CompTIA is a leader in creating certifications for the IT industry, including the well-known A+ certification. Taking the two exams required in order to earn it is a rite of passage for most PC techs. The company also offers highly regarded routes to certification for network and cyber-security professionals. In December of 2011 they will be adding a certification for IT workers that want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills regarding the newest trend in computing: the move to online data storage.
“The value and benefits of cloud computing are quickly becoming apparent to
organizations of every shape and size, from the largest enterprise to the smallest business,” said Terry Erdle, executive vice-president of CompTIA’s skill development division. “But there is no one-size-fits-all blueprint for moving to the cloud. It requires thoughtful evaluation, comprehensive planning and technical savvy – exactly the types of skills that CompTIA Cloud Essentials will validate.”
The exam will cover the themes, key concepts and issues regarding online data storage and apps. Candidates will need to be familiar with the definitions of cloud-related terms, how to gauge an organization’s readiness to move to the cloud, and the basics of operating in the cloud, as well as related issues such as ethics and security concerns.
“The majority of cloud deployments today and into the foreseeable future are a mix of public clouds, private clouds and on-premise equipment from different vendors,” Erdle said. “A vendor-neutral credential such as CompTIA Cloud Essentials will prepare IT professionals to work with confidence in any cloud environment.”
There will be no prerequisites for taking the certification test. However, CompTIA recommends that applicants have a solid understanding of how internal and external IT organizations function. They should also have at least six months experience working in some capacity in an IT-related field. Direct involvement in decision making and project planning is an added plus.
In developing the exam, CompTIA partnered with Itpreneurs, a company that provides training for IT workers in a diverse range of fields, including project management and data security. Their web site is www.itpreneurs.com.
CompTIA is a non-profit association that develops and administers standardized credentials for information technology specialists. For over two decades they have worked to foster professionalism and excellence in the IT industry. Those interested in finding out more about their certification programs can visit their web site, www.comptia.org.
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This is an excellent overview of the Cloud Essentials specialty certification, and completely consistent with CompTIA’s communications about the exam. One thing to add: This is an exam that will be good for others beyond the IT department–those who are analyzing cloud implementation for their own businesses, sales engineers who need to sell cloud solutions, or other personnel who need to better understand the benefits and risks of cloud deployment. Unlike A+, Network+, Security+–this specialty exam is informational rather than job role based, more knowledge than skills based, and intended for a broader audience that needs to understand cloud computing. Thanks for an excellent article.