CompTIA

{{Short description|IT Certification and Training company}} {{Update|reason=new owner, website structure changed, CASP+ outdated|date=October 2025}} {{Promotional|date=May 2026}} {{use mdy dates|date=August 2025}} {{use American English|date=August 2025}} {{Infobox company | name = Computing Technology Industry Association | owners = H.I.G. Capital and Thoma Bravo | logo = {{#statements:P154}} | image = | alt =  | trade_name = CompTIA | foundation = {{Start date and years ago|1982|1|1}} | defunct =  | fate =  | location = 3500 Lacey Road <br /> Suite 100 <br /> Downers Grove, IL 60515, U.S. | area_served = Global | homepage = {{Official website}} | products = TechAmerica (2014–present) }}

The '''Computing Technology Industry Association''', more commonly known as '''CompTIA''', is a for-profit American trade association that issues vendor-neutral professional certifications for the information technology (IT) industry.

==Certifications== All certifications issued by CompTIA expire 3 years after obtainment, reissuance requires repurchase and retesting.<ref name="Continual Expiration">{{Cite web |title=Overview Continuing Education and Renewal | CompTIA IT Certifications |url=https://www.comptia.org/continuing-education/learn/overview |access-date=2021-12-31 |website=Default |language=en |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928094600/https://www.comptia.org/continuing-education/learn/overview |url-status=live }}</ref> However, certifications issued prior to January 1, 2011 do not expire.<ref name="Good-for-Life Certifications">[https://help.comptia.org/hc/en-us/articles/115005364303-Good-for-Life-Certifications CompTIA Good-for-Life Certifications] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110052518/https://help.comptia.org/hc/en-us/articles/115005364303-Good-for-Life-Certifications |date=January 10, 2021 }}, access date April 3, 2018.</ref> Almost all certifications have accreditation from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on dates valid from 2008 till 2028 available on the ANSI website.<ref name="ansi" /><ref>{{cite web |author=Tara Seals |date=February 20, 2017 |title=CompTIA Unveils Cyberanalyst Certification |url=https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/comptia-unveils-cyberanalyst/ |publisher=InfoSecurity |access-date=April 8, 2017 |archive-date=February 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228092510/https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/comptia-unveils-cyberanalyst/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Simon Quicke |date=February 20, 2017 |title=CompTIA extends security certification coverage |url=http://www.computerweekly.com/microscope/news/450413350/CompTIA-extends-security-certification-coverage |publisher=Computer Weekly |access-date=April 8, 2017 |archive-date=April 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409200114/http://www.computerweekly.com/microscope/news/450413350/CompTIA-extends-security-certification-coverage |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Sara Barker |date=February 21, 2017 |title=CompTIA zeroes in on behavioural analytics with new global security certification |work=SecurityBrief Australia |url=https://securitybrief.com.au/story/comptia-zeroes-behavioural-analytics-new-global-security-certification/ |publisher=Security Brief |access-date=April 8, 2017 |archive-date=April 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420050609/https://securitybrief.com.au/story/comptia-zeroes-behavioural-analytics-new-global-security-certification/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Certifications=== *'''Tech+:''' covers foundational IT concepts and terminology of the industry. Those with this certification may include Associates in IT Sales or Computer Technicians. Tech+ replaced ITF+ (IT Fundamentals).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.comptia.org/blog/comptia-tech-vs-comptia-itf-for-it-basics-whats-the-difference | title=CompTIA Tech+ vs CompTIA ITF+: What's the difference? | date=26 August 2024 | access-date=January 18, 2025 | archive-date=March 22, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322065350/https://www.comptia.org/blog/comptia-tech-vs-comptia-itf-for-it-basics-whats-the-difference | url-status=live }}</ref> *'''A+''': much broader than the Tech+ and is recognized as the long-time industry standard that represents competency as a computer technician. The A+ requires 2 Exams. Core 1 covers troubleshooting and maintaining computers, printers, and networking. Core 2 covers operating systems. Unlike the Tech+, which is Good For Life, the A+ must be renewed every 3 years. For more information, see the section on '''Certification Expiration''' below. *'''Network+''': Used to measure skill as a Network Technician. *'''Security+:''' security certification that builds off of the network security knowledge covered by the Network+ certification.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.tomsitpro.com/articles/information-security-certifications,2-205-2.html| title=Best Information Security Certifications For 2017| author=Ed Tittel| date=December 13, 2016| publisher=Tom's IT Pro| access-date=April 8, 2017| archive-date=March 30, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330011126/http://www.tomsitpro.com/articles/information-security-certifications,2-205-2.html| url-status=live}}</ref> *'''Cloud+''': both cloud computing and virtualization. Maps to DOD 8570 Standards.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.tomsitpro.com/articles/cloud-it-certifications,2-537-2.html| title=Best Cloud Computing Certifications For 2017| author=Ed Tittel, Mary Kyle| date=November 17, 2016| publisher=Tom's IT Pro| access-date=April 8, 2017| archive-date=May 9, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509142742/http://www.tomsitpro.com/articles/cloud-it-certifications,2-537-2.html| url-status=live}}</ref> *'''Cloud Essentials''': a pathway to the '''Cloud+''' credential. *'''CySA+''': Cybersecurity Analyst; The certification focuses on cyber-threat detection tools and analysis to identify vulnerabilities and risks. In January 2018, the certification was renamed from CSA+ to CySA+ as a result of a trademark dispute.<ref>{{cite web|author1=COMPTIA CIO|title=R/CompTIA - PenTest+ Beta Testers Needed - Registration now available|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/CompTIA/comments/7ua5ca/pentest_beta_testers_needed_registration_now/duwribd/|website=Reddit|date=27 February 2018|language=en|access-date=April 25, 2018|archive-date=February 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221183627/https://www.reddit.com/r/CompTIA/comments/7ua5ca/pentest_beta_testers_needed_registration_now/duwribd/|url-status=live}}</ref> *'''Data+''': focuses on data mining, manipulating data, visualizing & reporting data, statistical methods, and governance. * '''Linux+''': A single exam known as XK0-004<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.comptia.org/blog/the-new-comptia-linux-your-questions-answered| title=The New CompTIA Linux+: Your Questions Answered| author=Kristin Ludwig| date=Apr 3, 2019| publisher=CompTIA}}</ref> that is renewable through the CE program,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.comptia.org/certifications/linux#renewal| title=CompTIA Linux+ XK0-004 Renewal| publisher=CompTIA| access-date=March 17, 2020| archive-date=March 6, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306210918/https://www.comptia.org/certifications/linux#renewal| url-status=live}}</ref> the certification covers Linux operating systems, from their installation and use to the basics of applicable free software and open source licenses. Was formerly a two-part exam LX0-103 and LX0-104 in partnership with Linux Professional Institute.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.tomsitpro.com/articles/linux-certifications,2-654-2.html| title=Best Linux Certifications For 2017| author=Ed Tittel, Mary Kyle| date=November 21, 2016| publisher=Tom's IT Pro| access-date=April 8, 2017| archive-date=May 9, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509132742/http://www.tomsitpro.com/articles/linux-certifications,2-654-2.html| url-status=live}}</ref> *'''PenTest+: '''intermediate-level certification focusing on penetration testing. covers risk analysis, threat detection, and penetration testing and ethical hacking tools and methodologies.<ref>{{cite conference |last1=Shebli |first1=Hessa Mohammed Zaher Al |last2=Beheshti |first2=Babak D. |title=A study on penetration testing process and tools |work=2018 IEEE Long Island Systems, Applications and Technology Conference (LISAT) |date=2018 |pages=1–7 |doi=10.1109/LISAT.2018.8378035|isbn=978-1-5386-5029-5 }}</ref> Currently aligns with the DOD 8570 standard. *'''Server+''': focuses on server-specific hardware and operating systems, IT environments, disaster recovery and business continuity.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.tomsitpro.com/articles/hardware-certifications,2-678-4.html| title=Best Computer Hardware Certifications For 2017| author=Ed Tittel, Mary Kyle| date=December 19, 2016| publisher=Tom's IT Pro| access-date=April 8, 2017| archive-date=May 9, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509141617/http://www.tomsitpro.com/articles/hardware-certifications,2-678-4.html| url-status=live}}</ref> Server+ had updates released in 2005, 2009, 2018, and 2021.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 March 2021 |title=CompTIA Server+ Certification Training |url=http://www.computertrainingschools.com/comptia-certifications/server-plus/ |publisher=Computer Training Schools |access-date=April 8, 2017 |archive-date=April 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409114253/http://www.computertrainingschools.com/comptia-certifications/server-plus/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Master level certification=== '''CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)''' is the highest level certification in CompTIA's cybersecurity pathway after Security+, CySA+, and PenTest+. The CASP+ certification was accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on December 13, 2011.<ref name="ansi">{{Cite web |title=Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) |url=http://www.ansi.org/Accreditation/credentialing/personnel-certification/AllDirectoryDetails.aspx?&prgID=201&OrgId=93&statusID=4 |access-date=2016-01-30 |website=www.ansi.org |archive-date=January 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131045730/http://www.ansi.org/Accreditation/credentialing/personnel-certification/AllDirectoryDetails.aspx?&prgID=201&OrgId=93&statusID=4 |url-status=live }}</ref> The CASP+ exam will certify that the successful candidate has the technical knowledge and skills required to conceptualize, design, and engineer secure solutions across complex enterprise environments. In March 2013, the U.S. Department of Defense approved the certification as a baseline certification accepted for Information Assurance Technical Level III, IS Manager Level II and IA Systems Architect and Engineer Levels I and II.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.networkworld.com/article/671174/data-center-dod-accepts-comptia-s-advanced-security-practitioner-certification.html| title=DOD accepts CompTIA's Advanced Security Practitioner certification| author=Ellen Messmer| date=March 22, 2013| publisher=Network World}}</ref> The name of CASP+ is being changed to '''SecurityX''' upon the release of exam version CAS-005 in December of 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CompTIA Exam Objectives Under Development |url=https://www.comptia.org/training/resources/exam-objectives/exam-objectives-under-development |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=CompTIA |language=en |archive-date=July 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711015222/https://www.comptia.org/training/resources/exam-objectives/exam-objectives-under-development |url-status=live }}</ref> (Note: For A+ up through CASP+ one can renew or extend their certification by satisfying in these cases 20 to 75 CEUs a.k.a. "Continuing Education Units," over the three-year period.)<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=January 25, 2020 |title=Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) | CompTIA IT Certifications |url=https://www.comptia.org/continuing-education/learn/earn-continuing-education-units |access-date=January 25, 2020 |website=CompTIA.Org |publisher=CompTIA, Inc., the IT Industry Association |quote=(website has a visual chart of CEUs needed per various certifications) |archive-date=January 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110185634/https://www.comptia.org/continuing-education/learn/earn-continuing-education-units |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Specialty certifications=== *'''Project+''': In 2001, CompTIA acquired the '''Project+''' project management certification program from Gartner. The program, previously called "IT Project+", was updated in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|title=Project+ - combining the technical world and the business world: An Interview with Ayana Nickerson, for CompTIA|url=http://www.jidaw.com/certarticles/comptiaproject.html|work=jidaw.com|access-date=2010-04-09|archive-date=2020-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220184118/http://www.jidaw.com/certarticles/comptiaproject.html|url-status=dead}} c. August, 2004.</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Emmett Dulaney|date=November 12, 2003|title=Seven things to know about the new IT Project+ certification|url=http://www.techrepublic.com/article/seven-things-to-know-about-the-new-it-project-plus-certification/|publisher=Tech Republic|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=December 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211121131/http://www.techrepublic.com/article/seven-things-to-know-about-the-new-it-project-plus-certification/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Retired certificates=== *'''Certified Document Imaging Architect''' (CDIA+), is a certification for competency in document imaging, document management, and enterprise content management. Retired on December 1, 2017.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.developer.com/tech/article.php/3402201/A-Look-at-the-CDIA-Certification.htm| title=A Look at the CDIA+ Certification| author=Steve Rowe| date=September 1, 2004| publisher=Developer.com}}</ref> *'''Healthcare IT Technician''' certification focused on IT in the healthcare industry and was aimed at IT professionals who install and maintain electronic health record systems. Retired on February 28, 2017.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://certification.comptia.org/help/previous-comptia-certifications-programs/retired-comptia-certifications| title=Retired CompTIA Certifications| publisher=CompTIA| access-date=September 12, 2017| archive-date=September 13, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913044445/https://certification.comptia.org/help/previous-comptia-certifications-programs/retired-comptia-certifications| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.pluralsight.com/blog/it-ops/comptia-healthcare-it-certificate| title=Get to Know More About CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician Certificate| author=Michael Gabriel Sumastre| date=September 24, 2012| publisher=Pluralsight}}</ref> *'''Certified Technical Trainer''' (CTT+) certification is a vendor-neutral certification that is applicable to training professionals in all industries. Originally administered in 2001 through The Chauncey Institute, the CTT program was acquired by CompTIA and renamed as CTT+. It was created through a collaboration of the Information Technology Training Association, Inc. (ITTA) and the Computer Education Management Association (CedMA).<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=25140&seqNum=5| title=Now What? – Becoming an IT Trainer and The CTT+ Certification| author=Warren E. Wyrostek| date=February 1, 2002| publisher=Inform IT| access-date=April 8, 2017| archive-date=May 22, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522160509/http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=25140&seqNum=5| url-status=live}}</ref> Retired on October 31, 2023, although anyone who had earned the CTT+ certification will remain certified after the retirement date.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.comptia.org/certifications/ctt| title=CTT+ (Plus)| author=CompTIA| date=February 26, 2023| publisher=CompTIA| access-date=February 26, 2023| archive-date=February 26, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226180055/https://www.comptia.org/certifications/ctt| url-status=live}}</ref>

===Stackable certifications=== In January 2018, CompTIA released stackable certifications:<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sears|first1=Teresa|title=Introducing CompTIA Stackable Certifications|url=https://certification.comptia.org/it-career-news/post/view/2018/01/19/introducing-comptia-stackable-certifications|access-date=25 April 2018|publisher=CompTIA|date=January 19, 2018|archive-date=April 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426075739/https://certification.comptia.org/it-career-news/post/view/2018/01/19/introducing-comptia-stackable-certifications|url-status=live}}</ref>

====CompTIA infrastructure career pathway==== * Specialist ** CompTIA IT Operations Specialist (A+/Network+) ** CompTIA Systems Support Specialist (A+/Linux+) * Professional **CompTIA Cloud Admin Professional (Network+/Cloud+) **CompTIA Network Infrastructure Professional (Network+/Server+) **CompTIA Linux Network Professional (Network+/Linux+)

====CompTIA cybersecurity career pathway==== *Specialist **CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist (A+/Network+/Security+) *Professional ** CompTIA Secure Cloud Professional (Security+/Cloud+) ** CompTIA Security Analytics Professional (Security+/CySA+) ** CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional (Security+/PenTest+) ** CompTIA Network Security Professional (Security+/PenTest+/CySA+) *Expert **CompTIA Security Analytics Expert (Security+/CySA+/CASP+) **CompTIA Security Infrastructure Expert (Security+/CySA+/PenTest+/CASP+)

=== Trustmarks === CompTIA offers trustmarks to businesses to certify their security capabilities and credentials.

The CompTIA Security Trustmark+ is based on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and demonstrates compliance with key industry regulations such as PCI-DSS, SSAE-16, HIPAA, and others reliant on the NIST Framework. It is based on a third-party assessment of security policies, procedures and operations.

CompTIA offered additional trustmarks, a Managed Services Trustmark and Managed Print Trustmark, that were retired on Sept. 30, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |author=CompTIA |date=2021 |title=CompTIA Trustmarks |url=https://connect.comptia.org/membership/corporate/comptia-trustmarks |publisher=CompTIA |access-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027142046/https://connect.comptia.org/membership/corporate/comptia-trustmarks |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==History== CompTIA was created in 1982 as the Association of Better Computer Dealers (ABCD).<ref name="dummies">{{cite book |author=Peter H. Gregory, Bill Hughes |title=Getting a Networking Job For Dummies |date=April 24, 2015 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons}}</ref> ABCD later changed its name to the Computing Technology Industry Association in 1990.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Edwards |first=Jason |title=The Comprehensive Guide to Cybersecurity Careers: A Professional's Roadmap for the Digital Security Age |date=May 14, 2024 |publisher=J. Ross Publishing |isbn=978-1-60427-202-4 |pages=Chapter 3: Certifications and Their Significance}}</ref>

In 2010, CompTIA moved its headquarters into a new office space in a facility in Downers Grove, Illinois.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 27, 2012 |title=CompTIA: The Computing Technology Industry Association Inc. |url=http://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/comptia-the-computing-technology-industry-association-inc |publisher=The Journal of American Institute of Architects |access-date=April 8, 2017 |archive-date=September 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903114720/http://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/comptia-the-computing-technology-industry-association-inc |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2014, over one million people worldwide had earned A+ certification.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 21, 2014 |title=One in a million: CompTIA A+ passes certification milestone |url=http://certmag.com/one-million-comptia-passes-certification-milestone/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107124147/http://certmag.com/one-million-comptia-passes-certification-milestone/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=April 8, 2017 |publisher=Certification Magazine}}</ref> CompTIA established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called Creating IT Futures.<ref name="bsm">{{Cite web |date=19 March 2012 |title=CompTIA Creating IT Futures Foundation Helps Wounded Warriors Conquer Their Next Challenge: Preparing For Careers In The IT Field |url=https://www.bsminfo.com/doc/comptia-creating-it-futures-foundation-helps-0001 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914194015/http://www.bsminfo.com/doc/comptia-creating-it-futures-foundation-helps-0001 |archive-date=14 September 2013 |access-date=10 April 2017 |publisher=Business Solutions}}</ref>

The CompTIA portal moved to a hybrid version of the open-access model in April 2014 with exclusive content for dues-paying members.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-04-07 |title=CompTIA Opts for New Open-Access Membership Model: Associations Now |url=http://associationsnow.com/2014/04/comptia-opts-new-open-access-membership-model/ |access-date=2017-01-04 |website=associationsnow.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=CompTIA adds free open-access option to membership structure |url=http://searchitchannel.techtarget.com/news/2240217375/CompTIA-adds-free-open-access-option-to-membership-structure |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510123138/http://searchitchannel.techtarget.com/news/2240217375/CompTIA-adds-free-open-access-option-to-membership-structure |archive-date=2017-05-10 |access-date=2017-01-04 |newspaper=SearchITChannel |language=en-US}}</ref> The move expanded the organization's reach to engage a broader, more diverse set of members, and within a year, CompTIA's membership grew from 2,050 members to more than 50,000 in 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |title=From 2,000 to 50,000: Lessons Learned From CompTIA's Open-Access Membership Model |url=https://www.asaecenter.org/resources/articles/an_plus/2015/october/from-2000-to-50000-lessons-learned-from-comptias-openaccess-membership-model |access-date=2017-01-04 |newspaper=ASAE |archive-date=January 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104235337/https://www.asaecenter.org/resources/articles/an_plus/2015/october/from-2000-to-50000-lessons-learned-from-comptias-openaccess-membership-model |url-status=live }}</ref>

Skillsboost, CompTIA's online resource for schools, was launched in June 2015. It contained resources for students, parents and teachers to promote the importance of computer skills.<ref>{{cite web |author=Ronald Moore-Colyer |date=2015-06-24 |title=CompTIA launches Skillsboost website to entice more students into IT |url=http://www.v3.co.uk/v3-uk/news/2414571/comptia-launches-skillsboost-website-to-entice-more-students-into-it |publisher=V3 |access-date=April 8, 2017 |archive-date=April 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430014004/http://www.v3.co.uk/v3-uk/news/2414571/comptia-launches-skillsboost-website-to-entice-more-students-into-it |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Joshua Bolkan |date=June 24, 2015 |title=CompTIA Launches Online Resource for Students Interested in IT Careers |url=https://thejournal.com/articles/2015/06/24/comptia-launches-online-resource-for-students-interested-in-it-careers.aspx?admgarea=News1 |publisher=The Journal |access-date=April 8, 2017 |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306083509/https://thejournal.com/articles/2015/06/24/comptia-launches-online-resource-for-students-interested-in-it-careers.aspx?admgarea=News1 |url-status=live }}</ref> CompTIA Vendor Summit is an annual conference exclusively for people attending ChannelCon that attempts to address issues within the IT industry.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 15, 2016 |title=CompTIA ChannelCon 2016 Vendor Summit Examines How To Thrive in the IT Channel |url=https://www.bsminfo.com/doc/comptia-channelcon-vendor-summit-examines-channel-0001 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409200215/https://www.bsminfo.com/doc/comptia-channelcon-vendor-summit-examines-channel-0001 |archive-date=April 9, 2017 |access-date=April 8, 2017 |publisher=Business Solutions}}</ref> CompTIA held its first annual ChannelCon Vendor Summit in 2015.

By the close of 2016, the organization claimed to have more than 100,000 members worldwide.{{Citation needed|date=January 2023}} In January 2017, CompTIA launched an IT professional association built on its acquisition of the Association of Information Technology Professionals.<ref>{{cite web |author=Conner Forrest |date=January 9, 2017 |title=CompTIA launches professional association to help fill skills gap in IT |url=http://www.techrepublic.com/article/comptia-launches-professional-association-to-help-fill-skills-gap-in-it/ |publisher=TechRepublic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Rich Freeman |date=2017-01-10 |title=CompTIA to Create New Association For IT Professionals |url=http://www.channelpronetwork.com/news/comptia-create-new-association-it-professionals |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319192354/https://www.channelpronetwork.com/news/comptia-create-new-association-it-professionals |archive-date=2022-03-19 |access-date=2017-04-08 |publisher=ChannelPro Network}}</ref>

The organization releases industry studies to track industry trends and changes. Over 2.2 million people have earned CompTIA certifications since the association was established<ref name="naper">{{cite web |author=Mark Zonca |date=August 2016 |title=CEO Profile – Todd Thibodeaux |url=http://napervillemagazine.com/2016/08/ceo-profile-todd-thibodeaux/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205053714/http://napervillemagazine.com/2016/08/ceo-profile-todd-thibodeaux/ |archive-date=2020-02-05 |access-date=2017-04-08 |publisher=Naperville Magazine}}</ref> and certifications are issued in over 120 countries. CompTIA administers its exams through Pearson VUE testing centers.

==Opposition to right to repair== CompTIA initially lobbied against the right to repair, claiming:

"''Hackers are constantly trying to break into a wide range of devices, including computers, servers, smartphones, and other industrial and consumer electronics. Any weakening of the current standards, including sharing sensitive diagnostic tools and proprietary hardware data, could expose customers to risk. Manufacturers also have strong concerns about unauthorized independent service providers who may take risks or cut corners and provide service without training or following safety standards."''<ref name=":0">{{Cite press release |title="Right to Repair" Legislation is Wrong for Nebraska Consumers and Businesses |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/right-to-repair-legislation-is-wrong-for-nebraska-consumers-and-businesses-300420721.html |website=www.prnewswire.com |access-date=June 12, 2020 |archive-date=June 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612180846/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/right-to-repair-legislation-is-wrong-for-nebraska-consumers-and-businesses-300420721.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

''"Additionally, manufacturers make significant investments in the development of products and services, and the protection of intellectual property is a legitimate and important aspect of sustaining the health of all industry, including third party software developers who rely upon the device's DRM to protect their software from hackers. However, the bill compromises the intellectual property that creators invested heavily in to develop."''<ref name=":0" />

CompTIA permanently stepped back from all lobbying activity related to right to repair legislation as of February 3, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=CompTIA Steps Back from Lobbying Activity Related to Right to Repair Legislation|url=https://www.comptia.org/newsroom/2020/02/21/comptia-steps-back-from-lobbying-activity-related-to-right-to-repair-legislation|access-date=2021-12-31|website=Default|language=en|archive-date=December 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231093623/https://www.comptia.org/newsroom/2020/02/21/comptia-steps-back-from-lobbying-activity-related-to-right-to-repair-legislation|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Certification expiration== Previously, CompTIA marketed its flagship A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications as being valid for a lifetime. In January 2011, CompTIA changed the status of these certifications so that they would expire every three years. Under this proposal, certified individuals would have to re-certify for the exams or pay a yearly maintenance fee for a CEU (Continuing Education Units) system. CompTIA modified the guidelines so that only certificates received after January 1, 2011, would need to be renewed every three years and would require documented continuing education hours.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/01/comptia-backs-down-past-certs-remain-valid-for-life.ars |title=CompTIA backs down; past certs remain valid for life |first=Nate |last=Anderson |date=January 26, 2010 |publisher=Ars Technica |access-date=January 26, 2010 |archive-date=January 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128084011/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/01/comptia-backs-down-past-certs-remain-valid-for-life.ars |url-status=live }}</ref> The un-expirable certificates, issued before 2011, are officially called Good-for-Life; updating the Good-for-Life certification with an expirable certification does not replace the Good-for-Life certification.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://help.comptia.org/hc/en-us/articles/115005364303-Good-for-Life-Certifications?tracking=help/continuing-education/good-for-life|title=Good-for-Life Certifications|access-date=November 21, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043028/https://help.comptia.org/hc/en-us/articles/115005364303-Good-for-Life-Certifications?tracking=help/continuing-education/good-for-life|url-status=live}}</ref>

'''Retired Certifications'''

The Retired Certifications listed below are considered Good-for-Life.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-31 |title=Which CompTIA Certifications Have Been Retired? |url=https://help.comptia.org/hc/en-us/articles/10830728209300-Which-CompTIA-Certifications-Have-Been-Retired |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=CompTIA |language=en-US}}</ref>

i-Net+ | 2007

e-Biz+ | 2008

DHTI+ | 2009

Convergence+ | 2010

RFID+ | 2011

CTP+ | 2012

IT for Sales | 2013

Green IT | 2013

PDI+ | 2014

Mobile App Security+ ADR | 2015

Mobile App Security+ iOS | 2015

Strata IT Fundamentals | 2015

Storage+ | 2016

Healthcare IT Technician | 2017

CDIA+ | 2017

CTT+ | 2023

ITF+ | 2025

==References== {{reflist}}

== External links == * {{Official website|https://www.comptia.org/|CompTIA official website}} {{Wikibooks|Security+ Certification}} {{Wikibooks|A+ Certification}} {{Wikibooks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Comptia}} Category:Information technology lobbying organizations Category:Technology trade associations Category:Trade associations based in the United States