CDCS

Exam Practice Questions

This CDCS exam PDF provides detailed practice questions, answers, and
explanations. These EXIN CDCS exam practice questions are designed for IT
professionals, system administrators, and students preparing for EPI Data Centre
certification.

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Exam-Oriented Questions: Realistic practice questions that mirror the format

and difficulty of actual certification exams.

Wide Coverage: Includes cloud computing, networking, security, AI, and

enterprise IT management exams.

Study-Friendly Format: Organized sections by exam type, enabling focused

preparation.

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Share some CDCS exam online questions below.

1.In which stage of the data center life cycle does testing and commissioning take place?
A. Design stage
B. Implement stage
C. Operate/optimize stage
D. Retire stage
Answer: B
Explanation:
The data center life cycle is typically divided into four stages:
Design (scope, architecture, planning)
Implement (construction, installation, testing & commissioning)
Operate/Optimize (day-to-day operations, maintenance, continuous improvement)
Retire (decommissioning and migration)
Testing and commissioning occur in the Implement stage, after construction but before handover.
This includes Integrated Systems Testing (IST), which validates that all systems (electrical, cooling,
fire protection, telecom) perform to design intent and redundancy requirements. Without
commissioning, the data center cannot be certified or considered operational.
Reference: Uptime Institute Commissioning Guidelines, ANSI/TIA-942-B Annex F (Lifecycle), ISO/IEC
30182.

2.Does hot/cold aisle containment impact PUE?

A. Yes, but not with cooling towers
B. Yes, avoidance of mixing improves PUE
C. No, airflow has no impact on power
D. No, unless using virtualization
Answer: B
Explanation:
Hot and cold aisle containment prevents mixing of supply and return air, which improves cooling
efficiency. By maintaining higher return-air temperatures, cooling units operate more efficiently, often
allowing higher chilled water setpoints. This reduces overall cooling power consumption, directly
improving PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness).
Containment is recognized by ASHRAE and Green Grid as one of the simplest and most cost-
effective methods for lowering PUE.
Options A, C, and D are false because containment benefits apply regardless of cooling source or IT
virtualization.
Reference: ASHRAE TC 9.9 C Airflow Management, The Green Grid White Paper #42.

3.You want to make cooling more effective by setting cold aisle temperature to 4 °C (39 °F).
Is this acceptable?
A. Yes, but only if cooling systems can maintain this continuously
B. Yes, as long as dewpoint doesn’t go below -9 °C (16 °F)
C. No, 4 °C (39 °F) is below the allowable ASHRAE range
D. No, intake air must be exactly 20 °C (68 °F)
Answer: C
Explanation:
According to ASHRAE TC 9.9 Thermal Guidelines (2016), the recommended intake temperature
range for Class A1 ICT equipment is 18C27 °C (64C81 °F). The allowable lower limit is 15 °C (59
°F). Setting supply to 4 °C (39 °F) falls far below these limits.
Operating at such low temperatures would:
Cause condensation risk when surfaces drop below dew point.
Create severe energy inefficiency, as chillers would run at extremely low setpoints.
Possibly damage hardware due to thermal shock.
Options A and B are misleading?system capability or dew point alone does not override ASHRAE
guidelines.
Option D is incorrect since 20 °C is a common design target, not a requirement. Thus, supplying 4
°C is not acceptable.
Reference: ASHRAE TC 9.9 “Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments,”
ANSI/TIA-942-B §6.5.

4.What mainly affects the cooling capacity of a raised floor tile?

A. Type of ICT equipment, location of the air conditioner, pressure under the raised floor, allowable
temperature in the hot aisle
B. Relative humidity in the computer room, temperature of the cold air, pressure under the raised
floor, construction material of the tile
C. Percentage of the surface opening, obstruction of the supporting construction, pressure under the
raised floor, damper construction
D. Percentage of the surface opening, airflow direction of the ICT equipment, temperature difference
between the air intake and air exhaust of the ICT equipment, construction material of the tile
Answer: C
Explanation:
The cooling capacity of a raised floor tile is primarily influenced by the percentage of surface opening,
the obstruction caused by the supporting construction, the pressure under the raised floor, and the
damper construction. These factors dictate how much airflow can pass through the tile and how
effectively cool air is distributed to the equipment in the data center.
Detailed Explanation
The percentage of surface opening on a floor tile affects how much air can flow through, with larger
openings allowing more airflow. Supporting structures beneath the floor can obstruct airflow, reducing
cooling efficiency. Pressure under the raised floor impacts the velocity and volume of air that moves
through the tile. Additionally, if dampers are installed, they control the airflow rate, which can be
adjusted to meet specific cooling needs for the area.
EPI Data Center Specialist
Reference: EPI guidance on airflow management under raised floors emphasizes these factors as
critical for effective cooling, especially in high-density areas. Ensuring unobstructed and adequate
airflow helps maintain consistent cooling across equipment.

5.Where should raised-floor installation start?

A. Point A (entrance corner)
B. Point B (side wall)
C. Point C (center of the room)
D. Point D (corner opposite entrance)
Answer: C
Explanation:
Best practice is to begin raised-floor installation at the center of the room, working outward. This
minimizes alignment errors and ensures the tile grid is centered, which is critical for aisle containment
and rack alignment.
Starting at the perimeter (A, B, D) causes cutting of tiles along both sides, misalignment with rack
rows, and possible airflow inefficiencies. By starting at the center, tiles can be cut symmetrically
around the edges, providing better aesthetics, balanced airflow, and structural stability.
Industry guidelines such as CISCA recommend this approach for raised floors in mission-critical
spaces.
Reference: CISCA Raised Access Floor Guidelines, ANSI/TIA-942-B §6.3.

6.What precaution shall be taken for cabling leading into an equipment rack when a data center is in a
seismic-prone area?
A. Cables should be loosely organized to allow for movement and be latched at the connectors.
B. Cables shall be tightly organized to the rack and trays to avoid movement.
C. Cables can be organized in any way as it is not important.
D. Cables should be replaced by busbar trunking.
Answer: B
Explanation:
In seismic-prone areas, cables should be tightly secured to racks and cable trays to minimize
movement during seismic activity. Properly securing the cables prevents them from being damaged
due to excessive motion, which could lead to outages or damage to connected equipment.
Detailed Explanation
Loose cables can be vulnerable to shaking or sudden jolts during an earthquake, increasing the risk
of disconnection or damage. By tightly organizing and securing cables, you ensure they remain in
place, even during significant movement, thereby maintaining connection integrity and reducing the
risk of physical damage.
EPI Data Center Specialist
Reference: EPI training includes considerations for data centers in seismic zones, advising that
cables be firmly anchored to support structures to reduce movement and mitigate potential damage
during seismic events.

7.What is the advantage of using Multi-fiber Push-On (MPO) connectors?

A. No advantage, cannot be used with OM4 fiber
B. Allows a single connector with multiple fibers running parallel, enabling easy upgrade to 40C100
Gbit/s
C. Made of high-quality materials, reusable without risk
D. Very flexible, can be used for both copper and optical fiber
Answer: B
Explanation:
MPO connectors are multi-fiber connectors that support 12, 24, or more fibers in a single connector.
Their key advantage is enabling parallel optics?where multiple fibers transmit simultaneously. This
makes them ideal for 40GBASE-SR4 and 100GBASE-SR10 Ethernet links.
With OM4 or OM5 fiber, MPO cabling supports short-reach high-speed links in modern data centers.
Option A is incorrect; MPO works with OM3/OM4/OM5.
Option C is misleading; all connectors degrade with repeated use.
Option D is false because MPO is optical-only.
The real advantage is parallel multi-fiber transmission in one connector, simplifying cabling for high-
speed networking.
Reference: ANSI/TIA-568.3-D (Optical Fiber Cabling), IEEE 802.3ba (40/100GbE), ANSI/TIA-942-B
§8.

8.The logical overview of the data center looks as pictured.

To what TIA-942 Rating is this design made based on electrical only?
A. Rating - 4
B. Rating - 3
C. Rating - 2
D. Rating - 1
Answer: A
Explanation:
The electrical design shown in the diagrams represents a TIA-942 Rating-4 configuration. This design
includes full redundancy and fault tolerance, as demonstrated by the dual power distribution paths
from the utility supply to the critical loads. Each power distribution path is equipped with its own UPS,
ensuring that the ICT equipment and mechanical equipment have uninterrupted power in case of any
single point of failure.
Detailed Explanation
A Rating-4 data center requires two independent power paths that are fully redundant and capable of
supporting the load independently. In the diagrams:
There are dual feeds from the utility supply, each going through separate transfer switches and power
distribution paths.
Both paths have backup sources (+1) and serve critical components through separate UPS systems,
providing a completely redundant setup.
The design also includes redundant paths to the mechanical equipment and ICT equipment, which
further indicates the fault-tolerant characteristics of a Rating-4 infrastructure.
This setup allows for concurrent maintainability and ensures that no single failure in power distribution
or UPS can impact the data center’s operation, which is characteristic of the highest Tier/Rated-4
classification.
EPI Data Center Specialist
Reference: EPI guidelines confirm that TIA-942 Rating-4 requires full redundancy and fault tolerance
for electrical infrastructure, ensuring continuous operation even during maintenance or failure events.
This design meets all those requirements, thus aligning with Rating-4 standards.

9.Racks with 1.0 m depth and cold aisle containment with 3 perforated tiles are used.
What aisle pitch is recommended?
A. 5 tiles pitch rule
B. 7 tiles pitch rule
C. 8 tiles pitch rule
D. 10 tiles pitch rule
Answer: B
Explanation:
The aisle pitch is the total width of a rack row plus cold aisle plus rack row. For 1.0 m racks on each
side with cold aisle containment, ASHRAE and TIA-942 recommend the 7-tile rule (each tile ~0.6 m).
This ensures enough width for equipment clearance, airflow distribution, and human access.
5-tile pitch is too narrow, restricting containment effectiveness.
8C10 tiles may be used in some hyperscale layouts but are not standard for 1 m racks.
Thus, the correct design recommendation is the 7 tiles pitch rule.
Reference: ANSI/TIA-942-B §6.3.6 (Aisle Spacing), ASHRAE TC 9.9 “Airflow Management Best
Practices.”

10.Do you need to consider bullet (ballistic) protection when designing a data center?
A. No; bullet protection is not a requirement of ANSI/TIA-942
B. No, there is no reason for implementing bullet protection as you cannot predict the type of
weapons that might be used
C. Yes, but only when the data center is built in an area with a high criminality rate or with a risk of
terrorist attacks
D. Yes, bullet protection is a requirement of ANSI/TIA-942 for Rated-3/4 data centers
Answer: C
Explanation:
ANSI/TIA-942 requires a risk assessmentCbased approach to physical security; ballistic protection is
not mandated but may be justified by threat analysis. A is incomplete (it may still be required by risk).
D is false.
Reference: ANSI/TIA-942-B §6.4 Physical Security (threat/risk assessment), ISO 31000 (risk
management).

11.Do you need to consider blast protection when designing a data center?
A. No, there is no reason for implementing blast protection as nobody can predict the impact of a
bomb explosion.
B. Yes, if the data center is a potential target or the building is located within the vicinity of (close by)
a potential target.
C. No, blast protection is not a requirement of ANSI/TIA-942.
D. Yes, blast protection is a requirement of ANSI/TIA-942.
Answer: B
Explanation:
Blast protection should be considered if the data center or its location is a potential target or is near
high-risk areas. Blast protection measures can protect both personnel and infrastructure from
potential explosion impacts, which could be essential in areas with heightened security risks.
Detailed Explanation
In areas where there may be risks of terrorist attacks or explosions due to nearby high-risk facilities,
implementing blast protection measures helps safeguard the data center's infrastructure. These
measures can include reinforced walls, blast-resistant windows, and secure entryways designed to
withstand explosive forces.
EPI Data Center Specialist
Reference: While not specifically mandated by ANSI/TIA-942, EPI training advises considering local
risk factors, including proximity to potential targets, when evaluating the need for blast protection. This
approach is aligned with risk assessment and mitigation practices to ensure facility security.

12.The building requires sprinklers and is equipped with a wet-pipe system.

What action should you recommend for the computer room?
A. Maintain the current wet-pipe system
B. Replace the wet-pipe system with a deluge system
C. Replace the wet-pipe system with a pre-action system
D. Replace the wet-pipe system with a dry-pipe system
Answer: C
Explanation:
NFPA 75 (IT equipment rooms) recommends pre-action sprinklers for data processing spaces to
minimize accidental water discharge risk; wet-pipe is generally discouraged directly over IT hardware.
Reference: NFPA 75 §5.4 (Water-based fire protection), NFPA 13 (sprinkler system types).

13.Is it allowed to make design changes during the implementation phase?

A. No, after a design freeze no further changes are allowed.
B. Any change is fine as long as it is within the scope of the project.
C. Yes, but only when time to implement is not exceeded.
D. Only when there is a strong business and/or technical justification.
Answer: D
Explanation:
Design changes during the implementation phase are generally allowed only when there is a strong
business and/or technical justification. Changes at this stage can lead to delays, increased costs, or
compromise design integrity. Thus, a rigorous assessment is required to ensure any modifications are
essential and provide clear benefits or address critical issues.
Detailed Explanation
Changes post-design freeze should be minimized to avoid scope creep and additional costs.
However, if a technical issue arises that would affect operational goals, or a business need warrants
modification, justified changes are permissible, following an impact assessment and approval
process.
EPI Data Center Specialist
Reference: EPI project management guidelines recommend a controlled change management
process during implementation, allowing changes only when they align with critical objectives or
address unforeseen issues that affect the project's success.

14.A customer requires THDi from the UPS not to exceed 3% and wants high efficiency. The UPS
has a 6-pulse SCR/thyristor rectifier and is loaded ~80%. Many ICT changes are expected in the next
3 years.
What should you recommend?
A. Nothing; the UPS will keep THDi at the right levels
B. Install a passive harmonic filter on the UPS
C. Install an active harmonic filter on the UPS
D. Install an isolation transformer rated K13 or K20
Answer: C
Explanation:
A 6-pulse thyristor rectifier typically produces 25C35% THDi at nominal load. To reach ?3% THDi, an
active harmonic filter (or a 12/18-pulse or IGBT rectifier UPS) is required. Passive filters are load-
specific and less effective over a wide operating range?undesirable with frequent changes.
Reference: IEEE 519-2014 (harmonic current limits), UPS vendor application notes (6-pulse vs IGBT
rectifier THDi), ANSI/TIA-942-B Annex (power quality).

15.The location of a data center is just above the Arctic Circle (North Pole). The outside air
temperature is never above 21°C/70°F.
Taking energy efficiency as the highest priority, which cooling system should you recommend?
A. Standard air conditioning units, as spares might not be readily available
B. Any cooling system can be efficient because the outside air temperature will not influence the
temperature of the air intake of the ICT equipment
C. Waterside economizer
D. Airside economizer
Answer: D
Explanation:
In locations with consistently cold temperatures, such as above the Arctic Circle, an airside
economizer is the most energy-efficient cooling solution. Airside economizers use cool outside air to
lower indoor temperatures, reducing or even eliminating the need for mechanical cooling. Given the
consistently low temperatures, this method maximizes energy efficiency by leveraging natural cooling.
Detailed Explanation
Airside economizers are ideal in environments where outside temperatures are consistently low. By
drawing in and filtering cold outdoor air, they directly cool the indoor environment, thereby reducing
energy consumption significantly compared to traditional air conditioning. This cooling approach
aligns with energy efficiency goals by minimizing mechanical cooling demands.
EPI Data Center Specialist
Reference: EPI recommends the use of airside economizers in cold climates to achieve high energy
efficiency, as they allow data centers to capitalize on ambient conditions for cooling, aligning with
sustainability and cost-saving practices.

16.Which class of UPS is ideal for data centers?

A. VFD (Voltage and Frequency Dependent)
B. VI (Voltage Independent)
C. VFI (Voltage and Frequency Independent)
D. First class
Answer: C
Explanation:
IEC 62040 defines UPS topologies:
VFD: Line-interactive; dependent on mains.
VI: Stabilizes voltage but not frequency.
VFI: Double-conversion online; fully isolates output from mains fluctuations.
Data centers require continuous, clean, and stable power. VFI is the only topology that protects
against both voltage and frequency disturbances, meeting ANSI/TIA-942 Rated-3/4 requirements.
Thus, VFI is the ideal UPS class.
Reference: IEC 62040-3, ANSI/TIA-942-B §6.2.
 17.Should aerosol cleaning solutions be used in the computer room?
A. No, unless leak detection installed
B. No, it will contaminate the room
C. Yes, only if room smells bad
D. Yes, if not connected to power
Answer: B
Explanation:
Aerosol sprays release particulates and residues into the environment, which can contaminate
sensitive ICT equipment. Such contamination accelerates corrosion, interferes with airflow, and
increases particulate levels beyond ASHRAE recommended limits.
Proper cleaning should use HEPA-filtered vacuum systems or dry wipes, not aerosols. Even odor
control aerosols are disallowed in critical rooms. Therefore, aerosol cleaning solutions must never be
used.
Reference: ASHRAE TC 9.9 “Contamination Guidelines,” NFPA 75 §8.4.

18.What is the focus of the Open Compute Project (OCP)?

A. Saving energy, materials, and costs
B. Standardizing equipment only for hyperscale data centers
C. Developing an open-source operating system
D. Making cloud computing more accessible
Answer: A
Explanation:
The Open Compute Project (OCP), initiated by Facebook in 2011, focuses on open designs for
servers,
storage, racks, and power systems.
The goals are:
Reduce energy consumption by using efficient hardware.
Save materials by eliminating unnecessary components.
Lower costs by standardizing and sharing open designs.
Option B is wrong?OCP hardware can be adopted by enterprises as well. Option C is unrelated (OCP
is hardware, not OS). Option D is broader cloud adoption, not OCP’s direct mission.
Thus, the primary focus is energy, material, and cost savings through open-source hardware.
Reference: OCP Foundation Mission Statement, ANSI/TIA-942-B Annex (Emerging Technologies).

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