CompTIA, the organization behind your Security+ certification, is being acquired by private equity firms H.I.G. Capital and Thoma Bravo. This shift from non-profit to for-profit status isn't just corporate news—it directly impacts your certification's future value, cost, and renewal process. With over 3.5 million certifications awarded across the $5 trillion global IT ecosystem, this acquisition affects cybersecurity professionals worldwide.
If you hold a Security+ certification or plan to pursue one, you need to understand what's changing. The transaction, expected to close in early 2025, will separate CompTIA's certification business from its membership organization. This transition creates both immediate concerns and strategic opportunities for IT professionals who rely on these credentials to advance their careers.
CompTIA Acquisition Overview
The November 2024 acquisition agreement between CompTIA and private equity firms H.I.G. Capital and Thoma Bravo marks a profound shift in the certification industry. This deal transforms a cornerstone institution of IT professional development into a profit-driven enterprise.
Under the agreement, CompTIA will be split into two separate organizations. The certification business will operate as a for-profit company owned by the private equity firms, while the existing membership organization will maintain its 501(c)(6) nonprofit status and continue its industry advocacy work independently.
This structural separation creates clear implications for certification governance. The board that previously balanced education quality with industry needs will be replaced by leadership accountable to investors expecting financial returns. This fundamentally changes the decision-making framework behind your Security+ credential.
The scale of this change is significant. CompTIA currently serves 38 million professionals across the global IT ecosystem through comprehensive education, training, certification programs, and market research. Security+, along with other cybersecurity credentials, falls directly under this new corporate structure.
According to A.J. Rohde, Senior Partner at Thoma Bravo, the acquisition represents "an important opportunity to capitalize on this growing need while investing in the development of the industry as a whole." While this suggests continued investment in certification programs, it also signals a more commercially-focused approach to skills development and training delivery.
The Future of CompTIA Certifications
The shift from non-profit to for-profit fundamentally alters the business model behind your Security+ certification. This structural change can potentially bring significantly different priorities and financial pressures to the organization that will likely impact how certifications evolve.
Non-profit organizations typically reinvest surplus revenue into their mission, focusing on industry advancement and education. For-profit companies, especially those backed by private equity, have additional obligations to generate returns for their investors. This difference in financial structure may influence how certification programs are managed going forward.
Certification pricing deserves attention in this transition. Current Security+ exam vouchers cost around $381 (or less with discounts), reflecting CompTIA's approach to professional development under its previous model. As the business structure changes, these pricing frameworks may be reassessed to align with new organizational goals. If you're planning to pursue Security+ certification, understanding this potential evolution can help with your timing decisions.
The certification renewal framework may also see adjustments. The current three-year renewal cycle for Security+ allows maintenance through continuing education or retesting. While this structure serves certification holders well, the new business model might introduce different approaches to renewal that better align with for-profit operations.
CompTIA's new ownership has indicated plans to invest in certification programs, which suggests recognition of these credentials' value. However, how these investments will be balanced with profit expectations remains to be seen as the transition progresses.
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Impact on IT Training and Certification
For cybersecurity professionals, CompTIA's acquisition creates important considerations about your certification strategy. While Security+ remains a respected credential in the industry, this ownership change may influence how you approach your certification journey.
If you're currently preparing for Security+, the immediate impact will likely be minimal. Study materials, exam objectives, and testing procedures should remain stable through the transition period. CompTIA has consistently updated Security+ content to reflect evolving threats and security practices, and this core function will presumably continue regardless of the business structure.
However, certification planning beyond the immediate term warrants attention. The anticipated early 2025 closing date for the acquisition marks an important milestone in this transition. While no changes have been announced, it's best to keep an eye out especially when the transition completes. This might mean some changes in the certification which can affect your preparation.
For those already holding Security+ credentials, staying informed about renewal requirements becomes important. The certification currently requires renewal every three years, either through continuing education credits or retesting. Documenting your current certification status and understanding your renewal timeline helps you navigate any potential changes to this framework.
As you map your cybersecurity career path, consider how Security+ fits within your broader credential strategy. While it continues to provide foundational knowledge validation, understanding how this acquisition might affect the certification landscape helps you make informed decisions about your professional development.
FAQs
Yes, your current Security+ certification remains valid. The acquisition doesn't invalidate existing certifications. However, it's wise to document your certification details, including expiration dates and verification methods, as administrative systems might undergo changes during the transition period.
No price increases have been announced specifically related to the acquisition. CompTIA has historically adjusted exam prices periodically, but any immediate changes directly resulting from the acquisition are unlikely before the transaction closes in early 2025. It's still prudent to monitor official CompTIA communications for any pricing updates.
Next Steps for the IT Community
The acquisition of CompTIA adds a new variable to your cybersecurity certification planning. While Security+ remains valuable, this organizational shift naturally prompts questions about your professional development strategy.
As you consider your next steps, remember that strong security professionals build knowledge across multiple domains rather than relying on a single certification path. The foundational concepts you learn today will serve you regardless of how certification programs evolve.
If you're weighing your options during this transition period, we've made our Cryptography Decoded Mini MasterClass completely free. This three-part resource covers essential cryptography concepts that apply across multiple security frameworks, including advanced certifications like CISSP.
Here at Destination Certification, we believe in focusing on the knowledge that powers your career, not just the credentials that verify it. Whatever changes occur in the certification landscape, building a strong foundation of security principles will ensure you reach your professional destination with confidence.
Rob is the driving force behind the success of the Destination Certification CISSP program, leveraging over 15 years of security, privacy, and cloud assurance expertise. As a seasoned leader, he has guided numerous companies through high-profile security breaches and managed the development of multi-year security strategies. With a passion for education, Rob has delivered hundreds of globally acclaimed CCSP, CISSP, and ISACA classes, combining entertaining delivery with profound insights for exam success. You can reach out to Rob on LinkedIn.
Rob is the driving force behind the success of the Destination Certification CISSP program, leveraging over 15 years of security, privacy, and cloud assurance expertise. As a seasoned leader, he has guided numerous companies through high-profile security breaches and managed the development of multi-year security strategies. With a passion for education, Rob has delivered hundreds of globally acclaimed CCSP, CISSP, and ISACA classes, combining entertaining delivery with profound insights for exam success. You can reach out to Rob on LinkedIn.
