10 Things to Watch for from CompTIA in 2019 - CompTIA Certifications

CompTIA has some great things planned for 2019 that you won’t want to miss. We’re updating two of our certifications, releasing more training products and providing you with many more opportunities to increase your IT knowledge, meet other IT pros and grow in your career.

• The New CompTIA A+

If you read IT Career News or follow CompTIA on social media with any regularity, surely you know that we kicked off 2019 with a new version of CompTIA A+. This entry-level IT certification got a complete refresh, with enhanced coverage of critical subjects like cybersecurity and cloud computing.

• The New CompTIA Linux+

This spring, CompTIA will release a new version of CompTIA Linux+ that has been completely revamped. As we bring the exam in house, ending the partnership with LPI, you will be able to earn CompTIA Linux+ by passing just one exam, not two. The content has also been updated to reflect where the technology is going and covers topics such as storage and virtualization, kernel modules, DevOps basics, networking and firewalls, and more.

• More Training for More IT Certifications

In 2018, CompTIA expanded the CertMaster product line and introduced the Official CompTIA Study Guide for many certifications. Going into 2019, we’ll be rolling out more tools – both as individual products and as bundles – to support you every step of the way on your certification journey. Stay tuned for more info on what will be available and how it can help you get certified and grow in your IT career.

• Free IT Classes in More Cities

Creating IT Futures’ IT-Ready career program trains, certifies and places unemployed and under-employed adults in their first IT jobs. In 2019, free IT-Ready classes will be offered in more cities than ever before, doubling the reach of the program. Students can apply to participate in Charlotte, NC; Chicago; Minneapolis-St. Paul; Phoenix, AZ; Portland, OR; San Antonio, TX; and San Diego. The full-time courses are provided free of charge to students, thanks to grants and donations from organizations including CompTIA, Boeing, Cognizant U.S. Foundation and TEKsystems and in partnership with organizations including Goodwill Industries, the Urban League and the Wounded Warrior Project.

• More SME Workshops

CompTIA is always looking for new, qualified subject matter experts (SMEs) to help with exam development. We have upcoming workshops for the CompTIA A+, Linux+, Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) and PenTest+ exams. If you hold one of these certifications, consider applying to be a SME. If you’re selected, in exchange for your participation, you’ll receive a generous daily stipend, complimentary CompTIA exam voucher, continuing education units (CEUs) and recognition on our website, not to mention delicious meals and snacks while you’re here and the opportunity to collaborate with IT pros from around the world.

• Annual CompTIA Events

Every year, CompTIA hosts a number of events, and 2019 is no different. Next week, technology executives, business owners, tech councils and policymakers from across the United States will gather in Washington, D.C., for the annual CompTIA DC Fly-In. And this summer, IT pros and instructors can connect with others in the industry and learn about the latest tech trends and innovations at ChannelCon and the CompTIA Partner Summit in Las Vegas.

• CompTIA at Industry Events

If you’re attending IT conferences, keep an eye out for CompTIA. In the past, we’ve been to events like SpiceWorld, the Service Desk and IT Support Show, HDI and more. March 4 to 8, we’ll have a booth at RSA, and CompTIA Chief Technology Evangelist James Stanger will be co-presenting with Tim Crothers, vice president of cybersecurity at Target.

• The Latest Research on IT Trends and the Workforce

CompTIA’s research team keeps its finger on the pulse of what’s happening in IT – everything from emerging technology to employment trends. Each month, the research team releases employment reports showing the state of the IT workforce. The annual IT Industry Outlook presents industry trends and paints a picture of the IT workforce. Other topics to be covered this year include the internet of things (IoT), the value of certifications, blockchain and more.

• Expanded Online Resources

In the coming months, CompTIA will be adding more resources to the website to help you do your job better and become familiar with emerging tech topics. Get answers to questions on everything from cybersecurity to cloud computing to drones to artificial intelligence (AI).

• IT Career News in Your Inbox

If you don’t already subscribe to CompTIA’s IT Career News and Your Weekend Read, sign up today to get blog posts, resources, event announcements and more delivered right to your inbox. IT Career News delivers once a month, and Your Weekend Read goes out every Friday (unless it conflicts with IT Career News). As a thank you, we’ll give you a coupon for 10 percent off your next CompTIA training product or certification voucher.

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COMPTIA TECH DEMO DAY BRINGS LATEST TECHNOLOGIES TO CAPITOL HILL JAN. 30

Technology leaders focused on delivering Internet of Things (IoT) solutions that will make cities smarter, government services more efficient, healthcare more accessible, online data more secure and wireless technologies more powerful, will provide Members of Congress and Congressional Staffers with live demonstrations at CompTIA’s Capitol Hill Tech Demo Day on Jan. 30 in The Foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building.

CompTIA, the world’s leading IT tech trade association, will bring leaders in smart city solutions, 5G network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and other advanced technologies to better educate legislators and to discuss national policies that will foster innovation, economic growth, national security and consumer protection.

The event is co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Co-Chair of the Smart Cities Caucus, and U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN), Co-Chair of the 5G Caucus.

Participating companies will include Adobe, Accenture, Axon, IBM, Texas Instruments, Qualcomm and many other CompTIA members. 

What: CompTIA Tech Demo Day on Capitol Hill 

Where:  The Foyer of The Rayburn House Office Building

When: Wednesday, January 30th at 10AM

**Lunch from Chick-fil-A will be served from 12:30-1:00PM

Panel discussions focused on economic prosperity and national security will follow the demonstrations at 12:30PM in Room 2103 (directly across the hall from The Foyer). 

Economic Prosperity Panel

Moderator: Matt Starr, Director, Public Advocacy Broadband and Telecom / Privacy, CompTIA

Panelist: Amy Wykoff, Director of Offering Management, IBM Watson Health

Panelist: Lisa Malloy, Head of US Government Affairs, Intel Corporation 

Panelist: Monique Rodriquez, Senior Director Government Affairs, Qualcomm  

National Security Panel

Moderator: David Logsdon, Senior Director Public Advocacy New and Emerging Technologies, CompTIA

Panelist: David Beering, CEO, Intelligent Designs

Panelist: Mike Wagers, VP, Axon Ecosystem 

Panelist: Steve Hanna, Senior Principal, Infineon

About CompTIA

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the leading voice and advocate for the $4.8 trillion global information technology ecosystem; and the more than 35 million industry and tech professionals who design, implement, manage, and safeguard the technology that powers the world’s economy. Through education, training, certifications, advocacy, philanthropy, market research and membership programs, CompTIA is the hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce.

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The Top CompTIA IT Career News Articles of 2018 - CompTIA Certifications

In 2018, we covered a wide range of topics, including cybersecurity, cloud, computer networking and, of course, training and certifications, just to name a few. More than 1 million people visited the blog to learn how to get into IT or advance their IT careers. We’re glad to see so many people reading, and we hope we’ve inspired them and empowered them to build successful tech careers.

We’re counting down our greatest hits of 2018, from number 10 to number 1, in case you missed them earlier this year. CompTIA IT Career News will be off for the holidays, but we’ll be back in January 2019 with more career advice, tech trends and everything you need to be an amazing IT pro. Happy Holidays!

No. 10: CompTIA Core Skills Certifications Lay the Foundation for IT Success

Debut: January 11

Weeks on the Chart: 49

To kick of 2018, we introduced the CompTIA Career Pathway, which organizes CompTIA certifications based on IT function and experience level. The CompTIA core skills certifications cover the foundational skills needed in all areas of IT and give IT pros a solid start to their careers. These include CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+), CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+.

No. 9: What IT Certifications Will Make You the Most Money?

Debut: August 6

Weeks on the Chart: 19

Global Knowledge’s annual report on IT skills and salaries identified the top 20 highest-paying IT certifications. Three CompTIA certifications made the cut, and another got an honorable mention. If you want to earn more cheddar, bring home the bacon or simply grab more cash, see if your certifications are on the list and how you can leverage them to increase your salary.

No. 8: How to Train for (and Renew) an IT Certification in 5 Steps

Debut: November 5

Weeks on the Chart: 6

CompTIA CertMaster was originally introduced as an exam prep eLearning platform. But in 2018, we expanded the CertMaster suite of products to guide you through the certification process, from learning to labs to exam prep and continuing education. This article walks you through how CompTIA CertMaster is with you step by step as you get certified.

No. 7: The CompTIA Career Pathways: IT Careers Are Made Here

Debut: January 3

Weeks on the Chart: 50

While article number 10 on our list focuses on the CompTIA core skills certification, this article gives an overview of the full CompTIA Career Pathway, explaining what it is and how you can use it to plan your next career move.

No. 6: The Top 9 Cybersecurity Jobs and What You Need to Get One

Debut: August 10

Weeks on the Chart: 19

The cybersecurity job field continues to grow, and you may be wondering how to get your foot in the door. Check out the top nine cybersecurity jobs, according to CyberSeek, to find the opportunity that’s best for you.

No. 5: 10 Things to Watch for from CompTIA in 2018

Debut: January 12

Weeks on the Chart: 49

CompTIA had a busy year in 2018, and this article outlines just a few of the things we had planned. Stay tuned in January for a preview of what’s coming in 2019, including new CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Linux+ exams and even more training products.

No. 4: Voucher Discounts: How to Save Money on Your IT Certifications

Debut: August 31

Weeks on the Chart: 15

IT certifications are expensive. There’s no way around it. The investment is certainly worth it when they get your foot in the door for your dream job and help you get the skills needed to grow in your career. But everyone could use a break, so we’ve outlined some of the ways you can save money on your certification vouchers.

No. 3: Cybersecurity Jobs: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know

Debut: October 1

Weeks on the Chart: 11

With two articles about cybersecurity jobs topping the charts in 2018, it seems CompTIA IT Career News readers can’t get enough on the topic. Here’s even more info about what cybersecurity jobs are out there, and what skills and certifications employers are looking for.

No. 2: CompTIA PenTest+ vs. CEH: 4 Advantages of CompTIA's Certification

Debut: August 8

Weeks on the Chart: 19

CompTIA PenTest+ has a lot of similarities to EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker certification, but there are some distinct differences as well. This article highlights four advantages of CompTIA’s certification and why it’s been gaining momentum since it’s launch in July 2018.

No. 1: Introducing the CompTIA Infrastructure Career Pathway

Debut: February 5

Weeks on the Chart: 45

CompTIA certifications generally follow two career paths – the CompTIA Cybersecurity Certification Pathway and the CompTIA Infrastructure Career Pathway. This article introduces the CompTIA Infrastructure Career Pathway, which includes CompTIA Linux+, CompTIA Server+ and CompTIA Cloud+ and builds upon the foundational skills covered by CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+.

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All the Ways CompTIA Advanced the Business of Technology in 2018

A Place to Advance Your Career

CompTIA AITP has grown from 2,500 IT pros, students and academic members to more than 13,000 members, including 9,500 students. This year, we launched two additional benefits – access to thousands of on-demand business and soft skills training courses through BizLibrary, and TechTurnout regional events, which gave IT pros in San Diego and Dallas the opportunity to network, gain knowledge from industry leaders, earn CEUs and get up close and personal with emerging technology. We also published our inaugural Tech Towns research report that ranked the 20 best U.S. cities for Tech Pros to live and work in.

CompTIA Training and Certifications to Get You to the Next Level

CompTIA certifications are constantly evolving to keep pace with the ever-changing world of IT, and 2018 was no different. This year we introduced CompTIA PenTest+ and updated four other certifications. We defined two career pathways to help IT pros identify the next steps in their IT careers and launched CompTIA Stackable Certifications to show a deeper mastery of knowledge. To help IT pros develop the skills they need for today’s jobs, we launched new training products, including official study guides and the CompTIA CertMaster suite of products.

A Unified Voice Impacting Federal, State and International Policy

Our advocacy team saw some positives cross the finish line, like reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act, and passage of the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act. Our State Government Affairs team tracked 1,100+ bills in 44 states. Privacy remained the dominant set of issues of the 2018 session, and we monitored or engaged on 435 bills in 42 states. We lobbied hard on international matters like the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA) to ensure CFIUS had proper jurisdictional lanes, and the threat of Chinese tariffs.

Representation in the Public Sector Market

Our State and Local Government and Education (SLED) council led the way in the formation of vendor advisory bodies in Los Angeles; and our Human Services IT Advisory Group (HSITAG), partnering with the American Public Human Services Association, got 25 states to participate in the HSITAG State of the States Survey. Through the Space Enterprise Council, we saw a landmark agreement with Brazil signed between CompTIA and Brazil’s largest trade association Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (FIESP). The agreement calls for collaboration in space activities, smart cities and workforce training.

The Chance to Meet Face-to-Face with Policymakers

Last February, nearly 150 CompTIA members and partners converged on Capitol Hill for our annual DC Fly-In. Participants had an opportunity to meet with over 150 elected officials and staff to discuss key technology trends and needs for our industry. If you never participated in this complimentary annual member event, it’s something you don’t want to miss. This event provides you with a platform to share your voice with our government. Join us in Washington, D.C., February 5 to 6, 2019 – it’s an experience worth flying in for!

Engage in Industry-Specific Forums

Our 10 IT communities stayed busy this year working on their own goals and initiatives. Amongst these initiatives are new infographics, podcasts and workforce development plans. Our communities offer a forum for industry-specific networking opportunities and the chance to better understand your field and its direction. Take this quick four-question quiz to learn how your involvement in a CompTIA community can have a huge impact on your company.

The Center for Technology and Workforce Solutions

New this year is the Center for Technology and Workforce Solutions (CTWS). This new think tank studies the intersection of technology and the workforce, and leverages those insights to produce data-driven, smart policies and methodologies. CTWS focuses on three major themes: expanding the tech talent pipeline, achieving equity in the tech workforce and preparing for the jobs of now and the future.

Two New Issues of CompTIAWorld

We released two issues of our association magazine, CompTIAWorld, this year. Issue three focuses on the evolution of technology and the tremendous opportunity and challenges it is creating. Learn how our members are combining and configuring evolving components to offer new solutions. Our latest issue is full of stories of how CompTIA, our members and technology are changing the world we live and work in.

The Opportunity to Give Back While Strengthening the IT Workforce

This year Creating IT Futures, the charitable arm of CompTIA, enabled 200+ adults to launch their IT careers and secured funding to more than double IT-Ready classes for 2019. Additionally, we expanded our IT-Ready curriculum and launched CompTIA’s first-ever instructor-led online training program. We also inspired more teens to get interested in tech careers through our NextUp initiative by exposing 200+ girls in Chicago to tech via our partner TechGirlz; enabling 33 middle schools to receive FUSE Studios and support the Technology Student Association, which reaches more than 250,000 teens nationwide.

The 2018 IT Outlook Study

CompTIA’s IT Industry Outlook report maps out the enterprise tech territory and gives a comprehensive view of where we’ve been and what’s to come. The 2018 report expands upon 10 key findings, including the arrival of machine learning, making use of digital data, big business transformations, global IT spending, tech exports, the importance of soft skills, the need for a tech-savvy board, cybersecurity, the new collar economy and SMB partnering.

Cyberstates Data at Your Fingertips

Tech employment in the U.S. expanded by nearly 200,000 jobs in 2017 to an estimated 11.5 million workers; and at $1.6 trillion, the tech sector is one of the largest components of the nation’s economy, according to CompTIA Cyberstates 2018, the definitive annual analysis of the nation’s industry. The economic might of the tech industry is felt in nearly every state. The industry is a top-five economic contributor in 22 states; and in the top 10 of 42 states.

The New CompTIA Community Forum

We unveiled the new CompTIA Community Forum (CCF) in Chicago back in March. The idea was to execute an expansive, fast-paced working meeting that accomplished direct industry impact via opportunities to share ideas. Everybody was on board; no one at CCF was mincing words as we looked at tech from all angles. Take a look at what we learned.

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