CompTIA Adds Metacog to Upcoming Online Testing Platform

CompTIA is beefing up its forthcoming online testing platform via its acquisition of Metacog, a startup that uses AI and big data to develop certification, evaluation and training software.

CompTIA said the addition of Metacog’s technology will create a “best-in-class option” for internet-based and remotely monitored exams and tests. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

CompTIA’s Randy Gross

“CompTIA recognizes the need to support all those wanting to pursue a career in technology, regardless of where they live or when they make their career decisions,” said Randy Gross, CompTIA’s chief information officer. “By making remote testing widely available we’ll provide equal access to a tech career on-ramp for those individuals who may not have easy access to a brick-and-mortar testing center.”

CompTIA said its foray into online testing is a natural progression in its “commitment to helping build and expand the global high-tech workforce.” From skills training and learning content and resources, to assessments, certifications and verification solutions, and soon online testing, CompTIA said it’s building a single-source learning resource for the technology workforce of today and tomorrow.

“Internet-based, remotely proctored exam delivery is clearly where the industry is headed, but the uptake has been slow due to a variety of factors,” said John McGlinchey, CompTIA’s executive vice president for global certification. “Platforms are poorly designed or are not enterprise-scalable in some instances. In others, robust security protections are lacking and access to near real time data is non-existent.

CompTIA’s online testing platform will be enterprise-grade, with a set of data analytics and reporting options, the ability to expand and scale as needed, and security and privacy protections,” he said.

In April, CompTIA launched a new beta exam for its Cloud Essentials+ credential. Cloud Essentials+ validates the knowledge and skills required to make business decisions about cloud products and services.