CompTIA launches CTT+ promotion

CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association, has launched an awareness initiative around the Certified Technical Trainer qualification (CTT)+. The promotion coincides with the introduction of a comprehensive study guide.

Sales and marketing executive for CompTIA Africa, Loraine Vorster, together with Thomson Prometric, recently brought together a number of training providers and members for the re-introduction of CTT+. Vorster told guests that the association is aware of at least 50 registered CTT+ students, and there is a need in the market for such a comprehensive qualification.

As part of its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of technical training available in SA, CompTIA has stipulated that all trainers instructing its programmes have to be CTT+ certified by the end of the year. The association acknowledges that some members have requested assistance in this regard and the promotion campaign has been initiated as part of this help.

Says Vorster: "This promotion campaign has been organised to help trainers keep abreast of the developments around CTT+. All trainers have to be certified by the end of the year and CompTIA wishes to help our members achieve this important standard. Aside from obtaining the latest information about technical training standards, members will also benefit from the opportunity for public recognition offered through the campaign."

She adds: "Each trainer who becomes qualified will be given a visible, stylish merit token that indicates the fact that certification has been gained. In this way we recognise the fact that tremendous effort has gone into ensuring that standards are maintained, as well as the fact that it demonstrates the credibility of the training provider represented."

The new study guide, written by trainer Roarke Lessing and GTS regional sales director in Africa, Sharon Oosterberg, is another tool that will help both trainers and students alike. The certification is widely considered to be a vigorous challenge, and both authors felt it was a necessary ingredient of the promotion campaign.

Commenting on Microsoft South Africa`s intention to have CTT+ as a prerequisite for its MCT certification, Lessing says: "It is great to see that CompTIA and Microsoft have joined forces to ensure a standard for technical instructors, thereby ensuring a high quality of certification materials. There is a desperate need for qualified and experienced instructors, not just technically qualified, but qualified in the skills such as CTT+ and MCT that are so vital for the effective delivery of technical content."