CompTIA, The Computing Technology Industry Association, have announced the release of a new vendor-neutral, entry-level security certification for IT professionals.

The certification, which is yet to be named, is due for release in beta format by Autumn 2002. CompTIA state the certification will assess delegates’ knowledge of “firewalls, viruses, user authentication and encryption, among other topics”.

Fran Linhart, director of certifications of CompTIA stated “We’re committed to developing a valid, robust, security certification as quickly as possible in response to industry, employer and candidate need……CompTIA has placed the highest priority on the development of this certification”.