The not-for-profit institution 'CompTIA' - 'Computing Technology Industry Association' - was established in 1982. The operation offers vendor neutral certifications that have made it a world leader in it's field. So they can freely produce and control an entire range of IT industry examinations and produce their own qualifications that don't just apply to one particular company's goods. With today's move to inter connectivity & systems convergence, this is seen as a great step for the IT trainee, as it gives cross-platform learning & a comprehension of 'integration'. CompTIA brings together various business & learned industry organisations when creating or up-dating an examination, to ensure that all sides are thought about and the most industry related syllabuses are crafted.

The 'A+' program and the 'Network+' program are CompTIAs flagship qualifications. Both of them, as a group, form the foundation of many contemporary IT career tracks - and for a good reason. Individuals get to grips with a good deal of basic PC concepts with A+ , such as repair, maintenance, support security, installation and fault-finding. In addition , it handles various personal & communication skills required to get your foot on the ladder of IT. Expanding on this awareness, the 'Network+' certification looks at networks, (including routers and servers) and explains exactly how they communicate with each other. The vital issue of Security is underlined, & Wireless networks are outlined at an introductory level. Obtaining both of these accreditations will provide a solid platform for anyone thinking of getting into the 'systems' side of the IT sector, together with a foundation of understanding for further qualification.

Any of the job roles that follow will be possible for the applicant holding a CompTIA 'A+' qualification: Remote Support Technician, Call Centre and Depot Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Service Technician, IT Administrator and PC Technician . CompTIA 'Network+' opens up opportunities for Network Administrators & Technicians, Network Installers & IT Cable Installers.

As part of their ISO standardisation move, CompTIA have upgraded both A+ and N+ exams to '2009' editions. Internationally the 2006/2007 versions of A+ (those with examination prefix number 600) will be retired over the coming 12 months. At the close of Aug 2010, the examinations will be retired in Britain. Up to then, trainees can sit either the '600' or the newer '700' examinations in local test-centres (specifically 'Vue' & Prometric). Reason dictates that new entrant students should learn version '2009'. A+ 2009 is currently offered as 220-701 CompTIA 'A+' Essentials and 220-702 CompTIA A+ Practical Application. The four earlier exams have been streamlined into 2 brand new exams, and some further up-dated material has been included. Although the older 'A+' had four exams in the whole program, only two were expected to get the qualification. These days the industry demands professionals with knowledge that was in all four preceding examinations. Students can get that information from the two new compulsory A+ programs. CompTIA have also introduced the 'BR-003' 'up-grade' test, for people certified in the '600' examinations who need to get up to date with the new 700 examinations. Successfully passing the upgrade exam will in most cases need more study, but this shouldn't be especially much of a challenge for people who initially studied all four. Obviously however the new technology topics must be mastered.

Anybody coming into I.T. will benefit from programs and certifications developed by 'CompTIA'. Generally, students who are interested in careers within Networking, Servers, Systems, Security, Communications & Support will begin with 'CompTIA', although trainees within any sector would likely find a CompTIA accreditation a helpful addition to their Resume. There's also now a drive within 'CompTIA' to provide their starter-level STRATA products to those men and women who do not work in I.T., but would gain from a comprehension of basic I.T. & just how it impacts their work.

Be expecting to give yourself close to one hundred to a hundred & fifty hours studying time for the 'A+' exams, & for the N+ close to seventy five to a hundred hours. This means accomplishing both of them inside of 6 months part time studying very likely, provided that good quality multimedia training materials are used, in conjunction with effective examination preparation-software.

The 'Network+' 2009 exam is now numbered 'N10-004', replacing the earlier N10-003. A bigger importance is placed on Security in the '09 N+ exam, in addition to network-design and wireless networking. This of course is as well as the foremost aspects of network-management and infrastructure.

A number of these positions are often starting-points for higher level I.T. careers, and so, much like all career-tracks, it is vital that you first talk about exactly what your end-goals are, and which kind of learning-style you prefer. The best way to maximise your career-path the most is to obtain advice from an IT professional prior to starting out with your training program. it is often a good option to think about tailored career-training programs that include the 'A+' and Network+ programs. Bundling a number of course materials together is usually very cost effective.

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