CompTIA Certification Renewal Policy

[lgtechcomputers]

I did not see posted anywhere and thought that it might be of use for those that are CompTIA certified, including myself.

CompTIA just released a new certification renewal policy. The renewal is necessary every 3 years but you don't necessarily need to take another exam to renew.

You can read more about it here...
http://www.comptia.org/certifications/listed/renewal.aspx
http://blog.comptia.org/2010/01/12/cert-shelf-life/

 

[lgtechcomputers]

Hmmm...this might have not been the best place to post this information.
Oh well...maybe the mods will move it somewhere else if necessary.

I do hope it useful in any case.

 

[Alan22]

I didn't know this. Thank you.

 

[almightybunghole]

I wonder if this applies to my A+ that I got last year. Hopefully not.

But my freaking Net+ was earlier this January. Hopefully any renewal process isn't too crazy.

 

[lgtechcomputers]

The changes are retroactive...it applies to everyone that has A+, Net+ or Security+ certifications.

 

[bits-n-bytes]

Of course , they have to cash in somehow, it's the residual accounts that make you money the porn industry taught them all well.

 

[ITTech]

Comptia

They have alwasy been about money. Their exams have always been more expensive than other ceritication companies (Microsoft, Cisco). When I took my A+ Exam back in 1998 or something they said that the certification is for life. Yes I do understand that technology changes every day but this is just another way for them to make more $$.

I guess I have to do the A+ cert again should be super easy.

I think the exam is close to 250+ per exam now. I think i haven't even checked.

 

[barry3652]

It's set at 3 years now but im guessing alot of people just wont bother with it? maybe then they will drop it to every year to get more money from them that do bother. If they gonna change they policy from lifetime to every 3 years then it should be free? after all you paid for a lifetime cert

 

[lgtechcomputers]

"In conjunction, CompTIA is introducing a continuing education program for individuals with multiple ways to earn continuing education credits to maintain their active certifications.

Among activities that will qualify for continuing education credits are passing a “bridge” exam or the most current exam for their CompTIA certification; teaching, lecturing or presenting on relevant industry topics; participating in non-degree courses or computer-based training; attending relevant industry conferences and events; participating in a CompTIA exam development workshop; publishing articles, whitepapers, blogs or books on relevant topics; obtaining other industry certifications; or completing industry-related college courses from degree-granting institutions.

Enrollment in the certification renewal program is expected to be available in mid-2010." *Taken from CompTIA Certification Renewal policy.

Guys - as you can see, you don't necessarily need to retake the exam and "pay" to keep your certification.

This is pretty common practice so it should not be a surprise.
Take a look at Cisco or higher security certifications such as CEH.

I am not endorsing the changes...I think it will become a pain to maintain many certifications but I also see it as a good thing. I think it keeps the standard a bit higher.

 

[almightybunghole]

UPDATE-

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...cks-down-past-certs-remain-valid-for-life.ars

Looks like if the tests are taken pre-2011, they'll still be considered good for life.

 

[cmonova]

Comptia updated their site with the info now:

http://www.comptia.org/News/PressRe...A_Certification_Renewal_Policy_Clarified.aspx

 

[MobileTechie]

I can see the point with vendor specific certs like CCNE or MCSE because you are learning knowledge and skills directly applicable to a version of an OS or technology.

But comptia is so general and outdated anyway (learning about cable formats nobody uses anymore etc) that I don't see the urge to keep it current. I consider their exams basic grounding in a subject. Having a Network+ or A+ does not qualify you to do anything really. It just proves you understand the basics. Whereas an MCE in XP for instance really does give you many of the tools to work with and troubleshoot XP.

 

[lgtechcomputers]

Comptia updated their site with the info now:

http://www.comptia.org/News/PressRe...A_Certification_Renewal_Policy_Clarified.aspx

Thanks for posting this!
Good news!

 

[lgtechcomputers]

I can see the point with vendor specific certs like CCNE or MCSE because you are learning knowledge and skills directly applicable to a version of an OS or technology.

But comptia is so general and outdated anyway (learning about cable formats nobody uses anymore etc) that I don't see the urge to keep it current. I consider their exams basic grounding in a subject. Having a Network+ or A+ does not qualify you to do anything really. It just proves you understand the basics. Whereas an MCE in XP for instance really does give you many of the tools to work with and troubleshoot XP.

I somewhat agree with your statement.

I think that having a good foundation by learning about connectors or older technologies is not a bad thing, you never know when you will encounter older technology. However, the recent A+ exams, not sure about Net+, are quite up to date, meaning perhaps one year behind.

You're correct about MCDST, it challenges the exam taker to know Windows XP better.