Mobile App Developer CompTIA Certification

A new credential intended for mobile application developers is being created by CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the IT industry, and viaForensics, a digital forensics and security firm.




“The mobile app development world is a vast arena for innovation, but too often security has been a secondary concern in the rush to bring new apps to the market,” said Todd Thibodeaux, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA.



“Because mobile devices typically combine both personal and corporate data, they’re a rich target for cybercriminals and hackers,” he said. “CompTIA and viaForensics intend to elevate the level of security awareness among mobile app developers.”



The secure mobile application developer credential and corresponding testing services — scheduled for availability in the first half of 2012 — are intended to meet the growing needs of software application vendors in their pursuit of qualified professionals to work in the fast-growing mobile apps market.



Research firm IDC estimates that the number of annual mobile app downloads will grow from 10.7 billion in 2010 to nearly 183 billion by 2015. Other industry observers predict similarly epic numbers of users of these handy, but potentially risky applications.



“Over 45 million smartphones are in use, not only by U.S. consumers, but at companies and government agencies across the nation,” said Andrew Hoog, chief investigative officer, viaForensics. “Vulnerabilities found in these mobile devices place their owners, companies and our country at risk.”



CompTIA and viaForensics intend to offer secure mobile application developer credentials and testing services for both the iOS and Android operating environments. This effort combines CompTIA’s standing as a provider of vendor-neutral skills certifications for IT professionals with ViaForensics’ appSecure service, appWatchdog and other mobile security intelligence.



“CompTIA’s global distribution and partnering programs will provide scale and access for the programs, while the depth of viaForensics’ secured applications expertise will afford user access to industry best services,” said Terry Erdle, executive vice president, skills certification, CompTIA.



The announcement is part of CompTIA’s broader initiative to address issues impacting companies doing business in the mobility marketplace. CompTIA is developing a new mobility curriculum, consisting of educational programs, workshops, how-to guides and other resources, to meet the specific needs of IT channel companies.



Early this year, CompTIA is scheduled to publish new research on mobility, telecommuting and remote workforce trends

CompTIA A+ to add content on Windows 7

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., September 28, 2010 – CompTIA, the leading provider of vendor neutral skills certifications for information technology (IT) professionals, announced today it will update its flagship CompTIA A+ certification exams with new content related to the Windows 7 operating system.




The Windows 7 content will be integrated into existing CompTIA A+ exams beginning in January 2011.



"The ever accelerating technology adoption curve places increasing importance on the need to continually update the skills of the high-tech workforce," said Terry Erdle, senior vice president, skills certification, CompTIA. "CompTIA is committed to helping IT professionals keep their skills current and fresh through regular updates of the content of our certification exams."



The changes were recommended by the CompTIA A+ Certification Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from ASI Electronics, HP, Lenovo, Ricoh, Sharp and other organizations that support the certification.



Introduced in 2009, Windows 7 is the latest release in a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, netbooks, tablet PCs and media center PCs.



Windows 7 content will be added to both tests required to achieve CompTIA A+ certification: CompTIA A+ Essentials (220-701) and CompTIA A+ Practical Application (220-702).



The new content will appear in the following objective domains:



•CompTIA A+ Essentials (220-701) – Objective Domains 3.0 (Operating Systems) and 4.0 (Software and Networking)

•CompTIA A+ Practical Application (220-702) – Objective Domains 2.0 (Operating Systems) and 4.0 (Security).

The new content will be added as a rolling change to the existing exams beginning in January 2011. Training providers and courseware publishers have been notified of the upcoming changes and are making any necessary adjustments to their existing programs.



"CompTIA A+ delivers a comprehensive measurement of the core skills and knowledge that are universal for any IT technician, regardless of job role or responsibility," Erdle said. "It's recognized throughout the industry as the best credential an individual can obtain to launch a career in IT."



CompTIA A+ certification is an ISO/ANSI accredited exam that validates competence in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security, troubleshooting, customer service and communications. More than 750,000 people worldwide have become CompTIA A+ certified since the program’s inception in 1993.



CompTIA certifications are globally recognized in the private and public sectors and are required or recommended by many employers, certifying and educational bodies. Because all CompTIA certifications are vendor-neutral, they're relevant across multiple networks, operating systems and product lines; and they equip IT workers with greater versatility and a broader set of business and technical skills. More than 1.85 million CompTIA certifications have been awarded to IT professionals around the world.





About CompTIA

CompTIA is the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, please visit www.comptia.org.

Original article release: http://www.comptia.org/news/pressreleases/10-09-28/CompTIA_A_Certification_Exam_Update_Planned_with_New_Content_on_Windows_7_Operating_System.aspx

Closing the Security Skills Gap

Security tops the list of the technology skills that are most important to organizations today, according to a survey of more than 3500 technology professionals in North America, Europe and Asia. In the same survey, 73 percent of participating organizations also identi-fied firewalls and data privacy as the IT skills most critical to their organizations.




However, the same survey, along with new research commissioned by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), indicated that there is a widening gap in the technical security skills that employers want, and the corresponding skills that workers bring to the job.



This heightened interest in security is reflected in a 2007 CompTIA study, which found that the management of 78 percent of organi-zations considered information security a top priority. With so much at stake, it is incumbent on organizations to implement compre-hensive security training programs and making training a requirement for IT staff.



The benefits of such training are clear. Among organizations that have provided security training for IT staff, the 2007 CompTIA study found that an impressive 81 percent believed that security training improved security practices in their organizations.



In corporate IT, security training:



•increased awareness of security issues;



•improved the ability of IT staff to pro-actively identify potential security risks;



•enabled IT to respond more quickly to security issues.





Despite these findings, specialized training for IT staff is still the exception rather than the rule in many organizations. Less than half of all companies surveyed by CompTIA require IT security training, while about one-third have made security training a requirement for both new hires and existing IT employees. Overall, IT security training is mandatory to some degree for 47 percent of organizations.



Organizations with security training programs in place agree that security training has been beneficial, and that they have also realized financial savings. The average estimated average cost savings that organizations attribute to their IT security training programs is around $352,000 annually. These same organizations spend an average of $90,000 per year on security-related training, so the corre-sponding return on investment is rather compelling.



Among organizations that require security certifications, more than eight out of ten (84 percent) believe they improved their com-pany’s overall IT security. More than two-thirds believe that having IT staff with security-related certifications enables the or-ganization to pro-actively identify potential security risks—and a similar percentage of organizations also feels that security training also allows them to respond quickly to potential security risks. Organizations that lack a formal strategy for security-related training may be placing themselves at significant financial risk.



In addition to these benefits, the estimated cost savings associated with having IT staff with security certifications are even more com-pelling. Respondents estimate that the cost savings associated with having IT employees with security certifications is $656,000, which is 80 percent higher than the savings for organizations that have implemented only IT training initiatives. For the individual worker, attaining a recognized security certification or credential is a strong indicator to employers of you security expertise.



One such certification is CompTIA Security+, which validates foundation-level knowledge of communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, operational security, and general security concepts. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification for security professionals with two years of hands-on experience in networking, with a focus on security. It is recognized by the technology commu-nity as a valuable credential that proves competency with information security.



As the information security market evolves and the types of threats expand, organizations must seek out the correct balance of technology and training solutions. The benefits of security-related training and certification for IT staff are real and compelling, and the cost savings are undeniable.

original article: http://bit.ly/cnUJXP


John Venator is the president and chief executive officer of the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the leading trade association representing the business interests of the global information technology (IT) industry. He is responsible for leading strategy, development and growth efforts for the association and its 20,000-plus member organizations around the world.







Comments? Questions? Send them to editor@technologytrainingmag.com.

CompTIA's explanation of Certification policy changes...

Earlier this year, CompTIA announced it would start requiring certificants — even those already holding CompTIA certifications that had been billed as lifelong — to renew their certifications.




Two weeks later, the association reversed this decision somewhat, saying that previous CompTIA certification holders and those studying for its exams this year would be certified for life. Effective Jan. 1, 2011, all new CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ certifications will be valid for three years from the date the candidate becomes certified.



According to Terry Erdle, senior vice president of skills certification for CompTIA, the decision was originally brought about by advice from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). “The way they explained it to us is: ‘We really should start to push you guys into line with everybody else, which is a three-year or least some kind of recertification process. Your IT certifications can’t go on forever; lifetime certification is just not something that we’re going to stand behind anymore,’” Erdle said.



So CompTIA developed a continuing education process and a policy of requiring recertification. One of ANSI’s requirements was that such a policy be applied evenly across the association’s entire database.



“Well, the announcement went out, and we certainly heard from a number of people,” Erdle said. “I wouldn’t say it was a majority, but a vociferous number of them who said, ‘You know, this really isn’t fair.’”



IT pro Walter Byrd was one such protestor. When Byrd first heard he’d be required to recertify, he was angry. “I felt it was unfair,” he said. “I felt that I was being cheated because they were always very insistent that their certifications were lifetime.”



Byrd pointed to language on CompTIA’s Web site that had declared, “Our certifications are good for life. Once you are certified, you are certified for life. The certifications do not have an expiration date nor do you have to retake a test after an upgrade.”



CompTIA reported these frustrations on the part of its certificants to ANSI, which in turn agreed to allow CompTIA to revise its policy to allow former certificants to retain their lifetime certification and to start implementing the new policy in 2011.



CompTIA certificants were relieved, Erdle reported.



“We got a lot of ‘tears of joy streaming down my face’ kind of comments,” he said.



Byrd’s reaction to the policy revision was a bit more understated. “That was fine,” he said. “If they want to change their policy for certifications going forward, I have no problem with that at all. But I don’t think it’s fair for them to do that retroactively.”



Erdle understands frustration with the initial policy announcement. “We probably pulled the rip cord on the first policy a little too quickly, and we’ve learned from that and we’re going to take a slightly more conservative policy change process approach in the future, knowing how hot an issue this is for some people,” he said.



According to Erdle, a policy of recertification goes beyond meeting standards requirements; it enhances the value of CompTIA certs overall since employers generally insist IT professionals keep their skills current. “This is a good thing overall, to get to the point where we’re keeping people’s certifications fresh,” he said. “We’re recognizing that IT content changes rather dramatically every three to five years and that people should provide some level of credible assurance that they have stayed current.”



Byrd isn’t so sure this is significant. “I think it will make some difference, but only with certain employers,” he said. “For example, for a DOD employer it might matter. Most employers I don’t think will even know the difference.”



A key question is whether this new policy will create a skills gap between previously and newly tested CompTIA certificants, as holders of the old certs will be date-stamped to when they were tested and holders of the new certs will be forced to continually update their skills.



“Well, [it’s the] same kind of testing process [and the] same content, [though] obviously the content continues to change,” Erdle said. “It’s up to the individual to decide how current their skills need to be, whether they need to recertify. It probably sounds more onerous than it is when people first look at it and think, ‘Ugh, I have to retest every few years.’ And that’s really not the point.”



He pointed out that most IT pros already engage in a process of updating their skills as needed, which likely includes certification beyond their original education in the field.



“I don’t think anybody who plays in the IT space would think that the same technology, even the fundamentals that I learned 20 years ago, [is] completely relevant today,” he said. “I mean cloud computing and just the basic platforms that people use today are wildly different in terms of how they handle.”
 
 
Original article: By Daniel Margolis — March 22, 2010 ~ Certification Magazine http://www.certmag.com/read.php?in=3938

Changes to CompTIA A+ exam

CompTIA’s A+ certification has been used for years as a stepping-stone into the world of IT. It primarily tests knowledge of computer hardware, including installation, maintenance and troubleshooting. It’s been well-regarded across the industry, and those who obtain it are often rewarded with entry-level jobs on a help desk, or promotion or raise if they already work in the field.


The A+ hasn’t been updated 2006, a long time in IT years. Because of that, CompTIA has done a complete refresh of the A+. Here’s what you need to know about the brand-new A+ certification.



Test Details: The new A+ consists of two tests: CompTIA A+ Essentials (220-701) and CompTIA A+ Practical Applications (220-702). Passing for the Essentials test is 675, and 700 for the Practical Applications test; that’s on a scale of 100-900. Each exam is 100 questions, and candidates have 90 minutes to take the test. Exam objectives can be downloaded from the CompTIA website.



Current A+ certification holders: Candidates certified on A+ may not have to take both exams to remain current. Those certified on the 2006 A+ objectives can take a single exam, called the “2009 Edition Bridge Exam.” It’s an 85-question exam with a required passing score of 500 on a scale of 100-900.



What has changed: The focus of the new A+ certification is more on problem-solving, and also reflects new operating systems. The objectives, for example, often start with “Given a scenario…” In other words, you need to know how to apply the knowledge in a real-world setting.



In addition, Windows Vista is now tested under the operating system knowledge requirements. The previous version of the A+ only required XP know-how (hopefully, future versions of the A+ won’t take as long to include Windows 7 knowledge as it took to update the tests to include Vista).



Why the test has changed: CompTIA needs to update the test at least every three years to comply with its ISO 17024 accreditation. This accreditation gives the A+ certification a certain status in the community. CompTIA adds that the new credential “reflects changes in technologies and covers the latest skills needed by IT technicians.”



The previous A+ certification required a core test and one of three electives, depending on which track a candidate wanted to pursue: IT Technician, Remote Support Technician or Depot Technician. Those designations are outdated, as a qualified technician should be able to provide support for multiple areas.



Note that if you’re currently in study or training for the old tests, they will still be offered until July 31, 2010. If at all possible, however, it’s worthwhile to move to the new tests, as they will test more current technology, making you more employable or valuable if you’re currently employed. After all, a lot has changed in IT since 2006.

original article: http://certification.about.com/od/techcertbasics/a/AplusChanges.htm
 

New CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Now Available

Greater emphasis on security, wireless networking in 2009 edition exam

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., January 12, 2009 The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) announced today the availability of a new CompTIA Network+ exam that reflects the evolution of today's data and communications networks.



"Network security considerations are top of mind for organizations of all shapes and sizes. Wireless computing options continue to proliferate, and today's networks are expected to handle a myriad of advanced applications," said Terry Erdle, senior vice president, skills development, CompTIA.



"The updated CompTIA Network+ exam places greater emphasis on security, wireless networking skills and other critical issues that networking professionals encounter on a daily basis, Erdle added.



CompTIA Network+ 2009 focuses on the management and operation of network infrastructure. The exam tests for the ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and install a network. In addition, the successful candidate will be able to describe networking technologies; understand basic design principles; adhere to wiring standards; and use the proper testing tools.



More than 235,000 information technology professionals worldwide are CompTIA Network+ certified. They work in a variety of roles, including network administrators, network technicians, network installers, help desk technicians, and IT cable installers. Organizations across a range of industries and from small businesses to large enterprises use CompTIA Network+ as a skills benchmark for tech workers responsible for network operations.



Employment opportunities for IT professionals with advanced networking skills continue to be available. In a 2008 CompTIA survey of more than 3,500 IT managers, more than 60 percent said workers with general networking and network infrastructure skills will be in high demand for the next several years.



CompTIA Network+ is one of 12 certifications offered by CompTIA, the leading provider of vendor-neutral certifications for the worlds high-tech workforce. These certifications are the recognized industry standards for a broad range of technology skills. More than one million individuals around the world are CompTIA certified.



For more information on CompTIA Network+, visit http://certification.comptia.org/network/default.aspx.

Small, Medium-Sized Businesses See Growth Opportunities in Next 12 Months, CompTIA Study Reveals

Small, Medium-Sized Businesses See Growth Opportunities in Next 12 Months, CompTIA Study Reveals

Many planning for expansion and new hiring, but are cautious on tech spending

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., November 10, 2008

Though wary about current economic conditions, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are hopeful that business will grow over the next 12 months, according to a new survey released today by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).

The survey of 772 SMBs in the United States, Canada and United Kingdom found that 85 percent plan to hire new employees over the next 12 months; 54 percent anticipate revenue growth of 10 percent or more; and 40 percent plan to add new business locations.

SMBs are a bit more cautious when it comes to information technology and communications spending. The CompTIA study found that 51 percent of SMBs surveyed intend to increase their tech spending in the next 12 months; and 49 percent expect their tech spending to remain flat or to decline. By comparison, 62 percent of SMBs said in last year's study they planned to boost spending, while 38 percent said it would remain flat or decline.

"Small and mid-sized businesses have made significant investments in technology over the past dozen years," said Todd Thibodeaux, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA. "In the past, tech spending might have been one of the first line items slashed in a tough economy. Today, SMBs are savvier because they rely on technology for an increasing amount of their core business operations. It's encouraging to see that the majority of SMBs plan to maintain, if not increase, current tech spending during this time of economic uncertainty."

New technology investments will support SMBs expectations of growth over the next 12 months. On average, SMBs expect to add eight new employees during that time frame; while 40 percent plan to open between one and five new locations.

The Web-based survey was conducted in September 2008 and included businesses with between 10 and 999 employees across several industries, including manufacturing, finance and insurance, healthcare, government, wholesale, retail, professional services, agriculture, mining, transportation, utilities and construction. For more information on the SMB technology spending study and other CompTIA research, visit www.comptia.org/research.

About CompTIA

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, please visit www.comptia.org.

Steven Ostrowski
Director, Corporate CommunicationsCompTIA
sostrowski@comptia.org

Updated CompTIA Security+ Exam

from Comptia.org press release

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., October 13, 2008 The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the leading provider of vendor-neutral certifications for the world's technology workforce, announced today the updated CompTIA Security+ certification exam is scheduled for worldwide availability on Tuesday, October 14, 2008.

The 2008 Edition of the CompTIA Security+ exam places greater emphasis on knowing how to address specific security issues, rather than simply being able to recognize these issues. The new exam covers six major objectives, or topics: Systems Security, Network Infrastructure, Access Control, Assessments and Audits, Cryptography, and Organizational Security.

"CompTIA Security + serves as a solid foundation as it demonstrates a deeper understanding than some of the other computer security certifications available today," said Sam Brothers, senior digital forensics analyst, U.S. Customs. "Coming from a very technical environment, CompTIA Security + certification enables us to identify more desirable candidates and plays a role in our decision making process."

Organizations across a wide range of industries including professional services, agriculture and food, information technology, telecommunications, government, and the United States military use CompTIA Security + as a skills benchmark for IT staff members who manage systems and network security.

In addition, government security requirements such as U.S. Department of Defense Directive 8570 mandate that department employees or contractors engaged in work related to information security are required to be certified. The directive specifies CompTIA Security+ as a choice for Information Assurance Technician Level II and Information Assurance Manager I.

A 2008 CompTIA survey of more than 2,000 individuals with responsibilities for information security found that more organizations are requiring security certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, for their IT staff because certified staff is better able to identify potential security risks proactively, and to respond more quickly when security breaches do occur.

The CompTIA Security+ (2008 Edition) exam will be available at Prometric or Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. The new exam will initially be in English, with other languages to follow. For more information on CompTIA Security+, visit http://certification.comptia.org/security/default.aspx.

About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, please visit www.comptia.org.

Contact:Kara KershManager, Media RelationsCompTIA630-678-8464
KKersh@comptia.org
www.comptia.org

Computing Technology Industry Association Announces Update Plans for CompTIA Network+ Certification

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. (Vocus/PRWEB ) September 15, 2008 -- The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the leading provider of vendor-neutral certifications for the world's technology workforce, announced today it is updating its CompTIA Network+ certification.

The 2009 edition of the CompTIA Network+ certification exam is scheduled for worldwide availability during the first quarter of 2009. The certification was last updated in 2005.
"Expansion and growth of wireless networks in the corporate environment has generated administrative and security challenges on the network," said Michael Robie, vice president, skills development, CompTIA. "The updated exam will be more reflective of current networking technologies."

A 2008 CompTIA survey of more than 3,500 IT managers around the world found that two-thirds (66 percent) said that general networking and network infrastructure skills are currently in high demand in their organizations.

"CompTIA Network+ certified professionals have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and maintain basic network infrastructure," Robie said. "This certification is a logical next step for any IT professional looking to add to their arsenal of career-enhancing skills."
CompTIA Network+ certification validates knowledge and ability to select, connect, configure, and troubleshoot basic network infrastructure. Organizations across a wide range of industries, and from small businesses to large enterprises, use CompTIA Network+ as a skills benchmark for staff members responsible for network operations.

The update of CompTIA Network+ is in keeping with CompTIA's practice of continuous and ongoing review of its certification content to assure that it addresses the latest changes in technology and reflects the skills needed by tech workers and required by employers.
CompTIA Network+ certified professionals work in a variety of IT roles, including network administrators, network technicians, network installers, help desk technicians, and IT cable installers. Though not required, candidates for the certification are recommended to have nine to twelve months experience in networking and CompTIA A+ or an equivalent certification.
CompTIA is working with publishers and training providers to ensure there are training materials available for the launch of the update CompTIA Network+ exam.

The current version of the CompTIA Network+ exam remains available worldwide. Candidates now studying for, or considering CompTIA Network+, are strongly encouraged to continue their preparation and test for the certification based on its current objectives. The new objectives for CompTIA Network+ are available at http://certification.comptia.org/resources/objectives.aspx.
About CompTIAThe Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, please visit www.comptia.org.

CompTIA Security Study Proves Value of Certification

The annual CompTIA security study, titled Trends in Information Security: A CompTIA Analysis of IT Security and the Workforce, shows that security training has saved U.S. companies $2.2 million in total, much of which is due to a reduction of server/network downtime and fewer impacts to employee productivity. Likewise, the provision of IT security certification has saved U.S. companies over $675,000 in total for similar reasons.

The study found that the most widespread threats in the U.S. today stem from spyware , the lack of user awareness, and virus and worm attacks. Canadian organizations indicate riskier browser-based attacks and wireless networking security while Chinese organizations indicate significant threats from spyware, viruses, worms, and browser-based attacks.

The percentage of their IT budget that companies dedicate to security is growing year after year. In the United States , companies earmarked 12 percent of their IT budget in 2007 for security purposes – up from only 7 percent in 2005. The bulk of these dollars are used to procure security-related technologies.

Companies spend substantial amounts on prevention because security breaches can be costly if they occur. In the past year, U.S. firms shelled out an average of more than $200,000 as a result of security breaches, a third of which was attributed to the loss of employee productivity. Moreover, in the last year in the United States, Canada and UK, IT staff members spent more than 10 percent of their time dealing with security breaches, and in China, almost 20 percent of their time.

Nearly 60 percent of U.S. companies require IT security training for IT staff and more than half make training available to non-IT staff. Companies are also increasingly requiring IT security certification. Nearly 33 percent of U.S. firms make certification required now compared to only 25 percent in 2006 and 14 percent in 2005. However, a full 78 percent of organizations in China require certification.

CompTIA Security+ is an ideal certification to prove you know IT security. CompTIA Security+ validates knowledge of communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, operational security, and general security concepts. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that is taught at colleges, universities and commercial training centers around the world.

Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that CompTIA Security+ candidates have at least two years on-the-job networking experience, with an emphasis on security. Because human error is the number one cause for a network security breach, CompTIA Security+ is recognized by the technology community as a valuable credential that proves competency with information security.

For more information, visit certification.comptia.org/security+.

CompTIA gains ANSI Accreditation for A+, Net+, Security+

CompTIA certifications earn ANSI accreditation

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) has announced that three of its professional certifications -- CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ -- have achieved accreditation from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Accreditation of the three certifications is the culmination of a multi-month process to verify compliance with requirements outlined in internationally accepted standards for assessing personnel certification programs (ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024); and for the operation of accreditation bodies (ISO/IEC 17011).

"The ANSI accreditation process provides certification bodies with an internationally recognized measurement of quality and benchmarks by which to evaluate and improve their practices," said Dr. Roy Swift, ANSI director of personnel certification accreditation. "Accreditation by an independent body that conducts an impartial review under the auspices of ISO/IEC 17011 and ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 creates an extremely valuable distinction for a personnel certification program. This value extends through the service network - from certification body, to certificate holder, to employer, to the public they serve."

ANSI is a global leader in the accreditation of personnel certification programs and is the only U.S. accreditor that requires a week-long assessor training as well as a mandatory annual training update to meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17011.