#United States #Indianapolis #CompTIA #PLTW #Security+

Project Lead The Way Partners with CompTIA

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) has recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with CompTIA, the foremost organization dedicated to vendor-neutral IT certifications. This collaboration aims to enrich the educational landscape for cybersecurity students by integrating the highly regarded CompTIA Security+ certification into PLTW's curriculum.

Elevating Cybersecurity Education

This strategic alliance signifies a significant transformation in PLTW's approach to cybersecurity education. Starting in the upcoming academic year, PLTW plans to enhance its Cybersecurity course into a comprehensive career-launching pathway. By incorporating the Security+ certification, PLTW not only validates students' skills but also helps them differentiate themselves in a competitive job market. Research indicates that 93% of human resource professionals prioritize industry-recognized certifications when hiring for technology roles, further emphasizing the importance of this initiative.

Jason Rausch, the Senior Vice President of Instructional Design at PLTW, stated, "Our goal is to ensure our Cybersecurity students enter the field with a proven advantage." With this alignment of curriculum to CompTIA's Security+, students gain authentic practice and clear milestones that guide them toward success in cybersecurity professions.

Comprehensive Support for Students and Educators

To bolster students' exam readiness, PLTW Cybersecurity students will have access to the comprehensive CompTIA CertMaster suite, which includes:

• - CertMaster Learn: Comprising 85 labs, 272 instructional videos, and 95 assessments, totaling 63 instructional hours to enrich students’ understanding.
• - CertMaster Practice: Adaptive practice exams designed to enhance test-taking confidence before attempting the actual Security+ exam.
• - Security+ Exam Voucher: Ensuring seamless access to certification.

Additionally, educators supporting PLTW Cybersecurity students will also benefit from complimentary access to these invaluable resources, empowering them to facilitate guided cyber skill training effectively.

Bridging Academic and Industry Needs

Mark Plunkett, the Executive Vice President of Academic Sales and GTM for CompTIA, highlighted that integrating Security+ content into PLTW's curriculum offers high school students essential cybersecurity skills paired with a certification recognized by employers. The Security+ credential encompasses five critical domains, including Security Architecture and Operations, which line up closely with PLTW's Cybersecurity labs. This allows educators to utilize the Security+ framework to frame capstone projects and simulate threat-hunting scenarios, thereby creating an immediate link between rigorous coursework and professional accreditation.

The Bigger Picture

This partnership not only aims to equip current cybersecurity students with necessary job-ready skills but also aspires to tackle the urgent shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals in the industry. By preparing students for these vital roles earlier in their education, PLTW and CompTIA are taking proactive measures to address the growing demand for cybersecurity talent amid numerous reports about cybersecurity breaches and the rising importance of digital safety.

About PLTW

For nearly three decades, Project Lead The Way has focused on preparing PreK–12 students for futures in career, college, and life by equipping them with essential STEM knowledge and confidence required to succeed. With a robust curriculum and an extensive national network of over 116,000 trained teachers across more than 12,200 schools in all 50 states, PLTW successfully nurtures students' curiosity and readiness for postsecondary pursuits.

About CompTIA

CompTIA, Inc. stands as the leading provider of vendor-neutral IT training and certification products globally. The organization plays a pivotal role in unlocking the potential of millions of aspiring IT professionals and career changers, partnering with numerous academic institutions to create pathways for building career-ready skills.

For more detailed information, visit Project Lead The Way’s website and CompTIA’s website.