The Retail Solution Providers Association (RSPA) is encouraging software companies and Value Added Resellers (VARs) of POS systems to complete their certification program in order to foster a high level of competence in the point of sale industry.

The program, announced at the RetailNOW Conference, not only provides benefits to the people and businesses who are RSPA Certified but also to the industry as a whole. Certification offers assurances to the public. End-users know that when they purchase product or services from an RSPA Certified Reseller they are entering into a relationship, not participating in a one-time transaction. The customer comes to the table with a predetermined level of trust in the company’s integrity and competence— a strong foundation for a long-term business relationship.

Currently, there are 70 point of sale industry companies RSPA Certified. “The present certification process for companies uses a matrix of criteria that set acceptable performance and professional standards. RSPA announced two individual certificate programs: RSPA Support Specialist and RSPA Sales Specialist. Individuals pursuing these certificate programs must complete the course curriculum with satisfactory performance which is ascertained by a final test.

The Support Specialist certificate focuses on staff who install, resolve end-user hardware or software technology problems, or provide end-user training. To attain this certificate, candidates are required to have Network+ certification, one software application or vendor specific product credential, a minimum of two years’ experience installing POS solutions and/or IT networks, adhere to the RSPA Code of Ethics, and complete core curriculum provided through onsite and online delivery.

The Sales Specialist certificate is aimed at sales professionals and requires one year of experience selling POS sales solutions, adherence to the RSPA Code of Ethics, participation at a retail industry tradeshow and completion of core curriculum provided through onsite and online delivery.

Both of these Certificate programs include RSPA’s PCIwise courses in the core curriculum. PCIwise educational courses will be available to RSPA members and their customers.

Certification, must be renewed annually, allowing RSPA to elevate performance standards and ensure that companies maintain acceptable performance standards. The fee for certification is nominal.

For over 60 years, Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) has been an industry association dedicated to the retail technology industry. Members include resellers, distributors, hardware manufacturers,software developers, consultants and service providers who bring retail technology solutions to the marketplace. For more information about RSPA visit www.gorspa.org. For more information on RSPA Certification visit www.rspacertified.com.

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