'CompTIA' ('Computing Technology Industry Association') is a non-profit organisation that was formed in the early 1980's. They've grown progressively and now lead the world in I.T. qualifications that are vendor neutral. This effectively means they are absolutely free to independently generate & monitor examinations and certifications that are required by the IT sector, irrespective of a particular business' commercial interests. This really is excellent for IT students, because they can be taught about different platforms and how they inter-connect and 'integrate' with each other - a not unusual circumstance in industry today. Each time a new examination is being developed (or a previous one up-dated), 'CompTIA' discusses the content with leading associates of the commercial and academic world to create balanced and highly relevant content.

For the A+ exams set aside for yourself roughly 100-150 hours to train and prepare, & slightly less for the N+ exams (maybe up to 100 hours). This means obtaining both of them inside of six months part time study entirely feasible, provided that superior multi-media training products utilised, in conjunction with good exam preparation-software.

The job roles that follow will be feasible for the individual with a CompTIA A+ qualification: Depot Technician, Call Centre Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Service Technician, PC Technician, Remote Support Technician and IT Administrator. CompTIA Network+ opens up opportunities for Network Administrators and Technicians, Network Installers & IT Cable Installers.

These certifications and positions can be taken on the way to a much more advanced I.T. job. Before you get started on a training course, look at just where you prefer your final destination to be. Do take the opportunity to discuss every little thing with a training and I.T. expert - it will protect you from any set-backs down the road. it is often a good idea to think about tailored career training packages that include the A+ and Network+ programs. 'Bundling' various program materials together is usually quite cost effective.

In 2009 each program underwent upgrades, and new exams are now available for them both. A+ exams which commenced with the prefix '600' (that is the 2006/2007 edition) are now being phased-out worldwide. In the UK, they discontinue on August 31st 2010. 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 students should learn edition '2009'. 'A+' '09 will now be offered as 220-701 CompTIA A+ Essentials & '220-702' 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application. The most crucial changes were a whole restructuring of the previous four exams into only two examinations, & the addition of some information on newer technologies. Even though the previous 'A+' had 4 exams in the whole program, only two were required to get the accreditation. Today the marketplace requires professionals with expertise that used to be in all the four earlier exams. Trainees can get that knowledge from the 2 new essential A+ programs. Anyone who has formerly passed the '600' exam can bring their qualification up-to-date by sitting an up-grade exam - BR/003. This will almost definitely require extra study, although not so much if you studied all 4 of the older exams, instead of only the minimum of two. Clearly however the newer technology topics must be mastered.

Any individual looking to establish themselves in IT will profit from programs and certifications developed by 'CompTIA'. Anyone thinking of getting into networking and support, or servers, security & systems will most often start with 'CompTIA', although it's reasonable to state that 'CompTIA' accreditations will enhance just about any Curriculum Vitae targeted towards the I.T. industry. There's also now a thrust at 'CompTIA' to supply their starter level 'STRATA' courses to those individuals who do not actually work within I.T., but would gain from a knowledge of basic IT & just how it influences their job.

As for the '2009' edition of the Network+ - 'N10-004' is currently the examination number. A larger importance is focused on security in the '2009' Network+ examination, in addition to network design and wireless-networking. This obviously is as well as the core aspects of network management & infrastructure.

'CompTIA' A+ and 'Network+' are undoubtedly the most broadly recognised of their certifications. Jointly they comprise the first step toward many career-paths in I.T., and therefore are leaders in their field. Students learn a good deal of fundamental computer concepts with 'A+' , such as support, repair, maintenance security, installation and fault finding. Additionally , it handles several personal and communication skills needed to get your foot on the ladder of IT. Network+ takes the subject further, by building in a greater understanding of how networks function & communicate with each other. Security is naturally very important, and wireless technology is discussed to a certain extent. Getting both of these accreditations will give a solid platform for anyone seeking to get into the 'systems' side of the I.T. industry, as well as a platform of knowledge for further accreditation.

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