RFID Exam Domains:

The CompTIA RFID+ exam is broken down into 9 different areas of concentration, referred to as Domains.  The following table illustrates the value of each domain, with its *attributes defined further down the page. 

1.1 Describe interrogator functionality. 
1.1.1 I/O capability. 
1.1.2 Hand-held interrogators. 
1.1.3 Vehicle mount interrogator. 
1.1.4 LAN/Serial communications. 
1.1.5 Firmware upgrades. 
1.1.6 Software operation (GUIs). 

1.2 Describe configuration of interrogation zones. 
1.2.1 Explain interrogator to interrogator interference. 
1.2.2 Optimization.
1.2.3 System performance and tuning. 
1.2.4 Travel speed and direction. 
1.2.5 Bi-static / monostatic antennas. 

1.3 Define anti-collision protocols (e.g., number of tags in the field/response time).

1.4 Given a scenario, solve dense interrogator environment issues (domestic/international). 
1.4.1 Understand how a dense interrogator installation is going to affect network traffic. 
1.4.2 Installation of multiple interrogators, (e.g., dock doors, synchronization of multiple interrogators, antenna footprints). 

2.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot RF interrogation zones (e.g., root-cause analysis). 
2.1.1 Analyze less than required read rate. 
2.1.1.1 Identify improperly tagged items. 
2.1.2 Diagnose hardware. 
2.1.2.1 Recognize need for firmware upgrades. 
2.1.3 Equipment replacement procedures 
(e.g., antenna, cable, interrogator). 

2.2 Identify reasons for tag failure. 
2.2.1 Failed tag management.
2.2.2 ESD issues. 
2.3 Given a scenario, contrast actual tag data to expected tag data. 

3.1 Given a scenario, map user requirements to standards. 
3.1.1 Regulations, standards that impact the design of a particular RFID solution. 

3.2 Identify the differences between air interface protocols and tag data formats. 

3.3 Recognize regulatory requirements globally and by region (keep at high level, not specific requirements -- may use scenarios). 

3.4 Recognize safety regulations/issues regarding human exposure. 

4.1 Classify tag types. 
4.1.1 Select the RFID tag best suited for a specific use case. 
4.1.1.1 Pros and cons of tag types. 
4.1.1.2 Tag performance. 
4.1.1.2.1 Tag antenna to region/frequency. 
4.1.2 Identify inductively coupled tags vs. back-scatter. 
4.1.3 Identify the differences between active and passive. 

4.2 Given a scenario, select the optimal locations for an RFID tag to be placed on an item. 
4.2.1 Evaluate media and adhesive selection for tags. 
4.2.2 Tag orientation and location. 
4.2.2.1 Tag stacking (shadowing). 
4.2.3 Package contents.
4.2.4 Packaging. 
4.2.4.1 Items.
4.2.4.2 Tags. 
4.2.4.3 Labels. 
4.2.4.4 Inserts.
4.2.5 Liquids. 
4.2.6 Metal.
4.2.7 Polarization. 

5.1 Given a scenario, predict the performance of a given frequency and power (active/passive) as it relates to: read distance, write distance, tag response time, storage capacity. 

5.2 Summarize how hardware selection affects performance (may use scenarios). 
5.2.1 Antenna type. 
5.2.2 Equipment mounting and protection. 
5.2.3 Cable length/loss. 
5.2.4 Interference considerations.
5.2.5 Tag type (e.g., active, passive, frequency). 

6.1 Given a scenario, describe hardware installation using industry standard practices.
6.1.1 Identify grounding considerations (e.g., lightning, ground loops, ESD).
6.1.2 Test installed equipment and connections (pre-install and post-install). 

6.2 Given a scenario, interpret a site diagram created by a RFID architect describing interrogation zone locations, cable drops, device mounting locations.

7.1 Given a scenario, demonstrate how to read blueprints (e.g., whole infrastructure).

7.2 Determine sources of interference. 
7.2.1 Use analysis equipment such as a spectrum analyzer, determine if there is any ambient noise in the frequency range that may conflict with the RFID system to be installed.

7.3 Given a scenario, analyze environmental conditions end-to-end.

8.1 Identify RF propagation/communication techniques. 

8.2 Describe antenna field performance/characteristics as it relates to reflective and absorptive materials (may use scenarios). 

8.3 Given a scenario, calculate radiated power output from antenna based on antenna gains, cable type, cable length, interrogator transmit power (include formulas in scenario). 

9.1 Describe installation and configuration of RFID printer (may use scenarios). 

9.2 Describe ancillary devices/concepts. 
9.2.1 RFID printer encoder.
9.2.2 Automated label applicator. 
9.2.3 Feedback systems (e.g., lights, horns). 
9.2.4 RTLS. 

* Domain definitions directly from CompTIA.