CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) is a not for profit organisation formed in the early 1980's. They've developed over the years to become the number one in vendor-neutral IT certification. This basically means they are absolutely free to independently produce & monitor exams and accreditations that are required by the IT market, regardless of a particular company's commercial interests. As systems frequently 'converge' & inter connect in the business world, this supplies the I.T. trainee with a much more rounded knowledge and grasp of cross-platform integration. 'CompTIA' gathers together different commercial & academic industry groups when designing or upgrading an examination, to ensure that all things are considered and the very best commercially relevant syllabuses are crafted.

The 'CompTIA' A+ examinations are for the most part aimed at anybody interested to begin work in any of the following areas: Depot Technician, Call Centre Technician, Field Services Technician, PC Technician, Help Desk Technician, Remote Support Technician and IT Administrator. Career prospects open up to include Network Administrators, Technicians and Installers when you attain the CompTIA Network+ too.

In-line with their 'ISO' standardisation move, CompTIA have upgraded both A+ & Network+ examinations to 2009 editions. The earlier 'A+' (edition 2006/2007) examinations which were categorised with the '600' pre-fix are now being phased out internationally throughout 2010. After the 31st August '10 they will not be accessible in the United Kingdom. As 2009 examinations (version 700) are already offered at test-centres across the country, these newer learning programs are probably a more practical solution anybody just getting started. CompTIA A+ Essentials and 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application are the new exam titles (220-701 and 220-702 respectively). The most crucial changes were a whole re-structuring of the preceding 4 exams into just 2 examinations, & the addition of some information on more recent relevant technologies. Originally, the A+ was split into 4 examinations: one essential & three elective specialisations. During the last four years, the industry has grown to the stage where all four exams are now thought to be necessary - hence the re-formatting into 2 essential exams. An up-grade examination has been created by 'CompTIA' for those who have the previous certification. 'BR-003' is the exam reference. Further training will undoubtedly end up being required, particularly for those who only initially studied for 2 of the 4 'electives'. The new technology subjects will clearly necessitate some extra study.

For a new student to IT, 'CompTIA' provides the initial foundation training in many areas. Usually, individuals who are aiming for careers within Networking, Systems, Security, Servers, Communications and Support will begin with 'CompTIA', however students in any sector could find a CompTIA certification a helpful addition to their Resume. CompTIA are now also marketing STRATA certifications : these are not specifically for people employed in the I.T. market, but for people whose careers require a fundamental understanding of computers.

With regard to Network+ , the old 'N10-003' has now been replaced by the N10-004, the 2009 version. A larger importance is placed on security in the 2009 N+ exam, along with network design & wireless networking. This naturally is as well as the primary aspects of network management and infrastructure.

Not surprisingly these roles frequently lead to much more advanced assignments if the relevant certifications are in place. That's why it is essential to examine your long term plans before selecting your career training track. The way to maximise your career-path fully is to receive advice from an industry expert before getting started on your training program. It can be a good suggestion to think about personalised career-training bundles that feature the A+ & Network+ programs. 'Bundling' several course materials into one can be very cost-effective.

By far the most renowned of all of the CompTIA qualifications are undoubtedly the A+ & the Network+. An exceptionally beneficial set taken as a package, they are the starting point for quite a number of excellent career-tracks. A+ courses cover all of the fundamentals of Computer maintenance, fault-finding and repair; including security, installation and support. To help you to establish yourself within the IT sector, the A+ also covers a number of communication & personal abilities. The Network+ takes things further, by building in a greater knowledge of how networks function & connect with one another. Both 'Security' & wireless technology are discussed to a certain degree. Both qualifications go with each other nicely, and together form a good starting platform for further exam packages, or a good career in IT support.

For the A+ exams allow yourself roughly 100-150 hours to study & prepare, and somewhat less for the Network+ exams (perhaps close to 75-100 hrs). Studying part time, this could be accomplished over a six month period if you pick out the appropriate quality of training & superior examination prep materials.

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