CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) is a not for profit company that was formed in 1982. They've developed over the years to become the leader in vendor neutral IT certification. This essentially means they're free to independently deliver and monitor exams and qualifications that are needed by the IT sector, regardless of a particular company's commercial interests. With today's move towards inter-connectivity and systems convergence, this is a welcome step for the I.T. student, because it provides cross platform learning and a knowledge of integration. Whenever new syllabuses are produced, CompTIA invites numerous educational and industrial groups to join them & validate that every aspect has been considered equally, and the packages are appropriate from a commercial perspective.

In-line with their ISO standardisation drive, 'CompTIA' have upgraded both A+ & Network+ examinations to '2009' editions. The previous A+ (edition 2006-2007) exams that were classified using the '600' prefix are being retired internationally through 2010. In the United Kingdom, they cease being offered on August 31st 2010. Since both the '600', & the new '700' examinations at the moment are allowed to be taken 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 examination titles (220/701 & 220-702 respectively). The four previous examinations have been re-structured into two brand new examinations, & some further updated information has been added. The old format was one compulsory 'essentials' examination and three electives, of which just one was required to be taken. But as the market has developed, the know-how from all 4 exams is currently deemed essential, and thus has been condensed into 2 essential assessments. CompTIA also have introduced the BR-003 'up-grade' examination, for students accredited under the '600' examinations who want to up-date to the new 700 exams. Further training will almost certainly end up being needed, especially for individuals who just originally worked on 2 of the 4 electives. Clearly though the newer technology topics will have to be mastered.

Clearly these careers often lead to far more advanced assignments if the relevant qualifications are in place. That's why its imperative to look at your long term plans before choosing your personal career training path. Do take the opportunity to go through everything with a training & IT advisor - it will help safeguard you from any set backs as time goes on. IT Training organisations should offer to develop a bespoke training-path by putting together a number of programs that will take the student from where they're starting from to where they would like to go.

'CompTIA' A+ & Network+ are by far and away the most widely accepted of their accreditations. Together they comprise the first step toward a good number of career-paths in I.T., & consequently are market leaders within their industry. The CompTIA 'A+' accreditation teaches the fundamentals of computer maintenance, security, installation, support, fault finding & repair. To help you to establish yourself within the I.T. industry, the 'A+' also handles a variety of communication and personal abilities. 'Network+' takes things further, by building in a more significant knowledge of how networks operate and connect with each other. 'Security' is of course paramount, & wireless-technology is discussed to some extent. The two accreditations go with one another nicely, & together provide a good start-up platform for further exam packages, or a good career in I.T. support.

If you are thinking about any of these work opportunities, the A+ would certainly work well - Depot Technician, Call Centre Technician, PC Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Services Technician, IT Administrator, and Remote Support Technician. Employment opportunities will also include Network Installers, Administrators and Technicians for those who have the CompTIA Network+ too.

For the A+ exams set aside for yourself approximately 100-150 hours to train & prepare, and a bit less for the Network+ examinations (maybe close to 75 to 100 hrs). Learning part time, this could be achieved over a half year time period if you decide on the right quality of training & outstanding examination preparation software.

The actual 'Network+' 2009 examination has been coded 'N10-004', updating the previous N10-003. In addition to maintaining it's focus on network infrastructure & management, the upgraded 2009 exam places a wider emphasis on Security, wireless-networking abilities and network design principles.

Any individual starting in I.T. will certainly benefit from training and qualifications produced by CompTIA. Typically, students who are interested in careers in Networking, Security, Servers, Systems, Support and Communications will start with CompTIA, however trainees in any IT sector would likely find a CompTIA certification a worthwhile addition to their CV. There's also now a thrust within CompTIA to deliver their beginner level 'STRATA' programs to those individuals who do not work in IT, but would gain from a comprehension of the basics of IT & just how it affects their job.

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