25 Years

Arguably the most defining year of the decade, 1984 brought with it quite a few firsts that sparked imagination, affecting the world as the catalysts for life as we experience it today. Profound events were shaping the landscape of the telecommunications industry as a small professional association was growing.

While telephone giant AT&T was being dismantled following a government antitrust suit, Tampa, Fla.-based BICSI, serving less than 480 members, was developing a credentialing designation that would evolve into an internationally recognized registration program for the telecommunications cabling industry.

Beginning with the 2009 BICSI Winter Conference in Orlando, Florida, January 18-22, BICSI will begin a year of celebration highlighting the major impact the Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD®) program has had on the information transport systems (ITS) industry.

Some of the very first RCDDs, who are still active BICSI members, will join in the events to reflect on the past and share their experiences. In addition, newly credentialed RCDDs will offer their insight on the industry as it continues to evolve and advance in this technological age.

The RCDD program is a designation for individuals who demonstrate expertise in the design, integration and implementation of ITS—voice, data, video, audio and other low-voltage control—and their related infrastructure components. An RCDD must meet stringent continuing education requirements and continually increase his or her knowledge through frequent interaction with others in the ITS community.

Today, more than 7,000 credentialed individuals around the globe are uniquely positioned to create the detailed design of new systems and/or the integration of a design into an existing system. The credential is achieved by passing a comprehensive exam based on BICSI's world-renowned Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM).

People

First group to take and pass the RCDD pilot exam at the January '84 BICSI Conference:

Don Mason
Victor D. Phillips
Clarence Faucett
James McCorkle
Thomas Larsen
Richard Wydra
Martin Sutter

Harry Pfister
Ronald Symolon
Buddie G. Gordon
George Loveren
I. J. "Jim" Alexander
Ross Cotton
Bob Nicholls

BICSI makes its mark on the ITS industry by establishing the RCDD® program.
As the need for high standards and industry best practices becomes greater, BICSI publishes the first edition of the Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual.
The first BICSI design course is held for ITS professionals.
A milestone is reached as BICSI membership climbs to more than 10,000.
As demand for high standards increases, the 5,000th RCDD is credentialed.
BICSI establishes the Outside Plant (OSP) Specialty for those with the RCDD credential who want further specialization in outside plant.
BICSI renames the Local Area Network (LAN) Specialty to the Network Transport Systems (NTS) Specialty. It is enhanced to keep up with the evolution of the industry.
BICSI develops the Wireless Design (WD) Specialty for RCDDs to further promote best practices in the industry.
The number of RCDD credential holders reaches 7,000.
BICSI celebrates the 25th anniversary of the RCDD credential. In addition, the Electronic Safety and Security (ESS) Designer credential is released.