Five Steps to Getting Started

1. To start the certification process you will need to follow this CTP Start-up link and select "Need to create a new user account" (Second Option under the Log In).

Have multiple people to register? Email Jim Swoyer, Program Director, at jim@swoyer.com for information on how to do bulk registration.

2. Once you have set up your user account, Find "CTP Content Menu" on the Menu Bar. Then select the first option: "Registration Information."

3. Once you have filled out your registration information you will be prompted to make a payment of $199.00, which will allow access to the online study materials and the exam.

4. At this time we suggest you go through the course materials. You may take the exam at any time.

5. Upon completion of the exam, with a score of 70% or higher, you will officially be a CTP!

(Reminder: You must be a TCA member to become certified. Agents can currently join for free on our join now page.)

 

As the indirect sales industry's first non-profit trade association, the Technology Channel Association seeks to promote the growth and success of Agents, Vendors and our respective industries as an inclusive body of industry professionals.

 

To that end, TCA's new and voluntary Certified Telecommunications Professional (CTP) program will advance Agent business relationships and energize the indirect sales channel by:

 

Providing industry developed and approved technical training and knowledge

Recognizing accepted standards of professional conduct and experience

 

Verifying the CTP understands critical industry fundamentals of the industry and how they apply to the end users and carriers.

 

Validating Agent expertise and inspiring customer confidence

 

Differentiating personal professional development and company reputation

 

Furthering the stature and recognition of the industry-at-large

Course & Exam Content Overview

TCA's CTP initiative is the only telecommunications industry professional certification that not only verifies product and services application knowledge, but also validates the education, technical expertise and work experience of individuals so designated.

 

The CTP program represents the first critical step to build an industry standard around technical concepts and business practices that include:

 

Voice communications

 

      -Introduction To Voice Concepts

      -Topology: Voice Infrastructure

      -Toll Free Numbers

      -Rate Structure

 

Core Telecommunications Concepts

 

      -OSI Model

      -Signaling System Number 7 (SS7

      -Impact Of SS7 On Services

      -SS7 Architecture

 

Core Data Communications Concepts

 

      -Data Communications Concepts

      -Types Of Circuits

      -Data Communications Equipment

      -Data Communications Terms

Options For Infrastructure Facilities

 

      -Important Terms Used

      -Copper Infrastructure

      -Fiber Infrastructure

      -Optical Multiplexing

Wireless Infrastructure

 

      -Microwave Point to Point

      -Cellular Communications

      -Satellite Communications

      -Other Wireless Technologies (Wi-Fi & WiMAX)

Telecommunications History

 

      -The Creation Of The Industry

      -Legal Regulations

      -Technology Deployment

      -Internet Terminology

Data Communications

 

      -Data Communications Services

      -Routing Concepts

      -Service Delivery

      -Lifecycle Management

Internet

 

      -Internet Terminology

      -Access To The Internet

      -Applications On the Internet

      -Network Security

 

Managed Services & The Code Of Ethics

 

      -Managed Service Providers

      -Agent Administrative Responsibilities

      -TCA Code Of Ethics

 

Agent Business Practices

 

      -Carrier Services

      -Agent Business Models

      -Agent Responsibilities

      -Agent Post Sales Responsibilities

Building on technical excellence
Certification candidates must be TCA members. If you are not a TCA member, email info@tcasite.org, noting whether you are an Agent or represent a Vendor company. Currently, Agent dues are waived during our Agent Membership Drive.

 

A $199 fee includes the online certification preparation study material and a certification test voucher good for one exam.

 

In order to preserve the Level of Professionalism of the Certified Telecommunications Professional (CTP) program, a set of Prerequisites have been created which can be downloaded here. It is required that the CTP Candidate meet one of the criteria sets as illustrated.

It is understood that circumstances may lead to an individual that may not meet the listed Prerequisites for the CTP Program. The listed Prerequisites are a baseline that should be met by the majority of qualified Candidates. If a candidate does not meet one of the listed criteria, there is a simple appeal process. One can send an e-mail to the CTP Program Director and explain their individual situation. The information will be reviewed and exceptions may be granted based on each individual's situation, experience and education.

Steps to Appeal the Prerequisites:

1. Send An E-mail to the CTP Program Director (jim@swoyer.com)
2. Please put "Review Request For CTP Prerequisites" in the Subject Line
3. Provide:
- Name
- E-mail Address
- Phone Number
- Background Information: Work History, Education History and Explanation of why an exception should be made
4. CTP Program Director will review the case and document the ruling
5. Communication back to the CTP Candidate will come directly from the CTP Program Director.

 

Background verification will confirm applicant employment and educational histories.

 

So take advantage of the complimentary TCA Agent membership drive, and then take the next step in your professional development through the CTP opportunity!

 

Click here to become certified

(Reminder: You must be a TCA member to become certified. Agents can can currently join for free on our join now page.)

Bulk Registrations

 

Have multiple people to register? Email Jim Swoyer, Program Director, at jim@swoyer.com for information on how to do bulk registration.

Premier Vendors now have an opportunity to package CTP registrations with their membership package. Learn how!

Question 1: Do you need to be a member of the TCA to be certified?

Answer: Yes. Given the industry requests, the TCA has stepped up and took the initiative to develop a comprehensive program created for the industry by the industry. Membership is easy to come by and does not currently cost anything for Agents. Not a member? Join today!

Question 2: Who are the target people to become certified?

Answer: The program is not limited to just sales people, engineers or agents. The content is focused at the business of carrier services and the agent business model. Anyone that interfaces clients and is in a position to influence decisions should invest the time to become a CTP.

Question 3: Does it make sense to have multiple people from a single organization get their CTP?

Answer: Yes. Many companies have already adopted the CTP as the core knowledge set of the business. Several companies have mandated that all or several employees work through the process. Some tied the CTP to year-end bonuses. Many are using this in their PR and letting everyone know they have multiple CTPs on board. Have multiple people to register? Email Jim Swoyer, Program Director, at jim@swoyer.com for information on how to do bulk registration.

Question 4: What is the cost to become certified?

Answer: The current cost is only $199. This is all available online and paid by a credit card. The program includes the on-line course material that will provide the candidate with everything they need to know to pass the Exam.

Question 5: How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: Most have completed the entire process within five hours. The course content is available on-line and is optional for each candidate to review. If a candidate is proficient in a specific area, then skip the material as it is not a prerequisite to the Exam. Skipping the course material will reduce the time it takes to prepare. At the same time, if a particular topic is more challenging, the candidate may elect to review the course session multiple times, this will add time to the process.

Question 6: How long does the Exam take?

Answer: Most complete the Exam within an hour and a half. The fastest reported time is 52 min. There is a time limit of two hours. Any question not answered within that timeframe will be marked as wrong. Only one person has not completed the exam within the time allowed. That person, however, did pass the Exam.

Question 7: What happens if the candidate fails their first attempt?

Answer: The candidate may take the Exam twice. Since this is an on-line exam, it is understood that technical issues may arise while taking the exam. If a candidate requires a third attempt, exceptions can be made. This will be handled on a case by case basis and the CTP Program Director should be contacted.

Question 8: What if a candidate does not meet the defined prerequisites?

Answer: The prerequisites were established for the purpose of establishing a minimal level of experience. It is understood that circumstances may prohibit a qualified individual from meeting these defined prerequisites. This can be appealed and the CTP Program Director will grant exceptions when appropriate.

Question 9: Does the course material include sample questions?

Answer: The course material does not include sample questions.

Question 10: How long does the certification last and how does one recertify?

Answer: The certification lasts three years. After three years, the CTP will retake the Exam. It should be understood that the content will change and continue to evolve as the industry changes. It is important that each CTP voice their opinions and thoughts on how the program should evolve over time.

Have additional questions?

For questions on membership or passwords to access the program, contact TCA Headquarters at (609)799-4900 or info@tcasite.org.

For questions on content, prerequisites or taking the Exam, contact CTP Program Director Jim Swoyer, Jim@swoyer.com.