Jul 30, 2007A couple of years ago, the folks at CompTIA, a nonprofit technology certification company, proposed creating a certification test for radio frequency identification. The idea was to create a test that would ensure companies hiring people for RFID projects had at fundamental knowledge of RFID systems and real-world implementation issues. When AIM Global, the trade association for automatic identification technology vendors, backed the CompTIA RFID+ program, RFID Journal decided to support it as the industry-standard certification program.
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For the past 18 months or so, we have offered fast-track RFID+ Certification training at our conferences, in partnership with RFID4U, a leading RFID training company. These intensive, one-day courses teach attendees all they need to know to pass the CompTIA RFID+ test and become certified. Several hundred people have already taken and passed these courses.
Still, we recognize that not everyone can afford to travel to an event for a one-day course, or to a training facility for a four- or five-day course. Thus, to give all individuals the opportunity to enhance their career prospects, we have partnered with RFID4U to create an RFID Journal distance-learning course consisting of nine modules, each focused on specific certification objectives created by CompTIA (see RFID Journal Launches Online Training for CompTIA RFID+ Certification).
The nice thing about the online training program is that individuals with Internet access can take the course from anywhere in the world. The modules can be purchased individually or as a package, and students can complete each module when they have time. Each contains a quiz at the end, allowing students to test their knowledge and review the module if there are concepts they didn't grasp. What's more, those who purchase the full training package get a voucher to take the CompTIA RFID+ Certification test at an authorized testing center, and those who purchase individual modules can purchase a test voucher.
The introduction of the RFID+ Certification test came at a critical time during the maturation of the RFID industry, because it created a standardized means of evaluating a potential hire's RFID knowledge. The introduction of an online version of the preparation course comes at another critical time, as more RFID deployments are being undertaken and more qualified people are needed to install systems. The online course will make it possible for many more people to afford to take the course and get certified. I hope companies and individuals will take advantage of it.
Mark Roberti is the founder and editor of RFID Journal. If you would like to comment on this article, click on the link below.
