BICSI Brief Volume 1, Issue 4 | November 2023
Volume 4, Issue 3 20 August 2026
ISSUE FEATURE Optical LAN Is More Than a Technology Decision
BICSI IS HIRING! Join a mission-driven team advancing the ICT profession
WOMEN IN BICSI Constructability, Credentials, and Career Resilience: One Woman’s Path Through ICT
Read more on page 4
Read more on page 9
Read more on page 22
Feature Article: Optical LAN Is More Than a Technology Decision
CONTENTS
BICSI Brief is published quarterly in February, May, August, and November by BICSI ® , Inc., and is emailed to BICSI members, credential holders, and customers. BICSI Brief welcomes and encourages contributions and suggestions from its readers. However, all material becomes the property of BICSI, Inc., which reserves the right to edit and alter such material for space or other considerations and to publish or otherwise use such material. The articles, opinions, and ideas expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the contributing authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of BICSI, its members, or its staff. BICSI is not liable in any way, manner, or form for the articles, opinions, and ideas, and readers are urged to exercise professional caution in undertaking any of the recommendations or suggestions made by authors. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from BICSI, Inc. ADVERTISING: Rates and information are provided upon request. Contact Courtney Best Nalls for information at +1 813.769.1842 or cnalls@bicsi.org and Brian Dailey at +1 813.769.1854 or bdailey@bicsi.org. Publication of advertising should not be deemed as endorsement by BICSI, Inc. BICSI reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to reject any advertisement at any time by any party. ©BICSI, 2026. All rights reserved. BICSI and all other registered trademarks within are property of BICSI, Inc.
2026 BICSI Board of Directors Board Chairman William “Bill” Foy, RCDD, DCDC, ESS, NTS, OSP, WD Immediate Past Board President David M. Richards, RCDD, NTS, OSP, TECH, CT Board Secretary Luke Clawson, RCDD, RTPM, GROL, MBA Board Treasurer James “Jim” Walters, RCDD, DCDC, OSP, RTPM, CISSP, GICSP, PMP Board Directors William “Joe” Fallon, RCDD, ESS, AVSEC PM, CISSP, PSP Daniel Hunter, RCDD Miguelangel Ochoa Briceno, RCDD, CT Richard “Shane” Ritter, RCDD, DCDC, RTPM Gilbert Romo Mark Tarrance, RCDD, RTPM Jay Thompson, RCDD Kristen Trbovich, RTPM, MBA Chief Executive Officer John H. Daniels, CNM, CPHIMS, FHIMSS, LFACHE
04 Feature
Optical LAN Is More Than a Technology Decision
08 Organization
Letter From the CEO: Bringing the Right Voices to the Table
10 Events
Upcoming ICT Forum & Webinars, BICSI Conferences, and Global Events
12 Certifications
Why Verifying Credentials Matters | Maintaining Exam Integrity Through Passing Score Analysis — Thank You to Our Volunteers! | New BICSI Credential Holders
20 Education
Design for Day One, Day 1000, and Beyond.
Prepare for Your Next BICSI Certification With Study Aids
22 Community Corner
Women in BICSI: Constructability, Credentials, and Career Resilience: One Woman’s Path Through ICT | Corporate Membership Is an Investment in Organizational Capability
Enterprise data centers rarely remain static. Changing operational priorities are continually reshaping the network and physical environment of enterprise data centers. The experts at Molex Connected Enterprise Solutions have created a helpful guide examining how leveraging modular cabling and repeatable design blocks in conjunction with clear change and documentation processes can simplify deployment, improve serviceability, and support long-term performance.
BICSI Brief Staff Senior Graphic Designer Mark “Line” Cansino
Copywriter/Editor Christopher Bryant Content Marketing Specialist Andrew Cavanaugh Communications Coordinator Landon Carter Advertising Sales Courtney Best Nalls: cnalls@bicsi.org Brian Dailey: bdailey@bicsi.org
Download Here
Simplify maintenance and cross-team troubleshooting
Accelerate deployment with standardized modular patterns
Protect against risk with clear documentation and governance
2 | Contents
Contents | 3
Responsible evaluation begins by defining the outcome before selecting the architecture. What applications must the network support? What capacity, reach, resiliency, security, and operational requirements must be addressed? How will the architecture affect pathways, telecommunications spaces, electronics, power, maintenance, and future changes? Who will design, install, test, document, and manage the solution? These questions move the conversation beyond whether optical LAN is available or technically possible. They establish whether it is appropriate for the environment, how it should be implemented, and what must be controlled throughout the project lifecycle. This is where shared industry education becomes essential. Professionals need more than general awareness of the technology. They need practical information that connects technical capabilities with design requirements, installation realities, standards, and operational expectations. Connecting Expertise Across the Infrastructure Lifecycle Infrastructure knowledge and expertise are often divided by role. Manufacturers understand product capabilities. Designers and consultants translate requirements into technical solutions. Engineers and specifiers establish project expectations. Contractors and technicians encounter installation conditions in the field. Integrators manage dependencies between systems. Owners and operators experience the long-term consequences of every decision that came before. Each perspective contributes part of the complete picture.
The BICSI OLC brings those perspectives into one professional community. Its audience includes designers, consultants, engineers, specifiers, contractors, installers, manufacturers, distributors, integrators, end users, and other professionals across the information and communications technology (ICT) and building infrastructure ecosystem. That cross-disciplinary participation creates an opportunity to identify where understanding differs, where guidance is needed, and where stronger education could improve consistency. It also supports a more complete discussion of performance. Rather than examining optical LAN only through the lens of technology selection, the Council can address the decisions and responsibilities that determine whether the final infrastructure meets its intended requirements.
Optical LAN Is More Than a Technology Decision
Network architecture decisions rarely affect only the network. They influence pathways and spaces, equipment requirements, power considerations, installation practices, testing, documentation, and long-term operations. As more organizations evaluate optical local area network technologies, the conversation must extend beyond individual products or performance claims. The more important questions are broader: Where does optical LAN fit? What requirements should guide its evaluation? How does the architecture affect the complete infrastructure lifecycle? And what expertise is required to deliver consistent, reliable results? The BICSI Optical LAN Council (BICSI OLC) creates a place for the industry to examine those questions together. Expanding the Optical LAN Conversation Established in June 2026, the BICSI OLC brings the expertise, resources, initiatives, and community originally developed through the Association for the Promotion of Optical LAN (APOLAN) into BICSI’s global professional platform.
The transition provides continuity for the optical LAN community while placing its work within a broader infrastructure context. Through BICSI, the Optical LAN Council connects professionals responsible for design, engineering, specification, installation, integration, manufacturing, and system performance. That expanded perspective matters because optical LAN does not operate independently from the environment around it. Its effectiveness depends on how accurately requirements are defined, how well the solution is designed, how consistently it is installed, and how effectively it supports operational needs. The BICSI OLC gives the industry a forum for exploring those interconnected decisions through standards-aligned education, technical resources, collaboration, and vendor-neutral discussion.
Turning Industry Experience Into Shared Understanding The value of a professional council is not limited to the information it distributes. It also comes from the expertise its participants contribute. Through the BICSI OLC, professionals and organizations have an opportunity to engage with peers, contribute industry knowledge and expertise, support
Better Decisions Begin With Better Questions Every infrastructure
environment presents different requirements. A solution that is appropriate for one application, organization, or facility may not be the right approach for another.
4 | Feature
Feature | 5
educational initiatives, and participate in the development of technical resources. Existing APOLAN participation has transitioned into the BICSI OLC structure, preserving continuity while opening a new chapter within the BICSI community. This creates a stronger connection between optical LAN specialists and the broader community responsible for safe, secure, and reliable ICT infrastructure. The goal is not to position one architecture as the answer for every project. It is to improve how optical LAN is understood, evaluated, and applied so that decisions are based on defined requirements, informed analysis, and a complete view of infrastructure performance. Moving From Awareness to Application The next phase of optical LAN adoption will require more than increased market awareness. It will require designers who understand where the architecture fits. Installers who
understand its requirements. Manufacturers and integrators who recognize broader system dependencies. Owners who know which questions to ask. And an industry equipped to separate informed guidance from promotion. The BICSI Optical LAN Council provides a forum for advancing that work. By combining established optical LAN expertise with BICSI’s global community, educational authority, and standards- based approach, the Council strengthens the industry’s ability to move from interest to informed application. Because the measure of any infrastructure technology is not simply what it promises. It is how reliably it performs once every decision becomes part of the finished system. Learn more about the BICSI Optical LAN Council, available resources, and participation opportunities here .
BREAKING THE DENSITY BARRIER
Supports LC, MPO & VSFF Connectors
Up to 192 LC Connections in 1RU
Patent-Pending Pivot Architecture
ENGINEERED DENSITY. OPERATIONAL SIMPLICITY.
6 | Feature
Feature | 7
Bringing the Right Voices to the Table Letter From BICSI’s CEO
The decisions we make about infrastructure today will affect how buildings and systems perform for years to come. As technology continues to evolve, it’s important that we look at each new approach in the context of the full ICT environment. That’s part of the reason we established the new BICSI Optical LAN Council. The council gives us a place to bring people together, examine optical LAN within the broader infrastructure landscape, and develop practical, vendor-neutral guidance for the profession. The goal isn’t to promote one solution over another. It’s to help professionals understand the options, ask the right questions, and make informed decisions based on the needs of each project. The feature article in this issue provides more detail about the council and the work ahead. This is also a good example of how BICSI can bring technical expertise together around issues that are important to our industry. We are taking a similar approach with our new Public Policy Committee and looking for volunteers to help shape that work. The committee will help guide BICSI’s public policy priorities, contribute to the development of positions and responses, and support our engagement with policymakers and other stakeholders. We need members who can bring practical experience, sound judgment, and a clear
understanding of the issues affecting ICT infrastructure, workforce readiness, and the profession. Interested in serving? Please contact Eli Fleet , BICSI’s Director of Government Relations, at efleet@bicsi.org to learn more. I encourage you to learn more about the BICSI Optical LAN Council and to consider serving on the BICSI Public Policy Committee. BICSI is strongest when members bring their knowledge and practical experience to the table. Thank you for the time, judgment, and expertise you continue to give to BICSI and the ICT profession. Together in purpose, John
BICSI is hiring! Join a mission-driven team advancing the ICT profession and supporting infrastructure professionals around the world. Build a meaningful career with an organization that values service, excellence, and professional growth while offering competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits from the first day of employment.
Explore BICSI Careers
John H. Daniels, CNM, LFACHE, FHIMSS, CPHIMS Chief Executive Officer BICSI
8 | Organization
Organization | 9
UPCOMING BICSI CONFERENCES
Upcoming In-Person ICT Forum & Webinar
BICSI Beyond 2026 30 August–2 September 2026 Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, Nevada
BICSI Winter 2027 14–18 February 2027 Orange County Convention Center Orlando, Florida
IN-PERSON ICT FORUM (5 CEC S )
BICSI ICT Forum - Southeast Jacksonville, FL, United States 8 October 2026 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. ET
REGISTER
LEARN MORE
The All-American Rejects live in concert at BICSI Beyond. Concert experience included with Beyond registration. *
*
Call for Presenters is open! Submit your application by 11 September 2026.
REGISTER
UPCOMING GLOBAL EVENTS
15 October 2026 12–1 p.m. ET Topic: Why Hook & Loop Matters in Cable Management Sponsored by Velcro Companies REGISTER WEBINAR (1 CEC)
BICSI CALA ICT Summit Puerto Rico Conference & Exhibition 28 October 2026 San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino San Juan, Puerto Rico
BICSI Japan Conference & Exhibition 2026 17–18 November 2026 TODA Hall & Conference Tokyo, Japan
Interested in being a sponsor at one of our webinars or ICT Forums? Connect with BICSI’s Business Development team for more information.
Courtney Nalls Email: cnalls@bicsi.org Phone: 813-352-0660 Fax: 1-813-971-0286
Brian Dailey Email: bdailey@bicsi.org Phone: 813-769-1854 Fax: 1-813-971-4311
10 | Events
Events | 11
to a professional code of ethics reflects an ongoing commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. These practices ensure that credential holders remain current with evolving technologies and industry best practices while upholding the integrity of the profession. Ultimately, credential verification is about building confidence. Clients gain assurance that they are hiring
qualified professionals, employers protect their organizations from unnecessary risk, and credential holders receive the recognition they have earned through dedication and expertise. In an industry where reliability, safety, and performance are paramount, verifying credentials is a simple but powerful step that reinforces public trust and preserves the reputation of the ICT profession for years to come.
Why Verifying Credentials Matters In today’s information and communications technology (ICT) industry, trust is one of the most valuable assets a professional can earn. Certifications demonstrate that an individual has met rigorous standards of knowledge, experience, and ethical conduct. However, that trust only holds value when employers, clients, and project owners take the extra step to verify that a credential is valid and in good standing. Credential verification helps ensure that the professionals responsible for designing, installing, and supporting critical infrastructure have legitimately earned the qualifications they claim to possess. Verifying credentials protects both organizations and the public from the risks associated with fraudulent or expired certifications. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into healthcare, education, government, financial services, and
public safety, the consequences of relying on unqualified individuals can be significant. By confirming a professional’s credentials through official verification resources, organizations reduce risk, improve project quality, and demonstrate due diligence in selecting qualified personnel. BICSI’s commitment to certification integrity reinforces that credentials are earned through competency, ethical behavior, and ongoing professional development, not simply awarded or assumed. Credential verification also strengthens the value of every certification held by legitimate professionals. When employers consistently verify credentials, they help preserve the credibility of the certification program and recognize the hard work invested by those who have met the required standards. Maintaining certification through continuing education and adherence
12 | Certifications
Certifications | 13
• Larry Gillen, RCDD, DCDC, OSP, ESS (DCDC Workgroup Vice Chair) • Jeffrey Staloch, RCDD, DCDC, TECH (DCDC Workgroup Secretary) INSTF Passing Score Analysis • Peter Chadwick, INSTF, TECH • Samuel Harris, RCDD, INSTF • Scott Hodson, RCDD, INSTF, TECH • Thomas “Tad” McGonigle, INSTF, INSTC, TECH • Alma Meldrum, INST1, INSTF, TECH • Luke Schmitz, RCDD, TECH • Sarai Smith, INSTF • Brian Posivak, TECH (Installation Workgroup Chair) • Doug Sherwood, TECH (Installation Workgroup Vice Chair) • Jobie Smith, RCDD, TECH (Installation Workgroup Secretary) Thank you to all of our SMEs, workgroup leaders, and certification volunteers for your continued dedication to maintaining the highest standards of excellence. Your contributions have a lasting impact on our profession and the integrity of our certification programs. Want to Make a Difference? Volunteer With Us! If you’re passionate about advancing the profession and contributing to the quality of our certification programs, we’d love to have you join our volunteer community. Your expertise can help shape the future of our exams and ensure they remain fair and relevant. Interested? Email credentialing@bicsi.org to be considered for future exam development activities.
• Ward Sellars, RCDD, WD • Richard “Chip” Young, RCDD • John Zullo, RCDD • Michael Bonaccorsi, RCDD (RCDD Workgroup Chair) • Jodie Goodbrake, RCDD, DCDC (RCDD Workgroup Vice Chair) • Richard Abeyta, RCDD, TECH (RCDD Workgroup Secretary) RTPM Passing Score Analysis • Kyle Barraclough, RTPM • J.P. Gomez, RCDD, RTPM, TECH • David Lester, RCDD, DCDC, OSP, RTPM, TECH, NTS, ESS • Brandon Miller, RCDD, RTPM • Carlo Monton, RCDD, DCDC, OSP, RTPM, ESS • Megan O’Lone, RTPM • Kenneth Roberts, RCDD, RTPM • Adam Haskin, RCDD (RTPM Workgroup Chair) • Michael Collins, RCDD, RTPM (RTPM Workgroup Vice Chair) DCDC Passing Score Analysis • Sean Betti, RCDD, DCDC, RTPM • Nicola Cegalin, DCDC • Brad Franson, RCDD, DCDC • Scott Gazda, RCDD, DCDC, OSP • John “Rick” Gideon, III, RCDD, DCDC, OSP • Jodie Goodbrake, RCDD, DCDC • Casey Sisco, RCDD, DCDC • Rui Takei, RCDD, DCDC, OSP (DCDC Workgroup Chair)
Maintaining Exam Integrity Through Passing Score Analysis — Thank You to Our Volunteers!
Following item analyses, BICSI recently conducted passing score analyses, also known as cut score studies, for four certification exams: Registered Communications Distribution Designer® (RCDD®), Registered Telecommunications Project Manager® (RTPM®), Data Center Design Consultant® (DCDC®), and BICSI Installer 2, Optical Fiber® (INSTF®). This important step helps ensure that our exams continue to measure competence fairly and accurately. What Is a Passing Score Analysis? A passing score analysis, or cut score study, is a structured process used to determine the minimum level of knowledge and skills a candidate must demonstrate to earn certification. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) carefully review exam content and evaluate the performance expected of a minimally competent practitioner. Their collective input is used to establish a defensible passing score that reflects the knowledge required for success in the field. Why It Matters Passing score analyses help maintain the validity, fairness, and credibility of our certification programs. Rather than relying on an arbitrary percentage, passing scores are based on expert judgment and industry expectations. This ensures that certified
individuals have demonstrated the level of competence needed to perform their roles effectively while preserving the value and integrity of the credential. A Heartfelt Thank You We extend our sincere appreciation to the dedicated volunteers who participated in these passing score analyses. Their expertise, thoughtful discussions, and commitment to excellence are essential to ensuring our certification programs remain relevant, defensible, and respected throughout the industry. These volunteers generously contributed their time and professional knowledge to help establish fair and appropriate passing standards for our programs. Their efforts directly support the quality of BICSI certification programs and the professionals who rely on them. RCDD Passing Score Analysis • Jonathan Delahoyde, RCDD, OSP • Ray Jones, RCDD, RTPM, TECH • Gregory McClive, RCDD • William “Spencer” Phillips, RCDD, OSP • Andy Salley, RCDD
14 | Certifications
Certifications | 15
New BICSI Credential Holders New credential holders effective 1 May–31 July 2026
Jacob Unger Timothy Johnson Jose Koolman DJ Fancher
Abi Ashok Daniel Scanlan Freddy Antonio Cruz Escobar
Dawlat Waziri Randall Gaudreau Matthew Shadle Jeremy Walters
Aaron Barrera Harvey Yates Justin Veilleux OSP Bryan Torres Michael Lifferth
Ruben Nunez Daniel Lopez Isaac Bryant
Mack Smith John Doyle Gilles Phan Rodrigo Sarmiento Seth Perez John Amon Zachary Sam Ansif Fasiludeen Ulaimath Mohamad Alabbas Gregory Churchel Jeffrey Bilbrey Kris Wood Erik Garcia Ernest Michael Pelaez
Robert Hamilton Andrew Prejean Wesley Brooks Irfan Toprak Jose Contreras David Smith Thomas Hawkes Miguel Alvarado-Chavez Brandon Nutton William Rose Colin Ford Bradley Cameron Jacob Rustan Mario Mejia Travis Frey Jason Quintana David Flory Jamie Hart DCDC Sarim Ali Christopher Morrison Dawlat Waziri William Fore Austin Hinners Kesar Singh Gehlot Scotty Call Cameron Gilinsky Christopher Sweet Narendra Kumar Gupta Mohammed Azam Nithin Job Che-Kang Chang Ismael Aguilar
TECH Anthony Boggess Lee Dubois Christian Turner Jeremy Albertson Sammy Barron Mark Caudle Brian Gers Juan Candelaria Brennan Schulze Kirill Zavyalov Eric Garay Johnathon McDaniel Kolten Corson Brandon Chandler Jonathan Kaufmann Steven Smith Bradley Chappel Connor Creiglow
Jerrod Hall Jacob Darhower Hunter Houck Jared Cooper Ethan Little Cody Clemons Brad Isham Sadie Hopkey
Isaac Marquis Adrian Hernandez Matthew Olson Skyler Gerber Paul Lester Kyle Ennis Matthew Hackworth Edward Kriegler Cody Oldknow Samuel Wright Juan Carlos Rodriguez Christopher Totten Ronald Buanno Marico Holmes Terry Zahn Justin Schinnow Richard Hill Robert Eseke Alex Alfano Keegan McNabb Luz Reyes Joshua Wade Danielle Brand Benjamin Green Hud Johnson Alexander Watkins Wayne Westphalen Noah Smith Robert Carbine Daniel McElwee Angel Pineda Araque Megan Duffy Anthony McCullough Gavin Goodell Brian Lopez
Sam Hosseini Bryson Leong Christian “Eric” Siritto David Sramek
Scott Gazda Ryan Gruver Diego Dancil Miguel Cruz Mark Egbert Henry Figuereo Ryan Tator
David Brownfield Geoffery Levario Gregory Mountcastle Joshua Garrison Robert Fisher Jason Valles Brian Eastmond Charles Kuzma Jose Gonzalez Brent Garrison John Mashl Alexander Blust Raul Barillas Josh Benson Matthew Little Douglas Talford Damien Desrosiers Arben Ivezaj Nolan Quinn Camron Wood Robert LaPlante Eric Landers Douglas Orkisz Gary Ferebee Collin Foote Froilan Martinez Christopher Mullen
Ranjita Nair Cierra Skov Kyle King
Jacob Lyons Daniel Ervin Chandler Hershberger Anthony Jedlecki RCDD Connor Von Knorring Shawn Johnson Christopher Chuck Stephanie Cary Parammal Roshan Abdul Qader Suraparaju Gadiraju Mohamed Infas Mohamed Yeheya Muditha Hewa Vithana
Terri Morris Paul Smith Mohammed Osman Jason Moilanen Marie Takahashi Gregory Cole Jaquin Harrison John Froelich Ty Christian Prosper Tumuse Farzad Nikpanjeh Kristopher Ray Sadiya Merchant Jenny Skillicorn Silvius Popa Serafino Edwards Renato Saturnino Meggin Scott Christopher Castillo Shahid Ali Rizvi Dexter Emocling
Cody Williams Joshua Leblanc Jared Rinker Shea Martinez Geoffrey Fischer
Brandon Culp Richard Rincon Dustin Englehart Kale Anderson Joel Stanley Orlando Jose Araujo Nunez Samuel Gaydusek Matthew Murray Jonah Eller Lawrence Mashaw Travis Jacques
Brian Clontz David Walter
Seweryn Tomczyk Christie Ketchum Garland Brooks
Bryan Torres Noel Thomas
16 | Certifications
Certifications | 17
Micah Smith Robert Allen Jeff Crowe Brady Galbraith Abdul Rahman Ali Mir
Kirill Zavyalov Kaveer Maraj Abdul Raheem Mohamed Ariff Brenden Besaw Frank Santoyo Axel Deleon
BLUE LIGHTNING ® Aluminum EMT is the smart choice for data center cabling.
Keagan Henke Joseph Schultz Alfred Guzman Anna Thompson William Henshaw
Shahid Ali Joshua Hill Christopher Kilpatrick Thomas Leishman Tyler Chance Beaver Ahmed Yosry Gaber
Susan Yongue Kealon Barlow Samuel DuBose Martin Moser Stephen Ahlgrim David Noel Mahmoud Osama Abrarahmed Mohammedkasim Kheruwala Tyler Caraffi
Scott Oosthuizen Nicholas Runnells Francisco Torres-Silvagnoli RTPM Brian Kreeger Christopher Danvers Adam Taylor Marc Bradford Sherman Dennis Gainey Sean Betti John Sobieski Naeel Zuriek Kenneth Dick Andrew Stallman Bryan Torres Syed Qaiser Raza Rizvi Christopher Eicholtz Cody Orme
Claire Neaven James Piccolo John Miears Kevin Riehl Lauren Dew Christopher Orders Keegan McNabb Jishad Kn Nathaniel Boland Amanda Hintz Syed Ilyas Ahmed Hashmi
BLUE LIGHTNING aluminum EMT is quickly becoming the preferred choice for both ICT cabling and electrical wiring in data centers, when compared to steel EMT . At just 1/3 the weight of steel, the benefits of BLUE LIGHTNING really add up over thousands of feet installed:
Andrew Barr Clinton Brider John Sloan Timothy Ridgell Eric Leake Amr Barakat Uzma Ayub Hunter Clark
• Lower cost than steel EMT • Easy cutting and bending • 100% recyclable
• Increased jobsite efficiency • Reduced fatigue and injury risk • No risk of zinc whiskers
BLUE LIGHTNING EMT meets the same code standards (UL 797A), uses the same fittings, and is available in the same trade sizes (1/2 " - 4 " ) as galvanized steel EMT. Plus, it’s internally coated with our proprietary, UL listed wire pulling compound to reduce pulling resistance.
Congratulations!
Mike DeSchutter Vladimir Cepeda Stefan Alexander Anthony Villanueva
For additional information and resources visit: pennconduit.com
MADE IN AMERICA
18 | Certifications
Certifications | 19
Prepare for Your Next BICSI Certification
Registered Telecommunications Project Manager® (RTPM®) The RTPM certification recognizes expertise in overseeing ICT projects and coordinating designers, engineers, installers, and technicians during project development and construction. • RTPM Exam Study Aid . Includes a practice exam drawn from a bank of 200 quiz questions, interactive activities, and 240 flash cards to reinforce major RTPM concepts. • Related courses : PM101: Foundations of Project Management; PM102: Applied Telecommunications Project Management; PM103: Advanced Tools for Project Management.
BICSI Outside Plant Designer™ (OSP) The OSP certification recognizes knowledge and experience in designing new and integrating existing outside plant systems, including interbuilding cabling and infrastructure. • OSP Digital Study Aid . Provides a self- paced study aid aligned with the blueprint that uses focused lessons, scenarios, and practice questions to reinforce major OSP concepts. • Related courses : OSP101: Introduction to Outside Plant Design; OSP102: Applied Outside Plant Design.
Explore BICSI study aids and related courses for the DCDC®, RCDD®, RTPM® and OSP certification programs. Suggested study materials vary by certification; consult the applicable certification handbook for details.
Explore All BICSI Study Aids
Note: The Study Aid for the DCDC Exam and RCDD Test Preparation Course include flash cards. Separate flash-card purchases are not needed with these products.
Data Center Design Consultant® (DCDC®) The DCDC certification recognizes expertise in designing, coordinating, and managing data center projects from documentation and specifications through construction and ongoing operations. • Study Aid for the DCDC Exam . Uses tutorials, more than 1,000 flash cards, interactive activities, and practice questions aligned with the blueprint to reinforce major DCDC concepts. • Data Center Flash Cards v4.0 . Provides more than 1,000 terms and quiz questions for DCDC exam preparation. • Related courses: DC101: Introduction to Data Center Design; DC102: Applied Data Center Design and Best Practices.
Registered Communications Distribution Designer® (RCDD®) The RCDD certification recognizes expertise in designing communications distribution systems, coordinating design activities, and assessing completed systems that support information and communications technology (ICT) solutions. • RCDD Test Preparation Course . Combines videos, tutorials, games, flash cards, calculation exercises, and practice questions to reinforce major RCDD concepts. • TDMM Flash Cards . Provides more than 2,500 digital questions divided into chapter- based stacks for RCDD exam preparation. • Related courses : DD115: Best Practices of Telecommunications Distribution Design; DD215: Applied Intelligent Building Design.
20 | Education
Education | 21
Your Path Is Valid, Even If It Doesn’t Look Like Anyone Else’s There is no single entry point into ICT and no single way to build something meaningful within it. Fieldwork, credentials, career pivots and motherhood all shape how we show up. My decade as an electrician didn’t hold me back; it prepared me for the work I do now. Whether you’re just starting out, well into your career or somewhere in between, your experience in this industry has value. Own it, invest in yourself and help design pathways not just for networks but for the women coming up behind you.
Constructability, Credentials, and Career Resilience: One Woman’s Path Through ICT by Jasmine Scinto, RCDD, CTS I spent a decade on construction sites, often as the only woman on the jobsite, and I didn’t wait to be welcomed. The only way in was through: show up, do the work and let that speak for itself. My path into the information and communications technology (ICT) industry didn’t start with a degree. It started with a vocational high school electrical program and 10 years of fieldwork that taught me how systems actually come together, not on paper but in the real world, under pressure and with my own hands. From the Field to the Table When I was ready to move beyond physical installation, I found a position as an estimator for a low-voltage integrator. I was hired because of my field experience, and that background changed how I approached the work. Estimating also introduced me to the broader ICT industry and, for the first time, to BICSI. That exposure opened up a world I hadn’t known existed and reframed something important: my field experience wasn’t a limitation. It was a foundation most people in the room didn’t have. More than words from WOMEN BICSI in
The transition into consulting came naturally. After my second child, the commute wasn’t sustainable anymore. I told my supervisor I was looking for something more flexible, and he referred me to a consulting firm. That referral showed me a path I hadn’t known was available. The move into consulting also made earning the Registered Communications Distribution Designer® (RCDD®) credential feel urgent. In a male-dominated industry, credentials carry particular weight for women. The RCDD shifted conversations from questioning my presence to trusting my judgment. For women still underrepresented in this field, that kind of validation can become professional currency. What the Field Gave Me That a Classroom Couldn’t My years in the field gave me something you can’t learn from a drawing: constructability. I don’t just see lines on drawings; I see where design meets reality and where the gap between the two becomes costly. I design with installers in mind because I was one. That experience still makes me better at what I do today. The Career That Grew With My Life Becoming a mother changed the equation. As a mom of two, I needed a career that could keep pace with my life without asking me to choose between professional ambition and being present for my family. Consulting gave me that possibility through flexibility, trust and a focus on what I delivered rather than where I was. I manage complex projects with the same precision I bring to managing a household, without feeling that one part of my life has to come at the expense of another.
22 | Community Corner
Community Corner | 23
Corporate Membership Is an Investment in Organizational Capability
than employing a few knowledgeable individuals. Organizations must create an environment in which employees can continue learning, consult trusted technical resources, exchange knowledge with peers, and remain connected to the direction of the profession. Corporate Membership provides a framework for making that commitment at the company level. Move from isolated development to a company-wide investment Individual professional development will always matter. Corporate Membership does not replace it; it helps an organization support it more strategically. Through access to BICSI resources, events, education, publications, and a global professional community, companies can extend the value of industry engagement across their teams. Membership benefits and savings can make it easier to connect more employees with the training and information relevant to their responsibilities. That broader access matters because telecommunications infrastructure is rarely the responsibility of any one person or department. Designers, installers, project managers, operations teams, business leaders, and external partners all influence the outcome.
When more of those contributors share access to established industry knowledge, organizations are better positioned to build a common technical foundation and make informed decisions across projects. The value is not simply that employees receive benefits. It is that the company becomes more intentional about how it develops and sustains expertise. Strengthen credibility through visible commitment Clients and project partners increasingly need confidence in the companies responsible for their connected infrastructure. They want to know that those organizations understand evolving technologies, recognize established standards, and invest in the people performing the work. Corporate Membership offers companies a way to demonstrate engagement with the professional community advancing telecommunications infrastructure. That distinction should be understood correctly: membership is not a substitute for individual credentials, performance. Its value lies elsewhere. It signals that an organization sees industry participation and workforce development as business priorities rather than occasional expenses. technical qualifications, or demonstrated project
In a business environment increasingly dependent on connected systems, companies cannot afford to treat telecommunications expertise as an individual concern. Building organizational capability requires a shared commitment to knowledge, workforce development, and industry engagement. Communications, security, building automation, data, and operational systems are no longer peripheral technologies. They are foundational to how facilities function, how teams work, and how businesses serve their customers. Every organization now relies on connected infrastructure. Yet many companies still approach telecommunications expertise one employee at a time. They send an individual to a course when a new skill is needed. They purchase a technical resource when a project requires it. They engage with the broader industry only when an immediate business need arises. Those actions can provide value, but they do not necessarily build lasting organizational capability.
Companies that want to remain competitive need a more deliberate approach: one that gives their teams continued access to the knowledge, professional community, and industry perspectives required to navigate a rapidly changing field. That is the business case for BICSI Corporate
Membership . Infrastructure
performance begins with organizational capability The performance of connected systems
depends on the decisions people make throughout the infrastructure lifecycle, from planning and design to installation, project management, operations, and maintenance. When teams lack shared technical understanding, the effects rarely remain isolated. Misalignment can contribute to design conflicts, inconsistent execution, preventable rework, schedule disruption, and systems that do not perform as intended. These are not simply technical problems. They are business risks. Developing stronger infrastructure capability therefore requires more
24 | Community Corner
Community Corner | 25
Treat membership as part of the business strategy The strongest companies do not wait for a capability gap to become a project problem. They invest before the need becomes urgent. BICSI Corporate Membership should be evaluated through that lens. The question is not only whether a company will use a certain number of benefits or recover its investment through discounts. Those considerations matter, but they are only part of the return. The larger question is whether the organization is building the knowledge, professional connections, and workforce capability required to perform in a field where infrastructure expectations continue to rise. Connected systems are central to modern business. The expertise behind them should be treated with the same strategic importance. For companies ready to make that commitment, BICSI Corporate Membership is more than access. It is an investment in the organization they intend to become. Explore BICSI Corporate Membership and discover how your organization can strengthen its connection to the knowledge, resources, and professional community advancing telecommunications infrastructure.
BICSI Management Chief Executive Officer John H. Daniels, CNM, CPHIMS, FHIMSS, LFACHE; jdaniels@bicsi.org Chief Finance and Operations Officer Joe Sullivan; jsullivan@bicsi.org Chief Impact Officer Gail Moore-Swaby, CPLP; gmooreswaby@bicsi.org General Counsel Caroline Laurin; claurin@bicsi.org Vice President of Certifications Ronda V. Thomas, CAE, ICE-CCP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP; rvthomas@bicsi.org Vice President of Meeting Services Melissa Cummiskey, CMP; mcummiskey@bicsi.org George Parnell; gparnell@bicsi.org Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications Vice President of Professional Development Penni Ferguson, M.S.; pferguson@bicsi.org Vice President of Standards & Publications Nick Tongson; ntongson@bicsi.org Director of Accounting & Administration Gordon Haughton; ghaughton@bicsi.org Director of Curriculum Development & Learning Tara Huff; thuff@bicsi.org Director of Government Relations Eli Fleet; efleet@bicsi.org Director of Human Resources Bernie Currie, SHRM-CP, PHR; bcurrie@bicsi.org Director of IT Christopher Muratore; cmuratore@bicsi.org Director, Membership, Volunteer Services, & Customer Experience Dr. Reinaldo Llano Jr., MBA, DBA; rllano@bicsi.org Director of Training Delivery & Operations Christopher Hobbs, RCDD, DCDC, OSP, RTPM, CT; chobbs@bicsi.org
Committee Chairs & Vice Chairs BICSI Cares Jeffrey Westlund, RCDD; Shari English, RCDD; and Kent Gibson, RCDD Ethics Kent Gibson, RCDD; and Randi Soskil, RCDD Leadership Development Dave Richards, RCDD, NTS, OSP, TECH, CT Professional Development Anthony Romeo; and Steven Tepley, RCDD Registrations and Credentials Supervision Heather Callaway, RCDD; and Mungree Singh, RCDD Standards Pat Mahoney, RCDD; and Christopher Harrell, RCDD Technical Information & Methods Robert “Bob” Hertling, RCDD, OSP; and Phil Janeway, RCDD (Retired)
For companies that differentiate themselves through expertise, that commitment can strengthen their credibility. Stay connected to the profession, not just the next project Organizations cannot prepare for change if they encounter it only at the project level. New technologies, expanding system convergence, changing customer expectations, and increasingly complex facilities continue to reshape telecommunications work. Companies need opportunities to look beyond current deliverables and understand the issues that will influence future projects, workforce needs, and business decisions. BICSI connects organizations with a global community of professionals working across the connected infrastructure ecosystem. Through that community, companies can gain exposure to different perspectives, participate in consequential industry conversations, and maintain a closer connection to the forces shaping their field. That access can help leaders make more informed choices about where to develop talent, how to support their teams, and what capabilities their organizations will need next.
26 | Community Corner
Management & Committees | 27
Page 1 Page 2-3 Page 4-5 Page 6-7 Page 8-9 Page 10-11 Page 12-13 Page 14-15 Page 16-17 Page 18-19 Page 20-21 Page 22-23 Page 24-25 Page 26-27Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs