In a significant move set to bolster Europe’s cybersecurity defenses, OpenClassrooms, a global leader in online education and career coaching, has teamed up with CompTIA, the leading vendor-neutral IT certification body.
This strategic partnership, announced today at the Digital Summit in Gdańsk, will integrate CompTIA’s globally recognized Security+ certification into OpenClassrooms’ EU Cybersecurity Analyst reskilling program, aiming to cultivate a new generation of job-ready cybersecurity professionals across the continent.
Europe faces a critical shortage of cybersecurity talent, a challenge exacerbated by the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the demands of new regulations like NIS2, the Cyber Resilience Act, and DORA. This collaboration directly addresses this need by providing rigorous, accessible, and industry-aligned training.
The EU Cybersecurity Analyst reskilling program, delivered entirely online, will equip learners with the validated skills necessary for in-demand roles such as security analyst and incident responder.
A key highlight of the partnership is the inclusion of the CompTIA Security+ certification exam, a benchmark for entry-level cybersecurity professionals. The first ten learners to complete the program will even receive free access to this crucial certification exam.
“Teaming with OpenClassrooms advances CompTIA’s pledge to offer aspiring technology professionals a progressive route to industry-leading certifications,” stated Jason Moss, Senior Vice President, EMEA, CompTIA. “Together we will equip individuals with the validated skills they will need to operate in SOC centres, carry out cybersecurity incident response activities, and improve organisational cybersecurity hygiene.”
Guillaume Houzel, Managing Director for Growth at OpenClassrooms, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the partnership’s role in making cybersecurity reskilling both stringent and widely available. “By aligning our programs with the globally recognized Security+ certification, we are empowering career changers across Europe to confidently transition into in-demand roles,” Houzel added.
This initiative falls under the auspices of the Industry-Academia Network of the Cyber Skills Academy, an EU initiative dedicated to bridging the cybersecurity talent gap.
The program will prioritize individuals from under-represented backgrounds or those facing educational and career barriers, further promoting diversity and inclusion within the cybersecurity workforce.
The integrated curriculum focuses on core cybersecurity domains including defensive security (SOC operations), offensive security (penetration testing), and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC).
Participants will benefit from a project-based, mentor-supported learning model and exclusive early access to an AI-powered chatbot designed to aid Security+ exam preparation. This partnership marks a pivotal step in strengthening Europe’s digital economy and safeguarding its digital future.
