IT trade group Comptia is developing a certification scheme for RFID skills, in response to concerns that the boom in wireless tag projects could be hit by a shortage of qualified staff.

Comptia, the Computer Technology Industry Association, announced its plans in March. The programme is intended to encourage skills in radio frequency identity (RFID) technology by recognising on-the-job experience.

Matthew Poyiadgi, regional director at Comptia in Europe, said a dearth of qualified RFID integrators has slowed adoption of the technology. "Upwards of 60,000 businesses are facing RFID usage mandates from their trading partners in the next several years," Poyiadgi added.

The certification - due for launch around the end of 2005 - will initially cover topics including tag requirements, radio protocols, standards and interference issues.

A recent survey by Comptia found that 80 percent of companies feel there is a shortage of RFID professionals.

However, software giant Microsoft, which last week confirmed that it will launch its first RFID Services Platform in 2006, said it expected the shortfall to be quickly addressed.

"There does appear to be a skills gap, but it is being filled very rapidly," said Simon Holloway, manufacturing industry architect at Microsoft in Europe. He added that the growing number of specialist RFID consultancies, such as The ePC Group, combined with RFID divisions springing up at established systems integrators like Accenture, will quickly plug the gap.