CompTIA
CompTIA is a vendor-neutral IT certification and training provider founded in 1982, offering 25+ industry-recognized credential programs, CertMaster e-learning products, and workforce development solutions to individual IT professionals, enterprises, government agencies, and academic institutions globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1982
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What CompTIA does
CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association), founded in 1982 and headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, is a vendor-neutral IT certification and training provider operating as a private trade association. The organization develops and delivers 25+ certification programs spanning IT support, networking, cybersecurity, cloud, data, and emerging technologies — including A+, Security+, SecurityX, SecAI+, AutoOps+, and DataAI — developed under an ISO 17024-accredited process with input from hundreds of subject matter experts. Its proprietary CertMaster learning platform provides adaptive e-learning through CertMaster Learn, Practice, Labs, and Perform, with LMS and TMS integration for enterprise deployments.
The company operates a hybrid go-to-market motion combining direct e-commerce (shop.comptia.org) for individuals, a dedicated enterprise and government sales division for bulk licensing, and multi-tiered channel programs including Delivery Partners, Academic Partners, and resellers. Revenue is generated through one-time exam voucher purchases, annual subscription e-learning products, usage-based enterprise licensing, and institutional site licenses — with LMS integration enabling per-license billing. Customers span four primary segments: individual IT professionals pursuing credentials, enterprise organizations building cybersecurity and IT workforces, academic institutions integrating certifications into curricula, and federal/state/local government agencies requiring compliance-aligned credentials.
In November 2024, H.I.G. Capital and Thoma Bravo announced the acquisition of CompTIA's IT certification and training business (brand and edtech products), with the deal expected to close in early 2025, placing the certification and training operations under private equity ownership. The organization has accelerated product launches across AI and automation topics, partnerships in Singapore (SGInnovate), Africa (ITWeb, Geekulcha), and the United States (CYBER.ORG, NAAIC), and a major e-commerce platform migration to Optimizely One that delivered a 25% conversion rate lift and $2M+ in annual vendor cost elimination.
CompTIA firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CompTIA
- Legal name
- CompTIA, Inc.
- Website
- https://comptia.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1982
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- CompTIA is a vendor-neutral IT certification and training provider founded in 1982, offering 25+ industry-recognized credential programs, CertMaster e-learning products, and workforce development solutions to individual IT professionals, enterprises, government agencies, and academic institutions globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CompTIA industry classification
Industry- Product category
- IT Certification and Training
- NAICS
- Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114), Computer Training (61142), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Information Technology (IT) & Cybersecurity Certifications (EDAAANAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Information Technology & Cybersecurity Certification Prep (CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, ISC2/ISACA) (EDANAIAF), Digital Assessment Platforms & Computer-Based Testing Authorities (EDADAFAK), Vendor/Authorized Certification Training (Microsoft/AWS/Cisco, etc.) (BPAEANAA), Systems Administration & Infrastructure (Windows/Linux) (EDAOAIAE)
Keywords
Where CompTIA is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
CompTIA business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Certification Exam Vouchers: One-time purchase exam vouchers that expire 12 months from purchase date. Vouchers are non-refundable and include options for exam retakes. Individual certifications require passing one or more exams.
- CertMaster Training Products: Subscription-based and perpetual eLearning products including CertMaster Learn, Practice, Labs, Perform, and bundles. Products are available individually or in discounted bundles with exam vouchers and retake assurance. 12-month license terms with LMS integration available for organizations.
- Usage-Based Organizational Licensing: Enterprise licensing model where organizations pay per license enrollment, activation, or LMS license activation. Fee triggers are non-cancelable and non-refundable except for academic drops/withdrawals within 30 days and limited hours consumed.
- Institutional/Academic Licensing: Site licenses and institutional agreements for academic partners, government agencies, and enterprise organizations with volume pricing and administrative tools for managing learner populations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Exam Voucher - Single Certification |
| Hybrid | Pay-as-you-go | CertMaster Practice and Exam Bundle with Retake |
| Hybrid | Pay-as-you-go | CertMaster Complete Bundle with Retake |
| Usage-based | Monthly | Enterprise Usage-Based Billing |
| Subscription | Annual | CertMaster Perform (Comprehensive Learning) |
| Subscription | Annual | CertMaster Learn (Foundational Learning) |
| Subscription | Annual | CertMaster Practice (Exam Prep) |
| Subscription | Annual | CertMaster Labs (Hands-on Practice) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels9 records
CompTIA product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CompTIA is a vendor-neutral IT training and certification body that develops and delivers more than 25 industry-recognized certification programs (e.g., A+, Security+, Network+, Data+, SecAI+, AutoOps+) along with proprietary eLearning products (CertMaster Learn, Practice, Labs, Perform), exam vouchers, and competency assessments. It serves individual IT professionals, enterprises, government agencies, and academic institutions through direct e-commerce, enterprise licensing, academic partnerships, and a global delivery partner network.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- CompTIA AutoOps+ Certification Vendor-neutral certification for operations and DevOps professionals covering coding, scripting, infrastructure management, and automation workflows across cloud and hybrid environments.
- CompTIA SecAI+ Certification Professional certification focused on securing AI systems and using AI in operational cybersecurity work, covering AI platform security, AI-assisted compliance, and AI risk management.
- CompTIA DataAI Certification Advanced certification for experienced data professionals validating competency in AI-driven data solutions across five domains: mathematics/statistics, modeling/analysis, machine learning, operations/processes, and specialized applications.
- CompTIA Data+ Certification Vendor-neutral certification covering data analytics, data governance, analysis, and cloud infrastructure skills, with updated coverage of generative AI and modern IDEs.
- CompTIA SecOT+ Certification Certification focused on operational technology (OT) cybersecurity skills for floor technicians, industrial engineers, IT cybersecurity engineers, and network architects addressing threats to manufacturing, power, water, and critical infrastructure.
- AI Fundamentals Course Academic-focused AI training course with proprietary simulations and labs covering prompt design, AI limitations, ethical use, and human-AI collaboration, awarding the AI Fundamentals CompCert credential upon passing.
- AI Agent Essentials Course 4-5 hour vendor-neutral training course for non-technical professionals covering AI agent workflows, autonomy, tool use, memory, and human oversight, delivered via CertMaster Learn with the proprietary Agent Simulator and CompCert competency assessment.
- AI Customer Support Essentials Course Self-paced training course that prepares customer service professionals to use generative AI tools for AI-generated drafts, chatbot handoffs, and AI-assisted documentation, with scenario-driven competency assessment.
- AI Help Desk Essentials Course Role-specific training course for IT support professionals to use generative AI chatbots effectively in help desk operations, including summarizing and routing tickets, diagnosing incidents, analyzing logs, and drafting user communications.
- AI Marketing Essentials and AI Sales Essentials Courses Pair of 4-6 hour role-specific courses equipping sales and marketing professionals with competence in responsible generative AI use, with competency assessment for certification.
- CertMaster Learn eLearning Foundational CertMaster eLearning product providing 25-40 hours of instruction with lab activities to build core IT knowledge; available via 12-month subscription with LMS/TMS integration.
- CertMaster Practice eLearning Exam-preparation CertMaster eLearning product providing 10-20 hours of timed practice exams, objective quizzes, and mastery score reporting for learners with existing experience.
- CertMaster Labs eLearning Hands-on CertMaster product offering 15-25 hours in a live virtual lab environment with guided tasks and real-world scenarios for applying skills.
- CertMaster Perform eLearning Comprehensive CertMaster eLearning product providing 30-60 hours of instruction with robust lab activities in real and simulated environments for learners with no prior experience.
Quantifiable outcome
- 130% higher median US salaries for tech vs other careers
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use CompTIA
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
CompTIA technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability6 records
Feature4 records
CompTIA partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- CYBER.ORGcoreCYBER.ORG announced expanded collaborations with CompTIA, Intel, and ISACA to enhance cybersecurity and AI workforce training in the United States. The partnerships aim to develop industry-relevant skills among students through certification programs, project-based modules, and nationwide educator networks, aligning education with industry needs.
- California Institute of Applied Technology (CIAT)coreCIAT launched CompTIA SecAI+ Bootcamps in partnership with CompTIA, an intensive five-day live virtual program focused on AI-driven cybersecurity defense skills. The inaugural session was scheduled for May 26-30 with future cohorts in June and July. Participants receive unlimited certification exam attempts. The program targets experienced cybersecurity professionals with 3-4 years of IT experience.
- GeekulchaminorThe ITWeb and Geekulcha partnership hosts the 10th annual cybersecurity hackathon (#SS26HACK) at the ITWeb Security Summit 2026 in Johannesburg, attracting increased interest including Kenyan participation. The event promotes cyber resilience and skills development across Africa with focus on AI-driven threat detection.
- ITWeb Security SummitminorCompTIA announced its support for the ITWeb Security Summit 2026 in Johannesburg as a Bronze Sponsor. The summit scheduled for June 2-4 at the Sandton Convention Center features technical tracks, high-level forums, live demos, and vendor exhibits focused on cybersecurity.
- SGInnovatecoreCompTIA and SGInnovate announced a strategic partnership to strengthen Singapore's deep tech talent pipeline through a formal MOU, CyberReady+ Bootcamp, and CompTIA's SecAI+ certification program. The initiative addresses a widening talent gap where AI and cybersecurity job openings on SGInnovate's platform grew 44% from 2024 to 2025 while only one in five applicants met required skills criteria. Programs are hosted on the Deep Tech Central platform to streamline transition from training to employment.
- National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC)coreCompTIA and NAAIC launched a program to provide free AI training to 100 high school teachers in the US starting in April 2026. The program helps educators incorporate AI literacy into their curriculum through online courses and assessments. Miami Dade College leads the NAAIC initiative.
- Infinity Global Services (Check Point)coreInfinity Global Services partnered with CompTIA to integrate CompTIA's Security+ and SecurityX certifications into its training offerings. The Security+ certification is included in Infinity Global Services' Hacking Point program for entry-level professionals, while SecurityX is added to its CISO Academy for senior security engineers. The partnership addresses the growing cybersecurity skills gap as organizations expand AI adoption.
- Cubic DTECHminorCubic DTECH delivered a hands-on cyber defense demonstration at TechNet Indo-Pacific 2025 as part of the CompTIA Learning Solutions Series. The workshop featured speakers from AWS and Cloud Range and demonstrated cybersecurity techniques including quantum-resistant encryption and zero-trust principles.
- OptimizelycoreCompTIA migrated its e-commerce operations from a third-party vendor to Optimizely One, bringing operations in-house after seven years of external management. The platform migration eliminated over $2 million in annual vendor fees while delivering a 25% increase in conversion rates and 15-20% lift in average order value.
- Global KnowledgeminorCompTIA participated in a webinar titled 'Beyond the Breach: Lessons from Real Cybersecurity Incidents' hosted by Global Knowledge, sharing insights on cybersecurity lessons learned from past breaches and career pathways in cybersecurity.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
CompTIA competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- (ISC)²: Global nonprofit offering vendor-neutral cybersecurity certifications including CISSP, SSCP, and CCSP. Direct competitor to CompTIA's Security+, CySA+, and SecurityX in the cybersecurity certification category, serving similar IT professionals and government/enterprise buyers.
- ISACA: Global association offering IT governance, risk, and cybersecurity certifications (CISA, CISM, CRISC, CGEIT). Competes with CompTIA Security+ and SecurityX for cybersecurity/IT audit professionals, with overlapping enterprise and government customer base.
- EC-Council: Provider of cybersecurity certifications including CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and CHFI. Directly competes with CompTIA PenTest+ and CySA+ for offensive security and incident response learners, with similar delivery partner and academic distribution model.
- GIAC / SANS Institute: SANS Institute delivers cybersecurity training and operates GIAC certifications, a leading alternative to CompTIA Security+ and SecurityX for advanced practitioners. Comparable premium-pricing model for hands-on cybersecurity credentials.
- PeopleCert (AXELOS / ITIL): Owns ITIL and PRINCE2 certifications and offers them through accredited training organizations. Comparable vendor-neutral IT service management and project management certification portfolio aligned with CompTIA's Project+ and IT operations certifications.
Broad incumbents
- AWS Training and Certification: Amazon's cloud vendor-specific certification program (Cloud Practitioner, Solutions Architect, Security Specialty). Competes for the same IT professional wallet as CompTIA Cloud+ and Security+, with stronger employer pull for AWS-centric roles.
- Microsoft Learn / Certifications: Microsoft's free training and paid certifications (Azure Fundamentals, SC-200, Security, AI-900). Directly competes with CompTIA's Azure-aligned and security credentials; extensive free content puts pricing pressure on paid CompTIA courses.
- Google Cloud Skills Boost / Certifications: Google Cloud's training and certification platform (Cloud Digital Leader, Professional Cloud Architect, Cybersecurity). Vendor-specific alternative to CompTIA Cloud+ and Security+, increasingly adopted by enterprise IT teams.
- Cisco Networking Academy / Certifications: Cisco's certification and academic program (CCNA, CCNP, CyberOps). Direct overlap with CompTIA Network+ and Security+, especially in academic and entry-level networking segments.
Emerging players
- Pluralsight (now part of Vista Equity): Tech-focused online learning platform with skill assessments and learning paths overlapping CompTIA's CertMaster products. Targets enterprise developer and IT training budgets with subscription pricing; complements but increasingly substitutes for CompTIA's self-paced training.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
CompTIA social profiles
Digital presenceCompTIA financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CompTIA leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
CompTIA funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CompTIA M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A4 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CompTIA
What does CompTIA do?
CompTIA is a vendor-neutral IT training and certification body that develops and delivers more than 25 industry-recognized certification programs (e.g., A+, Security+, Network+, Data+, SecAI+, AutoOps+) along with proprietary eLearning products (CertMaster Learn, Practice, Labs, Perform), exam vouchers, and competency assessments. It serves individual IT professionals, enterprises, government agencies, and academic institutions through direct e-commerce, enterprise licensing, academic partnerships, and a global delivery partner network.
Is CompTIA a public or private company?
CompTIA is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was CompTIA founded?
CompTIA was founded in 1982. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is CompTIA based?
CompTIA is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does CompTIA make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Certification Exam Vouchers are the primary driver. The others are certMaster Training Products, usage-Based Organizational Licensing and institutional/Academic Licensing.
Who are CompTIA's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are (ISC)², ISACA, EC-Council, GIAC / SANS Institute and PeopleCert (AXELOS / ITIL). Broad incumbents are AWS Training and Certification, Microsoft Learn / Certifications, Google Cloud Skills Boost / Certifications and Cisco Networking Academy / Certifications. Pluralsight (now part of Vista Equity) is listed as an emerging player.
Does CompTIA have an API?
No public API is recorded for CompTIA.
What industry is CompTIA in?
CompTIA's product category is IT Certification and Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAANAA, Information Technology (IT) & Cybersecurity Certifications, with a secondary code of EDANAIAF, Information Technology & Cybersecurity Certification Prep (CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, ISC2/ISACA). Its NAICS code is 6114 and its SIC code is 8200.