The International Data Center Authority launched the AI Factory Specialist (AIFS) certification, a professional educatio
The International Data Center Authority announced on July 7, 2026 the launch of the AI Factory Specialist (AIFS) certification program, developed to address the rapidly expanding need for professionals with expertise in Artificial Intelligence infrastructure and AI Factory development.
According to Lizabeth Hood, Global Head of Education and Membership at IDCA, the organization's standing as the most credible authority on data center standards, education and certification made it essential to create this course to serve the growing market.
As AI continues to reshape industries and drive digital economy growth worldwide, organizations increasingly need professionals capable of planning, designing, operating, and optimizing the infrastructure that powers AI systems. The AIFS certification provides comprehensive knowledge of the technologies, engineering principles, and operational methodologies required to support modern AI environments.
The program distinguishes itself from existing offerings by focusing on the physical and digital infrastructure needed to enable AI deployments at scale, rather than following the traditional approach of either concentrating on algorithms and software development or teaching legacy data center systems. The certification targets infrastructure engineers, data center technicians, industry professionals, AI infrastructure architects, consultants, technology executives, operators, investors, and government stakeholders seeking structured understanding of AI-ready infrastructure and its role in supporting sustainable digital economies.
Mehdi Paryavi, Chairman and CEO of IDCA, noted that while AI has become the defining technology of the generation, its success ultimately depends on supporting infrastructure. AI Factories represent the next evolution of digital infrastructure, requiring new approaches to data center design, planning and maintenance alongside complex engineering, operations, sustainability and workforce development.
Gordon Gillerman, Chairman of IDCA Technical Standards Committee, stated that the introduction of AIFS reflects IDCA's continued edge in addressing industry developments and its commitment to advancing global standards, professional education and workforce development across the digital infrastructure sector.
The program combines technical instruction, industry best practices, real-world case studies and practical methodologies to equip professionals with expertise for supporting AI deployments from enterprise environments to hyperscale AI Factories. The certification is now available through IDCA's global network of training partners and authorized education outlets, with both virtual and instructor-led classroom delivery options.