The certification is a vendor-neutral credential that validates the knowledge and skills of professionals needed to meet the expected high demand for RFID talent over the next five years. Printronix will contribute content, experience and subject-matter expertise to the certification program, which will focus on critical skills areas such as RFID printer system installation, maintenance and management proficiency.
"RFID deployment to date has been led by a small group of pioneering companies that have defined this technology and worked with end users to meet industry mandates," says David A. Sakai, vice president of corporate marketing, Printronix. "As RFID permeates the supply chain, we'll see a sharp increase in demand and adoption, requiring a skilled work force that is certified to implement RFID technology."
According to CompTIA, the industry is clamoring for RFID talent. A February survey of CompTIA members found that 80 percent of companies do not believe there are sufficient numbers of RFID professionals in the work force today. In addition, 53 percent of companies said this lack of talent would have a negative impact on the adoption of RFID technology over the next two to three years. About 60,000 businesses will come under RFID usage mandates from trading partners over the next three to five years, according to industry estimates.
The CompTIA RFID certification is expected to be available in late 2005 or early 2006. Last month, CompTIA introduced the CompTIA RFID+ Blueprint Survey, which builds on the work of RFID subject matter experts who are helping CompTIA develop the content of the certification exam. The CompTIA RFID+ certification will validate an RFID technologist's knowledge and skills in the areas of installation, maintenance, repair, and upkeep of hardware and software functionality of RFID products.
For company information, see www.printronix.com.
