6 More TCA Members Adopt CTP Training

By Khali Henderson

The Technology Channel Association (TCA) announced Wednesday that more than 100 telecom professionals have enrolled in the Certified Telecommunications Professional (CTP) program and six of its members have adopted CTP as a core training platform for carrier sales.

TCA members AB&T Telecom, Avant Communications, COLOTRAQ, MicroCorp, Telecom Brokerage Inc. (TBI) and World Telecom Group (WTG) are standardizing on CTP, which is the first association-sponsored certification program designed specifically for indirect sales agents. CDW was the first TCA member to do so back in March.

Our agents are incredibly knowledgeable and this proves we can provide another level of service and expertise. I believe we will be stronger as a company thanks to this certification,” said Ian Kieninger, CEO of Avant Communications.

Being CTP certified certainly helps set us apart. I feel the program helps verify that our agents have a solid understanding of industry fundamentals and how they apply to end users and vendors,” said Emmet Tydings, president of AB&T Telecom.

Nearly a year in the making, the CTP program was launched Nov. 30. It seeks to build an industry standard around technical concepts and business practices. The exam measures proficiency in various elements of the industry, including voice communications, industry history, Internet applications, telecommunications administration, core telecommunications concepts, data communications, network security/management and agent business best practices.

Certification, a stated goal of the TCA when it formed in summer 2008, is hoped to provide agents with credentials and vendors with assurance that they are working with reputable agents.

Exam applicants must be members of TCA. The association is waiving membership dues normally $500  for agents who are interested in joining the group. In addition, TCA has created a set of Prerequisites that CTP candidates must meet based on a combination of industry experience and advanced education.

The exam costs $199, which includes preparation study material and a certification test voucher good for one exam.

Swoyer Technologies Inc. administers the CTP program and exams for TCA.