LeanSys Data Centre Training Framework

Certified DCOS Lead Auditor (CDLA®)

Introduction

The Certified DCOS Lead Auditor (CDLA^®) is a professional-level course designed for individuals who aim to become lead auditors for the EPI Data Center Operations Standard (DCOS^®). This 3-day 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.

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Audience

The audience for this 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 Authorized Certification Body and meets the other obligations as laid down in the certification scheme.

Prerequisites

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

Course Benefits

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

Course Syllabus

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

Delivery Structure and Methods

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

Business Case and Examination

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.

Certification and Validity

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.

Global Accreditation & Recognition

Recommended Next Courses

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.

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