DCOA Pre-Qualifying Assessment
Test your data center knowledge and see if you qualify for the DCOA training program.
Q1: What is the primary purpose of a data center?
A facility used exclusively for software development
A centralized facility that houses IT infrastructure and servers
A customer service call center for technical support
A warehouse for storing backup tapes only
I do not know
Q2: According to the Uptime Institute, which tier classification represents a data center with redundancy at all system components and 99.99% availability?
Tier I
Tier II
Tier III
Tier IV
I do not know
Q3: What does "N+1" redundancy mean in data center operations?
A backup system that provides one additional capacity unit beyond the required component needed for normal operations
One component with no backup at all
Two independent systems running in parallel
A reduction of 1% of total capacity as a safety margin
I do not know
Q4: In hot aisle / cold aisle containment, why is it important to separate these zones in a data center?
To reduce the cost of server hardware
To improve cooling efficiency by preventing hot exhaust air from being recirculated
To comply with electrical code requirements
To make the facility easier to clean
I do not know
Q5: What is a primary advantage of a raised floor in a data center compared to a concrete slab floor?
It is less expensive to install and maintain
It allows cable management and provides space for underfloor cooling air distribution
It prevents all electrical hazards
It eliminates the need for HVAC systems
I do not know
Q6: What is the primary function of a UPS system in a data center?
To reduce the total cost of electricity
To provide temporary power during an outage until backup generators activate
To replace the need for a backup generator entirely
To increase network bandwidth during peak hours
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Q7: In a data center with backup generators, how long does a UPS typically provide power before the generator starts supplying electricity?
30 seconds to 2 minutes
5 to 10 minutes
15 to 30 minutes
1 to 2 hours
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Q8: What is the primary function of a PDU in a data center rack?
To cool the equipment in the rack
To monitor server performance metrics
To distribute electrical power from the facility's power infrastructure to multiple servers and networking equipment in the rack
To provide backup power to individual devices
I do not know
Q9: Which of the following is NOT typically monitored by environmental monitoring systems in a data center?
Temperature and humidity levels
Smoke and fire detection
Electrical current flow to equipment
Employee salary and performance metrics
I do not know
Q10: What does 99.99% availability mean in terms of maximum acceptable downtime per year?
365 minutes of downtime per year
Approximately 52 minutes of downtime per year
Approximately 8.7 hours of downtime per year
One full day of downtime per year
I do not know
Q11: What is the primary purpose of implementing LOTO (Lock Out Tag Out) procedures during electrical maintenance in a data center?
To prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the facility
To prevent accidental startup of equipment or release of stored energy during maintenance, protecting worker safety
To reduce the facility's electricity consumption
To comply with software licensing agreements
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Q12: Which voltage is most commonly used for powering individual server and networking equipment in a data center rack?
480V three-phase
277V
208V single-phase or three-phase
12V DC
I do not know
Q13: What is an advantage of three-phase power distribution in large data centers compared to single-phase power?
It is safer for equipment than single-phase power
It can deliver more power more efficiently with smaller wiring and less voltage drop
It eliminates the need for backup power systems
It is less expensive to install than single-phase systems
I do not know
Q14: What is the purpose of a circuit breaker in a data center electrical distribution system?
To increase the amount of power available to equipment
To automatically disconnect power if current exceeds the breaker's rated capacity, preventing equipment damage and fire hazards
To monitor network uptime
To regulate server operating temperatures
I do not know
Q15: Why is proper grounding and bonding of electrical systems critical in a data center?
To improve WiFi signal strength
To ensure all metal components and equipment frames are at the same electrical potential, preventing electrical shock and equipment damage
To reduce the weight of cables
To comply with color-coding standards
I do not know
Q16: What is the primary difference between a CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioner) and a CRAH (Computer Room Air Handler)?
CRAC uses refrigerant-based cooling while CRAH uses chilled water from a central plant
CRAH units are more expensive than CRAC units
CRAC units are used only in small data centers
There is no functional difference between the two systems
I do not know
Q17: In a centralized chilled water cooling system, what is the role of the chiller?
To distribute cold air directly to server racks
To remove heat from water and circulate the chilled water to cooling units throughout the facility
To monitor air quality in the data center
To power the backup generators
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Q18: What is "free cooling" or economizer mode in a data center?
The process of turning off all cooling systems to save money
Using outside air or water when ambient conditions are cool enough to provide cooling without mechanical refrigeration, reducing energy costs
Installing cheaper cooling equipment regardless of quality
Reducing server load to lower heat generation
I do not know
Q19: What is in-row cooling?
A method to cool only the first row of servers
Cooling units placed between or near server racks to cool hot spots locally
A backup cooling system
A technique that requires no electricity
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Q20: What is the ASHRAE recommended operating temperature range for Class A1 data centers?
32F to 50F (0C to 10C)
59F to 89.6F (15C to 32C)
90F to 110F (32C to 43C)
120F to 140F (49C to 60C)
I do not know
Q21: Which of the following is NOT typically required as PPE when working in a data center?
Safety glasses
Non-conductive shoes or footwear with grounding straps when required
Hard hat when working in areas with overhead equipment or raised floors
Full-body hazmat suit for all personnel at all times
I do not know
Q22: What is an advantage of using FM-200 or Novec gas-based fire suppression systems in a data center instead of water-based sprinklers?
They are significantly less expensive than any other option
They suppress fire without liquid discharge, preventing damage to sensitive equipment and avoiding business interruption
They require no maintenance or inspection
They can be used outdoors and indoors without any modifications
I do not know
Q23: When should an Emergency Power Off (EPO) button be activated in a data center?
During routine maintenance as part of normal procedures
To test the cooling system functionality
Only in life-threatening situations or critical facility emergencies such as uncontrolled fire or major electrical hazard
Every time a server needs to be rebooted
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Q24: What is the purpose of following TIA-606 cable management and labeling standards in a data center?
To make the facility look more aesthetically pleasing
To reduce electricity consumption by 50%
To ensure cables can be quickly identified, traced, and managed safely, reducing troubleshooting time and minimizing damage during changes
To comply with international trade agreements
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Q25: Why is a formal Method of Procedure (MOP) or Change Management process important before making modifications to data center systems?
It is required by software vendors to maintain warranty coverage
To document planned changes, identify risks, obtain approvals, and ensure all personnel understand the change and potential impact on operations
To increase the time spent on maintenance activities
To reduce the need for backup systems
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Q26: You are performing routine maintenance in a data center server room and notice a smell of smoke coming from one of the equipment racks. What is your immediate course of action?
Investigate the source yourself to save time and locate the problem
Immediately evacuate the area, alert other personnel, activate the fire alarm, and notify security/management
Continue working but monitor the situation closely
Shut down the entire facility's power before investigating
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Q27: An alarm on the building management system indicates that the main CRAC unit has failed and temperatures in the data center are rising rapidly. The closest available option is a portable cooling unit. What should you do?
Begin manually unplugging servers to prevent damage
Wait for the situation to resolve itself
Immediately notify management, activate the portable cooling unit if authorized, prepare to shut down non-critical systems if needed, and begin troubleshooting the failed CRAC unit
Reduce the data center thermostat setting to compensate
I do not know
Q28: You have been assigned to decommission and remove a server that will no longer be used. What should be your first step?
Immediately power off the server and remove it from the rack
Verify the correct server to be decommissioned, confirm with management, and perform a proper shutdown following documented procedures
Remove the server's network cables without any preparation
Bypass all procedures to complete the work quickly
I do not know
Q29: While you are working in the restricted data center area, you notice an unfamiliar person without a visible badge or credentials attempting to enter through a secure door. What is your appropriate response?
Assume they have authorization and let them pass to avoid being rude
Politely ask for their credentials/badge, do not allow them access without verification, and alert security if they cannot provide proper identification
Immediately attack them or use force to prevent entry
Ignore them and continue your work
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Q30: During a daily data center walkthrough, which of the following should you systematically check and document?
Only the main entrance for cleanliness
Visual inspection of equipment for signs of overheating, proper airflow, cable management integrity, water leaks, alarm status indicators, and environmental monitoring readings
The facility's financial records and employee attendance
Only the backup generator fuel levels once per month
I do not know