Skip to main content

CompTIA Data Forensics and Exam Integrity

Our commitment to fair and secure certification

CompTIA is committed to fair assessment and protecting the value of every credential. Our high-stakes certification program operates under proprietary psychometric processes and has been granted ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation through ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), an independent third-party accrediting body. This accreditation ensures objective, consistent, and secure measurement of job-role competence in accordance with the internationally recognized ISO/IEC 17024 standard.

What is a valid certification exam score?

CompTIA develops and delivers high-stakes certification exams using processes accredited to the ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation standard by ANAB. Each exam yields a pass/fail result, determined by a score that reflects the candidate’s ability to perform the tasks outlined in the certification exam objectives. Candidates who achieve a passing score are granted certification and are deemed competent to perform the job functions described in those objectives. CompTIA considers all issued scores valid as long as the exam development and delivery process remain intact and secure. However, if any part of the process is compromised or breached, CompTIA reserves the right to deem such scores invalid.

Why is CompTIA concerned about test score validity?

The global IT industry and academia rely on CompTIA certification exams to determine competency for specific job roles. CompTIA desires and has the responsibility to ensure skills gaps are minimized and certified professionals perform to minimum industry standards on the job. CompTIA’s goal is to ensure certification serves as a reliable predictor of an employee’s on-the-job knowledge, skills, and abilities.

What are data forensics?

Data forensics apply advanced statistical analyses to exam data to identify unusual patterns or behaviors that may indicate content pre-knowledge, test fraud, or misconduct. While not all anomalies represent wrongdoing, such analyses are essential for upholding exam fairness, exam health, and score validity. Important: Candidates must not use unauthorized training materials or “brain dumps,” which are often illegally obtained and violate CompTIA’s Candidate Agreement. Use only authentic, CompTIA-approved study resources.

Why data forensics?

CompTIA has established statistical thresholds and indicators for the validity and interpretation of test scores. When these thresholds are exceeded, CompTIA may deem the score invalid. Data forensics apply probabilistically based statistical analyses and continuous monitoring—through automated and manual reviews conducted by psychometric professionals (PhD) and trained security staff—to detect testing pattern anomalies and provide interpretation of statistical patterns. Although these patterns can invalidate a candidate’s exam score, they may also indicate exam pre-knowledge, security breaches, fraud, and/or broader security threats.

Examples of test fraud that data forensics can detect include:

  • Unauthorized access to exam content (“pre-knowledge”)
  • Proxy testing (someone else taking your test)
  • Collusion or copying among individuals or groups
  • Use or theft of protected test questions
  • Use of unauthorized aids (phones, software, AI tools, etc.)
  • Use of unauthorized training materials (“brain dumps”)

How CompTIA uses data forensics

CompTIA combines industry best practices, advanced technology, and a commitment to fairness in its forensic review program:

  • Automated and manual reviews continuously monitor exam data for statistical anomalies. Analyses compare behavior to patterns typical for each exam.
  • Data forensics is part of a holistic, multi-layered review process and is never used in isolation. If a pattern emerges, our team conducts a more in-depth review using all available evidence. Every step is designed to ensure objectivity and fairness.

What happens if anomalies are detected?

  • CompTIA conducts routine audits to ensure exam fairness. These audits review exam-level data for anomalies and do not include personal candidate information at the preliminary stage.
  • If CompTIA determines that a policy violation or anomaly has occurred, you will be formally notified of any action taken, such as a score invalidation, suspension, or potential ineligibility. Decisions based on data forensics are final and not eligible for appeal.
  • In more severe cases, and in accordance with the Candidate Agreement, CompTIA may make recommendations to third-party agencies, such as law enforcement or intelligence agencies, for additional review.

Education & Support

We encourage every candidate to review and use only authentic, CompTIA-approved training resources. Using unauthorized resources or brain dumps not only violates CompTIA policy but can also compromise your eligibility for certification.

Policies and Candidate Agreement

To complete any CompTIA exam, all candidates must agree to the Candidate Agreement, which includes notice of CompTIA’s use of data forensics and other exam security measures. Compliance with the Candidate Agreement and all published exam policies is mandatory.

Our pledge

Through rigorous data forensics processes, CompTIA is dedicated to evaluating every candidate in a manner that is secure, fair, and consistent.

Reference and standards

This page reflects CompTIA’s commitment to best practices as defined by the Association of Test Publishers (ATP) and other industry leaders in assessment security. Reference: ATP, Using Data Forensics to Detect Potential Test Fraud (2025)

CompTIA ensures the integrity of its high-stakes certification exams through development and delivery processes accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) to meet ISO/IEC 17024 requirements.

For more information regarding CompTIA’s use of data forensics, please review CompTIA Data Forensics frequently asked questions.