Printer manufacturers have set aside their differences to support a vendor-independent certification for technology professionals, announced Jan. 7 by CompTIA.
The accreditation, called the CompTIA PDI+ (Printing and Document Imaging), certifies that an individual has the right technical skills to service and support printers and multifunction devices. It also includes an element of customer services, according to the Computing Technology Industry Association.
"Establishing a uniform standard of performance for printing and document imaging technicians leads to greater productivity and higher first time fix-rates," Richard Rysiewicz, vice president of services for CompTIA, said in a statement. "That’s good news for customers deploying today’s advanced printer, copier, scanner, fax and multifunction peripheral devices."
The certification is supported by all of the major printer vendors, including Hewlett-Packard, Xerox, Canon, Brother International, Lexmark, Ricoh Americas and Konica Minolta.
CompTIA said the certification exam is for candidates who have had some hands-on experience of working with printers, and is suitable for anyone responsible for the maintenance, installation, services and support of printers or multifunction devices.
CompTIA is offering exam vouchers for $199, or at the discounted price of $168 for CompTIA members (individuals and organizations). The special pricing is available through Feb. 29, 2008. After that date, exam vouchers will cost $185 for CompTIA members and $232 for nonmembers.