Founded twenty eight years ago, the 'Computing Technology Industry Association' (or CompTIA for short) is a non-profit association. The organisation produces vendor neutral certifications that have made it a world leader in its field. This fundamentally means they're free to independently deliver & monitor exams & certifications which are needed by the IT industry, regardless of a specific company's commercial interests. Because systems regularly 'converge' and inter-connect in industry, this provides the I.T. trainee with a much more rounded knowledge and idea of cross-platform integration. Whenever a new syllabus is created, 'CompTIA' invites several educational and commercial groups to join them and confirm that every aspect has been thought about equally, and the programs are appropriate from a commercial perspective.

The 'A+' program and the Network+ program are 'CompTIA's' flagship accreditations. These two, as a set, create the foundation of many contemporary I.T. career tracks - and rightly so. The CompTIA A+ certification goes over the basics of PC maintenance, installation, support, security, fault finding & repair. Additionally, the A+ covers specific relationship building skills to assist you to communicate better with other people. Expanding on this knowledge, the 'Network+' qualification examines networks, (which includes routers and servers) & describes exactly how they communicate with each other. The critical challenge of 'Security' is introduced, and Wireless technologies are outlined at an elementary level. Obtaining these two accreditations will provide a good grounding for anyone considering getting into the 'systems' area of the IT sector, along with a platform of knowledge for additional qualification.

In-line with their 'ISO' standardisation drive, 'CompTIA' have up-graded both 'A+' & Network+ examinations to 2009 versions. The previous A+ (version 2006/2007) examinations which were categorised with the 600 pre-fix are being retired internationally during 2010. Come the end of August 2010, the examinations will retire in Britain. Up until that time, students can sit either the 600 or the newer 700 examinations in regional test centres (specifically Vue and 'Prometric'). Logic suggests that new trainees should take edition '2009'. 'A+' 2009 will now be presented as 220-701 CompTIA A+ Essentials & '220-702' 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application. The 4 original exams have been re-structured into 2 brand new examinations, and some further updated material has been introduced. The previous format was one required 'essentials' examination & three 'electives', of which only one was required to be sat. But as the industry has developed, the knowledge from all 4 exams is currently regarded as necessary, and so has been condensed in to 2 required exams. A bridging exam has been produced by 'CompTIA' for those who have the old accreditation. BR/003 is the reference number. Passing the upgrade exam will almost always require additional study, although this ought not to be too difficult for people who originally studied all 4. The newly created subject areas will naturally require some extra studying.

New starters in the IT market can look to 'CompTIA' for a good deal of their initial training packages. Wherever an individual opts to work in IT, there are CompTIA accreditations that will augment their abilities. Individuals who are particularly interested in Networks, Security, Systems, Support, Communications and Servers are especially well-served. CompTIA are now also marketing 'STRATA' accreditations - these are not necessarily for those working in the IT sector, but for those whose jobs require a fundamental knowledge of computing.

Be prepared to allow yourself in the region of a hundred to a hundred and fifty hours studying time for the A+ exams, and for the 'Network+' close to seventy five to a hundred hrs. Using the correct multi-media training that's backed up by accredited exam preparation software, the two qualifications could very well be achieved within six months for the student who's studying around a job.

If you are considering any of the following roles, the 'A+' would certainly work for you - Call Centre Technician, Remote Support Technician, Depot Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Service Technician, PC Technician and IT Administrator. Career opportunities will also include Network Installers, Administrators and Technicians for those who hold the 'CompTIA' Network+ too.

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