The not-for-profit institution 'CompTIA' - 'Computing Technology Industry Association' - was established in the early 1980's. They have built through the years to become the number one in vendor neutral IT certification. So they can independently create & monitor an entire range of IT industry examinations & produce their very own qualifications which don't apply to just one specific vendor's solutions. With the current move towards inter-connectivity and systems 'convergence', this is seen as a great step for the IT student, because it offers cross-platform learning & a comprehension of integration. CompTIA brings together several commercial and learned industry organisations when building or updating an exam, to ensure that all sides are considered & the very best commercially relevant syllabuses are crafted.

The two examinations have quite recently gone through a 2009 'facelift' in-line with the company's move towards ISO standardisation. A+ exams that started with the prefix '600' (i.e. the 2006/2007 version) are now being phased-out internationally. At the close of Aug 2010, the exams will retire in the British Isles. Because both these, & the new '700' examinations are now available to sit in Prometric & Vue test centres, it's sensible to study the 700 exams now, & not have to re-certify later. 'CompTIA' A+ Essentials & CompTIA 'A+' Practical Application are the new exam titles (220/701 & 220/702 respectively). The four earlier examinations have been stream-lined in to two brand new exams, & some further updated information has been added. Originally, the A+ was split into 4 exams: 1 essential & three 'elective' specialisations. Right now the marketplace requires workers with knowledge that was in all the four earlier examinations. Students will get that subject matter from the 2 new compulsory 'A+' programs. 'CompTIA' have also introduced the BR-003 bridging test, for people qualified under the '600' examinations who want to update to the new 700 examinations. Passing the bridging exam will in most cases demand additional study, although this ought not to be especially difficult for people who originally studied all 4. Clearly though the new technology content must be learned about.

For the new trainee to I.T., 'CompTIA' supplies the basic foundation training programs in numerous areas. Whatever area an individual chooses to work in IT, there are 'CompTIA' qualifications that will increase their skills. Those who are particularly interested in Networks, Support, Systems, Security, Communications and Servers are particularly well served. A new set of beginner-level courses called 'STRATA' have been compiled by CompTIA. These are for people who need a better understanding of fundamental IT information, but do not always work with I.T. themselves.

Standard study times for these exams are judged to be in the region of 100 to 150 hours for the A+ , & 75 to 100 hrs for the Network+ . With the appropriate multimedia training that's backed up by authorised examination practice software, both accreditations could very well be completed in half a year for the individual who's learning whilst holding down a job.

CompTIA 'A+' and 'Network+' are by far the most widely recognised of their accreditations. Both of them, as a group, create the foundation for many contemporary I.T. career tracks - and justly so . The CompTIA 'A+' qualification teaches the basics of computer maintenance, support, security, installation, fault-finding and repair. In addition , it addresses various personal and communication skillsets required to get your foot on the ladder of IT. The CompTIA 'Network+' qualification extends this expertise to a deeper understanding of networks, servers & routers, and exactly how they communicate. Security is obviously extremely important, and wireless-technology is discussed to a certain degree. 'CompTIA' A+ and Network+ will give you a solid base for a Systems career in I.T., & also a very good platform for other more more senior qualification programs.

With regards to 'Network+' , the earlier 'N10-003' has currently been updated by the N10-004, the '2009' version. As well as keeping it's attention on network management and infrastructure, the upgraded '2009' examination places a wider emphasis on security, wireless networking abilities and network design concepts.

These accreditations & positions can be taken on the way to a much more senior IT placement. Before you get started on a training course, bear in mind exactly where you plan for your final destination to be. The best way to maximise your career-path fully is to obtain guidance from an IT professional before starting with your training. The best companies offer packaged career-tracks which include these accreditations, & so buying in a training bundle can offer substantial financial savings.

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