Established twenty-eight years ago, the 'Computing Technology Industry Association' (or CompTIA for short) is a non profit organisation. They have developed through the years to become the leader in vendor-neutral IT certification. So they can freely produce & monitor an entire collection of I.T. industry examinations & issue their own qualifications that don't apply to just one specific organisations' goods. This really is very good for students, as they can be taught about different platforms and how they 'inter-connect' & 'integrate' with each other - a common circumstance now in industry. CompTIA brings together different commercial and learned industry organisations when building or upgrading an exam, to ensure all sides are considered & the most industry relevant syllabuses are created.

CompTIA 'A+' and 'Network+' are undoubtedly the most widely accepted of their certifications. These two, as a set, form the building blocks for many current IT career tracks - & for good reason. A+ training covers all of the fundamental basics of Computer maintenance, fault finding and repair; including installation, security and support. Additionally, the A+ deals with several relationship-building skillsets to assist you to communicate much better with others. Expanding on this knowledge, the Network+ accreditation goes into networks, (this includes routers and servers) & explains exactly how they communicate with each other. Both 'Security' and Wi-Fi are covered to a certain level. Both accreditations complement one another well, and together form an excellent starting platform for additional examination packages, or a good career in IT support.

In 2009 each programme underwent up-dates, and new examinations are now to be found for each of them. Globally the 2006/2007 editions of A+ (those with examination prefix 600) will be phased out within the coming twelve months. In the United Kingdom, they discontinue on 31st August 2010. As both the '600', and the recently released '700' examinations are currently available to sit in 'prometric' & Vue test centres, it's sensible to study the '700' exams now, & avoid having to re-certify later. A+ 2009 is now offered as 220-701 CompTIA A+ Essentials & '220-702' 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application. The principle modifications were a complete restructuring of the past four exams into only 2 exams, & the addition of some coverage on more recent technologies. Even though the previous 'A+' had four examinations within the complete program, only two were required for the qualification. Right now the industry requires professionals with knowledge that was in all the four preceding examinations. Individuals will learn that knowledge from the two '2009' compulsory A+ programs. An upgrade examination has been created by CompTIA for anyone who have the previous certification. BR-003 is the exam reference. Passing the bridging examination will usually demand additional study, but this shouldn't be too onerous for those who initially studied all 4. The extra topics will naturally necessitate some fresh studying.

These certifications & employment options can be taken en-route to a senior IT placement. Before you get started on a training program, look at just where you intend your career destination to be. Do take the opportunity to go through everything with a training and IT advisor - it will safeguard you from any set backs as time goes on. It can be advisable to think about personalised career training packages that incorporate the 'A+' & Network+ courses. Bundling several course materials into one can be quite financially attractive.

Any of the career roles listed here are all appropriate for the individual with a 'CompTIA' A+ qualification: Remote Support Technician, Call Centre and Depot Technician, Field Service Technician, Help Desk Technician, IT Administrator and PC Technician . With CompTIA 'Network+' also, you could look at becoming an IT Cable Installer, a Network Installer, a Network Administrator or a Network Technician .

With regard to 'Network+' , the earlier N10-003 has today been updated by the 'N10-004', the '2009' version. As well as keeping its teaching on network management and infrastructure, the up-dated 2009 exam points to a greater importance on security, wireless networking abilities and network design principles.

New entrants into the IT market can look to 'CompTIA' for quite a number of their initial training courses. Whatever area a trainee chooses to work in I.T., there are CompTIA accreditations that will increase their skills. Those who are especially interested in Networks, Systems, Support, Security, Servers and Communications are especially well-served. CompTIA are now also offering STRATA certifications - these are not especially for those working in the I.T. industry, but for people whose jobs would benefit from a fundamental knowledge of computers.

For the A+ examinations allow yourself approximately 100 to 150 hours to train and prepare, and somewhat less for the N+ examinations (possibly close to 75 to 100 hours). Studying part time, this can be achieved over a half year time period if you choose an appropriate quality of training matter and superior exam prep products.

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