Main image of article CompTIA Plans New Cybersecurity Certification for Operational Technology Professionals

Summary

As cyber threats continue to escalate across critical infrastructure and industrial environments, CompTIA has announced the upcoming development of a new certification—SecOT+—aimed at equipping professionals in operational technology (OT) with essential cybersecurity skills. The certification is designed to bridge the long-standing knowledge gap between IT and OT professionals, addressing the growing demand for security expertise in manufacturing, utilities, and other industrial sectors.

CompTIA SecOT+ will focus on unifying cybersecurity capabilities across both OT and IT domains. The certification is tailored for a wide audience—ranging from floor technicians and industrial engineers to cybersecurity engineers and network architects—who need to collaborate effectively to defend complex industrial systems. The program’s goal is to establish a shared skillset that allows both sides to manage, mitigate, and remediate security risks in environments where digital technology and physical infrastructure intersect.

Development of the SecOT+ certification is slated to begin later this year using CompTIA’s rigorous, ISO-accredited process. Like other certifications in CompTIA’s portfolio, SecOT+ will prioritize real-world training, hands-on labs, and scenario-based learning. This ensures that candidates can apply cybersecurity strategies in practical, high-stakes situations common in industrial settings.

From power grids and water utilities to oil refineries and automated manufacturing plants, the world’s critical infrastructure is under increasing cyber pressure. Attacks involving ransomware, malware, and denial-of-service tactics have become more frequent—and more costly. CompTIA’s new certification arrives at a time when government agencies, private industries, and security teams are actively seeking ways to reduce the human and financial toll of these breaches.

James Stanger, chief technology evangelist at CompTIA, noted that SecOT+ is intended to streamline how organizations respond to these threats by offering a “scalable, cutting-edge and cost-effective” credential. In an age where attackers are leveraging AI to launch increasingly sophisticated campaigns, a new standard of cybersecurity fluency in OT is critical.

The proposed certification will include core domains relevant to protecting industrial systems, such as:

  • Risk Assessment: Using risk-based approaches to prioritize security measures
  • Regulatory Compliance: Understanding the frameworks that govern OT environments
  • System Hardening: Applying secure configurations to protect OT assets
  • Third-Party Risk Management: Securing the supply chain and vendor networks
  • Legacy System Integration: Addressing vulnerabilities in aging infrastructure

According to CompTIA’s analysis of Lightcast data, more than 180,000 OT-related cybersecurity roles were posted by U.S. employers in 2024 alone—underscoring the growing demand for hybrid skills in this domain.

For tech professionals, certifications remain one of the most reliable ways to validate expertise, stand out in the job market, and access higher-paying roles. Whether you're looking to transition into cybersecurity, break into OT, or expand your current responsibilities, credentials like those from CompTIA demonstrate real-world readiness to hiring managers.

Certifications can also be a fast-track to new opportunities. In today’s evolving threat landscape, employers want candidates who can hit the ground running—especially in environments where downtime or a breach can lead to significant physical and economic consequences. By earning certifications aligned with industry needs, professionals can boost their credibility, accelerate career progression, and stay ahead of emerging threats.