IT association CompTIA has launched its Authorised Partner Programme at its inaugural EMEA member conference.

For the first time, the programme will give channel training organisations the opportunity to become CompTIA authorised partners, which will enable them to demonstrate that they teach IT skills to firms at the highest standards.

It also guarantees that all instructors are correctly certified in training and the products they teach.

To qualify for Authorised status, training companies have to undergo a rigorous audit on the standard of course offering, training provisions, facilities and overall customer care. Successful firms will be rated Silver, Gold or Platinum, depending on the size of their offering.

Additional benefits include sales and marketing tools, increased resources and closer links to businesses looking for training providers.

Matthew Poyiadgi, EMEA vice president of CompTIA, said: “In the current climate, both companies and individuals are investing in their education to give them the edge in a tough market.

“With so many options available, partner status helps organisations to rise above the competition in attracting customers, and will give students assurance that courses provide the skills they need to secure the jobs they want. This programme will raise the bar of quality across the training industry.”

Advent Training is the first to secure Platinum status under the certification process.

Ashley Jones, director of Advent Training, said: “We work hard to ensure that our students receive the highest level of tuition and support from qualified and experienced instructors using our blended study programme.

“We are delighted that a global organisation like CompTIA has developed this scheme to recognise organisations that do so, and even more delighted that we are the first training provider in EMEA to be awarded partner status at Platinum level.”