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The ITS Design Fundamentals Program was released in 2009 in response to the NxtGEN initiative. It was developed as the first step for professionals looking to advance their careers by obtaining prestigious BICSI credentials.

Industry leaders and experts defined the baseline knowledge necessary for success within the ITS industry. This core knowledge is delivered online via five BICSI CONNECT courses. The ITS Design Fundamentals Program will assist students with both the immediate goal of achieving a BICSI credential and the long-term goal of career advancement. This program also serves as a transition point for installers and technicians wanting to transfer to a design-oriented career.

After completion of the courses, students are prepared to take the ITS Design Fundamentals exam. Upon successfully passing the exam and having the necessary experience required, an individual is then qualified to sit for any BICSI Specialist, RCDD or RITP examination.* Starting in 2010, candidates will have three years to pass a credential exam. If no exams are passed during that three-year period, a candidate will have to retake the Fundamentals examination.

Course descriptions:

Structured Cabling Systems
Course Fee: $189
BICSI CECs: 6 RCDD, 6 OSP Specialist, 6 ITS Installers, 6 ITS Technician
A Structured Cabling Systems (SCS) is a complete collective configuration of cabling and associated hardware at a given site, which once installed provides a comprehensive infrastructure. This course discusses pathways, spaces, firestopping, codes and standards, all of which are a core focus of the ITS designer.

Media Selection
Course Fee: $149
BICSI CECs: 5 RCDD, 5 NTS Specialist, 5 OSP Specialist, 5 ITS Installers, 5 ITS Technician
ITS designers must be aware of the various types of media (cable) that are available. Each type and configuration has specific uses and defined installation methods. This course focuses on the types and characteristics of ITS media and their installation procedures, so designers can make the most appropriate media choice for each design.

Grounding and Bonding
Course Fee: $99
BICSI CECs: 3 RCDD, 3 OSP Specialist, 3 ITS Installers, 3 ITS Technician
Grounding and bonding are an integral portion of the telecommunications infrastructure for providing a safe electrical operating environment. They are also instrumental in providing a reliable reference for the operation of electronic equipment. This course offers students the opportunity to advance their grounding and bonding knowledge by reviewing basic electrical theory, grounding system configurations and components.

Network Design
Course Fees: $125, BICSI CECs: 4 RCDD, 4 NTS Specialist, 4 WD Specialist, 4 ITS Installers, 4 ITS Technician
The ITS Designers responsibility doesn't end with structured cabling. In today's highly networked workplace, network integration is a major topic for the ITS designer. This courses explores three separate networks; data, wireless and data centers.

Project Management
Course Fee: $59
BICSI CECs: 2 RCDD, 2 NTS Specialist, 2 OSP Specialist, 2 WD Specialist, 2 ITS Installers, 2 ITS Technician
Project management is required to manage and control projects with teams. It has become an important part of the ITS industry and an important and unique career path for the ITS design professional. This course reviews the common tools and techniques used to ensure a successful project completion.

These courses are listed in the order of recommended completion. The courses may be purchased separately for the above prices or as a bundle. Individually purchased courses must be completed within 60 days of purchase. The final exam costs $100 for members and $250 for nonmembers. The exam may be attempted without completion of the courses. Individually purchased courses and exams total $721 for members and $871 for nonmembers. A bundle purchase of all five courses plus the exam will allow one year for completion and cost $595 for members or $745 for nonmembers.

*Beginning January 2010, RCDD and RITP examinations will be based on the 12th edition of BICSI's TDMM.