CompTIA brings certification testing online, just in time for lockdown

CompTIA has made online testing and scheduling available to users of its certification exams offering.

Partnering with Pearson VUE, the computer-based testing specialist, CompTIA is making its exams available on the Pearson VUE OnVUE online proctoring solution.

This offers users looking to invest in vendor-neutral skills certifications and training for information technology (IT) the ability to take tests anytime, anywhere.

The new option allows certification candidates to test from the security and privacy of their own home or office, and schedule their exam according to their own preferences.

CompTIA states candidates can also rest assured despite being online the tests are still highly secure, as the OnVUE remote proctoring is designed to ensure everyone is tested under the same monitoring conditions as a test centre.

CompTIA president and CEO Todd Thibodeaux says this announcement comes at a time when more people around the world are studying and working remotely due to COVID-19 related lockdowns.

Thibodeaux says, "Current and prospective IT professionals, students, career changers and others whose plans have been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic can resume their studies and schedule their exams with the full confidence that we're here when they're ready to take their test.

He says, "They'll do so on a platform that delivers a rich user experience and robust security protection, all from the privacy and security of their home.

"This is a great advancement for our global certification program. We're extremely pleased to work with our longtime partner Pearson VUE to deliver online testing to candidates around the world.

According to the company, in order to take a CompTIA certification exam online, users must first review testing policies and procedure, including CompTIA Testing Policies, the CompTIA Candidate Agreement and Pearson OnVUE Testing Policies.

Next, users must run a system test using the same computer and network that the exam will be taken on. CompTIA recommends to complete this step prior to the start of your exam appointment to avoid delays.

Finally, users create a Pearson VUE testing account if the candidate doesn't already have one, and schedules and completes the exam.

Online tests may be scheduled for all CompTIA certifications except for CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+), the company states.

The online testing option for CompTIA exams is available in English around the world. CompTIA will continue to offer both online testing and taking a certification exam in a test centre once those facilities are cleared to reopen for business based on guidance from local governments and health authorities.