FITSI - Federal IT Security Institute

What FITSI - Federal IT Security Institute does

The Federal IT Security Institute (FITSI) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit certification body founded in 2009 and headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, that operates the Federal IT Security Professional (FITSP) certification program. FITSP consists of four role-based IT security certifications — Auditor, Designer, Manager, and Operator — each mapped to six Federal Body of Knowledge (FBK) domains and 18 topic areas derived from NIST publications, FIPS standards, federal statutes, and the NIST Risk Management Framework. FITSI is the only ANAB-accredited (ISO/IEC 17024:2012) personnel certification program purpose-built around the four federal IT security roles, and its certifications are formally approved by DoD (Directive 8140 mapping to 19 Work Role Codes, and the COOL program), DHS/CISA (CSIP), the Department of State (SIP at the 15% incentive level), and USAID (SIP at the 15% incentive level).

FITSI generates revenue through a mix of one-time exam fees ($395 per initial attempt, $197.50 per retest), recurring annual maintenance fees ($75 per certification per year), instructor-led training courses delivered online via Microsoft Teams ($1,495 for members and $1,695 for non-members, including an exam voucher), associate membership fees ($75 per year), and licensing royalties from official courseware distributed through a strategic partnership with 30 Bird Media. Certification holders must complete 60 CPE credits over a three-year recertification cycle (shortened from six years as of June 2024). The technology stack consists of a remote-proctored exam delivery platform using a two-device video monitoring model, a public certification verification portal, and a candidate/membership management system; the organization also operates a network of FITSI Authorized Training Centers (FATCs) and three regional chapters (Washington DC, Colorado, South Carolina). Go-to-market is primarily direct-to-consumer via fitsi.org, supplemented by FATC resellers and 30 Bird Media for courseware, with government agency approvals serving as institutional demand generators that drive individual federal workforce adoption.

Name

FITSI - Federal IT Security Institute

Legal name

Federal IT Security Institute

Website

https://fitsi.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

FITSI is a 501(c)(6) non-profit certification body that operates the FITSP program — four ANAB-accredited, role-based IT security certifications (Auditor, Designer, Manager, Operator) built on a Federal Body of Knowledge and approved by DoD, DHS/CISA, DOS, and USAID for the U.S. federal workforce.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Cybersecurity Certification Services

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Assessment, Certification & Qualifications Frameworks (BPADAKAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Skilled Trades, Safety & Compliance Certification Prep (OSHA, HAZMAT, welding, electrical, HVAC) (EDANAIAM), Credential, Education & Professional License Verification (BPAKAEAI)

Keywords

• Federal IT security certifications
• Cybersecurity certification program
• Professional credentialing services
• NIST-based certification training
• Government workforce credentials

Headquarters

HQ city

Alexandria

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Certification Exam Fees: FITSI charges $395 per exam attempt for initial FITSP certification exams. Retests cost $197.50. These fees are the primary revenue driver for the organization and support ANAB accreditation compliance activities.
2. Annual Maintenance Fees (AMF): Certification holders pay a $75 annual maintenance fee to remain certified and in good standing. This recurring revenue provides predictable annual income per active certification holder.
3. Training Courses: FITSI offers instructor-led FITSP certification review courses delivered online via Microsoft Teams. Courses are priced at $1,495 for members and $1,695 for non-members, and include an exam voucher. 3-day courses grant 21 CPE credits.
4. Membership Fees: Associate Member (non-certified) annual fee of $75. Members receive discounted pricing on training courses and other benefits.
5. Administrative and Reprint Fees: Miscellaneous fees including exam reschedule ($100), incomplete application ($25), certification certificate reprint ($50), certification holder card reprint ($25), membership card reprint ($25), returned check fee ($25), and ATC application fee ($250).
6. Authorized Courseware Licensing: FITSI partners with 30 Bird Media to develop and distribute official FITSP training courseware. Revenue flows through courseware sales via 30bird.com, from which FITSI earns licensing income for its official curriculum.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

FITSI is a 501(c)(6) non-profit certification body that develops, manages, and administers the FITSP (Federal IT Security Professional) certification program, which comprises four role-based credentials—Auditor, Designer, Manager, and Operator—designed for the U.S. federal workforce (civilian employees, military, and contractors). Certifications are built on the proprietary Federal Body of Knowledge (FBK) covering NIST, FIPS, and federal statutes, delivered via remote-proctored computer-based exams, and supplemented by instructor-led training, official courseware, and an Authorized Training Center partner program.

Product overview

FITSI (Federal IT Security Institute) offers the Federal IT Security Professional (FITSP) Certification Program, a role-based IT security certification portfolio comprising four distinct certifications: FITSP-Auditor, FITSP-Designer, FITSP-Manager, and FITSP-Operator. Each certification targets different federal IT security roles within the federal workforce. The program is supported by instructor-led training classes delivered via Microsoft Teams, authorized courseware developed through a partnership with 30 Bird Media, and an Authorized Training Center partner program enabling third-party organizations to deliver FITSP certification review courses. The certifications are accredited by ANAB under ISO/IEC 17024 and approved for multiple federal government workforce programs including DoD 8140 and DoD COOL.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• FITSP-Auditor Certification Professional certification for federal workforce members (civilian personnel, military, and contractors) demonstrating knowledge of federal IT security requirements to audit and assess management, operational, and technical IT security controls for federal systems.
• FITSP-Designer Certification Professional certification for federal workforce members demonstrating knowledge of federal IT security requirements to design and develop management, operational, and technical IT security controls for federal systems.
• FITSP-Manager Certification Professional certification for federal workforce members demonstrating knowledge of federal IT security requirements to manage and oversee management, operational, and technical IT security controls for federal systems.
• FITSP-Operator Certification Professional certification for federal workforce members demonstrating knowledge of federal IT security requirements to implement and operate management, operational, and technical IT security controls for federal systems.
• FITSP Training Classes Instructor-led certification review courses conducted online via Microsoft Teams, covering FITSP-Auditor, FITSP-Manager, and FITSP-Operator certifications with included exam vouchers; priced at $1,495 (members) and $1,695 (non-members), granting 21 CPE credits.
• FITSP Authorized Courseware Official self-study training materials developed in partnership with 30 Bird Media for all four FITSI certification roles (Auditor, Designer, Manager, Operator); sold via 30bird.com.
• FITSI Authorized Training Center (ATC) Program Partner program allowing commercial training organizations, accredited colleges/universities, non-profit associations, and FITSI chapters to become FITSI Authorized Training Centers (FATCs) that deliver FITSP certification review courses using FITSI authorized courseware and FITSI Certified Instructors.

Quantifiable outcome

• FITSP certifications align with 19 DoD DCWF Work Role Codes under DoD Directive 8140, effective 09/19/2025
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• Cybersecurity Credentials Collaborative (C3)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2023FITSI is a voting member of the Cybersecurity Credentials Collaborative (C3), an influential consortium of leading cybersecurity certification bodies including CertNexus, CompTIA, GIAC, IAPP, ISACA, and (ISC)². C3 advocates for the cyber, privacy, and IT professions and their workforces while promoting professional ethics and industry best practices. FITSI joined as a voting member on June 1, 2023.
• ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFITSI's Next Generation FITSP Certification Program is accredited by ANAB under ISO/IEC 17024:2012. This is the foundational accreditation that validates the quality and impartiality of FITSI's certification processes. ANAB is the largest multi-disciplinary ISO/IEC 17011 accreditation body in North America and a subsidiary of ANSI. The accreditation was announced on September 21, 2021. FITSI passed the Year 1 ANAB surveillance audit in November 2022 with only one non-conformity.
• Association of Test Publishers (ATP)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerFITSI is an organizational member of the Association of Test Publishers (ATP), the leading global trade association for the testing and assessment industry. ATP membership ensures that FITSP certification exams align with internationally recognized assessment principles and reflect current advancements in psychometrics, test security, and technology-enabled evaluation.
• Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerFITSI is an organizational member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), which aligns FITSI with best practices in credentialing and assessment. ICE membership allows FITSI to stay engaged with industry trends and innovations, continuously improving the integrity, credibility, and relevance of the FITSP certification programs.
• 30 Bird MediacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFITSI has a strategic partnership with 30 Bird Media to develop and distribute FITSP Authorized Courseware for all four FITSI certification roles (Auditor, Designer, Manager, Operator). 30 Bird Media develops official training materials that candidates can purchase directly from 30bird.com to prepare for FITSP certification exams.
• FITSI Authorized Training Centers (FATCs)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOrganizations may become FITSI Authorized Training Centers (FATCs) by signing an agreement and meeting requirements. FATCs must use FITSI official courseware and FITSI Certified Instructors (FCIs). Eligible organizations include commercial training organizations, accredited colleges/universities, non-profit associations without competing cybersecurity certification programs, and local FITSI chapters. The ATC program fee is $250.
• FITSI Certified Instructors (FCIs)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFITSI Certified Instructors (FCIs) are instructors certified by FITSI to conduct FITSP certification review courses. FCIs must pass the FITSI exam for the course they will deliver. They are a critical channel partner ensuring quality delivery of FITSP training content.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• EC-Council: EC-Council offers CEH, ECSA, and CHFI certifications used by some federal penetration testing and incident response roles. Competitor in the broader federal cybersecurity certification landscape, particularly for offensive security roles.
• CertNexus: CertNexus offers emerging cybersecurity and emerging technology certifications (CSC, CFR, IoT). Fellow C3 voting member and smaller-scale credentialing body with partial overlap in federal cyber workforce certification demand.
• OffSec: OffSec (formerly Offensive Security) offers OSCP, OSWE, and OSCE certifications in offensive security. Considered for certain DoD 8140 offensive cyber work roles, representing a partial competitor in the federal certification catalog.

Direct peers

• IAPP: IAPP offers CIPP/US, CIPM, and CIPT certifications for privacy professionals. Fellow C3 consortium member and credentialing body operating in adjacent federal workforce areas, including federal privacy roles.
• (ISC)²: (ISC)² offers CISSP and other cybersecurity certifications widely held by federal IT security professionals. It is a direct competitor in the personnel certification space, with overlapping federal workforce customers through DoD 8140 and broader commercial reach.
• ISACA: ISACA offers CISA, CISM, CGEIT, and CRISC certifications used by federal IT security auditors, managers, and risk professionals. Direct competitor in federal cyber credentialing and a fellow C3 voting member alongside FITSI.
• GIAC (SANS Institute): GIAC offers technical cybersecurity certifications (GSEC, GCFA, GCIH) widely held by federal security operators and incident responders. Direct competitor in federal cyber credentialing and a fellow C3 voting member.
• CompTIA: CompTIA offers Security+, CASP+, and CySA+ certifications broadly used in DoD 8140 compliance. Direct competitor in federal cybersecurity credentialing, with much larger scale and global brand recognition.

Broad incumbents

• Microsoft (Certifications): Microsoft offers role-based security certifications (SC-200, SC-100, AZ-500) recognized under DoD 8140 for federal operator and administrator roles. Broad incumbent in the federal cyber certification market given Microsoft tooling prevalence.
• Cisco (Networking Academy / Certifications): Cisco offers CCNP Security, CCIE Security, and CyberOps certifications held by federal network security operators. Adjacent incumbent in the federal cyber certification market, with broader networking security focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/FITSI_News
• Facebookfacebook.com/FITSINews
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fitsi

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about FITSI - Federal IT Security Institute