The Retirement of the CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+): What It Means for the IT Industry

The CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) is a certification designed for IT professionals seeking to validate their skills and expertise in instructional design and training delivery. The certification has been a staple in the IT industry for many years, providing a recognized standard for those who teach technical subjects. However, CompTIA has recently announced the retirement of the CTT+ certification. In the paragraphs below, you will know what the retirement of the CTT+ certification means for the IT industry and what alternatives exist for IT professionals seeking to validate their training skills.

What Is the CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) Certification?

The CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) certification is a vendor-neutral certification that validates a candidate’s skills and knowledge in instructional design and training delivery. The certification is designed for IT professionals who teach technical subjects, including software, hardware, and networking. The CTT+ certification requires passing two exams: CTT+ Essentials (TK0-201) and CTT+ Classroom Performance Trainer (TK0-202). The first test is computer-based and assesses knowledge while the second one is a performance-based exam, in which the candidate is required to submit a video recording, demonstrating the specified skills.

The CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer certification was a valuable credential for technical trainers who wanted to demonstrate their expertise in delivering effective training programs. The certification was designed to assess the technical knowledge and instructional skills of technical trainers and was recognized as a standard of excellence in the industry.

When Will the CTT+ Certification Be Retired?

The CTT+ certification will completely retire in 2023. This certification will not be renewed or replaced by another accreditation. Consequently, any candidate for the CTT+ certification is recommended to complete their studies before the retirement dates. The final day when you can purchase a voucher and take the TK0-201 test is September 30, 2023. The final day when you can purchase a voucher and submit the TK0-202 or TK-203 video is October 31, 2023.

Why Is the CTT+ Certification Retired?

The reason for the retirement of the CTT+ certification is that it no longer aligns with the needs of the IT industry. The IT industry is rapidly evolving, and the skills required for IT trainers are changing accordingly. CompTIA has decided to retire CTT+ to make way for new certifications that better reflect the needs of the IT industry.

One of the primary reasons for the retirement of the CTT+ certification is the shift towards online and remote training. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote training methods, and the demand for traditional classroom-based training has decreased significantly. As a result, the role of technical trainers has evolved to include skills in virtual and online instruction, instructional design, and e-learning.

Another reason for the retirement of the CTT+ certification is the increasing demand for specialized technical certifications that are more focused on specific skills and technologies. There are now many specialized technical certifications available, which provide a more targeted approach to training and skills development.

What Are the Alternatives to the CTT+ Certification?

The retirement of the CTT+ certification does not mean that technical trainers are no longer in demand. In fact, the demand for skilled technical trainers is increasing as organizations continue to invest in employee training and development. The IT professionals seeking to validate their skills in instructional design and training delivery still have many alternatives to the CTT+ certification. Here are some of them:

1. Certified Online Learning Facilitator (COLF): COLF is a certification offered by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). The certification validates a candidate’s skills in online learning facilitation and instructional design.
2. Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT): CIT is a certification offered by the Association for Talent Development (ATD). The certification validates a candidate’s skills in instructional design and training delivery.
3. Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP): CPLP is a certification offered by the ATD. The certification validates a candidate’s skills in all aspects of the learning and performance industry, including instructional design, training delivery, and performance improvement.

What Does the Retirement of the CTT+ Certification Mean for the IT Industry?

The retirement of the CTT+ certificate means that the IT industry is evolving, and the skills required for IT trainers are changing accordingly. IT professionals seeking to validate their skills in instructional design and training delivery need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry. The retirement of CTT+ provides an opportunity for IT professionals to explore new certifications that better reflect the needs of the industry.

Conclusion

The retirement of the CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) certification is a reflection of the changing needs of the IT industry. The IT industry is rapidly developing, and the skills required for IT trainers are changing accordingly. IT professionals seeking to validate their skills in instructional design and training delivery need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry. The retirement of CTT+ provides an opportunity for IT professionals to explore new certifications that better reflect the needs of the IT area.