VoIP skills to gain recognition

The Computing Technology Industry Association has launched a qualification in voice/data convergence.

CompTIA's qualification, called Convergence+, is aimed at IT professionals who want to prove their expertise in deploying a converged network. Many organisations have deployed single voice/data networks, but so far there have been few qualifications recognising the skills required.

But, following the launch, it's expected that a range of training organisations, many of which are based in the UK, are likely to start providing training courses to help IT professionals gain the skills necessary to pass the Convergence+ exam.

Convergence+ follows on from the rest of CompTIA's "plus" series, which includes A+ (basic computing skills), Network+ and Security+.

"CompTIA Convergence+ was developed at the urging of the convergence industry," said the organisation's chief executive John Venator. He added that Convergence+ "fills a void and a need for an industry-accepted credential that validates foundation-level skills for IT and communications professionals working with these emerging technologies".

Although the qualification does not offer training on one specific manufacturer's equipment, several vendors offered input into the programme, including Intel, Siemens, Avaya and Catalyst.

The price for undertaking the Convergence+ exam is £159, although discounts are available to those with corporate CompTIA memberships. Training costs are extra, and are likely to cost around £1,500 for a five-day course.