Background
CompTIA has unified its platforms (including TestOut and CertMaster labs) to use a single sign-on (SSO) account. If you or your students see prompts to “link” an account, it means an older CertMaster or TestOut LabSim account needs to be connected (or one needs to be created) via the new CompTIA Central platform.
If a student doesn’t have their own email address, instructors can assist by creating unique logins using +addressing (also called subaddressing) so that all registration and verification emails come to the instructor.
When to Use +Addressing
- Your student does not have (or cannot use) a personal email for CompTIA SSO sign-up.
- You want to manage/monitor account setup and onboarding emails for your learners.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Decide on Your “Base” Instructor Email
Example:
instructor@gmail.com
2. Create Unique +Addresses for Each Student
For each learner, use your email plus a unique identifier. Examples:
All messages to these will still be delivered to your inbox.
3. Go to the CompTIA Central Login Portal
Navigate to:
https://platform.comptia.org
4. Use “Sign up Now” to Register the Student
- Click Sign up Now (Do not click “Create account”).
- Fill in the required fields, using the +address for the student’s email.
- Continue the registration process as prompted.
5. Complete Email Verification
- A verification message will be sent to the +address (e.g., instructor+student1@gmail.com).
- Open your inbox, find the registration email for each +address, and follow the verification link.
- Proceed to set up the account for the student (you may help set the initial password and share it securely).
6. Repeat for Each Student
Repeat steps 2–5 for as many students as you need. Why am I being asked to link an account?
This is prompted when using an older, unlinked CertMaster or TestOut LabSim platform account (see this article). By using the new Central SSO, you unify all access and content for your learners. Quick Table:
Example Setup
Student Name Login Email
Alice instructor+alice@gmail.com
Carla instructor+carla@gmail.com
Additional Tips
- Inbox Organization: You can use email filters or labels for each +address in your mail client.
- Security: Encourage students to change their password after first login if you set it for them.
- Account Management: If you accidentally link or upgrade accounts incorrectly, contact CompTIA support for assistance.
References & Help
support.google.com
Create a Gmail account - Gmail Help
To sign up for Gmail, create a Google Account. You can use the username and password to sign in to Gmail and other Google products.