Matt Swanston Posts

After an outpouring of comments in response to our recertification announcement this week, we thought it best to let you hear the responses directly from the horse's mouth.  In this podcast, I discussed some of the more pointed comments with Terry Erdle (our VP of Certs) and allowed him to address them directly.Download and listen to the podcast here: http://www.comptia.org/media/CompTIA_certification_discussion.mp3Links to more information about our recent changes:FAQs Certification PolicySee H ...

What was true and cutting-edge in IT three years ago isn’t necessarily either today.That’s one of the reasons behind our new certification renewal policy, which puts a 3-year shelf life on CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ certifications.The new policy doesn’t mean you have to take or pay for a new certification exam every three years. Things like publishing IT articles or blog entries, attending a conference or seminar, or even obtaining other industry certifications can count ...

I can’t remember the last time I asked a tech salesperson to recommend something.  Sure, I’ll ask if they have something in stock or what something costs, but nothing more.  And inevitably while I’m standing there, I’ll hear someone given the wrong specifications for a product or told that it is compatible with something it isn’t.Unfortunately, under-qualified salespeople are at work selling products and services from all levels of all industries.  The result too is universal – no one is happy.  ...

In this edition, Mark A. Miller, President and CEO of New Horizons Computer Learning Centers describes his interest in CompTIA’s Getting America Back To Work program.  Download the MP3 file.[podcast]http://www.comptia.org/media/Mark_Miller_Getting_America_Back_to_Work_Dec_2010.mp3[/podcast]

We’re ending the year right, ranking on several top lists of 2009. Channel Insider noted CompTIA’s success in its end-of-year Bull’s Eye Awards, bestowing upon us the “Challenger” designation for being a vibrant Channel Community and for CEO Todd being a top IT industry influencer.  The magazine praised Todd’s leadership in encouraging community and collaboration, noting, “Thibodeaux has infused a level of energy and activity in CompTIA not seen i ...

Todd was featured on WGN Midday News today giving some tips on how to keep your mobile devices and information safe while travelling this holiday season. The CompTIA President and CEO urged travelers to keep their devices password-protected and to use secure connections.But “the overwhelming biggest security risk is just people not paying attention,” Thibodeaux told anchor Steve Sanders. Even if it’s a hassle, your laptop should always be with you, Thibodeaux advised.Having trouble viewing this ...

We are cooperating with Technical Communities, Inc., to make CompTIA certifications more accessible to federal and state government workers. The two organizations signed a government service partnership agreement that authorizes Technical Communities to offer CompTIA certification exams under the General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedules managed by Technical Communities. This means any government agency or department at the federal and state levels that make purchases off a ...

We have been asked by the US Trade Representative to participate in an SMEs in Trade seminar to be kicked off by Ambassador Kirk on January 21st. As part of that event, we will be providing some VAR speakers and will conduct a survey of small IT companies who export. We will partner with the Coalition of Service Industries and the National Association of Manufacturers in this event. Visit www.comptia.org/publicpolicy or contact Robert Kramer for more information. ...

On Tuesday Dec. 15th CompTIA CEO Todd Thibodeaux and a delegation of CompTIA and the Technology Leadership Political Action Committee (TLPAC) companies will attend five Congressional Committee meetings with key House and Senate committees and staff to pitch a number of proposals to help VARs weather the recession and create jobs. The mini-fly-in led by Todd and CompTIA Treasurer Oli Thordarson will include an explanation of the “Growth Tech Capital Initiative” designed to apply stimu ...

At last week’s jobs summit the President heard from business, labor and academic leaders as they brainstormed about getting America back to work. Over the past decade, small businesses have created between 60 to 80 percent of net new jobs, as well as countless technological innovations.  Yet the major role small businesses play in our economy and job creation was seemingly downplayed at the summit.Next week in Washington, CompTIA’s Public Policy office will host several small, California tech co ...