TCA Names First Certified Agents

The Technology Channel Association (TCA) announced Thursday that five of its agent members have become certified  under its new Certified Telecommunications Professional (CTP) program, the  first association-sponsored certification for indirect sales agents.

These members are Ben Henkels of Communication Management Partners, Dave Wallace of Aligned Communications, Evan M. Gillman of Transit Broker, Yvonne Fry of Lines of Communication and Jeff Sumner of Corporate Technologies Group.

Earning this certification is a significant accomplishment for these five individuals,” said Dany Bouchedid, founding president of TCA and CEO of COLOTRAQ. “The designation will further position them as leaders in the telecommunications marketplace and will elevate their professionalism and credibility among their peers and customers.”

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.