The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) have signed an agreement to facilitate globally recognized IT certifications for participants of the Chief Minister’s Advanced Technology Skills Program. The collaboration is aimed at helping trained youth access international technology certifications by supporting the reimbursement of certification costs. The agreement was signed by PITB Director General e-Governance Sajid Latif and PSDF Head of Department Digital Programs Akbar Hussain, with PITB Director Skills and Development Ahmad Islam Syan and representatives from PSDF also present.
Under the agreement, PITB will support the certification reimbursement process for eligible participants, helping reduce the financial burden associated with internationally recognized IT certification examinations. PITB’s Global IT Certifications program currently provides access to more than 100 globally recognized certifications, with candidates required to pay the examination fee initially and submit proof for reimbursement after successfully completing the certification. The program covers certifications from major technology providers and is designed to help candidates develop skills aligned with international IT requirements.
The agreement connects the Advanced Technology Skills Program with an existing certification pathway that covers areas such as Artificial Intelligence, data science, blockchain, cloud computing, DevOps, mobile application development, Internet of Things, web technologies, game development and advanced Python development. PSDF’s Advanced Technology Skills Program uses industry-focused training and includes international certification as part of its delivery model. The program is designed around technology skills identified through industry requirements, with training and certification intended to support pathways into jobs, freelancing and entrepreneurship.
PITB and PSDF said the collaboration will support their efforts to provide Punjab’s youth with industry-relevant technology skills and create a clearer pathway from technical training to professional opportunities. The agreement also comes as PITB continues expanding its Global IT Certifications initiative. PITB reported in September that the program had received more than 21,700 applications since its launch in 2024, with over 12,000 candidates verified for eligibility and more than 1,000 candidates having received certification fee reimbursements. The program has also expanded its certification portfolio to 125 globally recognized certifications.
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