CompTIA Puts Skills Building at the Center of the Summit
The recent Back to School Summit became a practical stage for CompTIA, the long-standing IT certification and training organization, to spotlight how real, demonstrable skills can move the tech workforce forward. Throughout the event, education executives, policymakers, and industry leaders compared notes on what’s working, what’s stuck, and how to better align people’s abilities with the jobs that need them. Their shared focus: closing the supply-and-demand gap in technology by helping more people build and show the skills employers actually use.
Learning That Keeps Pace With Change
During the summit, Donna Koppensteiner, CompTIA’s Chief Revenue Officer, underscored a simple truth about learning in tech: it can’t stand still. “The fast-paced technology environment requires learning that is continuous, fluid, agile, and competency-based,” she told attendees. Her point resonated. As tools, platforms, and best practices shift, so must the way people learn—step by step, skill by skill—so they can apply new knowledge quickly and confidently.
Facing the Confidence Gap
Koppensteiner also named a barrier that keeps many would-be technologists on the sidelines: the “confidence gap.” As she explained, “Too many people suffer from a ‘confidence gap,’ thinking that their background and skills make them unqualified to work in tech.” The message from the summit was clear: with access to the right learning paths and support, more people can see themselves in tech and succeed there. The goal is not to lower the bar, but to help people meet it—one competency at a time.
Hiring That Prioritizes Skills
Speakers noted a steady shift toward skills-based hiring. One data point captured the pivot: 45% of active tech job postings in the U.S. no longer require a four-year college degree. That change widens the entry lane for candidates who come from varied educational backgrounds—bootcamps, community colleges, self-study, and structured training programs—while still keeping the focus where employers need it most: proven capability.
Where the Jobs Are: Cybersecurity and Data
Demand is especially strong in cybersecurity and data. This year, there have been roughly 100,000 job postings specifically for cybersecurity roles and about 324,000 positions that require significant cybersecurity skills. The data side shows a similar pattern: nearly 200,000 dedicated data roles alongside another 317,000 positions calling for data-related skills. For job seekers at any experience level, those numbers signal immediate opportunities to build relevant skills and step into work that’s urgently needed.
CompTIA’s Long-Term Commitment to the Workforce
CompTIA continues to be a steady presence in IT learning and certification, with more than 3.5 million people advancing their careers through its programs. The organization’s ongoing commitment is straightforward: help students and working professionals unlock their potential, build confidence, and demonstrate the practical skills employers trust. The aim is durable careers, not just first jobs.
A Clearer Path Into Technology Careers
As the tech landscape evolves, CompTIA’s push for diverse pathways and continuous skill development meets the moment. The approaches discussed at the summit are designed to do two things at once: fill today’s talent gaps and equip the next wave of professionals to grow over time. The takeaway is simple enough to keep: start with skills, keep learning, and let competence lead the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did CompTIA emphasize at the Back to School Summit?
CompTIA highlighted practical, skills-first learning strategies and stressed the need for continuous, competency-based development so people can keep up with fast-changing technology.
What is the “confidence gap,” and why does it matter?
The “confidence gap” is the feeling that your background makes you unqualified for tech. CompTIA’s message is that with accessible learning and support, more people can build skills and succeed in technology roles.
How are tech hiring practices changing?
Hiring is shifting toward skills-focused evaluations. In the U.S., 45% of active tech job postings don’t require a four-year degree, opening doors for candidates from diverse learning paths.
Where are the strongest job opportunities right now?
Cybersecurity and data roles stand out. There are approximately 100,000 postings for cybersecurity jobs and around 324,000 roles that call for significant cybersecurity skills. Data shows a similar pattern with nearly 200,000 dedicated roles and about 317,000 positions needing data-related skills.
How does CompTIA help people advance their careers?
CompTIA provides training and certifications that enable more than 3.5 million individuals to build confidence, validate their competencies, and move into or up within technology careers.
