The Convergence Technologies Professional certification program, now known as Co mpTIA CTP+, is designed to ensure that all convergence

workers have a proper fou ndation for using the technologies associated with Voice over IP. Individuals ca n take the CTP+ exam to demonstrate their knowledge of technologies and best pra ctices including codecs, network planning, troubleshooting, and providing qualit y video and voice over data networks. CTP+ is the official convergence certification for CompTIA, a non-profit organiz ation that specializes in creating education standards for the entire IT industr y. CompTIA has retired its Convergence+ exam in favor of CTP+. Additional compan ies that endorse and use CTP+ include Avaya,[1] Mitel,[2] Nortel,[3] Toshiba,[4] Iwatsu,[5] and many others. CCNT or Certified in Convergent Network Technologies is an introductory certific ation or precursor to CTP+. To obtain this industry accepted credential, an indi vidual must pass six competency tests in the following disciplines: Basic Telecommunications explores analog and digital concepts, and introduces te lecommunications fundamentals such as networks, business communications systems, signaling, Internet telephony and switching. Basic Data Communications builds a student's knowledge of related software and h ardware. This module introduces the technology of network architecture, packet s witching, fiber optics, data communication channels and data communication devic es. Computer Telephone Integration (CTI) Essentials introduces the dynamics of conne cting a computer to a telephone system for routing calls through switches. This program also teaches the technology of applications, architecture and system dev elopment. Local Area Networks (LANs) develops critical understanding of the concepts and t echnology of LAN topologies, information transfer, transmission techniques, medi a standards and network management. Broadband Technologies discusses the need for transmitting multiple signal types simultaneously by way of divided channels, and then explores the technology of voice and data integration, frame relay, SONET, ATM/cell relay, SMDS, BISDN, DSL and VPN. Voice over IP (VoIP) Essentials teaches the principles of transmitting voice cal ls and fax over the Internet, and explores VoIP networks, bandwidth compression, the gateway, packet prioritization, RSVP, H.320 and H.323, and WAN engineering issues. Notes[edit] Jump up ^ Avaya endorses and implements CTP Jump up ^ Mitel endorses and implements CTP+ Jump up ^ Nortel accepts CTP+ in place of its 803 exam Jump up ^ Toshiba announces endorsement of the CTP+ certification Jump up ^ Iwatsu supports the CTP+ certification External links[edit] http://www.ctpcertified.com http://www.ctpcertified.com/ccnt http://www.comptia.org/certifications/listed/ctp.aspx Press release from CompTIA announcing CTP+ Certification Magazine article about CTP[dead link] SearchITChannel.com article quoting James Stanger, Chief Certification Architect for CTP Overview of the CTP certification on About.com