CompTIA introduced Thursday the CompTIA Authorized Partner Program, a new way to deliver the association’s training and certifications for IT professionals.

In its introductory phase the program is targeted at delivery partners whose primary focus is on IT training, delivered in classroom, virtual classroom or blended learning environments. To be considered for the program, training providers must:

• Offer courses at their own training centers, client site, rented space or online.

• Offer at least one CompTIA certification training course using instructors who are certified in the exams they teach.

• Use CompTIA Authorized Quality Curriculum (CAQC) materials in their courses to ensure a high level of quality, instructional design and 100 percent correlation to CompTIA certification exams.

The selection process to join the partner program involves a rigorous audit on the standards of course offerings, training provisions, facilities and overall customer care. Successful applicants will receive a rating of silver, gold or platinum, depending on the extent of portfolio and service offerings.

Program participants will have access to the latest industry research and information in IT industry trends, changes in skills and certification needs of employers and employment data.

CompTIA also will establish a marketing development fund program to assist partners with marketing initiatives related to CompTIA’s 12 certifications as well as the new CompTIA Strata Fundamentals exam series.

Other benefits to participants will include discounts on CompTIA exam vouchers and complimentary exam vouchers for instructors. Courseware from CompTIA Press and CompTIA CAQC providers is also available at discounted prices.