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

"I found the 8 days at Firebrand an excellent experience. It was tough and challenging but very positive. The instructor was excellent and the amount of material we covered in the time was amazing. The facilities are great, my room was very comfortable and the food was very tasty. The immersion experience works very effectively to get you into a learning zone where you forget everything else and just concentrate on what you are doing. I would definately recommend it to anyone who was looking for an accelerated learning experience. "
Suzi Thurston, PayX International Ltd.

"I came on this course expecting to work hard but, I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks to my instructor and other attendees this was a well woth while experience for me and one I am likely to repeat in the future."
Shona Gunn, Stirling University.

"Training with Firebrand is a lifetime experience. The training facilities are great, service is fantastic and the teacher can impress with the high level of knowledge and experience. I will come back for further trainings and I stongly recommend Firebrand to everyone, who wants to train with professionals."
Robert Laszczewski, Phase Forward Ltd.

"Excellent tutor, who kept what could have been a dry subject moving along at a good pace."
J.G, HMRC.

"Being able to learn away from the "real world" where all base requirements (food/accommodation) are catered for helps greatly in the learning experience. I would use Firebrand Training again."
Ian Ridley, Attain Limited.

"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.

"Excellent tutor, who kept what could have been a dry subject moving along at a good pace."
J.G, HMRC.

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

"This was without doubt the best training experience I have ever had. The instructor was quite simply the most knowledgeable IT Pro I have ever met. He deserves a medal. The course was very hard work indeed and requires a massive effort so should not be undertaken lightly. I learned a great deal and will certainly be coming back for more training. The food is excellent, all staff are friendly and courteous. "
Anthony Mason, Abstractis Ltd.

"The training at Firebrand is excellent. They get the most important thing right. Choice of instructor."
PE, Logicalis.

"I would like to thank my instructor for providing a first class standard of instruction for what was a difficult course (CCVP). To have maintained this high standard for the whole 14 days is exceptional."
Paul Watt, Mactek Systems (own co. as contractor).

"While this course was not what I would call a bootcamp, it was informative, detailed and thoroughly absorbing. "
Marc Rogers, Vodafone.

"Good focused training."
Jason Bond, Land Securities.

"Excellent, all round course and facilities."
BP, CPW.

"While this course was not what I would call a bootcamp, it was informative, detailed and thoroughly absorbing. "
Marc Rogers, Vodafone.

"Although tiring; this was a well organized, well presented and worthwhile course."
DMG, NATO.

"Hard graft and definitely not for the week willed or faint hearted - but worthwhile, no question. Pre-reading is a big must."
Mike Crowe, Self Employed.

"The MCSE 14 day course is a real test of your character and mind. The instructors are the best in the business, if you work hard you will pass."
Mark Gambrell, MTA Solicitors.

"Intense and effective. Did exactly what I needed."
AP, Self employed.

"Very fucused on making you pass your exams. The trainer was very good, fucused and always on hand to help. Even long in to the night on study sessions. "
Stefan Halldor Stefansson, Capgemini.

"This is the way to do training. It is intensive and focused but it provides the ideal environment to learn the subject and pass the exams. Excellent food and trainers. Highly recommended."
Andrew Deacon, Cabinet Office.

"Firebrand Training is one of the most excellent institute, as it takes you to different world where you can find comfortable environment for useful studying and preparing for exams. Moreover, everyone in Firebrand is working for you (i.e instructor, bus driver, staff, chef)."
Naif Al-Dossary, SABIC.

"I found the co-location of accomodation and training environment particularly helpful as it allowed maximised utilisation of the facilities and trainer."
Christopher Frost, Airbus UK.

"Extremely difficult, but without a doubt the best way to learn. Excellent teachers with great skills."
Gus Osborne, Belcom.

"MCPD certification in 2 weeks... a lot of hard work but it is amazing, the amount you can learn in a short time. It is due to the excellent location and facilities but mainly our instructor. He is an excellent instructor who really knows his subject inside out."
Andrew McGibbon, ITP Solutions.