Petronella Technology Group vs Designing Digitally
Comparing cybersecurity training platforms: PTG's 31-course Training Academy built for regulated industries versus Designing Digitally's custom eLearning development approach. Which model delivers better results for compliance training and cybersecurity awareness?
Training Platform vs Custom eLearning
Two different approaches to workforce training. One is built by cybersecurity practitioners, the other by instructional designers. Understanding the difference shapes your training ROI.
Petronella Technology Group (PTG) operates a Training Academy with 31 courses covering CMMC preparation, cybersecurity awareness, HIPAA compliance, technical certifications, and security best practices. Courses are developed and taught by certified practitioners (CMMC-RP, DFE, CCNA, CWNE) who work on real compliance engagements daily. Both self-paced online and instructor-led options are available with Stripe-integrated enrollment.
Designing Digitally is a custom eLearning development company based in Ohio. They create bespoke training experiences including simulations, gamified learning, VR/AR training, and interactive modules. Their approach focuses on instructional design and engagement — building custom training content for clients across various industries rather than offering a pre-built course catalog.
Training Capabilities Compared
A feature-by-feature comparison of training delivery models, content, and compliance capabilities.
| Capability | Petronella (PTG) | Designing Digitally |
|---|---|---|
| Training Model | Pre-built catalog + custom options | Custom development only |
| Course Catalog | 31 ready-to-deploy courses | No pre-built catalog |
| CMMC Training | CMMC-specific courses by CMMC-RP instructors | Not specialized |
| HIPAA Training | HIPAA compliance courses with real-world scenarios | Custom HIPAA modules (if commissioned) |
| Cybersecurity Awareness | Phishing, social engineering, password security, data handling | Custom modules (if commissioned) |
| Instructor Credentials | CMMC-RP, DFE, CCNA, CWNE certified | Instructional designers (not security practitioners) |
| Live Instructor-Led | Available for all courses | Not offered (content development only) |
| Self-Paced Online | Available with Stripe enrollment | Delivers SCORM/xAPI content for client LMS |
| Time to Deploy | Immediate (courses are ready) | 8-16 weeks development cycle |
| Gamification / VR | Traditional online + live formats | Simulations, VR/AR, gamified learning |
| Compliance Documentation | Training records for audit evidence | Depends on client's LMS |
| Ongoing Updates | Courses updated as regulations change | Client must commission updates |
| IT Services Included | Full managed IT + security + compliance | Training content only |
| Cost Model | Per-course or per-employee subscription | Custom project pricing ($25K-$150K+ typical) |
Why Businesses Choose PTG for Compliance Training
PTG's training is built by the people who do the work — certified compliance practitioners, not instructional designers.
Practitioner-Built Content
Every PTG course is developed by certified professionals who conduct real CMMC assessments, HIPAA audits, and incident response engagements. This means training content reflects actual compliance requirements and real-world threat scenarios, not generic instructional design.
Immediate Deployment
PTG's 31-course catalog is ready to deploy today. No 8-16 week development cycle, no project scoping meetings, no custom development costs. Enroll your team and start training within hours. Visit the Training Academy to browse available courses.
Live Instructor Access
Designing Digitally creates content but does not teach it. PTG offers both self-paced online courses and live instructor-led sessions with CMMC-RP, DFE, CCNA, and CWNE-certified trainers. Your team can ask questions and get answers from practitioners who handle these scenarios daily.
Audit-Ready Training Records
Compliance auditors need evidence that your workforce completed required training. PTG's platform generates training completion records that satisfy CMMC, HIPAA, and SOC 2 audit requirements — documentation your assessor can verify.
Fraction of the Cost
Custom eLearning development typically costs $25,000-$150,000+ per project. PTG's per-course and subscription pricing makes compliance training accessible to small and mid-sized businesses without six-figure development budgets.
Training + IT + Security
PTG is not just a training provider. Training is integrated with managed IT services, security operations, and compliance programs. This means your training aligns with your actual security posture and compliance requirements.
The fundamental difference: Designing Digitally builds visually engaging custom training content. PTG delivers compliance-specific training built by certified practitioners who understand the regulatory requirements your organization faces. For CMMC, HIPAA, and cybersecurity training, practitioner expertise outweighs production value.
PTG Training Academy Course Areas
31 courses across critical cybersecurity, compliance, and technical domains. Browse the full catalog or enroll today.
CMMC Preparation
Level 1 & Level 2 readiness, CUI handling, NIST 800-171 mapping
HIPAA Compliance
Privacy Rule, Security Rule, breach notification, BAA management
Cybersecurity Awareness
Phishing recognition, social engineering, password security, safe browsing
Incident Response
Breach procedures, evidence preservation, notification requirements
Data Protection
Encryption, access controls, data classification, secure disposal
Technical Certifications
Network security, cloud security, endpoint protection, forensics
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to key questions when comparing cybersecurity training providers.
What types of training does Petronella offer vs Designing Digitally?
PTG offers a 31-course catalog focused on cybersecurity, compliance (CMMC, HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOC 2), and technical skills. All courses are developed by certified practitioners (CMMC-RP, DFE, CCNA, CWNE) and available in both self-paced and instructor-led formats. Designing Digitally creates custom eLearning content (simulations, gamified modules, VR experiences) for any industry — they are instructional designers, not cybersecurity practitioners.
Is Petronella's training sufficient for CMMC audit requirements?
Yes. PTG's CMMC training courses are designed specifically to satisfy the security awareness and training requirements in NIST 800-171 and CMMC Level 2. Training completion records serve as audit evidence for C3PAO assessments. PTG's instructors are CMMC Registered Practitioners who understand exactly what assessors look for. See CMMC services for the full compliance program.
How much does custom eLearning cost vs PTG's courses?
Custom eLearning development through firms like Designing Digitally typically ranges from $25,000 to $150,000+ per project, with development cycles of 8-16 weeks. PTG's Training Academy uses per-course and per-employee pricing that is a fraction of custom development costs, with courses available for immediate deployment. Visit the Training Academy for current pricing.
Can Designing Digitally create CMMC-specific training content?
Designing Digitally could create custom CMMC training modules, but their team consists of instructional designers rather than CMMC practitioners. The content would be built from research rather than hands-on compliance experience. PTG's courses are developed by the same people who conduct CMMC assessments, ensuring training content accurately reflects current requirements and assessor expectations.
Does PTG offer custom training development too?
Yes. While PTG's primary training model is its 31-course catalog, custom training programs can be developed for organizations with specific needs. These custom programs leverage PTG's compliance and cybersecurity expertise. Book a consultation to discuss custom training requirements, or call (919) 348-4912.
Train Your Team the Right Way
31 courses built by certified cybersecurity and compliance practitioners. Available today with self-paced and instructor-led options.