CompTIA’s Founding and Organizational History

Summary

CompTIA was founded on January 1, 1982, as the Association of Better Computer Dealers (ABCD), an organization created to represent computer dealers and technology businesses. In 1990, it adopted its current name, the Computing Technology Industry Association, reflecting a broader role in the information technology industry. The organization later established its headquarters in Downers Grove, Illinois, moving into a new facility in 2010. During the 2010s, CompTIA expanded its membership, educational outreach, and professional community. It established the Creating IT Futures nonprofit, introduced a hybrid open-access membership model in 2014, and grew from approximately 2,050 members to more than 50,000 by 2015. It launched the Skillsboost online education resource in 2015, began the annual ChannelCon Vendor Summit, and acquired the Association of Information Technology Professionals in 2017 to create an IT professional association. CompTIA now operates globally, issues vendor-neutral certifications in more than 120 countries, and has reported millions of certifications earned worldwide.

Key Points

• 1

  CompTIA was founded in 1982 as the Association of Better Computer Dealers (ABCD).

• 2

  The organization changed its name to the Computing Technology Industry Association in 1990.

• 3

  CompTIA moved its headquarters to Downers Grove, Illinois, in 2010.

• 4

  Its 2010s expansion included Creating IT Futures, the Skillsboost education resource, ChannelCon activities, and the acquisition of the Association of Information Technology Professionals.

• 5

  A 2014 hybrid open-access membership model contributed to rapid membership growth, reaching more than 50,000 members by 2015 and more than 100,000 by the end of 2016 according to the organization.