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In a fast changing field such as wire-less communications, technology and theknowledge and skills that go with it canquickly become outdated. WCET certifi-cation represents, in a sense, a snapshotin time. The WCP credential indicatesthat the holder has demonstrated masteryof the field “today.” For those whoearned the credential two or three yearsago, that “today” is becoming “yester-day.” To maintain the credential in goodstanding, they need to recertify theirknowledge and skills. As stated in the2011 Candidate’s Handbook (“Recertifi-cation,” page 35):

“… passing the examination is onlyone portion of certification. The wirelesscommunication field is constantly chang-ing and requires that wireless communica-tion professionals keep current withchanges in the profession. Maintaining anactive certification status through recerti-fication is the way in which certified pro-fessionals demonstrate their currency andpreserve their professional edge. Recerti-fication is required every five years, deter-

mined by the expiration date of your cur-rent certification …”

The first professionals to earn theWCP credential passed the exam in theFall of 2008; they will need to recertify in2013. That seems a long way off, but inreality, preparation for recertificationneeds to start well in advance. The mostobvious way to recertify, of course, is toretake the exam. Passing the 2013 exam,which will have been significantly changedand updated in the intervening five years,will clearly demonstrate that a credentialholder has kept up with advances in wire-less communications technology.

However, as with many other certifica-

tion programs that require recertification,ComSoc is working to provide alternativemeans for people to demonstrate thatthey have kept their skills and knowledgecurrent with changes in technology. Theformal recertification program is underdevelopment, and it is ComSoc’s intent toroll it out later this year. It will includeoptions for recertifying by earning Person-al Development Points (PDPs). Amongthe options under discussion for acquiringPDPs are:

•Working in one or more of the seventechnical areas covered by the WCETexam, performing tasks and holdingresponsibilities at the professional level.

•Taking training courses from Com-Soc and other providers that are specificto technology developments in one ormore of the seven technical areas.

•Attending professional conferencesand workshops that address technicaladvances in one or more of the seventechnical areas.

•Participating in relevant sessions oflocal ComSoc chapters or communities,ranging from attending an educationalsession to being a featured speaker atsuch a session.

•Authoring papers or articles in recog-nized industry publications on a topic ortopics relevant to the technical areas cov-ered by the WCET exam.

•Conducting self-directed study viaweb-based programs, coaching or mentor-ing with peers, or individual study leadingto a demonstrated increase in job skillsand responsibilities.

For any of these activities, of course,evidence of completion and success mustbe compiled and presented for evaluationand validation by a committee of wirelessprofessionals. Accumulation of sufficientPDPs through a combination of variedactivities – not just a single activity –would be the basis for authorizing recerti-fication of the WCP credential for anoth-er five year period.

As noted, the recertification programis currently under development. Com-ments or suggestions regarding the pro-gram (e.g., additional activities that mightqualify for PDPs, or relative importanceof activities) are welcomed via email tocert@comsoc.org.

IEEE Communications Magazine • March 2011

CERTIFICATION CORNER

THE NEED FOR RECERTIFICATIONBY ROLF FRANTZ

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