CompTIA Launches Free Basic Networking and Security Training and Certificates

I can remember back in the aughts — the period from 2000 to 2009, for those who don't recognize the term — when massively open online courses, aka MOOCs, became a thing. Think major online learning platforms like edX, Coursera, the Canvas Network, Khan Academy, Udacity and Udemy, and you've got the right idea.

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That makes the news that CompTIA is teaming up with Coursera to offer limited-time-free A+ branded training and certificates bigger news than it might otherwise be. The A+ branding is interesting, but also potentially confusing, so I'll share some thoughts on that too.

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First things first: Let's summarize the content of a recent (Oct. 5) press release titled "CompTIA offers new technology skills-building courses via the Coursera platform."

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Introducing a+_cyber (a-plus-underscore-cyber) and a+_network (a-plus-underscore-network)

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These are described as "Coursera Specialization Certificates." Note that the A in "a+" is not capitalized. CompTIA explains their branding as follows: "The new CompTIA a+_ programs build on the global recognition of the CompTIA A+ certification and fast-track learners to pursue professional training in areas such as cybersecurity and networks."

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As far as I can tell, these offerings do not overlap with A+ nor include elements of that curriculum, except as it may — as it sometimes does — stray into topics relevant to cybersecurity or networking. The formal names of the two items (each with links to its Coursera home page) are CompTIA a+_cyber and CompTIA a+_network.

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Each of these two offerings is free and takes about 20 hours of participation time to complete. Thomas Reilly, chief product officer at CompTIA, is quoted in the aforelinked press release as saying:

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"These new training programs are designed to help individuals expand their career options through gaining the digital skills and knowledge they need to succeed. We're committed to delivering the foundational skills that industry requires as work continues to evolve."

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According to that same source, each of these two specialization certificates is broken into three sections. That content is designed to reach people who may know little or nothing about the core subject. Thus, each of the three sections includes fundamental and background concepts and information about computers, networks, and applications (in the cyber materials).

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In the same vein, the network materials' three sections cover network installation, network support and application security support. And for those who sign up for a 7-day trial of the Coursera Plus Subscription, these two classes are freely accessible for that duration. After the introductory trial period ends, the subscription costs $49 per month.

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Why A+ Naming, But No A+ Connection?

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I wish I could say there was more involved than the cachet of the A+ name and certification. But if there is, then I don't see any strong evidence of it. Indeed, the press release concludes with an observation that these courses prepare "students to fast track their tech careers" with further mention of "head start training for the CompTIA Security+ or … Network+ certification[s]."

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I'm not sure I get why this connection is needed, because those two certifcations themselves are already (in the words of the release) "globally recognized certifications." Nevertheless, I believe these items are eminently worth checking out. Ditto for recommending them to high school and college students, members of the workforce still wet behind their ears, and aspiring career changers.

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Any individual with ample free time and serious motivation should be able to complete the study materials for both topics and get the certificates before their trial period on the Coursera Plus Subscription runs out. That could be interesting!