F1 Computing Systems Ltd
QA Limited is a UK-headquartered technology and digital skills training provider delivering instructor-led, self-paced (Cloud Academy), and apprenticeship programs across AI, cloud, cyber security, and data to 7,000+ enterprises, public sector bodies, and individual learners globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What F1 Computing Systems Ltd does
QA Limited (referenced in the source data under the brand "QA") is a UK-headquartered technology and digital skills training provider, founded in 1984 and operating for approximately 40 years. It serves more than 7,000 organizations globally through four delivery modalities: instructor-led classroom training, instructor-led virtual classroom, self-paced subscription via its US subsidiary QA USA, Inc. (operating the Cloud Academy platform), and apprenticeship programs running from Level 3 through degree-level qualifications. The training portfolio spans AI, cloud computing, cyber security, data, software development, leadership, agile, project management, and digital marketing, delivered by 450+ in-house experts and aligned to roughly 40 authorized technology and certification partners including Microsoft, AWS, NVIDIA, Google, Cisco, CompTIA, BCS, Databricks, and OffSec.
Revenue is generated through a layered model combining per-course pricing (cited at £260 to £5,395+ per course for instructor-led delivery), recurring self-paced subscriptions through Cloud Academy, multi-year apprenticeship contracts of 12–42 months in duration, enterprise Skills Licence agreements, managed learning services, and certification exam facilitation. The go-to-market is sales-led at the enterprise end (direct and field sales targeting corporate clients and UK public sector buyers including NHS, Ministry of Justice, local councils, and central government agencies), supplemented by self-service individual learner subscriptions and apprenticeship recruitment. The underlying technology consists of the Cloud Academy self-paced learning platform (acquired and now operating as QA USA, Inc.) together with digital infrastructure supporting virtual and in-person classroom delivery; the company holds an Ofsted "Good" rating for apprenticeship provision and self-describes as "Europe's largest" and "North America's fastest growing" technology training partner. Operations are run from London headquarters with additional UK offices in Leeds and Windsor and US operations in New York.
The company is privately held with no disclosed external institutional ownership, no public revenue or headcount disclosure, and no current funding round data in the source material. Note: the firmographic record supplied for "F1 Computing Systems Ltd" (8 employees, Bath, Somerset, founded 1987) is inconsistent with the operating data describing QA Limited, and the analysis above is based on the QA Limited operating data, which is the substantive content provided.
F1 Computing Systems Ltd firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- F1 Computing Systems Ltd
- Legal name
- QA Limited
- Website
- https://f1comp.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- QA Limited is a UK-headquartered technology and digital skills training provider delivering instructor-led, self-paced (Cloud Academy), and apprenticeship programs across AI, cloud, cyber security, and data to 7,000+ enterprises, public sector bodies, and individual learners globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
F1 Computing Systems Ltd industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional IT and Technology Training Services
- NAICS
- Computer Training (611420)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Vendor/Authorized Certification Training (Microsoft/AWS/Cisco, etc.) (BPAEANAA)
Keywords
Where F1 Computing Systems Ltd is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
F1 Computing Systems Ltd business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Course Sales (Instructor-Led): Revenue from individual instructor-led courses ranging from £260 to £5,395+ VAT, with pricing varying by course duration, level, and certification type. Discounted prices from 'Was' pricing indicate promotional or tiered pricing strategies.
- Self-Paced Subscription (Cloud Academy): Subscription-based access to unlimited tech content library via Cloud Academy platform. Learners gain access to comprehensive learning paths, certifications prep, and on-demand courses.
- Apprenticeship Programs: Fee-based apprenticeship programs ranging from 12-42 months in duration, covering various tech disciplines. Programs include employer-funded apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships.
- Corporate Training / Managed Learning Services: Tailored programmatic learning at scale for organizations including custom courses, labs, and learning paths. Skills Licence for organizations to upskill teams.
- Certification Exam Fees: Revenue from facilitating certification exams for vendor certifications including AWS, Microsoft, BCS, ITIL, PRINCE2, CompTIA, and others.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Individual Course Pricing (Instructor-Led) |
| Subscription | Monthly | Self-Paced Learning Subscription |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Apprenticeship Programs |
| Subscription | Annual | Corporate/Bulk Licensing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
F1 Computing Systems Ltd product offering
Product offeringCore offering
F1 Computing Systems Ltd (operating as QA Limited) delivers technology and digital skills training through instructor-led classroom and virtual courses, a self-paced online learning platform (Cloud Academy), blended learning, and structured apprenticeship and degree apprenticeship programs. Offerings span AI, cloud computing, cyber security, data, software development, digital marketing, IT, leadership, and project management, alongside vendor certifications from AWS, Microsoft, Google, BCS, CompTIA, ITIL, PRINCE2, and other technology partners.
Product overview
QA operates as a technology and digital skills training provider offering a portfolio of interconnected learning solutions. The core offerings consist of instructor-led learning, a self-paced online platform (Cloud Academy), and blended learning experiences that combine both modalities. Apprenticeship programs provide employment-based training at various qualification levels (Level 3-6) and degree apprenticeships lead to university qualifications. Training is organized into specialized course categories covering AI skills, cloud computing, cyber security, data analytics, digital marketing, IT, leadership, product management, project management, and software development. Enterprise solutions include Skills Licence, Managed Learning Services, and public sector training. The company serves over 7,000 organizations globally with approximately 450 in-house experts and partnerships with around 40 technology and certification partners.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Cloud Academy: Self-paced digital learning platform offering unlimited access to technology and digital skills content, including cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and software development courses.
- QA Higher Education
- TAP (Training and Performance)
Products and services
- Instructor-led Learning
Companies that use F1 Computing Systems Ltd
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
F1 Computing Systems Ltd technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
F1 Computing Systems Ltd partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
30 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- MicrosoftcoreQA is a Microsoft training partner offering Microsoft Copilot training, Azure certifications, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft security certifications including SC-200, SC-300, SC-900, PL-300, DP-203, DP-600, AZ-104, AZ-900.
- AWS (Amazon Web Services)coreQA is an Advanced Partner of AWS offering AWS certifications, cloud training, and AWS FinOps courses.
- NVIDIAcoreQA partners with NVIDIA for AI training including NVIDIA AI Engineer Level 6 apprenticeship.
- GooglecoreQA is a Google Cloud training partner offering Google Professional Data Engineer exam preparation and Google Cloud training.
- CompTIAcoreQA is an authorised CompTIA platinum training partner offering CompTIA certifications.
- BCScoreQA is a BCS Accredited Training Partner offering BCS certifications including business analysis, AI essentials, and chartered certifications.
- OffSeccoreQA is an OffSec training partner offering OSCP (PEN-200) and offensive security certifications.
- APM (Association for Project Management)coreQA is an official training provider of APM offering Project Management Qualification (PMQ) and Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ).
- APMGcoreQA is an official training partner of APMG offering AgilePM, Change Management, and other APMG certifications.
- ITIL / AXELOScoreQA offers ITIL 4 and ITIL 5 Foundation certifications and specialist courses. Approved PeopleCert training provider.
- SAFe (Scaled Agile)coreQA is a SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) partner offering AI-Empowered SAFe and SAFe training courses.
- DatabrickscoreQA partners with Databricks for data and AI training including Databricks Engineer Level 5 apprenticeship.
- DevOps InstitutecoreQA Ltd is an Elite Partner of the DevOps Institute for DevOps training and certifications.
- Red HatcoreQA is an approved trainer of Red Hat offering Red Hat certifications and training.
- ICAgilecoreQA is an ICAgile training partner offering Agile Fundamentals (ICP), Foundations of AI (ICP-FAI), Product Management (ICP-PDM) courses.
- ISC2coreQA partners with ISC2 for cybersecurity certifications and training.
- ISACAcoreQA is an accredited ISACA Training Partner for CISM, CISA and other ISACA certifications.
- EC-CouncilcoreQA partners with EC-Council for ethical hacking and cybersecurity certifications including Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
- Linux FoundationcoreQA partners with Linux Foundation for open source and cloud-native training.
- CiscocoreQA is a Cisco training partner offering Cisco certifications including networking and security.
- ServiceNowcoreQA partners with ServiceNow for ITSM and digital workflow training.
- VMwarecoreQA is a VMware training partner for virtualization and cloud infrastructure certifications.
- OraclecoreQA partners with Oracle for database and cloud training.
- Check PointcoreQA is a Checkpoint training partner for cyber security certifications.
- CitrixcoreQA is an authorised Citrix Training Partner for virtualization and endpoint management training.
- TOGAF Open GroupcoreQA is a training partner of the TOGAF Open Group for enterprise architecture training.
- PECBcoreQA is a PECB authorised training partner for ISO and professional certifications.
- Scrum AlliancecoreQA is a registered Scrum Alliance partner for Scrum Master and Agile certifications.
- IASSCcoreQA offers IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (ICGB) certification.
- PeopleCertcoreQA Ltd is an approved PeopleCert training provider for ITIL and other certifications.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights7 records
F1 Computing Systems Ltd competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- O'Reilly Media: Long-running technology learning platform combining books, online courses, live events, and certifications. Competes with QA's self-paced and instructor-led technical content, particularly for AI, cloud, and software engineering audiences.
- Firebrand Training: UK-headquartered accelerated IT training provider focused on vendor certifications (Microsoft, AWS, Cisco, EC-Council). Directly competes in the same accelerated instructor-led IT training niche and UK enterprise market.
- Global Knowledge: Closest operating analog: vendor-authorized IT training (instructor-led and virtual) for AWS, Microsoft, Cisco, Google, etc. Targets the same enterprise and individual learner segments with comparable vendor certification catalog and delivery model.
- Udacity: Technology-focused online learning platform with enterprise and individual programs in AI, cloud, data, and programming. Overlaps with QA's self-paced and apprenticeship-adjacent technical content for working professionals.
- Pluralsight: Direct competitor offering a self-paced technology skills platform plus enterprise skills intelligence. Acquired A Cloud Guru (the closest historical analog to Cloud Academy) and competes head-to-head for enterprise training budgets across cloud, AI, and cyber.
- Learning Tree International: Established IT and management training provider with instructor-led delivery and a similar vendor-authorized catalog. Closely comparable in business model, delivery modalities, and enterprise buyer profile.
- Coursera: Global online learning platform with strong enterprise business (Coursera for Business) offering technology, data, and AI courses including vendor-aligned content. Competes for the same enterprise upskilling budget and individual professional learners.
Broad incumbents
- Skillsoft: Large enterprise learning incumbent covering technology, leadership, and compliance. After acquiring Global Knowledge, Skillsoft overlaps QA across instructor-led IT training while also offering broader L&D catalogs to enterprise buyers.
- LinkedIn Learning: Broad professional learning platform owned by Microsoft, covering technology, business, and creative skills. Overlaps with QA on self-paced technical content but does not specialize in vendor-authorized certifications or apprenticeships.
Emerging players
- Simplilearn: Digital workforce upskilling platform offering bootcamps and certification prep in cloud, AI, cyber, and data, with growing enterprise business. Competes with QA for individual and corporate technology upskilling, particularly in cloud and AI certification prep.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
F1 Computing Systems Ltd social profiles
Digital presenceF1 Computing Systems Ltd financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
F1 Computing Systems Ltd leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
F1 Computing Systems Ltd subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
F1 Computing Systems Ltd funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
F1 Computing Systems Ltd M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about F1 Computing Systems Ltd
What does F1 Computing Systems Ltd do?
F1 Computing Systems Ltd (operating as QA Limited) delivers technology and digital skills training through instructor-led classroom and virtual courses, a self-paced online learning platform (Cloud Academy), blended learning, and structured apprenticeship and degree apprenticeship programs. Offerings span AI, cloud computing, cyber security, data, software development, digital marketing, IT, leadership, and project management, alongside vendor certifications from AWS, Microsoft, Google, BCS, CompTIA, ITIL, PRINCE2, and other technology partners.
Is F1 Computing Systems Ltd a public or private company?
F1 Computing Systems Ltd is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was F1 Computing Systems Ltd founded?
F1 Computing Systems Ltd was founded in 1984. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is F1 Computing Systems Ltd based?
F1 Computing Systems Ltd is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does F1 Computing Systems Ltd make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Course Sales (Instructor-Led) is the primary driver. The others are self-Paced Subscription (Cloud Academy), apprenticeship Programs, corporate Training / Managed Learning Services and certification Exam Fees.
Who are F1 Computing Systems Ltd's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are O'Reilly Media, Firebrand Training, Global Knowledge, Udacity, Pluralsight, Learning Tree International and Coursera. Broad incumbents are Skillsoft and LinkedIn Learning. Simplilearn is listed as an emerging player.
Does F1 Computing Systems Ltd have an API?
No public API is recorded for F1 Computing Systems Ltd.
What industry is F1 Computing Systems Ltd in?
F1 Computing Systems Ltd's product category is Professional IT and Technology Training Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAEANAA, Vendor/Authorized Certification Training (Microsoft/AWS/Cisco, etc.). Its NAICS code is 611420 and its SIC code is 7370.