CompTIA applauds passage of 529 savings plans legislation to enable students to train and certify for high-demand jobs

Bill provides families with alternatives to traditional 4-year degree programs

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CompTIA, the leading global provider of vendor-neutral information technology (IT) training and certifications, applauds the passage of the 529 savings plans provisions of the H.R. 1 budget reconciliation bill.

The new legislation provides parents and students access to the same tax-advantaged 529 savings accounts for use across a range of nondegree training and credential programs that meet accreditation standards.

"We commend the many contributors on both sides of the aisle for their effort in expanding 529 savings plan access," said Todd Thibodeaux, CompTIA CEO. "Given the growing crisis of families priced out of higher education, this is an important step in enabling affordable, proven pathways to high-demand, well-paying jobs in technology."

According to CompTIA analysis of employer job listing data¹, over the past 12 months U.S. employers deployed over 1.3 million job ads to fill tech positions at the less than 4-year degree or not specified level. Positions critical to the efficient functioning of modern enterprises have some of the highest rates of nondegree openings, such as tech support specialist (75%), network support specialist (86%), and database administrator (58%).

CompTIA will support the thousands of training partners it works with new resources, including:

• Reference guide to new 529 provisions
• Informational webinar
• Marketing toolkit to educate parents and students

HR executives universally (97% net²) recognize the importance of validating technical training and skills development through the attainment of an industry-recognized certification. Additionally, HR executives report the value certifications have in closer alignment to the specific knowledge, skills and tasks (KSTs) required of technical job roles compared to traditional 4-year degrees³.

"For over 30 years, meeting the strict accreditation requirements of ANSI is a defining principle of CompTIA certifications," said Katie Hoenicke, CompTIA senior vice president, product development. "We are pleased the new 529 legislation recognizes the importance of ANSI-accreditation in validating nondegree credentials."

About CompTIA
CompTIA Inc. is the leading global provider of vendor-neutral information technology (IT) training and certifications. CompTIA unlocks potential in millions of aspiring technology professionals and careers changers. Working in partnership with thousands of academic institutions and training providers, CompTIA helps students build career-ready skills through best-in-class learning solutions, industry-recognized certifications and career resources. Learn more at https://www.comptia.org/.

Media Contact
Steven Ostrowski
CompTIA
[email protected]
+1 630.678.8468

¹ CompTIA analysis of Lightcast job listing data
² CompTIA Workforce and Learning Trends 2025 research study
³ CompTIA Workforce and Learning Trends 2025 research study

SOURCE CompTIA