Set up twenty-eight years ago, the Computing Technology Industry Association (or CompTIA in short) is a non profit establishment. The organisation offers vendor-neutral accreditations that have made it a world number one in its industry. This fundamentally means they are absolutely free to independently produce and monitor examinations and accreditations which are needed by the IT sector, irrespective of a specific business' commercial interests. With today's shift towards inter-connectivity and systems 'convergence', this is seen as a great step for the I.T. student, because it gives cross-platform learning & an understanding of integration. Whenever new syllabuses are created, 'CompTIA' invites a number of academic and industrial groups to come together and validate that each area has been regarded equally, & the training programs are commercially appropriate.

The 'A+' program & the Network+ training are CompTIA's flagship certifications. These two, as a group, create the foundation of many modern IT career-tracks - and for good reason. The CompTIA A+ accreditation goes over the fundamentals of computer maintenance, installation, support, security, fault-finding and repair. Additionally , it covers several personal and communication skills required to get your foot on the ladder of I.T.. Expanding on this knowledge, the N+ accreditation examines networks, (which includes routers and servers) and explains exactly how they communicate with each other. Both 'Security' and 'Wi-Fi' are discussed to some extent. Both accreditations go with each other nicely, and together provide an excellent start-up platform for further examination packages, or a strong career in IT support.

As for the 2009 version of the 'Network+' - N10-004 is currently the examination number. A larger importance is focused on security in the '2009' N+ examination, alongside network design and wireless-networking. This naturally is in addition to the foremost elements of network-management & infrastructure.

Expect to allow close to one hundred to one hundred and fifty hours studying time for the 'A+' exams, & for the Network+ close to seventy five to one hundred hours. With the appropriate multi-media training that's backed up by accredited examination preparation software, both accreditations could be achieved in six months for the individual who's studying around employment.

New entrants into the I.T. market can look to CompTIA for many of their initial training packages. Wherever an individual opts to build a career in IT, there are CompTIA accreditations that will increase their abilities. People who are especially considering Networks, Systems, Support, Security, Communications and Servers are especially well served. There's also now a thrust within CompTIA to supply their beginner level STRATA programs to those people who do not actually work within IT, but would gain from a knowledge of the basics of IT & just how it influences their work.

As part of their 'ISO' standardisation move, 'CompTIA' have updated both 'A+' and N+ exams to '2009' editions. Globally the 2006-2007 versions of 'A+' (those with examination prefix number 600) will be retired over the coming year. After 31st August 2010 they will no longer be accessible in the United Kingdom. Up until then, individuals can sit either the 600 or the newer 700 exams in local test-centres (namely 'Vue' & Prometric). Common sense suggests that new students should learn edition '2009'. The specific A+ 2009 exams are now: 'CompTIA' A+ Essentials (exam 220-701) and CompTIA 'A+' Practical Application (examination 220/702.) The main changes were a total restructuring of the preceding four examinations in to just 2 exams, and the inclusion of some information on newer relevant technologies. Formerly, the A+ was split into four exams: one essential & 3 elective specialisations. As the market has moved on, the know-how from all four exams is currently considered crucial, & so has been condensed in to 2 essential exams. CompTIA have also released the BR-003 bridging examination, for students certified under the 600 exams who wish to get up to date with the current 700 exams. Passing the bridging exam will normally require more study, although this ought not to be too difficult for those who initially studied all 4. Clearly however the new technological topics must be learned about.

Several of these jobs are often starting points for higher-level I.T. positions, and so, as with all career tracks, it's vital that you first talk over what your end-goals are, and which learning-style suits you. Do take the opportunity to discuss everything with a training program & I.T. professional - it will help safeguard you against set-backs in the future. Many organisations also offer discounted career-tracks which incorporate these certifications, and so investing in a training 'bundle' can give you substantial cost-savings.

If you are focused on any of these work opportunities, the A+ will serve you well - Call Centre Technician, Depot Technician, PC Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Services Technician, Remote Support Technician and IT Administrator. With CompTIA 'Network+' also, you can look at becoming an IT Cable Installer, a Network Installer, a Network Technician or a Network Administrator.

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