Special Pricing on CompTIA PDI+ Exams Available through Year’s End for Canadian IT Professionals

Printing and document imaging certification required by many manufacturers

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Information technology (IT) workers and field service technicians in Canada looking to boost their skills in printing and document imaging technologies have access to special discounted pricing on CompTIA Printing and Document Imaging (CompTIA PDI+) certification through the end of 2009.

“Some of these companies require CompTIA PDI+ for their technicians while others have integrated the certification into their training requirements and product support criteria”

CompTIA, the leading provider of vendor-neutral certifications for the world’s high-tech workforce, announced today that CompTIA PDI+ certification exam vouchers are available to qualified individuals in Canada for $90 US through Dec. 31, 2009. The vouchers are normally priced at $239 US.

The promotion is linked to a push by a number of printing and document imaging solutions manufacturers to certify their technicians, authorized service partners and sub-contractors. Companies participating in the CompTIA PDI+ program in Canada include Brother, Canon, Hewlett Packard, InfoPrint Solutions, Lexmark, Ricoh and Sharp.

“Some of these companies require CompTIA PDI+ for their technicians while others have integrated the certification into their training requirements and product support criteria,” said Terry Erdle, senior vice president, skills certifications, CompTIA. “These companies are committed to continuing education, training and certifications programs to enable their IT professionals to build on current knowledge and enhance skill sets.”

To help technicians prepare for the certification exams these seven manufacturers are working with two vendors who provide Web-based, self-study options, DataVault and gtslearning. In addition, various manufacturers are providing funding to eliminate or reduce the costs of training and certification. More information on the CompTIA PDI+ program in Canada is available at https://store.comptia.org/shelf.aspx?shelf=36.

CompTIA PDI+ is the only vendor-neutral certification that measures an IT worker or field service technician’s ability to support printing and document imaging devices, including printers, copiers, scanners, multi-function devices and fax machines. Technicians who are CompTIA PDI+ certified have an understanding of basic electromechanical components and tools, print engine and scan processes and components, color theory, and connectivity/networking. The exam also covers “soft skills” such as customer service, professionalism, safety and environment.

Beyond the development of technical skills, IT certifications such as CompTIA PDI+ often produce more well-rounded employees. A recent CompTIA survey of more than 1,500 IT professionals found that nearly one in four certification holders believe they have better customer skills; 30 percent feel certification enhanced their productivity directly; and 47 percent said they are benefitting from more insightful problem solving. (Source: IT Training and Certification: Insights and Opportunities, CompTIA, August 2009).

About CompTIA

CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, please visit www.comptia.org.