Format at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Items | 100 scored: multiple choice, multiple response and enhanced matching, 3 to 5 options each |
| Time | 2.5 hours, about 90 seconds per item; no scheduled breaks |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE test centers, computer-based |
| Materials | Closed book; a calculator and a whiteboard are provided |
| Pass mark | Not published; set by standard setting (Angoff method) |
| Fee (2026) | US$510 BICSI members, US$725 nonmembers, first attempt included |
The four blueprint areas
- Design ICT Solutions (63%): telecommunications spaces, horizontal, backbone and OSP media and pathways, bonding and grounding, firestop, labeling, testing requirements, coordination with electrical and HVAC, design documents and QA.
- Support ICT Installation Process (16%): submittals, procurement, coordination, ongoing and final inspections, close-out documents.
- Support ICT Bid/Tender Process (11%): writing and answering RFPs, RFQs and RFIs, reviewing proposals, bidders' conferences and site walks.
- Define Scope of Project (10%): scope of work, codes and standards, order of precedence, cost and schedule estimates.
What gets tested most
Numbers and calculations carry a lot of marks: the 90 m and 100 m limits, conduit runs of 30 m with two bends, 40% conduit fill, equipment room sizing, fiber loss budgets, TBB sizing at 2 kcmil per foot and PoE power levels. Expect process items too: who produces a submittal, what an RFI is for, what goes in close-out documents.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free RCDD practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
Pacing
At about 90 seconds an item, recall items should take 30 seconds so you have time for calculations. Breaks come out of your 2.5 hours. Flag anything over 2 minutes and come back; comments on items you want to challenge must be made during the exam and also use exam time.
A 12-week plan
- Weeks 1-2: free test, then codes, standards and scope; start daily flashcards.
- Weeks 3-5: telecommunications spaces and horizontal pathways and cabling, with sizing practice.
- Weeks 6-7: backbone, fiber, outside plant, bonding and firestop; drill the loss and TBB calculations.
- Weeks 8-9: wireless, PoE, security, AV, data centers, then bid and installation process; first full timed mock.
- Weeks 10-12: clear your mistakes bank, re-read weak TDMM chapters, take a second full mock, then light review only in the last two days.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the RCDD exam?
100 scored items in 2.5 hours, mixing multiple choice, multiple response and enhanced matching.
What is the RCDD passing score?
BICSI doesn't publish it. The cut score is set by a panel of RCDDs using the Angoff method, and you get pass or fail. If you fail, the score report shows your performance by area, not a score.
How long should I study for the RCDD?
BICSI's handbook suggests a minimum of 150 hours of independent TDMM study.
Can I retake the RCDD exam?
Yes, within your one-year eligibility period. You wait 30 days between attempts (90 days after a third failure) and pay a retest fee of US$230 for members or US$355 for nonmembers.
Official sources
Practice tests for these certifications
This guide is general information, checked November 2026, not legal advice. BICSI rules change; confirm with BICSI before you apply.
