What certification is based on providing credits for each certification exam taken?

The correct answer is based on the way the ITIL certification framework operates, particularly in its focus on rewarding professionals with credits for each certification exam they complete. ITIL, which stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library, offers a structured approach to IT service management, and as part of its certification process, individuals earn credits for completing various levels of certification. These credits are cumulative and can be used towards achieving higher-level ITIL certifications, showcasing an individual's progress and mastery of the material.

ITIL's credit system is designed to encourage continual learning and professional development within the IT service management discipline. It distinguishes itself as a framework that not only assesses knowledge through examinations but also provides a structured path for career advancement through its credit system.

While CompTIA, CISCO, and Microsoft are also well-known certification providers, they do not typically use a credit-based system in the same manner as ITIL. Instead, their certification paths often focus on individual exams without a credit accumulation system that factors into subsequent certifications. This distinctive characteristic of ITIL makes it the correct choice in response to the question regarding certification based on providing credits for each exam taken.