Certification Details

Certified Infrastructure Systems Technologist - CIST-I™

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Certification Overview

Participants are expected to master advanced data center strategies, including the optimal selection of power, space, and network connectivity to meet organizational demands. The curriculum focuses on implementing redundant DC power and cooling systems, emphasizing concurrent maintainability through N+1 architectures for both electrical and thermal management. Furthermore, the program covers high-level site oversight and multi-layered security, such as biometric authentication, secure key card access, on-site personnel, and enhanced physical protection. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in data center networking, specifically in latency reduction, backbone technologies, global cloud services, virtualization, and IT convergence.

The Certified Infrastructure Systems Technologist - CIST-I™® credential serves as the professional progression following the CISA-I™ exam. As rapid shifts in business dynamics demand greater agility, the CIST-I™® certification prepares candidates to meet enterprise needs for scalable infrastructure, robust network capabilities, and reliable security to manage growth while controlling costs. Earning this designation empowers professionals to become expert counterparts to suppliers, enabling them to rigorously verify vendor proposals for technical accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and overall operational efficiency.

The Certified Infrastructure Systems Technologist - CIST-I™ is a foundational credential awarded by ITQMA to professionals who have demonstrated core competency in project frameworks


e-Competence Framework (e-CF)

The mapping of this certificate against the e-Competence Framework. To know more on e-Competence Framework (e-CF) visit, ECF


Exam Code: CIST-I™-001

Exam Information

The exam comprises of 40 Multiple Choice Questions out of which the candidate needs to score a percentage of 70% (28 out of 40) to pass the exam.

The total duration of the exam is 1 hour (60 Minutes).

  • The exam is conducted in AI-proctored mode and can be taken anytime, anywhere within an eight-month validity period.
  • Upon purchasing the Premium Package or an Exam Voucher Code, a voucher code with two attempts will be assigned to your login profile under the "My Vouchers" tab. You can then take the exam through the "My Exam(s)" tab in your profile. To take the exam, simply apply the voucher code.

  • The Exam Voucher included in the Premium Package or purchased separately is valid for two (2) attempts. If you are unable to pass the exam within these two attempts, you can purchase a new voucher code, which will grant you an additional two attempts.
  • Kindly Note: The voucher will not be valid for a second attempt if you pass the exam on your first attempt.

The Certified Infrastructure Systems Technologist - CIST-I™® Certificate is valid for life.

CIST-I™ is a Registered Trademark of ITQMA.

Note: The Certified Infrastructure Systems Technologist - CIST-I™® Certification has no pre-requisites (Completion of an E-Course is not mandatory from ITQMA), but we highly recommend doing the E-Course as maximum number of questions are drawn from the E-Course in the actual exam.

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Course Outline

Module 1 – Fundamentals of Security

  • Physical Security
  • Identifying assets
  • Physical Security Identification Methods and Devices
  • Other Physical Security Methods
  • Overall Considerations for Physical Security
  • Control Access
  • Risk Tolerance versus Cost
  • Evaluation

Module 2 – Fundamentals of Power

  • Introduction
  • Key Terms
  • Electrical Load
  • Power Types
  • Powers Factors
  • Power System Failures
  • Circuit Breakers and Outlets
  • Physical security measures
  • Power Distribution Components

Module 3 – Generator Management

  • Identifying Main Components
  • Standby Generators
  • Internal Combustion Engine
  • Filters
  • Grounding
  • Voltage Regulator
  • Regulations
  • Switchgear and Distribution
  • Maintenance Measures

Module 4 – Cooling Layouts for Data Center

  • Introduction
  • Types of Cooling System
  • Air Distribution System
  • Data Center Heat Removal Approaches
  • Air Cooled Self-Contained Systems
  • Water Systems
  • Mounting Types
  • Cooling Arrangements
  • Technology Compaction
  • Rack Arrangements
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Target Audience

Data Centre Operations Managers, Data Centre Designers, Facilities Managers, IT Service Delivery Managers, IT Technical Marketing & Technical Sales Reps, IT Department Managers, etc.

Certified Infrastructure Systems Technologist - CIST-I™ are trademarks of ITQMA (IT Quality Management Association). All rights reserved.