RFID course aims to plug skills gap

A professional qualification for working with radio frequency identification technology has been developed by global IT trade association CompTIA.

The RFID+ qualification follows a survey of 500 US and UK companies by CompTIA, which found that many were struggling to find staff trained in the technology, its workings and usage.

Matthew Poyiadgi, CompTIA's regional director for Europe, said, "RFID has the potential to save companies money but it cannot deliver unless staff are competent in RFID site analysis, implementation and support. This certification has been designed by industry and plugs a skills gap that could prevent businesses taking advantage of a valuable new technology."

The certification was developed with the input of more than 20 companies involved in RFID development, including DHL, Intermec, RFID4U, Zebra Technologies and Symbol. It covers installation, configuration and maintenance of RFID hardware and software, site surveys, tag selection, placement and testing.

The certification is designed for technology professionals with a minimum of six months' experience in RFID or related data collection technologies.