"Developing wireless applications is a complex task because you need skills in multiple disciplines - embedded systems, device hardware, computer software, content development, wireless networks and systems integration across all these disciplines. Apart from industry conferences and vendor-sponsored educational seminars, there are not too many organizations who are focused on training professionals for various segments of this broad industry. We also do not know of any independent certification body. ARE Technologies (through its Ace Wireless Training and Certification Programs) is trying to address this important need.  Providing different streams for various specialty fields is a good approach. MobileInfo.Com would like to congratulate ARE Technologies in this endeavor. We strongly urge the industry players to support them in this effort."

Chander Dhawan
Founder, Principal Consultant and Publisher - mobileinfo.com (www.mobileinfo.com)

Earlier this week, I got an e-mail from Sundeep Patel, Executive VP at Are Technologies, announcing the company's brand-new AreTec Wireless Career Certifications program. Unlike most other such programs I've seen, wireless or otherwise, this program looks a lot more like a complete, college-level engineering curriculum than your average, garden-variety IT certification.

The current collection of credentials in the program is as follows:

• AreTec Certified Wireless Professional (AceWP):
  400 hours of training, including 200 hours in the classroom, and 200-225 hour of lab practice time, across 5 80-hour tracks. These include Wireless Applications Development; Wireless DSP, RF, and Antennae; Wireless Carriers; Wireless Networking and Security; and Wireless Embedded Systems. For those who lack the necessary preliminaries, a 225 hour remedial program is also recommended.
• AreTec Certified Wireless Developer (AceWD):
  200 hours of training, plus an additional 100-125 hours of lab practice time for each track. These tracks cover the same 5 topics as in the preceding certification, but this is where individuals specialize in a single track.
• AreTec Certified Wireless Expert (AceWE):
  This is designed to build on expertise, knowledge, and skills built in obtaining the AceWD certification. There is no classroom instruction at this level, but self-study, seminar attendance, and interactive online sessions will be involved. Candidates must take and pass a 2-hour written exam and a four-day Lab Test for each track they pursue at this level.
• Certified AceWP Instructor (CAI):
  Candidates must go through two steps to qualify for this credential, including training and development of communication, language, and personality development skills, plus presentations and demonstrations and a cumulative written exam.

Currently, only the AceWP exams are available (at Prometric Testing centers worldwide). Other programs will be rolled out in the next 12-18 months. This should be an interesting program to watch and follow because of its vast depth and breadth. Uptake will truly demonstrate significant commitment to this market space.

by-Ed Tittel

www.informit.com