rfid
World RFID Deployment Map
 
RFID JOURNAL Text size: T T T

RFID Training Course Descriptions

Below are detailed descriptions for the nine modules in the CompTIA RFID+ Certification training course. Each module can be purchase separately, or to get the best price, choose the Certification Training package (Course 600).

Complete Package: Course No. RFID600
Special price: $799 through Jan. 31, 2009

CompTIA RFID+ Certification Training
CompTIA RFID+ is the established RFID industry certification, and this package of modules is designed to prepare you for taking the CompTIA RFID+ certification exam. The course includes nine modules that map to nine certification objectives. See the detailed descriptions of each of the nine modules below. The full course also includes a practice test CD/software and RFID+ passport book.

Add to Cart



To experience RFID+ Certification Training online, take our RFID Basics course. It’s FREE!


Want to test your RFID knowledge? Take our free RFID+ Certification practice exam. Create an account to get started.






Individual Course Modules

Course No. RFID608

RFID Physics ($199)
To understand the factors affecting the performance of an RFID system, implementers need to comprehend the nature and behavior of radio waves. This course describes how radio waves travel through space, or “propagate,” and how their effectiveness changes as they travel. It also discusses various communication methods between interrogators and tags, as well as characteristics of antennas, such as gain, directivity, polarization and impedance. A section of the course is dedicated to numerous types of antennas, their usage and the different kinds of antenna cable and connectors used to attach antennas to RFID interrogators. What's more, this course explains Effective Radiated Power (ERP) and Effective Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) calculations.

This course maps to the following CompTIA objectives for RF Physics:
  • Identify RF propagation/communication techniques
  • Describe antenna field performance/characteristics related to reflective and absorptive materials
  • Given a scenario, calculate radiated power output from antenna based on antenna gains, cable type, cable length and interrogator transmit power
Add to Cart



Course No. RFID604

RFID Tag Knowledge       ($199)
This course explains the RFID tag’s components and subassemblies, types of tags and the reason for having various tag types, different tag performance parameters and tag selection criteria. A tag’s behavior changes according to the material to which it is attached, as well as the condition of the surrounding environment. Therefore, selecting an appropriate tag for the object material, and properly applying it to the object, is the most important factor in the successful deployment of an RFID system.

This course maps to the following CompTIA objectives for Tag Knowledge:

  • Classify tag types
  • Select the RFID tag best suited for a specific use case
  • Pros and cons of tag types
  • Tag performance
  • Tag antenna to region/frequency
  • Identify inductively coupled tags vs. back-scatter
  • Identify the differences between active and passive
  • Given a scenario, select an item's optimal placement locations for an RFID tag
    • Evaluate media and adhesive selection for tags
    • Tag orientation and location
    • Tag stacking (shadowing)
    • Package contents
    • Packaging: Items, Tags, Labels, Inserts
    • Liquids
    • Metal
    • Polarization

Add to Cart



Course No. RFID601

Interrogation (Read) Zone Basics ($199)
This course describes the various types of RFID interrogators (readers), their components and the functionality of RFID interrogators. You will also learn about interrogator antennas: their types, polarization and function. A section of this course is dedicated to interrogator operation, including air interface and data protocols, dense reader mode, anti-collision and other tag management practices. The last section of the course discusses interrogation zone configuration, as well as interference problems that can arise while optimizing the system.
This course maps to the following CompTIA objectives for Interrogation Zone Basics:

  • Describe interrogator functionality
    • I/O capability
    • Handheld interrogators
    • Vehicle-mount interrogator
    • LAN/Serial communications
    • Firmware upgrades
    • Software operation (GUIs)
  • Describe configuration of interrogation zones
    • Explain interrogator-to-interrogator interference
    • Optimization
    • System performance and tuning
    • Travel speed and direction
    • Bi-static / monostatic antennas
  • Define anti-collision protocols (e.g., number of tags in the field/response time)
  • Given a scenario, solve dense interrogator environment issues (domestic/international)
    • Understand how a dense interrogator installation will affect network traffic
    • Installation of multiple interrogators, (e.g., dock doors, synchronization of multiple interrogators and antenna footprints)
Add to Cart



Course No. RFID609

RFID Peripherals    ($199)
Every RFID implementation needs peripheral devices, such as RFID-enabled printers; RFID-based automated label applicators (also known as "print-and–apply" devices); feedback systems, such as light stacks, horns, LED lights or LCD displays; and triggering devices, such as light break sensors. These devices enhance the capabilities of an RFID system, control I/O devices and system timing functions, and provide on/off capabilities for various business applications. Peripherals also improve human interactions with RFID hardware by assisting with automatic data collection and increasing the safety of the system. Additionally, this course discusses RFID printers, including their installation and setup, automated label applicators, feedback systems, triggering devices and Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS).
This course maps to the following CompTIA objectives for RFID Peripherals:
  • Describe installation and configuration of RFID printer
  • Describe ancillary devices/concepts
  • RFID printer encoder
  • Automated label applicator
  • Feedback systems (e.g., lights, horns)
  • RTLS
Add to Cart



Course No. RFID603

Standards & Regulations ($199)
This course discusses various standards and regulations that influence the design and use of RFID systems. The course includes a brief summary of a few RFID mandates issued by some commercial and government organizations, which drive a large number of RFID implementations today.
This course maps to the following CompTIA objectives for Standards and Regulations:

  • Given a scenario, map user requirements to standards
    • Regulations/standards that impact the design of a particular RFID solution
  • Identify the differences between air interface protocols and tag data formats
  • Recognize regulatory requirements globally, as well as by region
  • Recognize safety regulations/issues regarding human exposure
Add to Cart



Course No. RFID607
Site Analysis ($199)
This course focuses on a site survey, discusses the planning that goes into the site survey, highlights various aspects that should be examined when performing the site analysis (such as site anomalies) and provides pointers regarding how to generate the site survey report. 

This course maps to the following CompTIA objectives for Site Analysis:

  • Given a scenario, demonstrate how to read blueprints
  • Determine sources of interference
    • Use analysis equipment such as a spectrum analyzer to determine if there is any ambient noise in the frequency range that may conflict with the RFID system to be installed
  • Given a scenario, analyze environmental conditions end to end
Add to Cart



Course No. RFID605

RFID Design Selection ($199)
System design is a very critical part of any RFID implementation, because without the right design and the proper hardware and software, the implemented RFID system might not function properly. With the exception of adhering to a budget, the steps of design selection and design considerations discussed in this course adhere to standards and regulations, as well as compliance with trading partner mandates, selection of operating frequency, tags, interrogators, antennas, peripherals and software.
This course maps to the following CompTIA objectives for Design Selection:
  • Given a scenario, predict the performance of a given frequency and power (active/passive) related to read distance, write distance, tag response time and storage capacity
  • Summarize how hardware selection affects performance
    • Antenna type
    • Equipment mounting and protection
    • Cable length/loss
    • Interference considerations
    • Tag type (e.g., active/passive and frequency)
Add to Cart



Course No. RFID606

RFID Installation ($199)
This course discusses installation techniques for successful RFID implementations, including antenna installation, portal performance and design, conveyor portal design, electrostatic discharge (ESD), grounding and cable issues, pre-installation decisions, routine installation procedures and post-installation checks. This course also includes examples of various installation types.
This course maps to the following CompTIA objectives for Installation:
  • Given a scenario, describe hardware installation using industry-standard practices
  • Identify grounding considerations (e.g., lightning, ground loops and electrostatic discharge)
  • Test installed equipment and connections (pre-install and post-install)
  • Given a scenario, interpret a site diagram created by an RFID architect describing interrogation zone locations, cable drops and device mounting locations
Add to Cart



Course No. RFID602

Testing and Troubleshooting    ($199)
This course discusses obstacles to RFID system implementations, RF field issues and variables affecting the ability to read tags consistently (such as interference), the tagged material’s impact on tag performance and tag placement. Troubleshooting methods and solutions for slow reads, no reads and missed reads are further discussed.
This course maps to the following CompTIA objectives for Testing and Troubleshooting:
  • Given a scenario, troubleshoot RF interrogation zones (e.g., root-cause analysis)
    • Analyze less-than-required read rate
      • Identify improperly tagged items
    • Diagnose hardware
      • Recognize need for firmware upgrades
    • Equipment replacement procedures (e.g., antenna, cable and interrogator)
  • Identify reasons for tag failure
    • Failed tag management
    • ESD issues
  • Given a scenario, contrast actual tag data to expected tag data

Add to Cart


    PREMIUM CONTENT
    TOOLS & RESOURCES
    RFID Journal's Fashion Retail ROI Calculator

    sending it your way

    Sign up for one of our E-Newsletters.

    Enter Your Email Address:

    take the poll

    Is the status quo the biggest obstacle to adoption at your company?

    RFID Journal Map

    rfid events

    Apr. 14-16, 2010
    RFID Journal LIVE!

    Aug. 10-11, 2010
    RFID in Fashion

    Oct. 5, 2010
    RFID Journal LIVE! Middle East

    Nov. 2-4, 2010
    RFID Journal LIVE! Europe


    RFID BUYER’S GUIDE

    Looking for RFID Products and Services?
    Search the RFID Buyer’s guide to resources.