As mobile computing and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies are on the rise in corporate environments, there is a growing demand for certified technicians with the knowledge to deliver services for Mac and/or iOS mobile devices such as the iPhone and iPad.
According to Computerworld’s recent forecast survey looking at hiring trends in 2012, 61% of IT executives plan to hire people with skills in programming and application development, the area of mobility where companies will be focusing the most in the future.
Smartphones are currently in place at more organizations than standard cell phones, and tablets are the top choice for purchase intent next year, according to CompTIA's "Trends in Enterprise Mobility" study. As a result of this increase in enterprise mobility, companies like Apple are recruiting technicians for their Apple Consultants Network (ACN), a collection of independent professional service providers and technology consulting firms that deliver on-site technology services and support to home users and businesses.
Less than a year ago, ACN began accepting CompTIA Network+ certification as a prerequisite for Apple’s mobility program. Since then, people like Jonathon Praay, a CompTIA Network+ certified IT technician at Preferred Computers Inc., have benefitted.
“When we were first approached about joining the Apple Consultants Network and getting the Mobility Competency, I noticed that CompTIA Network+ was now an accepted prerequisite. A few weeks later, I was enrolled for the next CompTIA certification class in my area," Praay said. "Mobile computing solutions are built on the networks they operate on; so when these topics came up in class I had no trouble grasping the concepts and challenges. This class helped me see yet another exciting application of my network knowledge in a relatively new area."
CompTIA Network+ is an internationally-recognized and ISO/ANSI accredited certification that verifies that a candidate has the knowledge and skills required to implement defined network architectures with basic network security, as well as configure and troubleshoot network devices using standard network tools. Praay was able to take the knowledge and skills he had gained from the CompTIA Network+ certification and use it to acquire Apple’s Mobility Technical Competency Designation (MTC).
The MTC was designed to certify that Apple consultants have the necessary knowledge of the Apple mobile platform. Consultants who reach MTC status can then make recommendations to their clients who choose to integrate iOS mobile devices such as the iPhone and iPad into their corporate environment.
“The CompTIA Network+ certification really enhanced my network knowledge, something I use every day," Praay said. "As my experience continues to show me, this certification gave me a foundation to build on. I learned the basic standards and concepts as well as troubleshooting methods."
The recent synergy between CompTIA and Apple boasts well for not only individual technicians, but also for the IT industry as a whole.
“I am very grateful for the CompTIA/Apple link," said Praay. "I would recommend CompTIA Network+ to anyone who will ever configure/design/sell/manage Apple devices for a business to get their Apple Mobility Competency. I think it’s great when different organizations such as Apple and CompTIA can work together to find ways to reach a greater number of IT professionals with new and innovative programs."
CompTIA can provide the vendor-neutral foundation that vendors can build upon with specific technologies, said Rick Bauer, CompTIA Director of Research & Development.
“Being able to leverage the broad foundation of vendor-neutral standards and technologies from CompTIA Network+ in support of specific products is a key skill for IT support professionals, and companies like Apple can rely upon CompTIA to validate that level of preparedness,” Bauer said.
