Computing Technology Industry Association Adds Gold Level to Authorized Service Center Program.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. -- The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) announced today it is expanding its Authorized Service Center (ASC) program by adding an ASC Gold designation for service centers that offer higher levels of repair and customer service capabilities.

To qualify as a CompTIA ASC Gold member, at least 75 percent of the service center's technicians must hold CompTIA A+ certification. This vendor-neutral certification is recognized internationally as a credential that validates the knowledge of computer service technicians on a broad range of hardware and software technologies.

CompTIA ASC Gold service centers also must have at least 50 percent of technical staff with at least one of six other CompTIA certifications. Finally, CompTIA ASC Gold service centers must commit to participating in either a customer services skills accreditation or a service benchmarking program to validate customer satisfaction levels.

"The addition of the gold level to our CompTIA Authorized Service Center program will help consumers better identify the center that's most appropriate for their service issue," explained Richard Rysiewicz, vice president, services, CompTIA. "Customers in need of computer break/fix services can look to any CompTIA Authorized Service Center for assistance. The CompTIA ASC Gold designation identifies those service and repair businesses that are staffed with a higher level of skill and experience to deal with more complex issues."

Repair and service centers carrying the CompTIA ASC Gold designation will have on their staff technicians trained, certified and experienced in server technology, security, networking, Linux systems, integrated home networks, or project management.

CompTIA certification programs are the recognized industry standards for a broad range of IT skills. These certifications validate an IT professional's technical expertise. Approximately 700,000 IT professionals worldwide hold CompTIA certifications.

To find the location of the CompTIA ASC nearest to you, please visit http://asc.comptia.org/search.aspx.

About CompTIA

CompTIA is a global trade association representing the business interests of the information technology industry. For more than 23 years CompTIA has provided research, networking and partnering opportunities to its 20,000 members in 102 countries. The association is involved in developing standards and best practices, and influencing the political, economic and educational arenas that impact IT worldwide. More information is at www.comptia.org.