DCA Data Centre Certification Scheme
The purpose of the DCA Certification scheme is to provide an industry led, widely adopted recognition of a data centre's designed purpose, its operational integrity, energy efficiency practices and site access security.
The DCA Certification Scheme will provide the customer or end client with clear identification of the resilience goal and an assurance that this resilience goal is realised by a valid strategy that is deployed and maintained through a process of independent inspection, renewal of certification and annual surveillance checks.
In addition the process will also assure customers that operations, maintenance, energy efficiency and access control security policies are correctly maintained in-line with the resilience goal and the contents of the data centre.
If the data centre is a colocation or hosting facility, the DCA Certification will inform the customer that these policies have been independently verified.
This is to help determine whether the needs and risk profile of the customer’s particular use can be met by the data centre.
Members of the DCA, are able to contribute and collaborate on future revisions of the Scheme, and as custodians, are committed to maintain the scheme as:
Independent – The customer may select the DCA Approved Assessment Firm of their choice to carry out and co-ordinate their data centre assessment which is then independently audited by the DCA.
Transparent - A "four line” sign off process is required for an auditable commitment to the data centre's design and operation whilst ensuring quality and trust in the programme's results.
Affordable - The DCA is a non-profit Trade Association and will charge a fixed rate designed to cover the administration of the scheme
Unified – The DCA Certification scheme aims to unify and harmonise industry recognised practice, International and regional standards.
Clear – The DCA Certification aims to provide industry wide clarity to minimise subjective viewpoints.
Consistent - The programme will require renewal to ensure the design goal is still valid and all operational standards are maintained.
Democratic – The DCA programme aims to be "industry led” with rigorous governance provided by the DCA.
If you are a private data centre owner or Colocation Providers interested in finding out more about the operational and commercial benefits which come from having your facilities independently assessed and
Certified by the Data Centre Trade Association then please get in touch CONTACT FORM
DCA Data Centre Certification Process
STEP 1 Client Engagement Process Step 2 Approved Assessment Firm Engagement Process STEP 3 DCA Approved Auditing Process
High level Step by Step process for applying for DCA Certification
STEP 1 - Client Initial Engagement Process
STEP 2 - Independent Assessment Firm Engagement Process
STEP 3 - DCA Auditor Engagement Process
Useful Documentation and Links
DCA CERTIFICATION CONTACT FORM ((To be used by End Client Only)
DCA CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES FOR DATA CENTRES V2.37
This document provides guidance for Data Centres wishing to have their facility independently assessed and Certified by the DCA.
DCA GUIDANCE FOR ASSESSMENT ORGANISATIONS AND AUDITORS V2.03 (DCA Approved Assessor Use Only)
This document provides guidance for DCA Approved Assessment Organisation or Approved DCA Auditor on what is required to conduct a data centre assessment and or audit including sample reporting templates and check lists
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF DCA CERTIFICATION
DCA CERTIFICATION ENGAGEMENT FORM (DCA Approved Assessor Use Only)
DCA CERTIFICATION FORMAL APPLICATION SUBMISSION FORM (DCA Approved Assessor Use Only)
Supporting Links
DCA APPLICATION FORM TO BECOME AN APPROVED ASSESSOR/AUDITING FIRM
DCA CERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT ORGANISATIONS & AUDITOR REQUIREMENTS V2.06
This document describes the skills and experience required in order to become a DCA Approved Assessment Organisation or Approved DCA Auditor.