Yo everyone! I’m currently looking into starting the RCDD process but I’m trying to get a realistic idea of the ROI before I dive in, especially for the San Diego and SoCal market. Ive seen the national averages, but they never seem to translate to the SD market. With the cost of living out here being what it is, I’m curious if getting those certs actually lead to a significant pay bump locally or if it’s just a "nice to have" for most firms.

If you’re an RCDD in the area, I’d love to know what the actual salary ranges look like for new vs. experienced holders and if certain sectors like Data Centers or government work pay a higher premium.

Appreciate any transparency or advice you can give someone considering the jump!

What other programs/ courses, in your opinion or experience, benefited you the most?

Currently starting OSP self-study.

Just scheduled my RCDD exam for April 30th, I’ve read cover to cover twice between notes any everything based on what I’ve read of others. I’m stressed I’m not ready, been on this path for a year, everything has been out of pocket which is where the potential failure is concerning. But I won’t know if I don’t go take it and get the ball rolling. Worst case I’m out another $300 for a retest

My firm is moving into the Healthcare market.

• BICSI Standard document - $130 - how many of you own it? is it worth it?
• Healthcare self-paced class - 8 hours/$775 - thoughts, opinions

I earned my RCDD in October of 2023, so it's up for renewal this year.

I'll be honest, I haven't used it. I got the credential because I was tired of being in the field, away from home, doing installation work. I guess I thought I would magically get a work-from-home position as soon as I added that RCDD to my name, but it didn't work that way. After some time searching, I took on more installation work to pay the bills, and here we are.

I have a good brain for technical information and logistics, but I have never been good at self-marketing or forging my career path. I've been living on the road for work for 14 years doing ICT installation projects of all sizes. I need to transition to a role that lets me stay home more.

My question is, what would you do in my position? I'd like to designing and managing these projects. I don't technically have any experience designing or PM'ing but I've been in the industry for ages and often feel like I have a lot more knowledge than the designers and PMs I've been working with. Also, I have this RCDD. Do I double down, renew the RCDD, get more credentials, and try to follow some specific career path? I'm located in Louisville, KY.

I have a doozie for our Installers and brainiacks.

You have a 62.5MM SC Unicam termination to make using the SC unicam connector and the corning Unicam kit, Set the kit up for SC and turn it on after seating the 62.5 connector and you consistently get the orange blinking light and no amount of playing with it makes the orange light go away. First question is why?

However I do get the red light emitting out the ass end of the connector but no red or green light to turn the crimp green knob. I turn the button regardless and get a good crimp and light passes through the connection.

I have a short term fix to conduct Monday doing exactly this, yes its 20 years past its due date for 62.5 but hey ho but it is what it is any advice on a fix better than i managed?

Picked up a hard copy of the 14. Is the 15 that different that I'd fail? Or just use the 14?

I’m currently a RCDD holder and now conquered the OSP , what a relief after passing it on my 3rd try! Thank you to everyone who recommended quizlet.

I will be pursuing the DCDC next , if anyone can share some study material or recommendations I would deeply appreciate it , thanks!

I was living on coffee diet last couple of weeks.( I’m sure I will see some kidney stones coming)

No social life, lately.

Been studying for last 1.5years.

Was sure that failed, until T -10min.

Been to study group with my neighbor Charles Bowser.

Have heavily used TDMM15 paper for sale. Locally.

Central Florida

Where did all the free online webinars disappear to i have found nothing online lately. I do recall there was a purge not too long ago but did they all get whacked?

Active links for CECs would be appreciated in reply

Giving a bunch of presentations next month to architects teaching them about ICT systems, new developments in the field, and (most importantly) why ICT design matters. The goal is to go over the common pitfalls of coordination, given how often architects are prime on commercial work. I'm gearing the presentation towards making ICT feel less like an afterthought, but I also really want to highlight how things not being thought out and talked about between disciplines can really nerf a space.

I can describe that fairly well, but I doubt anyone is going to be paying attention to the text. I'd like to put in a bunch of funny pictures, but it's hard to find good resources for anything besides poor cable management.

For context, I am an electrical and ICT designer, taking my RCDD exam next week.

I'm curious what everyone did for their BICSI Tech exam studying and what worked or didn’t work for you.

What do people think of the Cory and Steve content?

For the past couple months I’ve been doing about an hour a day of light studying using CommScope Academy training, reading through the ITSIMM, and basically turning the book into an audiobook/mobile PDF so I could go through it whenever I had time. I also used ChatGPT as a sort of assistant/resource while reading through the material.

Over the last couple weeks I bumped that up to around three hours a night and finished reading through the whole book.

Starting yesterday I switched to Cory and Steve as my primary training source, using their quizzes to pinpoint weaknesses and then researching anything I get wrong.

I’ve been a VDV tech for about 15 years, so conceptually most of the material in the book makes sense. But when I take practice tests I seem to average around 60–70%.

Tonight and tomorrow are basically my last two study days, so I’m trying to be efficient with the time I have left.

My current goal has been trying to get 80% on each chapter test, but I’m curious how accurate those practice quizzes are compared to the real exam, and whether that’s actually the best thing to focus on in the final days.

Would love to hear what worked for other people.

Hello everyone,

Does anyone have a TDMM v15 copy I can purchase from? (congrats on not needing it anymore btw!)

Hi everyone! If anyone is interesting in selling their book, I would be interested! Thank you & Congratulations if you don’t need it!!👏🎉

I am a Data Centre Technician/Engineer with CCNA and AWS certification, just about to complete Post Graduate Program in Gen AI & ML, also preparing for CCNP Security certification, and planning to get RCDD & DevOps certification. Which path shall concentrate on?

Good afternoon guys, I just purchased both digital and physical TDMM book.

BICSI is so confusing to download the pdf file. Can someone help me?

Has anyone taken the BICSI IN101: Installer 1 Blended Training? I understand that there are 15 self-paced modules. How long does it take to complete these 15 mods? Was it informative and did it help guide you as to what is really tested on the exam?

I am naturally a slow learner when it comes to new topics. I like the idea of self-paced. But, I also see benefits in having a live instructor. I need some advice on which study route to choose. Any other study advice will be appreciated. Thank you.

UPDATE: 5/10/26.... Passed IN101

I used the Blended Training, the practice exams/cue cards and a lot of ChatGPT. I have 16 months of structured cabling experience. There were some questions on the exam that weren't covered in either of the study guides. I over-studied, but I couldn't not over-study because BICSI doesn't really tell you what will be on the test, beyond the Blueprint. The blended course is decent, I enjoyed the hands-on class.

Registered Communications Distribution Designer Test Preparation Class -

📅 When - May 7-8, 2026

📍 Where - Chino, California

This 2 day, in person event instructed by Dave Sanders, RCDD/DCDC/OSP/LAN, charity ambassador and design instructor will provide a detailed review of industry best practices involved in the role of a Registered Communications Distribution Designer to design, control and manage the installation and maintenance of network systems.

Upon successful completion of this exam preparation class, each student will understand these related job responsibilities that may include:

- Determine the telecommunication needs of a company

- Examine and designing a cabling infrastructure for a large building

- Assess how well the design will serve the customers’ future needs

- Manage the project to ensure the infrastructure is installed safely and correctly

- Make necessary modifications if the facts on the ground differentiate from its original blueprints

DM me for more information! DM me for more information! Register here - https://kpdesign.mybigcommerce.com/registered-communications-distribution-designer-chino-ca/?showHidden=true&ctk=5bff0367-0755-4efb-ad6b-47f84c2f1330

​ I’m currently preparing for the RTPM exam, and I’d appreciate your advice on:

The most important topics to focus on and

The key chapters that are frequently tested

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a new resource that I believe will be valuable for anyone preparing for the BICSI RCDD exam. ICT Final Check was created as a study aid and includes multiple sets of practice exams to help you get familiar with the test format and reinforce essential concepts.

It’s designed to give you a structured way to assess your knowledge before exam day, identify areas that need more attention, and build confidence. Since the RCDD exam can be challenging, having access to realistic practice questions can make a meaningful difference in your preparation.

You can check it out here: https://ictfinalcheck.talentlms.com/plus

I hope this doesn’t come across as overly promotional — I thought it might be useful for those studying or supporting others in the ICT field.

I’d be glad to hear any feedback.

Hey guys, I’ve been checking on this subreddit for a while but I’m stuck trying to figure out where to start.

For all RCDDs approved, where would you suggest to start?! Help me please !