CompTIA

CompTIA, short for Computing Technology Industry Association, is a United States–based nonprofit trade association that serves the global information technology (IT) industry. It operates as an advocate for the IT workforce, providing vendor-neutral certifications, research, and professional development resources.

Certifications: CompTIA's best-known credentials are A+, Network+, and Security+, widely used as baseline IT qualifications. It also offers specialized certifications in areas such as CySA+ (cybersecurity analytics), PenTest+ (penetration testing), Cloud+, Linux+, Server+, and additional programs addressing various IT disciplines. All certifications are vendor-neutral and revised to reflect current industry practices. Exams are administered through Pearson VUE testing centers and online proctoring, with maintenance achieved via renewal requirements and ongoing education.

Programs and services: In addition to certifications, CompTIA conducts research on IT labor market trends, publishes resources for IT professionals and educators, and advocates for policies that support the technology sector. It also provides training materials, curriculum resources, and events for members and the broader community.

History and structure: Formed in the early 1980s to support the IT profession and standardize qualifications, CompTIA operates as a non-profit organization with a global reach and collaborations across employers, academia, and technology vendors. The association emphasizes objective, vendor-neutral criteria to validate IT skills and support career development.