CompTIA ('Computing Technology Industry Association') is a non-profit enterprise formed in 1982. They've developed progressively and right now lead the world in I.T. accreditations that are vendor-neutral. So they can independently produce and be in control of a complete range of IT industry examinations and issue their very own accreditations which don't apply to just one specific company's products. With today's shift to inter connectivity & systems 'convergence', this is seen as a great step for the I.T. student, because it delivers cross-platform learning and a comprehension of 'integration'. Every time a new exam is being developed (or an old one updated), CompTIA discusses the content with leading associates of the commercial and academic world to create balanced and very relevant material.

New students to the IT market can turn to 'CompTIA' for quite a number of their preliminary training programs. Students thinking of getting into networks & support, or servers, security & systems will most often begin with 'CompTIA', although its fair to state that CompTIA accreditations will improve any Curriculum Vitae targeted towards the I.T. industry. The latest package of beginner level programs called STRATA have been put together by 'CompTIA'. These are designed for those who need a greater understanding of fundamental I.T. information, but do not essentially work in I.T. themselves.

Both of the exams have quite recently been subject to a 2009 'facelift' in-line with CompTIA's advance towards 'ISO' standardisation. 'A+' examinations that began using the number '600' (i.e. the 2006-2007 edition) are being phased out globally. After August 31st '10 they will no longer be available in the UK. Up until that time, individuals can take either the '600' or the newer 700 exams in regional test-centres (namely 'Vue' & Prometric). Reason dictates that new entrant trainees should learn version '2009'. 'CompTIA' 'A+' Essentials & CompTIA 'A+' Practical Application are the new exam titles (220-701 & 220/702 respectively). As well as some additional material on newer technologies, we now have 2 exams which cover aspects of all 4 of the preceding examinations. The previous structure was one compulsory 'essentials' examination and 3 electives, of which only one needed to be taken. As the industry has moved on, the expertise from all four examinations is now considered crucial, & consequently has been fine-tuned in to 2 required exams. 'CompTIA' also have released the BR-003 bridging test, for students certified under the 600 examinations who want to update to the new 700 examinations. Further training will almost certainly end up being needed, particularly for many who only initially studied for 2 of the four 'electives'. Enough training hours should be allowed for the new technology aspects however.

The most well known of all of the 'CompTIA' certifications are without doubt the A+ & the Network+. Both of them, as a group, create the foundation of many modern IT career-tracks - & rightly so. The CompTIA A+ qualification covers the fundamentals of PC maintenance, installation, support, security, fault-finding and repair. What's more, the 'A+' handles specific relationship-building skillsets that will help you to communicate much better with other people. The 'CompTIA' N+ certification extends this awareness to a deeper grasp of networking, servers and routers, and just how they communicate. The vital issue of 'Security' is underlined, and Wireless technologies are spoken about at an introductory level. Both certifications complement one another nicely, & together provide a very good starting platform for additional exam packages, or a solid career in I.T. support.

If you are focused on any of the following careers, the 'A+' would certainly serve you well - Call Centre Technician, Depot Technician, Field Services Technician, PC Technician, Help Desk Technician, Remote Support Technician and IT Administrator. CompTIA Network+ unwraps opportunities for Network Administrators & Technicians, IT Cable Installers & Network Installers.

Standard learning time for these exams are considered to be around 100 to 150 hrs for the 'A+' , & 75 to 100 hrs for the 'Network+' . Studying part-time, this could be achieved over a six month time period if you decide on the appropriate quality of training & excellent exam prep products.

These certifications and job roles are in many cases done en-route to a senior I.T. job. Before you decide to go for a training-program, keep in mind where you want your final destination to be. This means actually talking to a professional training expert to ensure that the track you choose is right & cost-effective. It's often sensible to think about tailored career training programs that incorporate the A+ and Network+ programs. Bundling several program materials together is often quite financially attractive.

With regard to Network+ , the earlier 'N10-003' has now been updated by the N10-004, the '2009' edition. A larger importance is focused on security in the '2009' N+ examination, alongside network-design & wireless-networking. This of course is as well as the key elements of network-management & infrastructure.

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