3 CompTIA certifications approved for Directive 8570.1

The U.S. Department of Defense recognizes CompTIA certifications in its technical and management tracks for information assurance technicians and managers under DoD Directive 8570.1M.

CompTIA certifications are internationally recognized and vendor-neutral. CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ are effective foundational-level certifications that pave the way to earning higher-level and vendor-specific certifications.

Technical 1 requirement: met by CompTIA A+ or CompTIA Network+
Technical 2 requirement: met by CompTIA Security+
Management 1 requirement: met by CompTIA Security+

Support:

DANTES: Eligible Army Reserve, Army National Guard and Air Force Reserve personnel can apply for reimbursement of CompTIA exam fees

Department of Defense Personnel Certification Support System

Navy COOL: online resource for Navy personnel who fall into either IAT or IAM categories under Directive 8570.1M

Air Force Communications Agency: Funds DoD D8570.1 certification exam vouchers for individuals filling a position requiring such certification. MAJCOM IAMs will validate positions to ensure requirements.
*Sites may require valid CAC access or on-site access

How to Study:

CompTIA accredits both training centers and training materials, including classes and courseware, to help you study for your certification exam. These materials and centers have been reviewed to ensure they accurately cover the information you need to know for CompTIA exams.

You can download CompTIA exam objectives and take practice tests here.

How to Take the Test:

There are three providers for government employees to purchase CompTIA certification exam vouchers:

• Pearson VUE: Offers on-site testing at military installations
• U.S. General Services Administration: Has opportunities for special government pricing
• Prometric

Updated CompTIA A+ (220-701 & 220-702) now available

CompTIA just launched the 2009 edition of CompTIA A+. The 2009 edition consists of two exams, CompTIA A+ Essentials (220-701) and CompTIA A+ Practical Application (220-702). Take the exam to update your CompTIA A+ certification or earn it for the first time.

Some examples of job roles held by CompTIA A+ certified individuals are enterprise technician, field service technician, PC or support technician or IT administrator.

Updated CompTIA A+ to launch in August

In August, CompTIA will launch the 2009 Edition of CompTIA A+. The 2009 edition will consist of two exams, CompTIA A+ Essentials (220-701) and CompTIA A+ Practical Application (220-702).

How do you submit CompTIA credentials towards MCSA to Microsoft?

Microsoft accepts the combination of CompTIA A+ with either CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Server+ as an elective for the Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA) certification program. In addition, Microsoft accepts CompTIA Security+ as an elective for both the MCSA and the Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certifications, and as a specialization option for the MCSA: Security and MCSE: Security certifications.

1. Take at least one Microsoft MCSA on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 exam or Windows 2000 exam to obtain your MCP identification number (MCP ID). You must have your MCP ID number to apply your CompTIA credentials towards MCSA certification. Your MCP ID number is provided to you by e-mail after you take a Microsoft exam, regardless of whether you passed or failed the exam. You can also contact a Microsoft Regional Education Service Center for assistance.

2. In order to submit your CompTIA certifications to Microsoft you will need to do the following: Log into your CompTIA record at www.comptia.org/careerid. If you are a first time user, you will need to create a user name and password before you can access the database and you will need to have your score report available. If you do not have a copy of your score report, please contact the test delivery provider that you used to take your exam. They will either mail you a copy of your score report or e-mail the information to you. The test vendors’ telephone numbers are the following: VUE: 1-877-551-7587 and Prometric: 1-800-776-4276.

3. Once you have logged into your record you will need to click on “publish credentials” and send your A+ and Network+ or Server+ for MCSA or Security+ for MCSE to: MCPHelp@microsoft.com. You will need to provide your MCP ID# in the text field of the validation form. You MUST use this “publish credentials” feature to validate your certifications to Microsoft. DO NOT send them an e-mail directly. Only by using this validation process will they
accept your certification information. If you have any questions please contact Microsoft at 1-800-636-7544.

Updated CompTIA A+ to launch in August 2009

In August, CompTIA will launch the 2009 Edition of CompTIA A+. The 2009 Edition will consist of two exams, CompTIA A+ Essentials (220-701) and CompTIA A+ Practical Application (220-702).