'CompTIA' ('Computing Technology Industry Association') is a non-profit organisation formed in the early 1980's. The company offers vendor-neutral certifications that have made it a world leader in its field. What this means is they are able to supply and oversee independent industry-recognised IT examinations & qualifications that don't reflect any one organisation's interests more than another. As systems frequently converge & inter connect in the business world, this supplies the IT trainee with a more rounded knowledge & comprehension of cross-platform integration. CompTIA gathers together several commercial and learned industry organisations when building or upgrading an examination, to make sure that all things are thought about and the very best commercially related syllabuses are created.

Standard study-times for these examinations are considered to be in the region of 100 to 150 hrs for the 'A+' , & 75-100 hours for the 'Network+' . Studying part time, this can be done over a six month time period if you go for the appropriate quality of training & first-rate exam preparation products.

For a new entrant to I.T., CompTIA supplies the initial foundation training in many areas. Wherever a student chooses to build a career in I.T., there are various CompTIA qualifications that will augment their skills. Individuals who are particularly interested in Networks, Security, Systems, Support, Servers & Communications are especially well-served. There's also now a drive within 'CompTIA' to supply their starter level STRATA courses to those individuals who don't actually work within IT, but would gain from a comprehension of the basics of IT and exactly how it impacts their work.

In-line with their 'ISO' standardisation move, 'CompTIA' have updated both A+ and Network+ exams to '2009' versions. The former 'A+' (version 2006/2007) examinations that were classified using the 600 pre-fix are now being retired worldwide through 2010. At the end of Aug 2010, the examinations will be retired in Britain. Up until that date, students can sit either the '600' or the newer 700 exams in local test centres (specifically Vue & Prometric). Reason dictates that new entrant students should take edition '2009'. A+ '09 is now presented as 220-701 CompTIA A+ Essentials and '220-702' 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application. The four earlier examinations have been re-structured into two brand new exams, & some more up-dated material has been included. Originally, the A+ was broken into four exams: one essential & 3 elective specialisations. Over the last several years, the marketplace has developed to the stage where all four examinations have become considered necessary - hence the reformatting in to 2 required exams. Those who have previously passed the '600' examination is allowed to bring their certification up-to-date by sitting a bridging examination : BR/003. Additional training will almost certainly be required, especially for individuals who only originally studied for 2 of the 4 electives. Obviously however the new technological content will have to be studied.

The job roles that follow will be possible for the individual with a 'CompTIA' A+ qualification: P.C. Technician, I.T. Administrator, Field Service Technician, Remote Support Technician, Call Centre and Depot Technician & Help Desk Technician. CompTIA Network+ unwraps opportunities for Network Technicians & Administrators, Network Installers & IT Cable Installers.

A number of these roles are often starting-points for higher level I.T. careers, therefore, much like all career tracks, it is important to first discuss what your end-goals are, and which learning style suits you. This means a discussion with a skilled industry expert to ensure that the track you select is right and cost effective. It's often sensible to consider tailored career-training programs that include the 'A+' and 'Network+' courses. 'Bundling' various course materials together is often very financially attractive.

'CompTIA' 'A+' and Network+ are certainly the most broadly recognised of their qualifications. Together they encompass the first step toward a good number of career-paths in IT, and consequently are market leaders in their field. 'A+' courses cover all of the fundamental basics of Computer maintenance, fault-finding & repair; including installation, security and support. To help you establish yourself in the IT marketplace, the A+ also addresses a number of communication & personal skills. 'Network+' takes things further, by working on a more significant knowledge of how networks operate and communicate with each other. Both 'Security' and Wi-Fi are dealt with to a certain level. CompTIA 'A+' & N+ provide a solid base for a Systems career in I.T., & also an excellent basis for various other advanced certification programs.

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