The not-for-profit institution 'CompTIA' - Computing Technology Industry Association - was established in 1982. They have developed step by step & now are world leaders in I.T. certifications that are vendor neutral. Which means they're able to freely develop and be in control of an entire range of IT industry exams & produce their own accreditations which don't apply to just one particular company's goods. Because systems frequently converge & inter connect in industry, this provides the I.T. student with a more wholesome knowledge & grasp of cross-platform integration. Whenever new syllabuses are produced, CompTIA invites a number of academic & commercial organisations to join them & verify that each aspect has been regarded equally, & the packages are commercially appropriate.

In 2009 both programs underwent up-grades, and new exams are actually in existence for them both. Worldwide the 2006-2007 versions of A+ (with exam prefix number 600) will be retired within the next twelve months. After the 31st August '10 they will no longer be available in the United Kingdom. Since both these, and the new 700 examinations are currently available to sit in Prometric and 'Vue' test-centres, it makes sense to study for the '700' exams now, & not have to certify again later. A+ 2009 is now offered as 220-701 CompTIA 'A+' Essentials & 220/702 CompTIA A+ Practical Application. Together with some extra content on more recent technologies, there are now two exams which cover elements of all 4 of the past examinations. Initially, the A+ was split into four exams: 1 essential and 3 elective specialisations. But as the market has progressed, the knowledge from all four examinations is actually regarded as essential, & consequently has been condensed in to 2 essential assessments. Anyone who has formerly passed the 600 examination is allowed to bring their qualification up to date by taking an upgrade exam - BR-003. Passing the bridging exam will in most cases need additional study, although it shouldn't be too much of a challenge for people who originally studied all four. Adequate study hours must be allowed for the new technology aspects though.

The A+ training & the Network+ program are CompTIAs flagship qualifications. Both of them, as a pair, form the building blocks of many current I.T. career-tracks - and justly so . Students learn a good deal of important computer principles with A+ , including support, repair, maintenance security, installation and fault finding. In addition, the A+ handles several relationship building abilities that may help you communicate much better with other people. 'Network+' takes the subject further, by building in a more significant knowledge of how networks operate & connect with each other. Both Security and wireless technology are covered to a certain level. 'CompTIA' A+ & N+ will give you a solid basis for a Systems career in I.T., & furthermore a very good platform for various other advanced certification programs.

These certifications & positions are often taken enroute to a more advanced IT position. Before you opt for a particular training course, give some thought to where you intend your final destination to be. Do take the opportunity to go through the whole thing with a training program and I.T. professional - it will help safeguard you from any set backs down the road. Many organisations offer discounted career paths which incorporate these accreditations, & so buying in a career bundle can give you substantial cost-savings.

On to the '2009' edition of the Network+ - N10-004 is now the exam reference number. In addition to keeping it's attention on network infrastructure & management, the up-dated '2009' examination points to a wider importance on security, wireless networking skills and network-design concepts.

If you're interested in any of these roles, the 'A+' would certainly work for you - Depot Technician, Call Centre Technician, PC Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Services Technician, Remote Support Technician and IT Administrator. 'CompTIA' Network+ unwraps opportunities for Network Administrators and Technicians, Network Installers & IT Cable Installers.

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