Certified DCOS Lead Auditor (CDLA®)

The Certified DCOS® Lead Auditor (CDLA®) is a professional-level course designed for individuals who aim to become independent lead auditors for the EPI Data Center Operations Standard (DCOS®). The course equips participants with the knowledge and auditing skills required to plan and conduct DCOS® certification audits with confidence and objectivity.

CDLA® focuses on DCOS® conformity audits including assessing operational maturity levels, evaluating how effectively data center operations processes are defined, implemented, measured, and continuously improved.

Through expert-led lectures, structured audit methodologies, and realistic audit scenarios, participants develop the competence to evaluate operational performance against DCOS® maturity criteria. The CDLA® examination rigorously tests auditing judgment, making it one of the most demanding qualifications in data center operations auditing.

The audience for this 3-day course is any professional who aspires to become a DCOS® Lead Auditor. Please note that the CDLA® certification does not allow the person to conduct a third-party audit and issue statements/letters/certificates unless he/she works for an EPI Authorised Certification Body and meets the other obligations as laid down in the certification scheme.

Participants must possess:

1. A valid CDLI® – Certified DCOS® Lead Implementer certificate
    AND
2. A valid CDIA® – Certified DCOS® Internal Auditor certificate, or a valid ISO-9001 or ISO-27001 Lead Auditor certificate

• After completion of the course, participant will be able to: Plan, lead, and execute DCOS® certification audits independently
• Gain a strong understanding of DCOS® maturity models and how to assess operational effectiveness
• Gain the skills to objectively evaluate processes, controls, and continuous improvement practices
• Prepare consistent and defensible audit reports based on maturity-level outcomes
• Enhance credibility as a qualified DCOS® lead auditor
• Improve professional judgment through realistic audit scenarios and case studies
• Gain in-depth insight into best-practice data center operations from an auditor’s perspective.
• Go beyond checklist audits and deliver meaningful, maturity-driven assessments that add real operational value

Introduction to the DCOS® standard

• Data Center Operations Standard (DCOS®)
• Intent
• Scope / disciplines
• Sub-disciplines
• Progressive improvement
• Maturity levels

Audit Definitions and Principles

• Definitions
• Principles
• DCOS vs. ISO management systems standards

DCOS® Audit Process (high-level)

• Initial audit
• Preparing for the audit
• Stage-1 audit
• Stage-2 audit
• Reporting
• Corrective actions
• Issue of certificate
• Certificate maintenance

Auditor Competences

• Internal auditor
• External auditor
• Auditor responsibilities and competencies

Audit Maturity Levels, Evidence and Findings

• DCOS® maturity levels
• Audit evidence
• Audit findings
• Grading maturity level

Planning the Audit (Stage-1 Audit)

• Audit agreement
• Required documents
• Review of documents
• Audit work documents
• Resource planning
• Audit schedule

Conducting the Audit (Stage-2 Audit)

• Lead auditor
• Auditor worksheet / checklist
• Notes taking
• Audit findings / establishing the facts
• Recording of audit evidence
• Opening meeting
• Service Level Management
• Organization
• Safety and Crisis Management
• Security Management
• Project Management
• Facilities Management
• Data Center Operations
• Environmental Sustainability
• Monitoring / Reporting / Control
• Organizational Resilience
• Governance, Risk and Compliance
• Closing meeting

Preparing and Distributing the Audit Report

• Audit report requirements
• Audit report – example format
• Audit report distribution
• Retention 

Corrective Actions Report (CAR) and Follow-up

• CAR – follow-up
• CAR – example
• Review of CAR

Certification and Maintenance

• The full audit cycle
• Issuing DCOS® certification
• Requirements of the certificate
• Registration of certificate
• Surveillance audit
• Recertification audit
• Conversion audit
• Suspension and withdrawal of certification

The CDLA® course is lectured by an EPI Certified Instructor using a combination of lectures and question-and-answer sessions to prepare the candidate thoroughly on the audit methodology and audit criteria.

CDLA® course is offered through the following delivery method:

• ILT – Instructor Led Training (Schedule)

 

To be awarded the CDLA®, the candidates must meet two criteria.  First, they must successfully complete the business cases during the training. Results will be released within 14 days. Second, candidates must pass a 60-minute, closed-book examination consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions, with a minimum of 32 correct answers required to achieve a pass.

Candidates who successfully complete the business case and pass the examination will be awarded the official ‘Certified DCOS® Lead Auditor’ certificate. The CDLA® certificate is issued for the DCOS® version that is current at the time of examination. The certificate itself does not expire and remains valid for the specified DCOS® version.

The CDLA® course is accredited by EXIN, which is a global, independent and not-for-pro?t accreditation and examination provider. EXIN's mission is to improve the quality of the IT and data center sectors, the proficiency of IT and data center professionals and the IT users, by means of accreditation of course material as well as independent examination and certification.

To further extend your skills, we recommend the CDFOM® training. This course develops managerial capabilities to set up and manage all aspects of the data center operations.  It is particularly valuable for a person who wants to take on greater responsibility in facilities operations and decision-making. 

Our courses are available in over 60 countries across all continents. For a comprehensive course schedule, visit the EPI corporate website at www.epi-ap.com or contact your local authorised reseller/partner.