CompTIA and ITpreneurs Collaborate on New Cloud Computing Credential

CompTIA, the leading provider of vendor-neutral skills certifications for the global information technology (IT) workforce, and ITpreneurs, the leading provider of competence development solutions for IT best practices, announced today they are collaborating on a new cloud computing skills credential.

The CompTIA Cloud Essentials exam, scheduled for availability in December 2011, will validate knowledge and understanding of cloud computing principles and concepts, including what cloud computing means from a business and technical perspective and what’s involved in moving to and governing the cloud.

“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, skills development, CompTIA. “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.”

“A principal understanding of cloud computing, and its related skill set, is essential for a well-managed implementation of any cloud project,” said Sukhbir Jasuja, chief executive officer, ITpreneurs. “This credential demonstrates IT professionals’ understanding of the key concepts, themes and issues around cloud computing, including definitions, organizational readiness, operating in the cloud and governance and security of the cloud model. It is also driving agreements around definitions of key concepts across major vendors, and encouraging the whole industry to cooperate with each other through the Cloud Credential Council as the preferred forum.”

Exam content is based on consultation and insights from leading subject matter experts and organizations in the cloud computing market, including Amazon, Cisco, Citrix, EMC, Google, HP, IBM, Microsoft, Rackspace and VMware.

“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.”

Potential candidates for the new credential include IT professionals in companies utilizing cloud computing solutions today, or contemplating doing so; and individuals involved in the selling of cloud services. Though not required, it’s recommended that candidates for the CompTIA Cloud Essentials exam have a general working knowledge of how an internal or external IT organization operates and have at least six months of experience in an IT environment, with direct involvement in IT-related tasks, responsibilities and decision-making.

More information on CompTIA Cloud Essentials is available at CompTIA Certifications.

About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. As a non-profit trade association advancing the global interests of IT professionals and companies, CompTIA is the recognized authority for IT education and credentials and the primary advocate for IT businesses and workers. Through its foundation, CompTIA also enables disadvantaged populations to gain the skills they need for employment in the IT industry. CompTIA’s vision of the IT landscape is shaped by more than 25 years of global perspective and more than 2,000 members and 1,000 business partners.

About ITpreneurs
ITpreneurs offers innovative competence development programs for IT Best Practices to support the educational needs of IT Professionals. With expertise in key domains including Cloud Computing, ITSM, IT Governance, Information Security, Process Improvement, and Project Management, ITpreneurs provides guidance on disparate frameworks and integrated solutions.