Data centre courses and training
Most data centre courses are short professional certifications, taken once you're working in or near the industry. Here are the main ones available in the UK, from each provider's own published details.
| Course | Provider | Length | Level and entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDCP | EPI (accredited by EXIN) | 2 days | No prerequisite; one to two years' experience helps |
| CDCS | EPI | 3 days | Needs a valid CDCP |
| CDCTP | CNet Training | 5 days | Pearson BTEC Level 4; data centre experience essential |
| CDCDP | CNet Training | 5 days plus about 20 hours' pre-study | Pearson BTEC Level 5; experience essential, ideally two years |
| Server+ | CompTIA | Self-paced; 90-minute exam | A+ or equivalent and two years' server experience recommended |
| ATD | Uptime Institute | 16 hours, live remote | For licensed professional engineers in design management |
CNet Training has been part of the Uptime Institute since February 2023. Uptime's ATD is priced at US$4,985 per participant; EPI and CNet don't publish prices on their course pages. One UK training company lists the two-day EPI CDCP at £1,650 plus VAT.
Apprenticeships
For a funded route with a job attached, the Level 3 Information communications technician apprenticeship (ST0973) lists data centre support technician as a typical role. More on the routes in.
Service leavers
ELCAS funding only covers courses leading to a Level 3 or higher qualification. More for ex-forces.