CBT

What CBT does

CBT Training & Consulting GmbH is a Munich-based IT training and consulting company that has operated in the German-speaking market for more than 20 years. The company delivers instructor-led and virtual classroom training across 15+ technology domains, including cybersecurity, information security management, data protection, Microsoft, Linux, Cisco networking, VMware virtualization, and IT service management frameworks such as ITIL. It serves a dual audience of individual IT professionals seeking vendor-recognized certifications and corporate enterprises requiring systematic workforce training, with delivery formats including in-person courses in 15+ German cities, Virtual Classroom LIVE, online self-paced options, and customized in-house corporate training (Firmenschulung).

The company's core technology asset is its proprietary CBT-CERT certification and examination system — a standardized multiple-choice online platform for information security, cyber security, IT forensics, cloud security, and data protection certifications, with certificates valid for three years. CBT also operates authorized Pearson VUE, Certiport (MOS), and ISACA computer-based testing centers at its Munich headquarters, creating a closed-loop training, voucher sales, and certification delivery operation. The company maintains authorized partner status with 10+ international certification bodies including Microsoft (Gold Partner 20+ years, Solutions Partner for Modern Work since 2025), IAPP, EC-Council (ATC-300), Linux Foundation, ISACA, ISC2, PECB, Check Point, Cisco, and VMware/Broadcom.

CBT's revenue model combines per-course, per-participant unit pricing (€590-€4,950 per course), certification exam voucher sales (€84-€225 per voucher), customized corporate training engagements priced per quote, and ancillary services including IT consulting (security assessment, penetration testing, data protection consulting), test center fees, and room rental. Customer concentration spans enterprise accounts (HypoVereinsbank/UniCredit, Erzbistum München, Critical TechWorks, e.solutions, BY die Bayerische) and a long tail of open enrollment participants. The SECUTA Security Tagung, now in its 24th edition, serves as a thought leadership and demand generation platform. The company is privately held with no disclosed investors, 11-50 employees, and operates as a GmbH under German law.

Name

CBT

Legal name

CBT Training & Consulting GmbH

Website

https://cbt-training.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CBT Training & Consulting GmbH is a Munich-based IT training and consulting company offering instructor-led courses, certification preparation, and consulting across 15+ technology domains for IT professionals and enterprise clients across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

IT Training & Certification Services

NAICS

Computer Training (611420), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Enterprise Applications & ERP/CRM (SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, Workday) (EDABAFAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Software Development (Programming, Frameworks, Dev Tools) (EDABAFAA), IT Support & End-User Computing (Helpdesk, Desktop, M365/Google Workspace) (EDABAFAN)

Keywords

• IT certification training
• Cybersecurity training courses
• Microsoft training courses
• Professional certification preparation
• IT consulting services

Headquarters

HQ city

München

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. IT Training & Certification Courses: CBT's primary revenue stream comes from fee-based IT training courses across topics including Microsoft, Linux, Cybersecurity, Data Protection, Project Management (ITIL, PRINCE2, Scrum), Virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V), Networking (Cisco), and more. Courses are priced per participant and offered in multiple formats: in-person at various German cities, virtual classroom live, and online live. Course durations range from 1 to 5 days, with prices typically between €590 and €4,950 per course.
2. Certification Exam & Test Center Services: CBT operates authorized Pearson VUE and Certiport test centers, selling exam vouchers (e.g., Microsoft Certification Exam Voucher at €140, Microsoft Fundamentals Exam Voucher at €84, MOS exam at €160 in-person/€225 online) and generating per-transaction revenue from exam administration fees.
3. Inhouse / Firmenschulung (Corporate Custom Training): CBT offers customized corporate training delivered at client premises or tailored to specific organizational needs, sold as a separate professional services engagement, typically at premium pricing negotiated per engagement.
4. IT Consulting Services: CBT provides IT consulting services in areas including Security Assessment / Penetration Testing, Information Security Management, Data Protection Consulting (Datenschutzberatung), and Change Management, generating consulting fee revenue.
5. Room Rental (Raumvermietung): CBT rents out its training facilities in Munich for corporate events and external training sessions, providing additional revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CBT Training & Consulting GmbH is a Munich-based IT training and consulting company delivering instructor-led courses, certification preparation, and advisory services across IT security, cybersecurity, data protection, Microsoft, Linux, networking, and cloud technologies. Offerings are delivered in-person across 15+ German cities, virtually via Virtual Classroom LIVE, and through customized in-house corporate programs. The company also operates as a Pearson VUE/Certiport authorized test center and runs the proprietary CBT-CERT certification system.

Product overview

CBT Training & Consulting GmbH is an IT training and professional certification company offering a broad portfolio of instructor-led and virtual classroom courses alongside consulting services. The core offering centers on IT training & certification courses spanning cybersecurity, information security management, data protection, cloud, networking, and Microsoft technologies. Proprietary offerings include CBT-CERT brand certifications (information security, IT risk management, data protection) and the annual SECUTA security conference. The company is an authorized training partner for Microsoft (Gold Partner), the Linux Foundation, EC-Council, IAPP, ISACA, ISC2, Check Point, Cisco, VMware/Broadcom, PECB, and ITIL, providing official certification preparation for these programs. Training is delivered in multiple formats: in-person at locations including Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin; Virtual Classroom LIVE online; and customized in-house corporate sessions. The company also operates authorized Pearson VUE and Certiport test centers for exam delivery.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CBT CERT: CBT's proprietary certification program for information security and cybersecurity professionals, offering certifications valid for three years.
• SECUTA

Products and services

• IT Training & Certification Courses Instructor-led and virtual classroom training courses covering IT security, cybersecurity, data protection, Microsoft, Linux, networking, and cloud technologies, with preparation for internationally recognized professional certifications. Sold per participant.
• IT Consulting Services Advisory services spanning IT security assessments, penetration testing, information security management, data protection (GDPR), and change management for enterprise clients.
• Exam & Test Center Services Pearson VUE-authorized test center for professional IT certification exams (Microsoft, EC-Council, Check Point, ISACA, ISC2) and Certiport test center for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams, delivered at CBT's Munich location.
• Security Awareness Training Targeted training programs covering DORA, EU AI Competence, NIS-2, phishing simulations, cybersecurity, data protection, and compliance for organizational workforce education.
• Microsoft Training Portfolio Comprehensive Microsoft curriculum covering Azure administration, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, security, GitHub, SQL Server, and Windows Server, delivered by Microsoft Certified Trainers as a Gold Partner.
• IAPP Privacy & AI Governance Certifications Authorized IAPP training center offering CIPP/E (European data protection law), CIPM (privacy program management), and AIGP (AI governance) certification preparation courses with IAPP-certified trainers.
• International Cybersecurity Certifications Preparation courses for globally recognized security certifications including EC-Council (CEH, CND, CCSE, CHFI), ISC2 (CISSP, CCSP, SSCP), ISACA (CISA, CISM, CRISC), and Check Point (CCSA, CCSE).
• PECB ISO Standard Certifications Training for PECB international certifications based on ISO standards including ISO/IEC 42001 (AI management), ISO/IEC 27701 (privacy information management), and NIS-2 directive implementation.
• Linux Foundation Training Authorized Linux Foundation training center offering original courses for LFCS (Linux System Administrator), CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator), and CKS (Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist).
• Cisco Networking Certifications Cisco certification preparation covering CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE tracks across collaboration, data center, enterprise, security, and wireless, through certified Cisco Learning Partners.
• VMware & Virtualization Training VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) training covering vSphere, NSX, vSAN, and Tanzu, preparing for VCP and VCAP certifications as a Broadcom partner.
• ITIL Service Management Training ITIL 5 certification training spanning Foundation, Practice Manager, Managing Professional, Strategic Leader, and Master levels for IT service management professionals.
• CBT-CERT Proprietary Certifications CBT's own professional certification brand for information security, IT risk management, cyber security, IT forensics, cloud security, and data protection/IT law, validated through standardized multiple-choice examinations; certificates valid for 3 years.
• In-House / Firmenschulung Corporate Training Customized corporate training programs delivered at client premises or via dedicated virtual sessions for organizational clients, with customized curriculum, flexible scheduling, and volume pricing (quote-based, negotiated per engagement).

Quantifiable outcome

• 20+ years of operation as an IT training provider in the German-speaking market
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• IAPP (International Association of Privacy Professionals)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2019CBT is an authorized IAPP Official Training Partner since 2019, offering CIPP/E, CIPM, and AIGP certification courses in German with certified IAPP trainers. IAPP certifications are ISO 17024 accredited. CBT provides the IAPP textbook (digital), course materials, 1-year IAPP membership, and exam voucher.
• The Linux FoundationcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 September 2016CBT has been an authorized training center of the Linux Foundation since September 1, 2016. CBT offers original Linux Foundation training with original course materials for LFCS, CKA, CKAD, and CKS certifications.
• Pearson VUEcoreTechnology or IntegrationCBT is an authorized Pearson VUE test center, enabling candidates to take Microsoft, Check Point, EC-Council, and other Pearson VUE-delivered certification exams at CBT's Munich location and through online proctoring. CBT also sells Microsoft exam vouchers that can be redeemed at any Pearson VUE center in Germany.
• Certiport (Pearson VUE subsidiary)coreTechnology or IntegrationCBT is an authorized Certiport test center for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams, allowing candidates to take web-based MOS exams on-site in Munich or remotely (Exams from Home). CBT handles exam administration, scheduling, and candidate registration via Certiport's platform.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationCBT is a Microsoft Gold Partner (Training Services) for over 20 years and a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Modern Work (since 2025). CBT offers official Microsoft courses with original Microsoft Learning materials, taught by Microsoft Certified Trainers. CBT sells Microsoft exam vouchers and offers exams via Pearson VUE. Partners include Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and Security certification tracks.
• EC-CouncilcoreTechnology or IntegrationCBT is an EC-Council Accredited Training Center (ATC-300 level), offering CEH, CND, CCSE, CSA, CTIA, CHFI, ECIH, and CPENT certification courses. CBT also serves as a testing center for EC-Council exams. Original EC-Council training materials are used. Some courses available as iLearn self-study.
• PECBcoreTechnology or IntegrationCBT is a PECB Authorized Training Partner, offering PECB certification courses for ISO/IEC 42001 (AI Management System), ISO/IEC 27701 (Privacy Information Management), and NIS-2 Directive. PECB-certified trainers deliver courses on AI governance, privacy management, and cybersecurity compliance.
• ISACAcoreTechnology or IntegrationCBT is an official ISACA Computer-Based Testing Location, offering German-language ISACA exam preparation courses for CISA, CISM, CRISC, and AAISM. CBT handles exam administration on-site. ISACA certifications are internationally recognized standards for IT governance, audit, and security management.
• ISC2coreTechnology or IntegrationCBT offers ISC2 certification preparation courses (CC, CISSP, CCSP, SSCP, CSSLP) in German with English course materials. ISC2 certifications are globally recognized standards for cybersecurity professionals.
• Fast Lane (Red Hat Training Partner)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCBT partners with Fast Lane, an authorized Red Hat training partner, to deliver Red Hat courses (RHEL, OpenShift, Satellite, Ansible). Fast Lane provides the Red Hat Learning Subscription for virtual training participants.
• Infinigate (Sophos Training Partner)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCBT partners with Infinigate for Sophos security training courses. Infinigate is a specialized distributor for Sophos cybersecurity solutions and provides access to Sophos certification curriculum and training materials.
• Aruba (HPE Aruba Networks) (via certified partners)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCBT delivers Aruba networking certification courses (CCNA/ACN, CCNP Enterprise Wireless) in partnership with certified Aruba training partners. Aruba is a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company specializing in mobility and network security solutions.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SANS Institute: Globally recognized cybersecurity training and certification organization offering GIAC certifications, with strong overlap with CBT's cybersecurity portfolio (EC-Council, ISC2). SANS competes for high-end security training dollars, particularly in the enterprise and government segments.
• Integrata (Cegos Group): Historic German IT training brand now part of international Cegos Group, offering Microsoft, project management, and IT certification courses across multiple German cities. Integrata is a like-for-like competitor with similar authorized training center model and overlapping course catalog.
• qSkills GmbH: German IT training specialist focused on Microsoft, SAP, Cisco, and ITIL certifications with in-person, online, and in-house corporate training. qSkills competes directly with CBT in the DACH region for mid-market enterprise training contracts.
• Fast Lane: German-headquartered IT training company offering authorized training across Microsoft, Cisco, AWS, Google Cloud, Red Hat, and other vendors with a comparable DACH and international footprint. Fast Lane is CBT's most direct competitor in the authorized training center space, even acting as a vendor (Red Hat) partner for CBT.
• GFN AG: Major German IT training and certification provider with national presence offering Microsoft, Cisco, and other vendor courses, plus government-funded retraining programs. GFN competes directly with CBT in the German authorized training center market with broader scale and government contracts.
• ExperTeach Gesellschaft für Netzwerkkompetenz mbH: German IT training specialist with strong focus on Cisco, security, and networking certifications. ExperTeach competes with CBT in the high-end technical certification space, particularly for networking and security courses.

Broad incumbents

• New Horizons Worldwide: Global IT training franchise with German franchise operations offering Microsoft, Cisco, and other vendor-authorized courses. New Horizons competes with CBT in the authorized training center space with broader geographic coverage and standardized delivery.
• Global Knowledge: World's largest independent IT training company offering authorized training for all major vendors globally. While broader in scale and geography than CBT, Global Knowledge directly competes for multinational enterprise training contracts covering Germany.
• TÜV Rheinland Akademie: Broader German training provider within the TÜV Rheinland certification conglomerate, offering IT, quality management, safety, and compliance training. While overlapping with CBT on certification preparation, TÜV Rheinland's portfolio extends well beyond IT and benefits from the parent TÜV brand.
• Bechtle AG: Large German-headquartered IT services and solutions provider with an education/training division offering vendor-authorized IT courses. Bechtle is a broader competitor combining IT services, hardware reselling, and training, posing competitive pressure in the integrated DACH enterprise IT services market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance18 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CBT