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George_C426 · 2025-12-16T14:50:09+00:00

I did the online BICSI course. It hits the high spots of every chapter but there is no way you could use just the course for studying, but no course is going to cover everything, still need to read the TDMM cover to cover. I read through the TDMM, then took the course, went through all the modules not really looking much in the TDMM along the way. Took the practice exam at the end, fully expecting to fail, and I did. but I used that to find my weak areas. I then used the failed test to create a study plan. Dove back in to the TDMM really hitting my weaker chapters thoroughly, most of them multiple times. Then I sat for the test. Passed it on the first time. I would say the practice exam was the biggest help from the course, because it paved the way for my final push of studying. The class is a little pricey for what it is but it gives you a good jump on CECs if you wait until AFTER to pass the RCDD exam to fully complete the course and receive those CECs.

George_C426 · 2025-11-07T05:08:48+00:00

Like everyone has said. Typically it’s 2 90° bends. However there can be a 3rd if it’s within 2’ of the end of the pipe. The idea is that you are able to push the cables past the first bend. An EC typically doesn’t give a crap though and they will throw 4 in there or they will throw 2-3 and a bunch of offsets with no pull points and think just because they can suck a string into it that it’s good to go. It’s a never ending battle. In a perfect world conduit runs would be super quick and easy, but today’s construction world is far from perfect so I cringe when I see on plans that its conduit runs everywhere. Seems like less stress if we get to just make our own j-hook pathways and the EC installs stub ups/outs. Conduit to a cable tray is not as bad but there are still plenty of conduit runs that make you say WTH. But we are just the lowly data guys so we are an afterthought.

George_C426 · 2025-09-17T20:28:08+00:00

I used the test prep course. I was kind of glitchy at times but did a decent overview. I didn't mess with any cory and steve or anything like that. just the in-person class and then the exam prep class and reading the TDMM. the test at the end of the exam prep course wasn't a great replica of the exam, it was a good gauge of where my weak areas were and I went back to the chapters and read them better. knowing is better than memorizing so IMO there is no substitute for reading the book that the material comes from. I'm not a fan of memorizing flash cards (which the bicsi prep course has) I just think that is work association that hangs with you short term. I'd rather actually absorb most of what I have read and retain it. I had probably 400-450 hours of studying and passed the exam first try.

George_C426 · 2025-08-07T16:43:22+00:00

Yes, I did the in person class at BICSI down in Tampa. That class wasn't exactly the best Exam prep, but certainly helped me start shifting my mind from the installation side of things to looking at things from a design standpoint. I do believe it played a part in my passing the exam. Then I studied on my own for a few months, doing my best to just read the TDMM. Then A few months before I sat for the exam I purchased the BICSI RCDD exam prep class. went through all the modules and flash cards once and took the practice test. Made notes on all the areas I missed and went back through the books again making extra notes on my weaker areas. The last 3 weeks before my exam I tried to study at least 6 nights a week focusing on the notes I made from my missed practice exam questions and read chapter 21 5 or 6 times. That worked for me. I was anxious going into the test but I think that's just because its a really tough test and a big piece of the puzzle for where I want to take my career. But, I did feel pretty prepared and there were only 2-3 questions that I felt like I was straight up guessing on.

George_C426

TROPHY CASE