'CompTIA' (Computing Technology Industry Association) is a non-profit company formed in 1982. They've grown step by step and right now are world leaders in IT certifications that are vendor neutral. This means they are able to provide & oversee independent industry recognised IT exams & qualifications that don't reflect a single organisation's interests over another. This is excellent for students, as they can be taught about different platforms & how they 'inter-connect' and integrate with one another - a common situation in industry today. Whenever new syllabuses are created, CompTIA invites numerous educational and industrial organisations to join them and confirm that every area has been considered equally, and the programs are appropriate from a commercial perspective.

The 'A+' training & the Network+ training are 'CompTIA's' most widely recognised qualifications. A very important pair considered as a bundle, they are the starting place for many successful career-tracks. The CompTIA 'A+' accreditation covers the fundamentals of PC maintenance, support, security, installation, fault-finding and repair. To help you establish yourself within the I.T. sector, the 'A+' also handles several communication & personal skillsets. Advancing this awareness, the Network+ accreditation looks at networks, (which includes routers and servers) & teaches exactly how they inter-connect. Both Security & Wi-Fi are discussed to some level. CompTIA 'A+' & Network+ will give you a firm base for a Systems career in IT, and also a great platform for other more more senior accreditation programs.

For the 'A+' examinations allow yourself more or less 100-150 hrs to train and prepare, and a bit less for the Network+ exams (maybe close to 75 to 100 hrs). Learning part time, this can be accomplished over a 6 month time period if you go for the appropriate quality of training and first-rate examination prep materials.

The 'Network+' 2009 exam is now numbered 'N10-004', replacing the old N10-003. Along with retaining its focus on network management and infrastructure, the upgraded 2009 examination points to an increased importance on security, wireless networking abilities and network design principles.

For the new student to IT, CompTIA provides the preliminary foundation training in various areas. Whatever area an individual opts to build a career in IT, there are 'CompTIA' qualifications that will enhance their skills. Those who are specifically thinking about Networks, Systems, Support, Security, Communications and Servers are particularly well served. CompTIA are also now offering 'STRATA' certifications : they're not specifically for men and women working in the I.T. sector, but for people whose positions require a basic understanding of computing.

In 2009 each programme under-went updates, & new exams are now available for each of them. 'A+' examinations which commenced using the number '600' (that is the 2006/2007 edition) are being phased-out worldwide. In Britain, they cease being offered on August 31st 2010. As '2009' exams ('700') are already offered at test-centres across the country, these newer learning programs are probably a more sensible option for anyone who is just starting out. A+ '09 is now offered as '220/701' 'CompTIA' 'A+' Essentials & 220/702 CompTIA A+ Practical Application. The key modifications were an entire restructuring of the previous 4 examinations into just two exams, and the addition of some teaching on more recent technologies. Although the older A+ had four examinations within the whole program, only two were necessary for the qualification. As the market has moved on, the knowledge from all four exams is currently regarded as crucial, & therefore has been condensed into two compulsory exams. A bridging examination has been produced by 'CompTIA' for anyone with the older qualification. BR/003 is the exam reference. Further training will undoubtedly be necessary, especially for many who only initially worked on 2 of the four electives. The new technology subjects will of course necessitate some extra learning.

The career roles that follow will be feasible for the applicant with a CompTIA 'A+' accreditation: P.C. Technician, I.T. Administrator, Field Service Technician, Remote Support Technician, Call Centre and Depot Technician & Help Desk Technician. Career opportunities open up to include Network Technicians, Installers and Administrators when you hold the 'CompTIA' 'Network+' as well.

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