CompTIA - RFID+ Certification

A Firebrand Training
4
Day Course

CompTIA RFID+ Certification - Overview

The goal of this four (4) day accelerated course is to teach students a base-line technical knowledge of RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification technology) for different career roles. Successful students will have mastered the fundamental knowledge and skills required to work in a RFID using environment. These foundational skills include basic knowledge of interrogation zone basics, testing, troubleshooting and design selection.

Those holding CompTIA RFID+ certification can demonstrate knowledge and competency to perform installation, configuration and maintenance of RFID hardware and device software, site surveys/site analysis or tag selection, placement and testing.

Our CompTIA RFID+ Certification Program

Allows you to achieve your certifications in a fraction of the time of 'traditional training' while delivering industry-leading exam passing percentages
Helps students grasp complex technical concepts more easily by identifying and catering to individual student learning styles through a mixed visual, auditory and kinaesthetic-tactual delivery system
Enhances retention by employing accelerated learning techniques focused on committing information to long-term memory

CompTIA RFID+ Certification - Benefits

Having proof of your skills and knowledge gives you the edge over other candidates when applying for a job. Here are some additional benefits of earning CompTIA RFID+:

Independent validation of achievement of a level of competency accepted and valued by the industry
Proven understanding of fundamental RFID-related practices
Increased knowledge, leading to increased job satisfaction
Well-defined career path, leading to higher level certifications
Proof of transferable skills and a solid credential, which make you more marketable
Vendor neutral certification

What CompTIA RFID+ Can do for Your Company

Certification provides companies with skilled employees, leading to:

Maximized efficiencies in recruiting, hiring, training and promoting employees
Operational improvements and greater efficiencies organization-wide
Creation of best practices and uniform RFID processes across all industries
Increased productivity as certified professionals are able to perform at accepted industry standards

Who Should Earn a RFID+ Certification?

RFID job-role certification is important for all types of IT professionals, from career changers and business professionals to experienced and certified IT professionals who want to be involved in the latest technology for the shipping industry.

Career changers

RFID+ certification is an excellent way to enter the IT industry because vendor-neutral skill certifications address the roles and responsibilities of a specific position. RFID+ focuses on industry standards, and leading hardware and software technologies.

Business professionals

A RFID certification demonstrates knowledge of industry standards, best practices, and leading hardware and software technology. Taking the time to learn new IT concepts shows a commitment to keep pace with today's technology-driven economy, to better understand a customer's business, and to become more self-sufficient by better understanding the technology on which almost every professional relies.

Experienced and certified IT professionals

If an experienced IT professional does not already have a widely recognized certification, he or she should earn a certification to show current or potential employers a measurement of their skills and expertise. Those who hold certifications other than RFID+ can benefit from RFID+ certification by demonstrating an understanding of multiple and vendor-neutral skills, and knowledge of industry standards and best practices.

Other accelerated training providers rely heavily on lecture and independent self-testing and study.

Effective technical instruction must be highly varied and interactive to keep attention levels high, promote camaraderie and teamwork between the students and instructor, and solidify knowledge through hands-on learning.

Firebrand Training provides instruction to meet every learning need, including

Intensive group instruction
One-on-one instruction attention
Hands-on labs
Lab partner and group exercises
Question and answer drills
Independent study

This information has been provided as a helpful tool for candidates considering certification. Benefits of certification determined through studies do not guarantee any particular personal successes. Firebrand Training provides a guarantee of obtaining certification at the camp, but does not make any guarantees about personal successes or benefits of obtaining certification.

CompTIA RFID+ Certification - Curriculum

Course Materials

Students attending this blended-learning program will receive a robust set of course materials that caters to each of the three primary individual learning-intake styles (auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic-tactual) - critical for a successful accelerated learning experience.

Daily lectures, labs, and review sessions are supplemented by a combination of:

Proprietary Lab Manual & Program Courseware - developed to address the unique demands of accelerated learners
Self Test Testing Software

Firebrand Training has an aggressive educational schedule that thoroughly covers all essential elements necessary to attain the CompTIA RFID+ Certification during the program.

Module Descriptions

RFID basics, Tags and Readers
Testing & Troubleshooting of RFID Systems, RF in RFID
RFID Systems Installation, Regulations, Standards and Mandates, Practice
RFID+ Certification Exam

Course program in detail

Interrogation zone basics

Describe interrogator functionality
I/O capability
Hand-held interrogators
Vehicle mount interrogator
LAN/Serial communications
Firmware upgrades
Software operation (GUIs)
Describe configuration of interrogation zones
Explain interrogator to interrogator interference
Optimization
System performance and tuning
Travel speed and direction
Bi-static / monostatic antennas
Define anti-collision protocols (e.g., number of tags in the field/response time)
Given a scenario, solve dense interrogator environment issues (domestic/international)
Understand how a dense interrogator installation is going to affect network traffic
Installation of multiple interrogators, (e.g., dock doors, synchronization of multiple interrogators, antenna footprints)

Testing and Troubleshooting

Given a scenario, troubleshoot RF interrogation zones (e.g., root-cause analysis)
Analyze less than required read rate
Identify improperly tagged items
Diagnose hardware
Recognize need for firmware upgrades
Equipment replacement procedures (e.g., antenna, cable, interrogator)
Identify reasons for tag failure
Failed tag management
ESD issues
Given a scenario, contrast actual tag data to expected tag data

Standards and Regulations

Given a scenario, map user requirements to standards
Regulations, standards that impact the design of a particular RFID solution
Identify the differences between air interface protocols and tag data formats
Recognize regulatory requirements globally and by region (keep at high level, not specific requirements -- may use scenarios)
Recognize safety regulations/issues regarding human exposure

Tag Knowledge

Classify tag types
Select the RFID tag best suited for a specific use case.
Pros and cons of tag types
Tag performance
Tag antenna to region/frequency
Identify inductively coupled tags vs. back-scatter
Identify the differences between active and passive
Given a scenario, select the optimal locations for an RFID tag to be placed on an item.
Evaluate media and adhesive selection for tags
Tag orientation and location
Tag stacking (shadowing)
Package contents
Packaging
Items
Tags
Labels
Inserts
Liquids
Metal
Polarization

Design Selection

Given a scenario, predict the performance of a given frequency and power (active/passive) as it relates to: read distance, write distance, tag response time, storage capacity
Summarize how hardware selection affects performance (may use scenarios)
Antenna type
Equipment mounting and protection
Cable length/loss
Interference considerations
Tag type (e.g., active, passive, frequency)

Installation

Given a scenario, describe hardware installation using industry standard practices
Identify grounding considerations (e.g., lightning, ground loops, ESD)
Test installed equipment and connections (pre-install and post-install)
Given a scenario, interpret a site diagram created by a RFID architect describing interrogation zone locations, cable drops, device mounting locations

Site Analysis (i.e., before, during and after installation)

Given a scenario, demonstrate how to read blueprints (e.g., whole infrastructure)
Determine sources of interference
Use analysis equipment such as a spectrum analyzer, determine if there is any ambient noise in the frequency range that may conflict with the RFID system to be installed
Given a scenario, analyze environmental conditions end-to-end

RF Physics

Identify RF propagation/communication techniques
Describe antenna field performance/characteristics as it relates to reflective and absorptive materials (may use scenarios)
Given a scenario, calculate radiated power output from antenna based on antenna gains, cable type, cable length, interrogator transmit power (include formulas in scenario)

RFID Peripherals

Describe installation and configuration of RFID printer (may use scenarios)
Describe ancillary devices/concepts
RFID printer encoder
Automated label applicator
Feedback systems (e.g., lights, horns)
RTLS

CompTIA RFID+ Certification - Exam Track

Interrogation Zone Basics 13% of examination
Testing and Troubleshooting 13% of examination
Standards and Regulations 12% of examination
Tag Knowledge 11% of examination
Design Selection 11% of examination
Installation 11% of examination
Site Analysis (ie. Before, during and after installation) 11% of examination
RF Physics 11% of examination
RFID Peripherals 7% of examination

CompTIA RFID+ Certification - What's Included

Firebrand Training offers top-quality technical education and certification training in an all-inclusive course package specifically designed for the needs and ease of our students. We attend to every detail so our students can focus solely on their studies and certification goals.

Our Certification Programs includes

Intensive Hands-on Training Utilising our (Lecture | Lab | Review)^TM Delivery
Comprehensive Study Materials, Program Courseware and Self-Testing Software
Fully instructor-led program with 24 hour lab access
Examination vouchers *
On site testing **
Accommodation, All Meals, Beverages, and Snacks
Transportation to/from designated local railway stations
Examination Passing Policy

Please note

* Exam vouchers for our (ISC)2 certifications need to be purchased directly from (ISC)2
** On site testing is not included in our ISACA, or ITIL Managers and Revision Certifications

Our instructors teach to accommodate every student's learning needs through individualised instruction, hands-on labs, lab partner and group exercises, independent study, self-testing, and question/answer drills.

Firebrand Training has dedicated, well-equipped educational facilities where you will attend instruction and labs and have access to comfortable study and lounging rooms. Our students consistently say our facilities are second-to-none.

Examination Passing Policy

Should a student complete a Firebrand Training Program without having successfully passed all vendor examinations, the student may re-attend that program for a period of one year. Students will only be responsible for accommodations and vendor exam fees.

CompTIA RFID+ Certification - Prerequisites

Students who are successful in the the CompTIA RFID+ Certification Firebrand Training should possess:

6-24 months of experience in the RFID industry
Foundational RFID knowledge

Firebrand Training staff interview all potential students regarding their technical background, degrees and certifications held, and personal fortitude. This screening process ensures a successful match between the customer and Firebrand Training toward accelerated training and certification.

Firebrand Training is an aggressive training environment. You must have an attitude aimed for success. The above prerequisites are guidelines, but many students with less experience have other background or traits that have enabled their success in accelerated training through Firebrand Training.

RFID+ Certification Testimonials

"Without a doubt, this is the place to learn. The staff are focused on getting you through the exams, and help you all the way. Thoroughly recommended."
TA, n/a.

"Excellent course enjoyed it and learnt a lot."
David Palmer, Sutton College.

"As ever the Firebrand trainers know their stuff and made the whole process of learning easy and enjoyable."
Jan Eyres, Bond Pearce.

"Although you are pushed to the limits, the effectivness of this type of training are so rewarding."
Alexander Donaldson, BEAR Scotland Ltd.

"What sets Firebrand apart is the caliber of the instructors, full stop!"
Stephen Joy, Peavey Electronics LTD.

"Excellent course enjoyed it and learnt a lot."
David Palmer, Sutton College.

"Back for a second course (SharePoint Dual MCTS) - Excellent Instructor, good facilities and no distractions. Be prepared for a hard but very rewarding week!"
Allan McCulloch, Avian Communications.

"Enjoyed the course but you really need to be prepared to put in some long hours !!"
GB, LXE .

"It was overall a nice experience and I will not hesitiate to return or recommend a friend. "
Nonso Okechukwu, Bureau of Public Ent.Nigeria.

"I would use them again and recommend them to anyone."
RW, RBS.

"I attented MCAD in May 2005 and passed with flying colours, and came back to MCTS 3.5 for more of the same learning experience to keep me up to date as I am a .NET contractor. "
Clive Hesketh, Kop Limited .

"A first-class course, well delivered by an excellent instructor."
Trevor Riley, PSU Technology Group.

"Firebrand Training provide a good and a non distracted enviroment for the course I attended, focusing on realworld exercises as well as example scenarios."
Simon Jenkinson, DeveloperX Ltd.

"A good atmosphere to concentrate on studying and meet nice people as well.."
H.B., NATO.

"Great course, good surroundings and a good way to take in a lot of information in a short space of time. Would recommend."
Ian Randle, Cooper Parry.

"A thoroughly rewarding experience with some useful methods to take back and implement in my business."
J.I, EDF energy.

"The instructor is a top man, I have never seen SharePoint until this course and passed the exam with flying colours, he explained and demonstrated everything very well, and we had a bit of fun too!"
Chris Ward, SCC plc.

"I was very impressed with the instructor. He delivered the course at the right pace and level to get through all the material, which is substantial! To any further students I can fully recommend this course and suggest they prepare as much as possible. "
Ralph Carter, AIM Technology.

"I never thought I would get through 8 days of training 12-14 hours a day, plus doing homework. However the ideal environment, helpful staff and amazing instructor all helped us to focus on the task at hand and our common goal, rather than what time of day (or night!) it was. Truly an experience, not just your regular training. "
Azim Husain, PA Consulting Group.

"An intensive course but producing good results! Whilst the orientation is mis-leading and actually leads you straight into your first nights learning experience, you quickly adjust to its intensive nature. The accomodation is simple, but enough to get a good nights rest and to study in private. 3 meals a day are provided and the catering staff try to accomodate as much as possible. But there is a huge range of snacks, soft drinks, tea & coffee to keep you going in-between. Overall a great way to remove yourself from your daily distractions and get on with the task of getting certified as quickly as possible. Definitely recommended, however a prior knowledge of working with Dynamics (or any other) CRM and a grounding on MS Windows/Servers will definitely help give you a jump start on certain elements of this course."
Phil Midgley, Collins Stewart Wealth Management.

"Hard, demanding work but does exactly what is described. Excellent preparation, especially from insights into test question structure and technique. Not for the faint hearted but well worth the effort. "
KML, Veriisign UK.

"The training is tough and hard hitting, with very little time for anything else. But if you are preared to put in the Time and effort for the course, you will see the results."
Steve Harley, KBR.

"1st class Training Center."
SH, -----.

"Hard work but the tutor's teaching is the Mutts-nuts. Think zero-to-hero montage from the 80s."
Blair A Kelly, company-net.

"An excellent trainer and the course was well structured towards the final exam. "
KH, Ernst and Young.

"Make no mistake, these courses are heavy, packed and cover a huge range of topics even within the chosen course. Firebrand Training's breakdown and expertise in training/trainers really demonstrated the key features to know in the vast topic areas covered. In conjunction with real world experience, the course fills the gaps in knowledge needed to pass the exam."
S.Y, OPP ltd.

"An excellent way to study for the exam - lots of tips and focus on how to pass, all very condensed. I have never had to take in so much in so short a time. "
DC, Lloyds TSB.

"A very intense but worthwhile learning experience. My Instructor was exceptionally knowledgeable in his subject area and explained complex concepts in a way that was easy to understand. He was also more that willing to chat about real world examples and best practices. Having said that, don’t under estimate this course you really need a decent base level of understanding to pass the exams and keep up with the pace! "
C.C, Prodo.

"Attended with a rudementary understanding of Sharepoint and left feeling confident that I could implement a suitable business solution for my organisation."
Craig Law, MOD.

RFID+ Certification Course Dates

Start	End	Availability	Register
15/12/2008	18/12/2008	Finished

Does your business run legacy IT systems?	Yes	no
Have legacy system upgrades caused issues with new business critical applications?	Yes	no
Would server virtualisation enable you to prolong the life of defunct business applications and directly improve productivity?	Yes	no
How old are your legacy IT systems?