Northern Marianas College recently signed on as an authorized delivery partner of the Computing Technology Industry Association or CompTIA, a world-renowned nonprofit trade association that issues professional certifications for the information technology industry. In photo is NMC IT Support Specialist Milbert Barcelo, who through the college received his CompTIA certifications in A+, Network+, Security+, IT Operations, and Secure Infrastructure.
(NMC) — As part of the college’s continuing efforts to bolster the local workforce, Northern Marianas College’s Community Development Institute recently signed as an authorized delivery partner of the Computing Technology Industry Association or CompTIA, a world-renowned nonprofit trade association that issues professional certifications for the information technology industry.
Under the new partnership, NMC-CDI and its instructors will be equipped with valuable tools and resources to assist in training and certifying information technology professionals in popular CompTIA certifications such as ITF+, A+, Network+, and Security+. NMC is the first in the Pacific region to be an authorized delivery partner of CompTIA.
“This is an exciting development for the college and people of the Commonwealth who are looking to strengthen their skills and expertise in the ever-growing world of information technology,” NMC-CDI Director Monique Boyer Sablan said. “Individuals who complete the program will also be able to access more competitive job markets, receive higher salaries, and will be able to help contribute to the local IT needs.”
The CompTIA partnership will set the standard for all who are interested in an IT career, including high school students and other community members. By providing a structured pathway to globally recognized certifications, NMC-CDI will empower aspiring IT professionals from the ground up, ensuring they have the foundational skills and advanced knowledge needed to thrive in the industry. This initiative is poised to inspire the next generation of IT experts, fostering a robust talent pipeline that will support the technological advancement and economic growth of the region.
Additionally, the partnership will provide clear career pathways into critical areas such as Infrastructure and CyberSecurity. With certifications like Network+, Security+, and advanced programs like Linux+ and Cloud+, participants will gain the expertise required to protect and maintain vital IT systems and infrastructures. This will not only address the growing demand for skilled professionals in these fields, but also enhance the resilience and security of the region’s digital landscape.
NMC-CDI will begin rolling out the new training program through a series of phases, which include a TestOut Digital Literacy Pro certification for individuals who have little to no experience in information technology, an IT fundamentals training program for students considering a career in IT or professionals looking to expand their knowledge, a core skills certification program for individuals looking to get into specialized IT positions, and an IT pathways program, which allows experienced IT professionals to get certified in advanced CompTIA programs, such as Linux+, Server+, and Cloud+.
For more information, interested community members are asked to contact NMC-CDI through email at cdi@marianas.edu/.
