A method and an apparatus indicate and identify a ZP-CSI-RS configuration. The method for identifying includes identifying a DCI format and the ZP-CSI-RS configuration in response to receiving one or more control messages where a first set of ZP-CSI-RS configuration or configurations are configured to be used for DCI Format 1A and a second set of ZP-CSI-RS configuration or configurations are configured to be used for DCI Format 2D or 2C. The method also includes identifying a PDSCH rate matching based on the identified ZP-CSI-RS configuration. The method for indicating includes transmitting a dynamic signaling control message comprising an indication of a DCI format. The method also includes transmitting transmit a higher layer signaling control message comprising an indication of the ZP-CSI-RS configuration or configurations.