The non profit institution 'CompTIA' - Computing Technology Industry Association - was formed in 1982. They have built through the years to become the leader in vendor neutral IT certification. So they can freely produce & control a complete range of IT industry exams & produce their very own qualifications which don't apply to just one specific organisations' products. Because systems frequently converge & inter-connect in industry, this provides the IT student with a more rounded knowledge & comprehension of cross-platform integration. 'CompTIA' brings together various commercial & academic industry organisations when designing or up-dating an exam, to make sure that all things are thought about and the very best industry related syllabuses are created.

Expect to allow yourself around one hundred to one hundred and fifty hours studying time for the 'A+' exams, & for the 'Network+' about seventy five to one hundred hours. This means accomplishing both of them in six months part time studying totally viable, as long as quality multi-media training products utilised, together with decent exam preparation software.

The actual 'Network+' 2009 exam is now numbered 'N10-004', updating the earlier N10-003. A bigger importance is placed on security in the 2009 Network+ examination, as well as network design and wireless-networking. This obviously is as well as the key aspects of network management & infrastructure.

The 'A+' program and the Network+ training are 'CompTIA's' flagship accreditations. Collectively they constitute the first step toward a good number of career paths in IT, and as such are market leaders in their field. A+ training programs cover all of the basics of PC maintenance, fault finding and repair; including installation, security and support. On top of that, the 'A+' deals with several relationship building skill-sets that will help you to communicate much better with other people. Developing this knowledge, the 'Network+' certification covers networks, (which includes routers and servers) & teaches exactly how they communicate with each other. Security is needless to say extremely important, & wireless-technology is discussed to a certain degree. CompTIA A+ & 'Network+' provide a solid foundation for a systems career in IT, and furthermore a very good basis for other more more senior accreditation programs.

In 2009 both programs underwent updates, & new examinations are actually available for each of them. Worldwide the 2006-2007 versions of A+ (with examination pre-fix numbers '600') will be phased-out over the next twelve months. In the UK, they discontinue on August 31st 2010. Because both the '600', and the recently released '700' examinations are now available to sit in 'prometric' & 'Vue' test centres, it seems sensible to study for the '700' exams now, & not have to certify again later. The individual 'A+' 2009 exams are now: CompTIA A+ Essentials (exam 220-701) and 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application (exam 220/702.) Along with some additional material on newer technology, there are now two exams which cover components of all 4 of the past examinations. Initially, the A+ was broken into four examinations: one essential and 3 elective specialisations. Over the last 4 years, the industry has grown to the stage where all four examinations have become regarded as essential - hence the reformatting into two required examinations. An upgrade examination has been produced by CompTIA for those who have the old certification. BR-003 is the exam number. This would probably require further study, although less so if you studied all 4 of the original examinations, instead of just the minimum of two. Sufficient training hours really should be allowed for the new technology elements though.

For the new entrant to I.T., CompTIA provides the preliminary foundation training courses in a number of sectors. Anyone thinking about getting into networks and support, or security, systems & servers will usually start with CompTIA, although it is fair to state that CompTIA accreditations will boost virtually any Resume geared for the I.T. sector. CompTIA are also now promoting STRATA qualifications - they're not necessarily for those working in the IT industry, but for people whose positions require a basic understanding of computers.

A number of these jobs can be starting-points for more professional I.T. careers, therefore, much like all career tracks, its vital that you first discuss just what your end-goals are, & what type of learning style you favour. Take time to go through everything with a training program & IT specialist - it will help safeguard you against set-backs down the road. Many organisations offer packaged career paths which include these certifications, and so purchasing in a career bundle can give you substantial cost-savings.

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

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