CompTIA CTT+(TM) Certification Now Required for Microsoft Certified Trainers in Gulf Region.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the world's largest provider of vendor neutral certifications for professionals in the information technology (IT) industry, announced today that its CompTIA CTT+(TM) (Certified Technical Trainer) certification is now a prerequisite for Microsoft certified trainers across the Gulf Region.

Microsoft will require CompTIA CTT+ for its certified trainers in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, as well as Pakistan.

"Microsoft Gulf decided to make CompTIA CTT+ a prerequisite for all Microsoft-certified trainers in the Gulf and Pakistan quite simply because we want to ensure the highest standards of training for our professional courses," said Taj El-Khayat, partner development and marketing manager, Microsoft Gulf & Pakistan. "We believe that the CompTIA certification provides us with an accurate and comprehensive measurement of a trainer's skills and competency across all of the most important aspects of the discipline. Microsoft is also committed to industry standards; and with the high regard that CompTIA CTT+ is held by the IT industry, we feel that it provides us with the best assessment of a trainer's ability."

"The quality of a trainer is one the most important reflections on the quality of a training institute," said Rudolf Tegelaar, regional director for CompTIA in the Middle East. "The combination of technical skills, experience and delivery skills make an excellent trainer. Microsoft is truly striving for quality with their training partners, and this initiative demonstrates their commitment to quality."

CompTIA CTT+ certification is a recognized cross-industry credential recognizing excellence in technical instruction. The certification validates that a technical instructor has attained a standard of excellence in his or her profession. Those holding CompTIA CTT+ certification demonstrate core competencies that include instructor knowledge and credibility, classroom performance and effective communication and presentation skills.

CompTIA certifications test and validate a variety of baseline technical and professional skills, including personal computer service, networking, document imaging, Internet, server technologies, Linux, project management, technical training, e-business, security, and integrated home networks. CompTIA certifications provide validation of the technology skills that are in demand today and help to prepare workers so that they are can immediately contribute to the employer's success. Human resources managers and hiring directors recognize CompTIA certifications as providing a reliable predictor of an employee's on the job success.

About CompTIA

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) represents the business interests of the information technology (IT) industry. For 24 years CompTIA has provided research, networking and partnering opportunities to its 20,000 member organizations in more than 100 countries worldwide. CompTIA initiatives extend to areas such as convergence technologies, electronic commerce, information security, IT services, public policy, skills development, and software. CompTIA helps organization maximize the benefits they receive from their investments in technology; and assists IT workers to obtain the skills they need for productive careers in technology. For more information, please visit: www.comptia.org.