Computing Certification

Mississippi has selected Certiport Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) for teachers and students across the state. IC3 is endorsed by CompTIA as the foundational credential for technical certification.

CompTIA (The Computing Technology Industry Association) is a non-profit trade association that issues professional certifications for the IT industry. It's considered one of the IT industry's top trade associations. Here are some key features of CompTIA technical certifications:

1. Wide Range of Certifications: CompTIA offers a wide range of certifications, each focusing on a specific area of information technology. These include CompTIA A+ (for entry-level IT technicians), Network+ (for networking), Security+ (for security), and many more. This allows individuals to become certified in the specific areas of IT they are interested in or wish to work in.
2. Vendor-Neutral: CompTIA certifications are vendor-neutral, meaning they are not specific to any technology like Cisco or Microsoft certifications. This is beneficial as it allows IT professionals to demonstrate their general knowledge of IT concepts and technologies, rather than just their knowledge of specific products or platforms.
3. Globally Recognized: CompTIA certifications are recognized around the world, making them a beneficial addition to any IT professional's resume. They show employers that an individual has the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in various IT roles.
4. Updated to Meet Industry Standards: CompTIA regularly updates its certification exams to ensure they are current with the latest industry standards and best practices. This includes the latest technologies, methodologies, and tools used in the IT industry.
5. Practical and Theoretical Knowledge: CompTIA certifications test both practical and theoretical knowledge. This ensures that certified professionals are not only knowledgeable about the concepts behind IT but also how to apply this knowledge in a practical setting.
6. Clear Career Pathways: The certifications are structured in such a way to provide clear career pathways for professionals. Starting from foundational levels (like IT Fundamentals+) to professional levels (like Security+, Network+, or Cloud+), and then to expert levels (like CASP+), it provides a roadmap for career progression.
7. Strong Industry Support: Many companies and organizations around the world support and endorse CompTIA, including tech giants like IBM, Intel, and Dell. This backing adds value and recognition to CompTIA certifications.
8. Continuing Education Program: CompTIA offers a continuing education program, allowing professionals to keep their certification up to date by earning continuing education units (CEUs) through various activities such as attending conferences, publishing articles, or completing additional certifications.

The value of CompTIA or any certification lies not just in attaining the certification, but in the knowledge, you gain and can apply in the field, proving your competency in the area of study.