'CompTIA' ('Computing Technology Industry Association') is a not for profit operation formed in the early 1980's. They've developed step by step & now lead the world in IT accreditations that are vendor neutral. This essentially means they are absolutely free to independently generate and monitor exams & certifications that are required by the IT sector, irrespective of a specific company's commercial interests. As systems regularly converge and inter-connect in the business world, this supplies the I.T. student with a much more rounded knowledge and understanding of cross-platform 'integration'. Each time new syllabuses are created, CompTIA invites several educational & industrial groups to join them & verify that every area has been regarded equally, & the training programs are commercially appropriate.

For the A+ examinations set aside for yourself around 100 to 150 hours to study and prepare, and slightly less for the N+ exams (possibly up to 75-100 hours). Learning part-time, this can be achieved over a half year time period if you opt for the appropriate quality of training matter and first-rate exam preparation products.

These accreditations & employment options are often taken on the way to a advanced IT job. Before you commit yourself to a training course, look at exactly where you prefer your ultimate destination to be. The way to maximise your career-path fully is always to obtain advice from an I.T. advisor before starting out with your training program. It's often advisable to look at customised career-training programs that include the 'A+' and Network+ courses. Bundling a number of course materials into one is often very cost effective.

'CompTIA' A+ and the Network+ are certainly the most broadly accepted of their certifications. Both of them, as a group, form the foundation for many contemporary I.T. career-tracks - & justly so . A+ courses cover all of the fundamental basics of PC maintenance, fault-finding & repair; including support, security & installation. Additionally , it handles several personal and communication skills required to get established in I.T.. The Network+ takes things further, by building in a more in depth understanding of how networks operate and connect with each other. 'Security' is of course paramount, and wireless-technology is covered to some degree. Getting these two certifications will give a solid platform for anybody seeking to get into the systems side of the IT marketplace, along with a foundation of knowledge for further qualification.

In 2009 each program underwent up-dates, and new exams are actually available for each of them. A+ exams that started with the prefix 600 (i.e. the 2006-2007 version) are now being phased-out around the world. In the United Kingdom, they discontinue on August 31st 2010. Up until then, trainees can sit either the 600 or the newer '700' examinations at regional test-centres (specifically Vue & 'Prometric'). Common sense suggests that new entrant trainees should study version 2009. CompTIA A+ Essentials & 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application are the new examination titles (220-701 & 220-702 respectively). In addition to some more content on more recent technology, there are now two exams which cover aspects of all four of the previous examinations. Although the old 'A+' had 4 exams within the total program, just two were expected for the certification. During the last several years, the marketplace has developed to the stage where all four examinations are now regarded as necessary - hence the reformatting into 2 required examinations. A bridging examination has been created by CompTIA for anybody who have the previous qualification. BR-003 is the exam number. Passing the bridging examination will almost always need more study, although it ought not to be too difficult for people who formerly studied all 4. Sufficient training time should be allowed for the new technology aspects however.

For the new entrant to I.T., 'CompTIA' offers the preliminary foundation training in various sectors. Students thinking about getting into networking and support, or systems, servers & security will most often begin with CompTIA, although it's fair to say that 'CompTIA' qualifications can enhance any CV designed for the IT sector. 'CompTIA' are also now offering 'STRATA' accreditations : these are not especially for people working in the I.T. industry, but for people whose positions would benefit from a fundamental understanding of computers.

If you are focused on any of the following roles, the A+ would certainly serve you well - Call Centre Technician, Depot Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Service Technician, PC Technician, Remote Support Technician and IT Administrator. With the 'CompTIA' Network+ also, you're able to look at becoming a Network Installer, an IT Cable Installer, a Network Administrator or a Network Technician .

On to the '2009' version of the 'Network+' - N10-004 is now the examination reference number. A greater importance is focused on Security in the 2009 N+ examination, in addition to network-design & wireless networking. This obviously is in addition to the key elements of network management & infrastructure.

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