The Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers Communications Society (IEEE ComSoc), the leading worldwide professional organization dedicated to the advancement of communications technologies, has launched a new program to certify the competency, practical knowledge and skills of wireless communications professionals.
The IEEE Wireless Communication Engineering Technologies (IEEE WCET) Certification Program has been specifically designed by IEEE ComSoc to address the worldwide wireless industry’s growing and ever-evolving need for qualified communications professionals who can demonstrate practical problem-solving skills in real-world situations. By way of this certification, professionals will be able to clearly demonstrate their knowledge of wireless communications technologies and employers will have a new means of selecting individuals for wireless engineering positions and projects.
“This is a very practical program that will help wireless professionals advance in their field, develop new opportunities in a global marketplace and certify their expertise with real-world applications,” said Celia Desmond, the IEEE WCET program director who has more than 30 years of telecommunications experience. “The certification will also help individuals working in other engineering areas to switch to the wireless field as new and exciting job opportunities arise.”
“The exam itself is vendor-neutral and trans-national in scope, and will provide employers with a valid tool for measuring an individual’s ability to meet wireless challenges in numerous industry, business, corporate and organizational settings,” adds Rolf Frantz, the program’s industry relations manager and a communications industry veteran.
To qualify for the IEEE WCET designation, engineers with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and at least three years of wireless engineering experience must pass a detailed comprehensive examination developed by more than 100 industry experts and experienced wireless practitioners. Overall development of the program was guided by Professional Examination Service (PES), a leading developer of certification programs.
IEEE WCET Certification examination is administered on computer. The first testing period is scheduled for late September 2008 at more than 500 testing sites located in 75 countries with the next testing period slated for March 2009. The exam itself will consist of 150 multiple-choice questions encompassing the wireless areas of RF engineering, propagation and antennas; access technologies; network and service architecture; network management and security; facilities infrastructure; agreements, standards, policies and regulations; and fundamental knowledge.