This in-depth survey explores the requirements and expectations of the buyers of IT training and IT certification in North America. The research involved a detailed analysis of existing published research on IT skills, training and certification. Sources used included analyst firms, industry bodies, business and trade press, government departments, technology companies, services vendors, training providers and CompTIA itself. Our findings were then distilled into a series of key points, or 'expert opinions'.

Consensus views represent the prevailing received wisdom in our industry at the present time. Once established, these views are frequently repeated – and reinforced – via press articles, conference presentations, and the industry grapevine.

But are they accurate? Almost none of the sources derive their inputs directly from the people who really matter – the buyers of IT training and certification services in North American organizations.

The second stage in our research was to conduct a series of in-depth interviews with key senior executives from HR, Training and IS departments, all of whom hold buying responsibility for training and certification in their respective organizations, to ascertain their views on these expert opinions. These individuals were drawn from the private, government and not-for-profit sectors, and represented employers of widely varying sizes. They included representatives from the engineering, electronics and automotive industries; banking, insurance and finance; consulting, professional services and IT; FMCG and retail; the hotel and leisure industries; corporate universities; education; and from local and central government.

The results were presented at CompTIA Strategies held in Atlanta, Georgia June 7-9, 2005.