit, incident ticket lifecycle, and incident report/change request; each entry is scored on accuracy, completeness, correct use of terminology, and legibility using a common rubric aligned to CNet CDCTP operational documentation standards. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Safety Practices Verification	Safety audit	15%	Pass requires 100% compliance on all safety checklist items; any failed item must be corrected and re-demonstrated before the student receives course credit	The instructor observes the student accessing live lab equipment (powered servers, energized PDU) and completing a monitoring check; the instructor uses a binary (compliant/not-compliant) safety checklist verifying correct PPE selection, adherence to lockout/tagout procedures before any hardware access, safe cable handling to prevent trip hazards, and correct verbal reporting of any observed hazard—consistent with OSHA 10 general industry safety principles. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation

TEC-DATA82-09 Trade course

Physical Security for Data Centers

81 hr · ~~$970~~ COMPLIMENTARY

This course covers the physical security systems, access-control technologies, surveillance infrastructure, and security policies used to protect data center assets, personnel, and uptime. Students apply layered-defense principles to real equipment including badge readers, biometric units, CCTV cameras, and alarmed cabinets. Lessons are mapped to CompTIA A+, CompTIA Server+, and CNet CDCTP exam domains covering physical security and environmental controls.

Outcomes

Explain and apply a layered physical security model (perimeter, facility, data hall, cabinet) to a real or simulated data center floor plan.
Install, configure, and test access-control hardware including proximity card readers, PIN pads, and a basic biometric unit following manufacturer procedures and safety requirements.
Mount, aim, and verify operation of IP-based and analog CCTV cameras and review recorded footage for an incident scenario.
Identify, document, and escalate physical security incidents using a ticketing workflow consistent with industry incident-response procedures.
Interpret and apply a data center physical security policy, including visitor escorting rules, media-handling procedures, and clean-desk standards.
Demonstrate lockout/tagout and safe work practices during all hands-on security-hardware installations.

Course text

How the course runs. 7 blocks: Layered Defense and Data Center Security Architecture; Access Control Systems: Cards, Credentials, and Biometrics; Installing and Testing Access Control Hardware; CCTV and IP Camera Systems; Cabinet and Cage Security: Locks, Alarmed Enclosures, and Asset Tracking; Security Policies, Visitor Management, and Incident Response; Integrated Physical Security Audit and Remediation Lab.

What competent looks like. Explain and apply a layered physical security model (perimeter, facility, data hall, cabinet) to a real or simulated data center floor plan. Install, configure, and test access-control hardware including proximity card readers, PIN pads, and a basic biometric unit following manufacturer procedures and safety requirements. Mount, aim, and verify operation of IP-based and analog CCTV cameras and review recorded footage for an incident scenario. Identify, document, and escalate physical security incidents using a ticketing workflow consistent with industry incident-response procedures. Interpret and apply a data center physical security policy, including visitor escorting rules, media-handling procedures, and clean-desk standards. Demonstrate lockout/tagout and safe work practices during all hands-on security-hardware installations.

Lessons · 7 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Layered Defense and Data Center Security Architecture	10	theory	Students will correctly map each physical security control to its appropriate layer (perimeter, building, data hall, cabinet) on a sample data center floor plan and justify placement using industry-standard reasoning.	Annotate a printed data center floor plan with color-coded zones (perimeter fence line, security office, data hall entrance, cage, cabinet) and label which control applies at each boundary. Read and discuss excerpts from the BICSI Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual and CNet CDCTP study materials covering physical security architecture; compare requirements for Tier I versus Tier IV facility security postures. Small-group case study: given a narrative of a real-world data center breach (publicly reported), students identify which missing or failed layer allowed the breach and propose a corrective control.	BICSI TDMM current edition (physical security chapters), CNet CDCTP study guide, sample floor plans, colored markers, whiteboard	Each student submits an annotated floor plan with written justification for every control placement; instructor verifies all four layers are represented and justifications are technically accurate. Pass = all layers correctly populated with no critical placements missing.
2	Access Control Systems: Cards, Credentials, and Biometrics	14	demo	Students will identify the components and signal flow of a proximity-card access-control system and explain how multi-factor authentication is achieved by combining card, PIN, and biometric readers.	Instructor-led teardown and bench demonstration of a Wiegand-protocol proximity card reader: identify antenna coil, controller board, and LED/buzzer indicators; trace the data wire path to a panel and explain the Wiegand 26-bit data format at a conceptual level. Students handle and compare three credential types: 125 kHz EM-format proximity card, 13.56 MHz MIFARE smart card, and a mobile-credential app on a demo phone; discuss frequency, read range, and cloning risk for each. Observe instructor enroll a fingerprint on a standalone biometric reader, then test false-reject by enrolling with dry versus damp fingers; record observations in a structured lab notebook entry following the template provided.	Bench access-control training kit (reader, controller, power supply), Wiegand 26-bit reference card, 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz sample cards, standalone fingerprint reader (enrollment-capable demo unit), multimeter, lab notebook template	Exit ticket: students draw and label a signal-flow diagram from credential presentation through reader to controller to door strike, and answer five multiple-choice questions covering credential types and MFA concepts. Pass = diagram contains all five required elements and four of five questions answered correctly.
3	Installing and Testing Access Control Hardware	14	lab	Students will mount a proximity card reader and electric door strike on a practice door frame, wire both devices to a provided controller, and verify correct grant/deny operation for enrolled and unenrolled credentials.	Following a provided wiring diagram and the manufacturer's installation guide, students mount a surface-mount card reader at the correct ADA-compliant height, pull low-voltage wiring through a raceway to a controller panel, and terminate conductors using the pinout reference. Apply OSHA lockout/tagout procedure to de-energize the practice panel before wiring; instructor verifies lockout is complete before students touch terminals; students log the LOTO steps in their lab notebook. After energizing, enroll two test credentials (one grant, one intentionally unenrolled); test door-strike release for the grant credential and confirm denial for the unenrolled credential; document pass/fail results and troubleshoot any wiring faults found.	Practice door frame with frame-mounted strike pocket, surface-mount card reader, electric door strike (fail-secure type), 22 AWG 4-conductor cable, controller with power supply, manufacturer wiring diagram, screwdrivers, cable staple gun, multimeter, LOTO kit (padlock, hasp, lockout tags), lab notebook	Instructor observes LOTO execution before wiring and checks terminal connections against the wiring diagram before power-up; student demonstrates grant and deny operation live. Pass = LOTO performed correctly with no skipped steps, all terminations within tolerance confirmed by multimeter continuity check, and both grant/deny functions operate correctly on first test or after one documented troubleshooting cycle.
4	CCTV and IP Camera Systems	12	demo	Students will differentiate between analog CCTV and IP-based camera systems, mount and aim an IP camera to cover a defined field of view, and retrieve recorded footage from a network video recorder.	Instructor demonstration comparing an analog camera connected to a DVR with an IP camera connected to an NVR: show cabling differences (coax versus Cat 6 with PoE), image resolution trade-offs, and how IP cameras appear as network endpoints with an assigned IP address. Students use a camera placement calculator tool and a scale floor plan to determine optimal mounting heights and angles for two camera positions covering a simulated server-room entrance with no blind spots; justify choices in writing. Mount an IP dome camera on a ceiling bracket at the calculated position, connect via PoE switch, log in to the NVR web interface, find the live feed, review a pre-loaded 10-minute clip of a staged 'tailgating' event, and write a brief incident summary.	IP dome camera with PoE injector or PoE switch, NVR with pre-loaded footage, Cat 6 patch cables, ceiling mounting bracket, laptop with web browser, scale floor plan, camera field-of-view calculator (free web tool), screwdrivers, ladder, lab notebook	Students submit the completed floor plan with camera placement annotations and the written incident summary from the footage review. Pass = camera placement eliminates documented blind spots at the entrance, and incident summary correctly identifies the tailgating event with time stamp and description of both individuals involved.
5	Cabinet and Cage Security: Locks, Alarmed Enclosures, and Asset Tracking	10	practice	Students will install an electronic cabinet lock, configure a door-open alarm threshold, and complete a physical asset inventory for a populated practice rack using a barcode scanner and asset-tracking spreadsheet.	Install a keyed and electronically actuated combination cabinet lock on a practice open-frame or enclosed rack; wire the door-contact sensor to the controller and set a configurable open-door alarm delay; verify that an alarm condition is generated when the door is held open beyond the threshold. Conduct a physical asset walk: students use a barcode scanner to scan asset tags on mock servers, patch panels, and PDUs in the practice rack; reconcile scan results against a pre-populated asset register in a spreadsheet, flag any discrepancies (missing tag, wrong bay), and update the register. Scenario drill: instructor secretly removes one labeled asset from the rack while students are out of the room; students re-scan and identify the missing asset, document the discrepancy in proper incident-ticket format, and state the escalation path per the provided policy document.	Practice rack (populated with labeled mock equipment), electronic cabinet lock kit, door-contact sensor, low-voltage controller, barcode scanner (USB), asset-tracking spreadsheet template, barcode labels, policy document (instructor-prepared), laptop	Instructor verifies alarm activates within five seconds of the configured threshold being exceeded; student asset-register reconciliation must identify all pre-planted discrepancies. Pass = alarm operates to specification and all discrepancies identified with correct incident-ticket entries.
6	Security Policies, Visitor Management, and Incident Response	11	theory	Students will interpret a data center physical security policy and correctly apply visitor-escorting rules, media-handling procedures, and incident-escalation procedures to a set of realistic scenarios.	Read and annotate a sample data center physical security policy (instructor-prepared, based on widely published industry frameworks such as those referenced in BICSI and CNet CDCTP materials); highlight and define: visitor escort requirements, clean-desk rules, removable-media restrictions, and tailgating response. Role-play exercise in pairs: one student acts as a vendor arriving unannounced at the data hall entrance without advance approval; the other student acts as the technician on duty and must follow the visitor management procedure from the policy, including checking approved-visitor log, issuing a temporary badge, and escorting; swap roles and debrief. Tabletop scenario: instructor presents a written scenario (an unescorted visitor is discovered in a cabinet row); students individually write a step-by-step incident response following the escalation chain in the policy, then compare responses in a class discussion to identify gaps.	Sample data center physical security policy document, visitor log template, temporary badge (sample), incident-response form template, whiteboard for debrief notes	Students individually complete a five-scenario written quiz where they choose the correct policy-compliant action for each situation. Pass = four of five scenarios answered correctly with written justification citing the relevant policy section.
7	Integrated Physical Security Audit and Remediation Lab	10	lab	Students will conduct a structured physical security audit of a practice data center room, document all identified vulnerabilities using an audit checklist, and implement at least two corrective actions within the lab session.	Using an instructor-provided physical security audit checklist (derived from CNet CDCTP and BICSI reference criteria), students walk the practice data center room and mark each control as compliant, non-compliant, or not applicable; photograph non-compliant items with a tablet. Prioritize findings by severity (critical, major, minor) using a risk-ranking guide; select two critical or major findings and implement corrections during the session (examples: re-aim a camera to eliminate a blind spot, re-configure an alarm threshold, secure an unlocked cabinet, remove a non-essential USB drive found in a server). Write a short audit report (one to two pages) summarizing findings, corrective actions taken, remaining open items, and recommended next steps; present findings verbally to the class in a five-minute summary as practice for the capstone defense.	Practice data center room with seeded vulnerabilities (instructor-prepared), physical security audit checklist, tablet with camera, risk-ranking guide, audit report template, laptop, any hardware needed for corrections (cables, locks, etc.)	Instructor scores the audit checklist for completeness and accuracy against the seeded-vulnerability key; audit report is reviewed for correct severity ranking and technically accurate corrective actions. Pass = at least 80 percent of seeded vulnerabilities identified, all critical vulnerabilities listed, and both implemented corrections verified functional by instructor.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Written Knowledge Exam: Physical Security Concepts	Written exam	25%	75 percent (38 of 50 questions correct)	A 50-question multiple-choice and short-answer exam covering layered security models, access-control credential types, CCTV system components, cabinet security controls, asset tracking, and physical security policy interpretation. Questions are mapped to CompTIA A+ Core 1 (hardware/security physical topics), CompTIA Server+ (physical security domain), and CNet CDCTP exam content areas. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Skills Demonstration: Access Control and Camera Installation	Skills demonstration	45%	All critical steps passed with no safety violations; minimum score of 80 percent on the rubric	Each student independently mounts a card reader, wires it to a controller with a door strike, and mounts and aims an IP camera to cover a specified field of view; the instructor scores performance on a rubric covering LOTO compliance, correct wiring termination, grant/deny functionality, and camera coverage with no blind spots in the target zone. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Lab Log: Physical Security Audit Portfolio	Log	15%	Complete entries for all seven lessons; audit report scores at least 80 percent on the provided rubric	Students submit their cumulative lab notebook containing structured entries from every hands-on and demo lesson, plus the formal written audit report from the final integrated lab; entries are evaluated for completeness, technical accuracy, correct LOTO documentation, and professional writing quality. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Safety Check: LOTO and PPE Compliance Observation	Safety audit	15%	100 percent on all critical safety steps; any critical failure requires immediate remediation and recheck before the student may continue hands-on work	During the access-control installation lab, the instructor uses a standardized safety observation checklist to verify that each student correctly performs lockout/tagout on the practice panel, dons appropriate PPE (safety glasses for drilling, insulated gloves when near energized terminals), and does not energize the circuit until the instructor has cleared the wiring; this check is a course completion requirement independent of other grades. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation

TEC-DATA82-10 Trade course

Data Center Safety

81 hr · ~~$970~~ COMPLIMENTARY

This course develops the safety knowledge and skills required to work in live data center environments, covering electrical hazard control, lockout/tagout procedures, PPE selection, arc flash awareness, confined space entry, emergency response, and OSHA regulatory compliance. Learners apply OSHA 10 principles directly to data center tasks such as working in energized equipment rooms, overhead cable trays, and raised-floor spaces. Successful completion prepares students for the OSHA 10 credential and reinforces safety content tested in CompTIA Server+ and CNet CDCTP exam objectives.

Outcomes

Apply OSHA General Industry standards to common data center hazards including electrical, fall, ergonomic, and chemical risks, achieving at least 80% on a written knowledge exam.
Execute a complete lockout/tagout procedure on a de-energized server rack PDU using the correct sequence, verified hardware, and documentation without prompting.
Select and inspect the correct PPE for at least five distinct data center hazard scenarios, including arc-flash-rated PPE for electrical work, with zero critical errors.
Demonstrate first-aid and CPR response to an electrical shock victim following current American Heart Association guidelines, including AED operation, to evaluator satisfaction.
Identify and document confined-space and elevated-work hazards in a simulated data center walk-through, producing a written hazard assessment with corrective actions.
Correctly report a simulated incident using the workplace injury and illness recordkeeping process consistent with OSHA recordkeeping requirements, including required timelines.

Course text

How the course runs. 7 blocks: OSHA Framework and Data Center Hazard Recognition; Electrical Safety and Arc Flash Awareness; Lockout/Tagout Procedures for Data Center Equipment; PPE Selection, Inspection, and Ergonomics; Confined Space Entry, Fall Protection, and Elevated Work; Emergency Response: First Aid, CPR, AED, and Incident Reporting; Hazard Communication, Chemical Safety, and Safety Culture.

What competent looks like. Apply OSHA General Industry standards to common data center hazards including electrical, fall, ergonomic, and chemical risks, achieving at least 80% on a written knowledge exam. Execute a complete lockout/tagout procedure on a de-energized server rack PDU using the correct sequence, verified hardware, and documentation without prompting. Select and inspect the correct PPE for at least five distinct data center hazard scenarios, including arc-flash-rated PPE for electrical work, with zero critical errors. Demonstrate first-aid and CPR response to an electrical shock victim following current American Heart Association guidelines, including AED operation, to evaluator satisfaction. Identify and document confined-space and elevated-work hazards in a simulated data center walk-through, producing a written hazard assessment with corrective actions. Correctly report a simulated incident using the workplace injury and illness recordkeeping process consistent with OSHA recordkeeping requirements, including required timelines.

Lessons · 7 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	OSHA Framework and Data Center Hazard Recognition	12	theory	Students will identify the OSHA regulatory structure, worker rights and employer obligations, and at least eight specific hazard categories present in data center environments.	Read and annotate the OSHA General Industry standards overview and the OSHA 10 outreach program topic list; highlight sections that apply directly to data center work such as electrical safety, walking/working surfaces, and hazard communication. Complete a guided hazard-hunt worksheet using photographs of a real data center floor, cable tray, and UPS room; categorize each hazard by type (electrical, ergonomic, fall, chemical, thermal) and applicable OSHA standard area. Participate in a class discussion case study of a documented data center incident report; identify which OSHA violations contributed to the incident and what corrective controls would have prevented it.	OSHA 10 General Industry student workbook (authorized trainer edition), OSHA.gov hazard recognition resources, printed data center floor photographs, hazard classification worksheet, whiteboard	Exit ticket: students correctly classify 8 of 10 hazard photographs by type and cite the relevant OSHA standard area; 80% correct required to advance.
2	Electrical Safety and Arc Flash Awareness	14	demo	Students will explain the physiological effects of electrical shock, identify arc flash boundary categories, and select appropriate arc-flash-rated PPE for a given incident energy level based on NFPA 70E principles.	Instructor demonstrates the difference between Class 0, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 arc-flash PPE using actual sample garments and face shields; students handle and inspect each item while completing a comparison chart. Using a sample arc flash study label (reproduced from a real data center panel), students practice reading the incident energy value, arc flash boundary, and required PPE category, then select the correct gloves, face shield, and suit from a supplied kit. Watch NFPA 70E training video segment on the physiology of electric shock and arc flash; students answer structured comprehension questions and discuss why even low voltages in a data center (48 V DC bus bars) require specific controls.	Sample arc flash PPE kit (Cat. 2 arc-rated jacket and bib, face shield, rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors, safety glasses), reproduced arc flash label examples, NFPA 70E overview reference card, comprehension question handout, OSHA 10 workbook electrical chapter	Instructor observes each student select the correct PPE category for three scenario cards; all three must be correct to pass, with immediate re-instruction for any error.
3	Lockout/Tagout Procedures for Data Center Equipment	14	lab	Students will perform a six-step lockout/tagout sequence on a de-energized training PDU and server rack, producing a completed LOTO permit with zero procedural sequence errors.	Instructor walks through the OSHA-required six steps of LOTO (notify, shut down, isolate, apply lockout device, release stored energy, verify de-energization) on a training PDU mockup while students record each step in their lab logbook. In pairs, students take turns acting as the authorized worker and the affected employee; each pair performs the full LOTO sequence on the training PDU and a simulated rack-mounted UPS, completing the group lockout log and applying personal padlocks and tags. Students practice the re-energization procedure in reverse sequence, checking that all tools are removed, employees are clear, and devices are removed in correct order before restoring power under instructor supervision.	Training PDU with lockable breakers (de-energized), simulated UPS unit, personal safety padlocks and hasps (one per student), LOTO tags, LOTO permit forms, lab logbook, voltage tester (non-contact), OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 reference card	Instructor uses a LOTO procedure checklist; all six steps must be performed in correct sequence with no skipped steps and a completed, legible permit. Any critical sequence error requires full restart and re-evaluation.
4	PPE Selection, Inspection, and Ergonomics	10	practice	Students will inspect, don, doff, and document the condition of all PPE types used in data center work, and apply ergonomic lifting and pushing techniques to server and rack handling tasks.	Students rotate through five PPE stations (hard hat, safety glasses and face shield, ESD wrist strap and heel strap, cut-resistant gloves for fiber work, and hearing protection) completing a pre-use inspection checklist at each station and tagging out any item with a visible defect. Instructor demonstrates proper two-person lift technique for a 2U server and proper use of a server-slide rail system; students practice the lift with a weighted prop server while an observer uses a checklist to verify back-neutral posture, communication cues, and foot placement. Students complete an ergonomic risk worksheet for three common data center tasks (installing a heavy switch in a top-of-rack position, routing cable overhead in a tray, and pushing a loaded equipment cart); they propose one engineering and one administrative control for each.	Full PPE kit per student (hard hat, safety glasses, ESD strap set, cut-resistant gloves, disposable earplugs), weighted server prop (approx. 25 lb), slide rail kit, equipment cart, PPE inspection checklist, ergonomic risk worksheet, OSHA ergonomics guidelines reference	Observer checklist: student correctly identifies all pre-marked defects on PPE samples (minimum 4 of 5 defects found) and performs server lift with zero unsafe posture cues observed by instructor; any dropped item or back-bend failure requires repeat.
5	Confined Space Entry, Fall Protection, and Elevated Work	10	theory	Students will classify raised-floor plenum spaces and overhead cable tray areas using OSHA permit-required confined space criteria, and describe the controls required before entry.	Read the OSHA confined space standard overview (29 CFR 1910.146 summary card) and apply a four-criteria checklist to three data center space descriptions (raised floor, MDF room ladder well, and rooftop HVAC access hatch) to determine permit-required status. Review a sample confined space entry permit for a raised-floor plenum; students identify all required fields, note missing information in a prepared incomplete sample, and discuss what additional atmospheric testing would be required before entry. Role-play exercise: students take turns as entrant, attendant, and supervisor for a simulated raised-floor entry, practicing communication check-ins, rescue equipment awareness (non-entry rescue), and abort conditions using a scripted scenario card.	OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 summary card, sample confined space entry permit (complete and incomplete versions), scenario cards, atmospheric monitor demonstration unit (4-gas monitor, for show-and-tell), raised-floor tile lifter (props), OSHA 10 workbook confined space chapter	Written scenario quiz: students correctly classify all three spaces and list minimum three required controls for a permit-required space; 80% score (6 of 8 questions) required to pass.
6	Emergency Response: First Aid, CPR, AED, and Incident Reporting	14	practice	Students will demonstrate hands-only CPR and two-rescuer CPR with AED operation on a training manikin, and complete a simulated OSHA-compliant incident report for an electrical shock scenario.	Certified first aid/CPR instructor leads skill stations: students practice adult hands-only CPR on a manikin to correct depth and rate, then practice two-rescuer CPR with bag-valve mask, and operate an AED trainer through a complete shock cycle including pad placement on a manikin. Tabletop scenario: a coworker receives a shock from a malfunctioning PDU; students sequence the correct response (ensure scene is safe, call 911, begin CPR, deploy AED, do not touch victim while energized) using scenario cards and then debrief errors. Students complete a sample OSHA 300 Log entry and a First Report of Injury form using details from the scenario, then identify whether the scenario incident meets OSHA recordable criteria and explain the required reporting timeline to a supervisor.	Adult CPR manikins (minimum 1 per 3 students), AED trainer units, bag-valve mask (BVM) trainer, disposable face shields, first aid kit (for familiarization), OSHA 300/300A/301 form samples, incident scenario handout, American Heart Association CPR reference card	Skills evaluator checklist: student achieves adequate CPR compression depth and rate for minimum 2 minutes and completes AED trainer cycle with correct pad placement — both must pass. Incident report must correctly identify recordable status with no missing required fields.
7	Hazard Communication, Chemical Safety, and Safety Culture	7	theory	Students will locate and interpret a Safety Data Sheet for a data center chemical (such as thermal paste, battery electrolyte, or fire suppression agent), explain the GHS labeling system, and describe the elements of a positive safety culture.	Students are given three actual SDSs (thermal interface material, VRLA battery electrolyte, and a data center cleaning solvent) and complete a structured reading guide identifying Section 2 hazards, Section 8 PPE requirements, and Section 4 first-aid measures for each. Instructor presents a GHS label from a cleaning chemical used in data centers; students identify each of the nine GHS pictogram meanings, the signal word, and the hazard and precautionary statements using a pictogram reference card, then match three unlabeled containers to their correct GHS label. Small-group discussion: students read a one-page summary of a NIOSH report on safety culture in industrial workplaces and identify three behaviors they would adopt as a data center technician to contribute to a positive safety culture; groups share with the class and instructor facilitates.	Printed SDSs for thermal paste, VRLA battery electrolyte, and data center cleaning solvent; GHS label examples; GHS pictogram reference card; NIOSH safety culture summary; OSHA Hazard Communication Standard overview (29 CFR 1910.1200 summary)	SDS reading guide scored by instructor: student correctly answers all questions for minimum 2 of 3 SDSs including correct PPE identification; GHS label matching must be 100% correct (3 of 3) to demonstrate baseline chemical safety literacy.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
OSHA 10 and Electrical Safety Knowledge Exam	Written exam	25%	80% (40 of 50 questions correct)	A 50-question multiple-choice written exam covering OSHA General Industry regulatory framework, electrical hazard identification, arc flash boundaries, PPE category selection, hazard communication (GHS/SDS), confined space classification, and OSHA recordkeeping requirements — all mapped to the OSHA 10 outreach program topic areas and CNet CDCTP safety knowledge objectives. Students who score below 80% receive targeted remediation and one retake opportunity. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Lockout/Tagout and Emergency Response Skills Demonstration	Skills demonstration	45%	All critical steps on the evaluator checklist marked correct; zero critical errors permitted on LOTO sequence; CPR and AED skills both rated satisfactory by the evaluator	A live performance evaluation in which each student individually executes a complete LOTO sequence on the training PDU, then responds to a scripted electrical shock scenario by performing hands-only CPR and operating the AED trainer through a full cycle. The evaluator uses a binary (correct/incorrect) checklist for each step; any critical error on LOTO sequence or failure to achieve adequate CPR quality requires the student to complete additional practice and re-demonstrate that section before advancing. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Safety Lab Logbook	Log	15%	All seven lab entries present and complete; minimum satisfactory rating on instructor rubric for accuracy, completeness, and reflection quality	Students maintain a running lab logbook throughout the course with one entry per lesson documenting the hazard addressed, the control methods applied, equipment used, any errors made and how they were corrected, and a one-paragraph personal reflection on how the lesson applies to their future data center work. The logbook is reviewed twice during the course and submitted in full at the end; incomplete or inaccurate entries must be corrected before the logbook is accepted. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Final Safety Walk-Through and Hazard Correction Check	Safety audit	15%	Student identifies minimum 8 of 10 planted hazards, correctly classifies each by type and applicable OSHA area, and proposes a feasible corrective action for each — no safety-critical hazard may be missed	Using a simulated data center lab space in which the instructor has planted exactly ten realistic hazards (including at least one LOTO violation, one arc flash label error, one PPE deficiency, one confined space marking absence, and one improper chemical storage), each student conducts a solo walk-through, completes a written hazard assessment form, and verbally debriefs findings with the evaluator. Missing any of the pre-designated safety-critical hazards (LOTO, electrical, or arc flash) is an automatic fail requiring remediation and a repeat walk-through on a different day. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation

TEC-DATA82-11 Capstone

Capstone Project: Data Center Build, Documentation, and Defense

162 hr · ~~$1,620~~ COMPLIMENTARY

Students integrate every skill from the program by planning, physically building, cabling, powering, cooling, securing, and documenting a scaled data center rack environment that meets industry standards. The project culminates in a formal technical portfolio and an oral defense before a panel of instructors and, where available, an industry evaluator. All work is governed by OSHA lockout/tagout procedures, proper PPE, and the documentation practices expected on the job.

Outcomes

Plan and execute a complete rack-and-stack build — including structured cabling, power distribution, cooling airflow management, and physical security controls — to a written design specification.
Produce a professional documentation package including an as-built diagram, cable log, equipment inventory, change-management ticket, and safety checklist that meets BICSI and data center industry standards.
Demonstrate safe work practices throughout the build: selecting and wearing appropriate PPE, applying OSHA lockout/tagout procedures before servicing energized panels, and correcting any identified hazards.
Troubleshoot at least two simulated fault scenarios — one hardware and one environmental — using a structured, ticket-driven methodology and document the root cause and resolution.
Present the completed build and documentation package in a 20-minute oral defense, answering technical and safety questions clearly and accurately.
Reflect on credential exam objectives for CompTIA A+, Server+, CNet CDCTP, and BICSI Installer by connecting each major project decision to the relevant exam domain.

Course text

How the course runs. 4 blocks: Project Planning and Design Specification; Integrated Build: Rack, Cabling, Power, Cooling, and Security; Fault Injection and Structured Troubleshooting; Portfolio Finalization and Oral Defense.

What competent looks like. Plan and execute a complete rack-and-stack build — including structured cabling, power distribution, cooling airflow management, and physical security controls — to a written design specification. Produce a professional documentation package including an as-built diagram, cable log, equipment inventory, change-management ticket, and safety checklist that meets BICSI and data center industry standards. Demonstrate safe work practices throughout the build: selecting and wearing appropriate PPE, applying OSHA lockout/tagout procedures before servicing energized panels, and correcting any identified hazards. Troubleshoot at least two simulated fault scenarios — one hardware and one environmental — using a structured, ticket-driven methodology and document the root cause and resolution. Present the completed build and documentation package in a 20-minute oral defense, answering technical and safety questions clearly and accurately. Reflect on credential exam objectives for CompTIA A+, Server+, CNet CDCTP, and BICSI Installer by connecting each major project decision to the relevant exam domain.

Lessons · 4 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Project Planning and Design Specification	30	theory	Given a client scenario document, the student will produce a complete project plan — including a rack-elevation diagram, cable schedule, power-load worksheet, airflow strategy, and safety checklist — before any physical work begins.	Analyze a two-page client scenario (server count, power budget, cooling requirement, security tier) and produce a structured requirements list using a provided template. Draw a scaled rack-elevation diagram and cable schedule using Visio or draw.io, labeling every 1U/2U device, patch panel port, and PDU receptacle; instructor reviews for completeness before approval to proceed. Complete a power-load worksheet (add up nameplate wattages, calculate load as a percentage of circuit capacity, identify overload risk) and an airflow hot-aisle/cold-aisle seating plan, then submit both with a pre-work safety checklist that includes required PPE and LOTO points.	Client scenario handout, blank rack-elevation template, Visio or draw.io (free tier), BICSI TDMM reference excerpts, power-load calculation worksheet, OSHA LOTO reference card, PPE selection guide	Instructor approves the plan as complete and internally consistent before lab access is granted; all five documents (rack diagram, cable schedule, power worksheet, airflow plan, safety checklist) must be present and free of critical errors — missing or incorrect power calculations, missing LOTO points, or unscaled diagrams are automatic revisions required before approval.
2	Integrated Build: Rack, Cabling, Power, Cooling, and Security	80	lab	Following the approved project plan, the student will physically install all equipment, run and terminate structured cabling, connect and label power distribution, verify airflow management (blanking panels, cable routing), and install physical security controls while maintaining a real-time change log.	Mount servers, switches, patch panels, and a PDU in the rack per the approved rack-elevation diagram; torque cage nuts to spec, verify rail alignment, and initial each row of the installation log as each device is seated — a partner performs an independent verification check. Run Cat 6 horizontal cabling and at least one OS2 single-mode fiber trunk between two panels: terminate, label (TIA-606 convention), and test every copper link with a cable certifier (confirm wiremap, length, and insertion loss pass) and every fiber link with a visual fault locator and optical power meter, recording results in the cable test log. Energize the PDU branch circuits following LOTO procedures (verify de-energized, lock and tag, verify absence of voltage with a non-contact tester before removing locks, then energize in sequence); install all required blanking panels; position a temperature/humidity sensor in the hot aisle and cold aisle; activate a door-access badge reader or keyed lock per the security design; update the change-management ticket at each milestone.	42U lab rack, 1U/2U servers and switches (real or decommissioned training units), patch panels, Cat 6 cable and keystones, OS2 fiber cable and LC connectors, fusion splicer or pre-terminated pigtails, cable certifier, optical power meter, VFL, PDU, blanking panels, cable managers, temperature/humidity datalogger, badge reader or lock hardware, label maker, LOTO kit (hasp, locks, tags), non-contact voltage tester, torque screwdriver, ESD strap and mat, safety glasses, leather gloves for fiber work	Instructor walks the completed build against the rack-elevation diagram and cable schedule: all devices seated and labeled, all copper links certifier-pass (100%), all fiber links power-meter within acceptable loss budget, no open 1U gaps without blanking panels, PDU cords labeled and load within design limits, change log current — any single critical safety deficiency (exposed live conductor, missing LOTO documentation, unlabeled live circuit) requires immediate correction and re-inspection before the student may proceed.
3	Fault Injection and Structured Troubleshooting	28	practice	Given two simulated fault scenarios injected by the instructor — one hardware fault and one environmental fault — the student will use a ticketing system and structured troubleshooting methodology to identify root cause, implement a resolution, and document the full process within the allowed time window.	Receive a trouble ticket for a hardware fault (e.g., server fails POST, NIC link down, or HBA not detecting storage) and work through a documented troubleshooting sequence: observe symptoms, hypothesize cause, test hypothesis (swap cable, reseat card, check BIOS setting), confirm resolution, and close the ticket with root-cause notes — all steps recorded in the ticketing tool (simulated with osTicket or a spreadsheet). Receive a second ticket for an environmental fault (e.g., temperature sensor alarm, PDU branch circuit approaching rated load, airflow obstruction indicated by delta-T data) and apply the same documented methodology: pull sensor data from the monitoring dashboard, identify the cause, implement a corrective action (re-route cables, add blanking panel, redistribute load), and verify the alarm clears. Write a two-paragraph incident report for each ticket: paragraph one states the symptom, root cause, and evidence; paragraph two states the corrective action taken, verification method, and any recommended permanent fix — reports become part of the portfolio.	Injected fault list (instructor-held, sealed until exercise start), cable certifier, multimeter, optical power meter, temperature/humidity datalogger, monitoring dashboard (PRTG free or equivalent), ticketing tool, incident report template, OSHA LOTO kit	Each ticket is scored on a rubric: correct root cause identified (required), all troubleshooting steps documented in ticket (required), resolution verified with a measurement or alarm-clear screenshot (required), incident report grammatically complete and technically accurate — students must earn at least 80% of rubric points on each ticket to pass this lesson; a failed ticket must be reworked with a different injected fault before the portfolio is accepted.
4	Portfolio Finalization and Oral Defense	24	field	The student will assemble the complete project portfolio, deliver a 20-minute structured oral defense of the build and documentation to a panel, and respond accurately to at least 80% of technical and safety questions posed.	Compile the final portfolio packet in the required order: cover sheet, project plan (all five documents), as-built rack-elevation and cable schedule updated to reflect any changes, cable test reports, power-load final record, change log, two incident reports, and a one-page reflection mapping at least five major project decisions to specific CompTIA A+, Server+, CNet CDCTP, or BICSI Installer exam domains. Deliver a 15-minute structured presentation to the panel covering: original design rationale, deviations from the plan and why, one safety decision made during the build (e.g., LOTO procedure used, PPE selected), troubleshooting outcomes, and lessons learned — slides or a live walk-around of the physical rack are both acceptable formats. Respond to a minimum of 10 panel questions spanning technical content (cabling standards, power math, cooling principles, server hardware), safety (OSHA LOTO, PPE selection, hazard recognition), and professional practice (change management, documentation standards) — answers are scored on accuracy and clarity using a standardized rubric.	Completed portfolio (printed and digital copy), presentation slides or rack access, panel evaluation rubric, credential exam domain mapping handout, stopwatch	Portfolio accepted by instructor before defense date (all required documents present, cable test reports attached, no missing signatures on change log); defense scored by at least two evaluators on the panel rubric — student must earn 80% or higher overall on the rubric AND answer at least 80% of Q&A questions correctly to pass; a student who fails either component completes one revision cycle and a second defense within two weeks.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Capstone Build and Documentation Package	Project	60%	All mandatory checklist items physically verified by instructor; cable certifier reports show 100% copper pass; fiber links within loss budget; portfolio packet complete with all required documents; incident reports score 80% or higher on rubric.	The physical rack build and its full documentation package — rack diagram, cable schedule, power-load record, airflow plan, cable test reports, change log, and two incident reports — are evaluated against a pass/fail checklist and a scored rubric. A single unresolved safety deficiency (unlabeled live circuit, missing LOTO record, open rack gap in a live build) is an automatic incomplete until corrected. Meets specification · Within estimate · Workmanship · Safety · Documentation
Technical Portfolio	Portfolio	20%	All nine required documents present, organized in specified order, and free of critical factual errors; credential exam domain mapping references at least five distinct exam objectives across at least two credentials; submitted by the deadline established in the course calendar.	The portfolio is a bound or digitally organized dossier that serves as a professional work sample the student can show to employers. It is reviewed by the instructor using a document-completeness checklist and a content-accuracy rubric; any document with a critical technical error (e.g., incorrect wire-pair assignment on a cable schedule, power calculation that exceeds circuit capacity without annotation) must be corrected before the oral defense date. Completeness · Organization · Evidence quality
Oral Defense	Oral / panel	20%	Overall panel rubric score of 80% or higher AND at least 80% of Q&A questions answered correctly by both evaluators' independent scores; presentation delivered within the 15-20 minute window.	A panel of at least two evaluators (instructors and, where available, an industry guest) scores the student's presentation and Q&A session using a standardized rubric covering technical accuracy, safety knowledge, documentation quality, and professional communication. Results are provided in writing within two business days; a student who does not pass completes one revision cycle and a second defense. Explains decisions · Answers technical questions · Professional communication

TEC-DATA82-12 Externship / clinical

Externship / Worksite Placement

243 hr · ~~$970~~ COMPLIMENTARY

Students complete 243 supervised hours at a host data center or managed-services facility, applying rack-and-stack, cabling, power, cooling, hardware, monitoring, and safety skills in a live production environment. A credentialed site supervisor evaluates daily performance using a standardized competency rubric aligned to CompTIA A+, Server+, CNet CDCTP, and BICSI Installer task areas. The externship bridges classroom training and entry-level employment by requiring students to execute real work orders, follow site-specific procedures, and maintain a reflective work log throughout the placement.

Outcomes

Execute assigned data center tasks—including hardware installation, cable management, and thermal checks—according to site SOPs and OSHA lockout/tagout requirements without a recordable safety incident.
Demonstrate professional reliability by completing at least 90 percent of scheduled externship hours and meeting site attendance and dress-code standards.
Apply structured troubleshooting to at least three real or supervised ticket scenarios, documenting steps and resolution in the site's ticketing system or a provided log.
Perform physical infrastructure tasks—rack mounting, cable labeling, patch-panel termination, or PDU/UPS checks—meeting the quality standard set by the site supervisor for each assigned work order.
Maintain a daily work log that records tasks performed, tools used, safety measures taken, and personal learning reflections for every shift, submitted without gaps.
Receive a final supervisor evaluation score of at least 75 out of 100 on the program's standardized competency rubric, covering technical skill, safety compliance, communication, and professionalism.

Course text

How the course runs. 4 blocks: Externship Orientation and Site Safety Onboarding; Supervised Production Tasks — Rack, Cable, Power, and Cooling; Ticketing, Monitoring, and Professional Communication Practice; Final Review, Supervisor Evaluation, and Externship Closeout.

What competent looks like. Execute assigned data center tasks—including hardware installation, cable management, and thermal checks—according to site SOPs and OSHA lockout/tagout requirements without a recordable safety incident. Demonstrate professional reliability by completing at least 90 percent of scheduled externship hours and meeting site attendance and dress-code standards. Apply structured troubleshooting to at least three real or supervised ticket scenarios, documenting steps and resolution in the site's ticketing system or a provided log. Perform physical infrastructure tasks—rack mounting, cable labeling, patch-panel termination, or PDU/UPS checks—meeting the quality standard set by the site supervisor for each assigned work order. Maintain a daily work log that records tasks performed, tools used, safety measures taken, and personal learning reflections for every shift, submitted without gaps. Receive a final supervisor evaluation score of at least 75 out of 100 on the program's standardized competency rubric, covering technical skill, safety compliance, communication, and professionalism.

Lessons · 4 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Externship Orientation and Site Safety Onboarding	20	field	Given a site-specific safety orientation and facility walkthrough, the student will correctly identify emergency egress routes, describe site-specific lockout/tagout and PPE requirements, and pass the host employer's site-access safety quiz with a score of 80 percent or higher.	Attend the host employer's formal facility orientation, including tour of server halls, MDF/IDF rooms, loading dock, and all emergency exits; sketch a hand-drawn floor plan annotating exit routes, fire suppression zones, and first-aid stations. Review the site's lockout/tagout program documentation and PPE matrix; compare them to OSHA 10 general-industry standards covered in Course 1 and note any site-specific additions in the work log. Complete the employer's site-access safety quiz (or, where none exists, the program's equivalent 20-question OSHA/safety quiz); review missed items with the site supervisor before beginning any hands-on work.	Site SOP binder or digital portal, employer PPE kit (ESD wrist strap, safety glasses, hard hat if required), blank floor-plan worksheet, OSHA 10 pocket card, program work-log booklet	Student produces a labeled floor-plan sketch reviewed and initialed by the site supervisor; achieves 80 percent or higher on the site safety quiz; no PPE or access violations noted in the first week.
2	Supervised Production Tasks — Rack, Cable, Power, and Cooling	140	lab	Over the core placement weeks, the student will complete assigned work orders in rack-and-stack, structured cabling, power distribution, and cooling/airflow under supervisor oversight, meeting the site's quality standard on each task as documented in the work log and supervisor check-ins.	Perform at least five discrete rack-and-stack or hardware-swap work orders (server, switch, or patch-panel installs) following the site's change-management process; photograph before and after states, record in the work log, and obtain supervisor sign-off on each completed order. Execute cable-management and patching tasks—including labeling, dressing, and documenting at least one full patch-panel run—using site labeling conventions; verify continuity or link-light confirmation and record in the work log. Conduct at least two supervised walkthroughs of the power distribution (PDU/UPS) and cooling (CRAC/CRAH, in-row cooler, or aisle containment) systems, using a thermal camera or data center DCIM dashboard where available; document any anomalies and report them through the site's ticketing or escalation process.	Site-issued tools (screwdrivers, cable ties, label maker, punch-down tool, patch cords), ESD mat and wrist strap, site SOP for each task type, thermal camera or DCIM console access (site-provided), program work-log booklet, site ticketing system credentials	Supervisor signs off each completed work order as meeting site quality standards; work log entries are present for every shift with task description, tools, safety steps, and reflection; no unresolved safety incidents recorded.
3	Ticketing, Monitoring, and Professional Communication Practice	48	field	The student will open, update, and close at least three tickets in the site's ITSM or monitoring system, communicate status accurately to the site supervisor or NOC team, and receive a supervisor rating of satisfactory or higher on the professional-communication dimension of the midpoint evaluation.	Shadow a senior technician through at least two full ticket cycles (incident intake → diagnosis → resolution → closure); then independently manage at least three subsequent tickets with supervisor review before submission, documenting each step. Monitor a DCIM, SNMP dashboard, or site-specific monitoring console for a minimum of four scheduled shifts; identify and log at least one real or simulated alert, describe the probable cause and recommended escalation path in the work log. Participate in at least one shift-handoff briefing or team stand-up, delivering a concise verbal status update on assigned tasks; request supervisor feedback afterward and record it in the work log.	Site ITSM or ticketing system (e.g., ServiceNow, Remedy, Jira Service Management, or equivalent), monitoring console access (site-provided), work-log booklet, program midpoint evaluation form	At least three tickets documented with complete open-through-close notes; supervisor rates communication dimension at 'satisfactory' or higher on the midpoint rubric (score of 18/25 on that section); monitoring log entries present for each relevant shift.
4	Final Review, Supervisor Evaluation, and Externship Closeout	35	field	The student will compile the complete work log, participate in a final supervisor evaluation meeting, and achieve a total score of at least 75 out of 100 on the program's standardized competency rubric, demonstrating readiness for entry-level data center employment.	Organize the full work log into a clean, chronological document; write a one-page professional summary covering three technical skills strengthened, two professional behaviors developed, and one area for continued improvement, and submit both to the program coordinator. Participate in the final supervisor evaluation meeting: the supervisor scores the student on technical skill, safety compliance, communication, professionalism, and attendance using the program's standardized 100-point rubric; the student listens, asks at least two clarifying questions, and documents feedback. Complete the student-side externship closeout checklist: return all site badges and loaned equipment, verify all time records are signed, submit the final work log and supervisor rubric to the program coordinator, and complete the student experience survey rating the host site.	Program standardized supervisor competency rubric (100-point scale), complete work-log booklet, one-page professional summary template, externship closeout checklist, student experience survey form	Final supervisor rubric score of 75/100 or higher; complete and gap-free work log submitted by the last day of the placement; closeout checklist signed by both site supervisor and program coordinator.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Supervisor Competency Skills Demonstration (skills_demo)	Skills demonstration	70%	Score of 75 out of 100 on the program's standardized supervisor competency rubric; no unresolved safety violations recorded during the placement.	The host-site supervisor scores the student at the end of the placement on five equally weighted dimensions—technical task execution, safety and PPE compliance, communication and teamwork, professionalism and reliability, and initiative—using the program's standardized 100-point rubric. The completed, signed rubric is submitted to the program coordinator as the primary skills-demonstration record. Competency · Safety · Attendance · Conduct · Initiative
Daily Work Log Portfolio (lab_log)	Log	30%	Log contains a dated entry for every scheduled shift with no unexplained gaps; professional summary submitted; program coordinator accepts the portfolio as complete.	The student submits the full chronological work log plus a one-page professional summary at the end of the externship. The log must document tasks performed, tools and equipment used, safety measures applied, ticket or monitoring activities, and a personal reflection for each shift, providing a verifiable record of the 243 placement hours and serving as a portfolio artifact for job applications. Complete · Verified

TEC-DATA82-13 Exam prep

Certification Exam Preparation: CompTIA A+, Server+, CNet CDCTP, BICSI Installer & OSHA 10

68 hr · ~~$680~~ COMPLIMENTARY

This course systematically reviews every exam domain covered by the five target credentials — CompTIA A+, CompTIA Server+, CNet CDCTP, BICSI Installer, and OSHA 10 — using timed practice questions, domain-by-domain gap analysis, and full-length mock exams that mirror actual test conditions. Learners identify weak areas through diagnostic scoring, then concentrate study time on those domains before sitting scored mock exams that replicate the format, question style, and time limits of each credential. By course end, learners will have a documented readiness profile for each exam and a personal study plan to address any remaining gaps before scheduling their live credential tests.

Outcomes

Score at or above the published passing threshold on a full-length mock exam for each of the five target credentials: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Server+, CNet CDCTP, BICSI Installer, and OSHA 10.
Identify personal weak domains on a diagnostic assessment for each credential and articulate a targeted remediation strategy before the final mock exam.
Demonstrate accurate recall and application of data-center-specific content across all CompTIA A+ and Server+ exam domains, including hardware, networking, virtualization, storage, and troubleshooting.
Correctly answer questions on CNet CDCTP topics including data center physical infrastructure, tiered design concepts, power and cooling fundamentals, and operational best practices.
Apply BICSI Installer knowledge of structured cabling standards, fiber and copper termination, pathway and spaces, and testing requirements to scenario-based exam questions.
Complete OSHA 10 review questions on general industry hazard recognition, lockout/tagout, electrical safety, PPE selection, and emergency action with a passing score.

Course text

How the course runs. 4 blocks: Diagnostic Assessment & Exam Strategy: Mapping Domains Across All Five Credentials; Domain-by-Domain Review: CompTIA A+, Server+, and CNet CDCTP; Domain-by-Domain Review: BICSI Installer and OSHA 10; Full-Length Mock Certification Exams & Final Readiness Review.

What competent looks like. Score at or above the published passing threshold on a full-length mock exam for each of the five target credentials: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Server+, CNet CDCTP, BICSI Installer, and OSHA 10. Identify personal weak domains on a diagnostic assessment for each credential and articulate a targeted remediation strategy before the final mock exam. Demonstrate accurate recall and application of data-center-specific content across all CompTIA A+ and Server+ exam domains, including hardware, networking, virtualization, storage, and troubleshooting. Correctly answer questions on CNet CDCTP topics including data center physical infrastructure, tiered design concepts, power and cooling fundamentals, and operational best practices. Apply BICSI Installer knowledge of structured cabling standards, fiber and copper termination, pathway and spaces, and testing requirements to scenario-based exam questions. Complete OSHA 10 review questions on general industry hazard recognition, lockout/tagout, electrical safety, PPE selection, and emergency action with a passing score.

Lessons · 4 blocks

#	Lesson	Hr	Type	Objective	Activities	Materials	Check
1	Diagnostic Assessment & Exam Strategy: Mapping Domains Across All Five Credentials	10	theory	Given a set of diagnostic practice questions for each credential, the learner will score each domain, identify gaps scoring below the target threshold, and produce a written personal study plan prioritizing remediation by credential and domain.	Complete a timed 90-question diagnostic practice exam drawn proportionally from every published domain of CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, Server+, CNet CDCTP, BICSI Installer, and OSHA 10; score each domain independently and record results in a domain-tracking spreadsheet. In small groups, compare domain score profiles and discuss which data-center-specific topic areas (e.g., server hardware, structured cabling, power path, hazard recognition) generated the most errors, then rank domains from weakest to strongest for each credential. Write a one-page personal study plan that lists each credential, its current domain scores, a target score for each domain, and three specific actions (reading, practice-question sets, or lab review) the learner will take during the course to close each gap.	Diagnostic question banks drawn from CompTIA A+ and Server+ official objectives (CompTIA website), CNet CDCTP candidate guide, BICSI Installer study materials (BICSI.org), OSHA 10 outreach curriculum outline; domain-tracking spreadsheet template; pencils and scratch paper for calculations; personal laptops or lab workstations for digital question platforms.	Learner submits a completed domain-tracking spreadsheet with a score recorded for every domain of every credential and a signed personal study plan; instructor reviews for completeness and realistic goal-setting — pass requires all domains scored and plan submitted.
2	Domain-by-Domain Review: CompTIA A+, Server+, and CNet CDCTP	22	practice	After focused domain review and targeted practice sets, the learner will answer scenario-based questions on CompTIA A+ Core 1 hardware and networking, Core 2 operating systems and security, Server+ server architecture and storage, and CNet CDCTP physical infrastructure at or above the target passing level for each domain.	Work through an instructor-led domain review for CompTIA A+ Core 1 (mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud, hardware and network troubleshooting) and Core 2 (operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures), pausing after each domain for a 15-question timed practice set; review every wrong answer using the CompTIA official exam objectives as the authoritative reference. Complete a data-center-focused review of CompTIA Server+ domains — server hardware installation and management, server administration, security, disaster recovery, and troubleshooting — using hands-on scenarios drawn from the program's earlier rack-and-stack and server hardware courses; for each scenario, learners write a one-sentence justification citing the concept being tested. Review CNet CDCTP content areas including data center tiers and availability concepts, power distribution paths (utility to IT load), mechanical cooling systems, physical infrastructure standards, and operational procedures; complete a 40-question CDCTP-style practice set under timed conditions and debrief incorrect answers as a class, referencing the CNet CDCTP candidate guide.	CompTIA A+ and Server+ official exam objectives documents (downloaded from CompTIA.org); CNet CDCTP candidate guide and study materials; practice question platforms (e.g., professor-provided question banks or authorized exam-prep software); whiteboard for concept mapping; lab servers and networking gear from Course 6 for hands-on hardware identification during review.	Learner completes a 60-question mixed practice exam covering A+, Server+, and CDCTP domains under timed conditions (90 minutes); pass requires a minimum of 75% overall with no individual domain below 70%; instructor reviews flagged items with each learner.
3	Domain-by-Domain Review: BICSI Installer and OSHA 10	14	practice	After structured review of BICSI Installer cabling knowledge areas and OSHA 10 general industry safety topics, the learner will correctly classify cabling pathways, identify testing parameters, recognize job-site hazards, and select appropriate controls on a combined practice question set at or above passing level.	Review BICSI Installer knowledge areas — codes and standards relevant to ICT cabling, copper and fiber cable types, termination and splicing methods, pathway and spaces, grounding and bonding, and field testing — using the BICSI Installer study guide; learners complete a cable-identification and test-result interpretation exercise at the cabling bench from Course 3, matching practice test scenarios to physical hardware. Work through the OSHA 10 General Industry outreach curriculum topics including OSH Act rights and responsibilities, hazard recognition and the hierarchy of controls, fall protection, electrical safety, lockout/tagout procedures, personal protective equipment selection, and emergency action plans; learners complete scenario cards where they identify the hazard, select the correct PPE and control, and cite the relevant OSHA standard category (without inventing specific CFR numbers). Run a 30-question timed BICSI Installer-style practice set followed immediately by a 30-question OSHA 10-style practice set; learners self-score, then pair up to explain the reasoning behind each correct answer to a partner, correcting any misconceptions before the instructor confirms with the class.	BICSI Installer study guide and TDMM (Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual) reference excerpts (BICSI.org); OSHA 10 General Industry outreach curriculum (OSHA-authorized trainer materials); cabling bench with copper patch panels, fiber connectors, and cable testers from Course 3; PPE kit (safety glasses, gloves, hard hat) for hazard-scenario demonstrations; scenario card sets printed by instructor.	Learner completes a 30-question BICSI Installer practice set and a 30-question OSHA 10 practice set under timed conditions; pass requires 75% or higher on each set independently; learners who do not pass either set receive a targeted remediation assignment before the final mock exam.
4	Full-Length Mock Certification Exams & Final Readiness Review	22	practice	Under timed, exam-condition settings that replicate the format of each credential, the learner will complete full-length mock exams for CompTIA A+ Core 1, A+ Core 2, Server+, CNet CDCTP, BICSI Installer, and OSHA 10, scoring at or above the target threshold on each, and will produce a final readiness statement identifying any remaining gaps and a plan to address them before scheduling live exams.	Sit six sequential mock exams under strict exam conditions (no notes, timed per each credential's standard exam length, one question at a time with no backtracking allowed after flagging): CompTIA A+ Core 1 (90 questions, 90 minutes), A+ Core 2 (90 questions, 90 minutes), Server+ (90 questions, 90 minutes), CNet CDCTP (proportional question count per candidate guide, timed accordingly), BICSI Installer (proportional question count per BICSI study materials, timed accordingly), and OSHA 10 knowledge check (25 questions, 30 minutes); all sessions proctored by the instructor. After scoring is returned, complete a structured debrief: for each exam, record the domain-level score on the tracking spreadsheet started in Lesson 1, compare to the diagnostic scores from Lesson 1 to confirm improvement, and highlight any domain still below the target threshold. Write a final one-page credential readiness statement for each of the five credentials, declaring readiness to sit the live exam or listing specific topics requiring additional self-study before scheduling; meet one-on-one with the instructor for a five-minute readiness conference to confirm the exam registration plan.	Full-length mock exam question banks for each credential (instructor-curated, drawn from authorized prep materials and official practice tests where available); printed answer sheets and scratch paper; stopwatch or classroom timer; domain-tracking spreadsheets from Lesson 1; CompTIA, CNet, BICSI, and OSHA 10 official candidate guides for post-exam review; personal laptops for exam scheduling research (CompTIA, Pearson VUE, BICSI).	Pass requires a score at or above 75% on every mock exam (serving as a conservative readiness buffer above each credential's actual published passing score); learners who do not meet the threshold on any mock exam receive a written remediation assignment and may retake that mock exam once before the course closes; all learners must submit a completed final readiness statement to receive a course completion grade.

Assessments

Assessment	Type	Weight	Pass standard	Method & rubric
Comprehensive Mock Certification Exam Battery	Mock certification exam	100%	A minimum score of 75% on each of the six individual mock exams (CompTIA A+ Core 1, A+ Core 2, Server+, CNet CDCTP, BICSI Installer, and OSHA 10), with no single credential domain scoring below 70%; learners who do not meet the threshold on any one exam after one retake receive an incomplete and an extended individual study plan.	Administered in Lesson 4 under proctored, timed conditions that replicate the real testing environment for each credential, this battery consists of six full-length mock exams covering every published domain of the five target credentials. Results are scored by domain, compared to the Lesson 1 diagnostic baseline to confirm measurable improvement, and reviewed in a one-on-one readiness conference with the instructor to finalize each learner's live exam registration plan. Score · Time management

Program completion

External credential: BICSI Installer; CNet CDCTP; CompTIA A+; CompTIA Server+; OSHA 10

Students sit the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Server+ exams administered by Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the CNet CDCTP exam administered by CNet Training, the BICSI Installer exam administered by BICSI, and the OSHA 10 course assessment administered through an OSHA-authorized outreach trainer. Pass standard: Credential issued by the body.

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