Now that CompTIA has enacted its Certification Renewal Policy (effective January 1, 2011) those in IT planning on getting CompTIA A+, Network+ and/or Security+ certified are probably wondering, “What exactly does this renewal policy entail?” Here’s the rundown…
Anyone CompTIA A+, Network+ or Security+ certified after January 1, 2011 will be required to renew their certification every three years. For all of those anxiety ridden test takers shivering at the thought of taking a certification exam every three years, there is another option. Your certification can be renewed by participating in CompTIA’s Continuing Education Program, which allows individuals to keep their skills current and their certifications up-to-date without retesting.
In order to renew your certification via the continuing education program, you must earn a set amount of “continuing education units (CEUs)”. To renew CompTIA A+ requires 20 CEUs; to renew CompTIA Network+, 30 CEUs; and to renew CompTIA Security+, 50 CEUs. CompTIA has created a chart of qualifying activities that can earn you CEUs. Generally speaking, these activities consist of a wide array of educational and learning opportunities including:
- Teaching, lecturing or presenting on relevant industry topics
- Participating non-degree courses or computer- based training
- Attending relevant industry conferences and events
- Publishing articles, white papers, blog posts or books on relevant topics
- Obtaining other industry certifications
- Passing the most current exam for your CompTIA certification
For a detailed list of qualified activities see CompTIA Continuing Education Qualified Activities Chart.
The CompTIA Continuing Education Program uses a Web-based system linked to the existing database that CompTIA certification holders use. Once you’ve enrolled in the program, you can submit continuing education units and track your status online as you work toward your target CEU amount. As part of the ongoing audit process, subject matter experts will review activity submissions to ensure what is being completed is relevant to your continuing education program level, demonstrating knowledge equal to or above your current certifications.
There is a small fee required of participants in the CompTIA Continuing Education Program. CompTIA explains the annual maintenance fee offsets the costs associated for the administration and hosting of the continuing education program and system. The annual fee is $25 for CompTIA A+ certified individuals or $49 for CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+ certified individuals.
For more in depth information about CompTIA’s Continuing Education Program, visit http://www.comptia.org/.
PrepLogic offers CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ computer-based-training, Mega Guides, Practice Exams and Audiobooks. Call 1-800-418-6789 to speak with an account representative about becoming CompTIA certified.
