2/7/2002 -- The Computing Technology Industry Association officially announced this week that it is developing a new vendor-neutral, entry-level security certification for IT professionals.

The title, not yet named, is expected to debut in beta form sometime around Fall 2002. "We're committed to developing a valid, robust security certification as quickly as possible in response to industry, employer and candidate need," Fran Linhart, director of certification of CompTIA, said in a printed statement. "CompTIA has placed the highest priority on the development of this certification."

According to the organization, the title will test candidates knowledge of "firewalls, viruses, user authentication and encryption, among other topics."

CompTIA is known for its entry-level, vendor-neutral IT certifications. The organization currently offers nine titles, including A+, for hardware technicians, and Network+, for network administrators.

Currently the organization is looking for companies to be members of its industry committee, which will develop the title's "target candidate, exam content and skills development standards." No official release date for the title has been given. CompTIA will hold a cybercast later this week to discuss the development process. More information on the cybercast as well as the upcoming certification can be found here.

In other CompTIA news, the organization has put out a request for subject matter experts to help develop another new certification, Residential Systems Integrator (RSI+).

In January, CompTIA announced that it would be working with the Internet Home Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to "educating consumers on the value of an Internet Lifestyle," to jointly develop this new title.

To join the subject matter committee, candidates must have two years of experience in one of the following areas:

• Security
• Audio / Video
• Computer
• Electricians
• HVAC
• Cable / Satellite
• Broadband
• Telco
• Commercial Wiring
  

For more information on participating, click here. -B.N