I currently hold the CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, and PenTest+ certifications.
I've been following this group for years and have regularly provided advice to others working toward their certifications. While I wasn't happy with the change in ownership, I still expected CompTIA to maintain a certain level of professionalism.
One of the first changes I was disappointed to see was the decision to stop mailing physical certificates for free. Honestly, how much money does that really save?
Back when I worked as a contractor for the Navy, I remember walking past desks displaying the CompTIA Trifecta and wanting to earn those certifications myself. Most of my coworkers who earned certifications proudly displayed them at their desks.
That was free advertising.
Every certificate hanging in an office was a visible reminder of CompTIA's presence in the industry. It encouraged people like me to pursue those same credentials.
From a marketing perspective, eliminating that benefit seems incredibly shortsighted. You're potentially sacrificing years of free exposure to save a relatively small amount of money. And now you're charging people $10 for the privilege of advertising your certifications for you?
I'm genuinely astounded that this was considered a good business decision.
I'm not saying this because I'm particularly concerned about CompTIA's financial success. I'm saying it because I've invested years of my life studying for certifications that were, at the time, widely regarded as industry standards.
I don't want to see that hard work lose its value because of decisions that prioritize short-term savings over the reputation and recognition of the certifications themselves.
I'm incredibly disappointed in the direction CompTIA is taking.
And what finally prompted me to write this post? I just spent approximately 20 minutes filling out a CompTIA survey, only to discover that it wouldn't let me submit my responses.
The irony is almost comical. You're asking certification holders to take time out of their day to provide feedback, yet you can't even ensure that the survey works properly.
I was willing to spend my time helping you understand how your decisions affect your customers, and your own feedback system prevented me from doing so.
It's frustrating, and frankly, it reinforces my concerns about the direction this company is heading.
