CompTIA just started their new association called AITP (Association of IT Professionals). Last night I joined after receiving an email informing me they were finally allowing people to sign up. I put myself on a waiting list and was glad to receive the email.
I have A+ and Network+ certifications through CompTIA. The most appealing thing to me about AITP was that I was hoping that joining would help me with my continuing education. Back when I first got my certifications they were for life. CompTIA changed that to requiring certification holders to demonstrate a certain amount of continuing education. In the begining it was kind of vague what counted and what didn't as continuing education. Recently though CompTIA has been much better at offering continuing education. Just recently I finished a course that they offered that counted as completing my continuing education for the A+ and Network+ certifications. This was much better than the past where you either had to retake the test or submit educational activities and hoped that they would count. AITP hopefully will be part of this push form better and easier to access continuing education. Hopefully being a member of AITP will mean I will have more access to continuing education and at least a way of learning about that education easier.
Another thing that looks promising is that they are creating local chapters in many cities where fellow members can meet. I am looking forward to meeting some people who went through the same testing process I did. Many people hold CompTIA certifications but I have found many people who work in the IT industry who don't . Sometimes you get a blank and confused stare when you tell people about your certifications so it will be nice to talk to some people who share a common experience.
Well, right now things are just beginning with AITP and I will be posting more about it. Right now I am in a hopeful mood. Over time I will be able to post more accurately about the real experience. Maybe it will help someone who is considering joining AITP or getting CompTIA certified.
