Nov 04, 2013For the past 18 months, I have been working with a dedicated group of radio frequency identification professionals to create an association that would develop standardized certification examinations to enhance professionalism in the industry. The goal was to replace CompTIA's RFID+ program (which no longer exists) with a new one that would include higher-level certifications (see The Return of RFID Certification, International RFID Institute Prepares Certification Program and What's the Latest in the Efforts to Create a New RFID Certification?).
After setting up the International RFID Institute, drafting bylaws, and approving nondisclosure, non-compete and conflict-of-interest policies, we are close to finalizing the blueprint for the first exam. Now, we are looking for more experts to submit and edit "items." (Questions are called "items" in the testing world, since the exams can contain true-false questions with declarative statements instead of questions.)
I recently requested input regarding the blueprint (see Input on RFID Certification). We will soon finalize that blueprint and select a software platform for managing the submission and editing of items. We presently have more than a dozen experts signed up to assist in the process of drafting and editing those items, but we could use additional help.
In total, we need to draft upwards of 500 items. Although the test will only comprise 70 to 90, it is a good idea to have more items in a reserve bank, so that we can generate random questions as needed, and offer different tests that maintain the same overall questions per topic. Over time, we will also need to reject items that are either too easy or perhaps misleading, and replace them with new ones.
What are the benefits of becoming a subject-matter expert (SME)? Well, for one thing, it's something you could add to your résumé. Plus, you would be contributing to the healthy growth of the RFID industry, and you would receive complimentary membership into the International RFID Institute.
If you have not already done so, please comment on the RFID Institute by visiting this page. If you are interested in becoming an SME, you can view the qualification requirements here. And if you meet those requirements, I strongly encourage you to register as an SME here.
A recent survey that we conducted suggested the RFID community believes there is a strong need for a robust RFID certification program. The International RFID Institute needs your help in creating such a program.
Mark Roberti is the founder and editor of RFID Journal. If you would like to comment on this article, click on the link below. To read more of Mark's opinions, visit the RFID Journal Blog, the Editor's Note archive or RFID Connect.
