Founded twenty-eight years ago, the 'Computing Technology Industry Association' (or 'CompTIA' in short) is a not for profit institution. The organisation produces vendor neutral accreditations that have made it a global number one in it's field. This basically means they're free to independently produce and monitor exams and certifications that are needed by the I.T. industry, irrespective of a particular company's commercial interests. With the current move towards inter-connectivity & systems 'convergence', this is seen as a great move for the I.T. trainee, because it offers cross platform learning & a knowledge of integration. Every time a new syllabus is produced, 'CompTIA' invites numerous educational and industrial groups to join them and verify that every aspect has been considered equally, & the packages are appropriate from a commercial perspective.

The employment roles that follow are all possible for the individual with a 'CompTIA' 'A+' accreditation: P.C. Technician, I.T. Administrator, Remote Support Technician, Field Service Technician, Help Desk Technician and Call Centre & Depot Technician. With 'CompTIA' 'Network+' as well, you could think about becoming a Network Installer, an IT Cable Installer, a Network Administrator or a Network Technician .

In-line with their 'ISO' standardisation move, CompTIA have upgraded both A+ & Network+ examinations to '2009' editions. 'A+' exams that started with the prefix 600 (that is the 2006-2007 version) are being phased out globally. In the UK, they cease being offered on 31st August 2010. Up to that time, trainees can sit either the 600 or the more recent 700 exams at local test-centres (namely Vue & Prometric). Reason suggests that new trainees should take edition '2009'. 'A+' 2009 is currently presented as '220-701' CompTIA 'A+' Essentials & '220-702' 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application. The four original exams have been streamlined into 2 new exams, & some further updated material has been included. Even though the old 'A+' had 4 examinations within the whole program, just two were necessary to get the qualification. But as the market has progressed, the knowledge from all 4 examinations is currently deemed essential, & consequently has been condensed into 2 compulsory exams. Anybody who has previously achieved the 600 exam may bring their accreditation up to date by taking an upgrade exam - 'BR-003'. Passing the up-grade examination will in most cases need further study, but this ought not to be too difficult for those who originally studied all four. Sufficient study time really should be allowed for the new elements however.

By far the most well-known of all the 'CompTIA' certifications are undoubtedly the 'A+' and 'Network+'. Both of them, as a group, create the building blocks of many contemporary I.T. career-tracks - and rightly so. 'A+' training covers all of the fundamental basics of PC maintenance, fault finding & repair; including installation, security and support. In addition, the 'A+' covers several relationship-building skill-sets that may help you communicate more effectively with others. The CompTIA N+ certification stretches this awareness to a deeper comprehension of networks, servers & routers, and exactly how they connect together. The very important matter of Security is introduced, & Wireless networks are described at an elementary level. CompTIA A+ and N+ provide a solid footing for a systems career in IT, and furthermore an excellent platform for other more more senior accreditation programs.

As for the '09 version of the Network+ - 'N10-004' is currently the examination number. Along with maintaining its teaching on network infrastructure and management, the upgraded 2009 examination places a greater emphasis on security, wireless-networking skills and network-design principles.

For a new student to IT, 'CompTIA' provides the basic foundation training programs in various areas. Usually, trainees who are planning on careers in Networking, Security, Servers, Systems, Support and Communications can begin with CompTIA, however trainees within any IT sector would likely find a 'CompTIA' certification a worthwhile addition to their Resume. The latest package of beginner level programs called 'STRATA' have been released by 'CompTIA'. These are designed for those who need a better understanding of fundamental IT information, but don't always work with IT themselves.

Obviously these roles frequently lead onto more senior roles if the appropriate qualifications have been put in place. That's why it is imperative to look at your long-term ideas before selecting your career training track. Do take the opportunity to go through every little thing with a training & IT expert - it will safeguard you against set backs later on. it is often a good option to look at customised career training packages that incorporate the A+ & Network+ courses. Bundling a number of course materials together can be very cost-effective.

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