This article was originally published by RFID Update.
April 29, 2005—Last week the Cornerstone Meeting for the initiative to establish an RFID certification program took place at the Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois headquarters of information technology association CompTIA. The meeting was a gathering of representatives from the “cornerstone” companies involved in the RFID industry that have committed to making professional RFID certification a reality. CompTIA’s VP of Electronic Commerce David Sommer told RFID Update that the meeting’s objectives were met, including agreeing upon the certification exam’s high-level content and target audience. Also covered was the certification development process, how it will be marketed, and how the cornerstone companies can be involved in its industry-wide adoption.
Now CompTIA is looking for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to help in the development of the certification exam’s content. SMEs should have at least three years of field experience with RFID and be able to attend the two-day workshop at CompTIA headquarters on May 31 and June 1 at which a research document will be developed that outlines the certifying knowledge and skills standards. A webpage will be posted in the coming weeks with more details on becoming an SME, but in the meantime interested parties should contact CompTIA directly.
For many, the certification effort parallels that of RFID standards-setting through EPCglobal. Most agree that an industry-wide certification is in everyone’s best interest, and companies from all reaches of the RFID landscape — even archrivals — are collaborating to make it a reality. Many also realize that participating in the effort gives their company’s interests a voice. In light of these factors, and the increasing concern that there is an insufficient supply of skilled RFID labor, expect that CompTIA will meet its goal of late 2005 or early 2006 for the completion and availability of the RFID certification.
Visit the CompTIA RFID page