Set up twenty eight years ago, the 'Computing Technology Industry Association' (or 'CompTIA' for short) is a non-profit organisation. They've grown progressively and right now are world leaders in IT accreditations that are vendor-neutral. So they can freely develop and monitor a complete collection of IT industry exams & produce their own certifications that don't apply to just one particular organisations' products. With the current move towards inter-connectivity & systems 'convergence', this is a welcome step for the IT trainee, because it provides cross-platform learning & a knowledge of 'integration'. Each time a new examination is being assembled (or an old one up-graded), 'CompTIA' consults with leading members of the commercial and academic world to create balanced & very relevant material.

Usual study-times for these examinations are judged to be about 100-150 hrs for the 'A+' , and 75 to 100 hrs for the 'Network+' . Learning part-time, this can be accomplished over a half year period if you go for the right quality of training matter and outstanding examination prep software.

The employment roles listed here are all possible for the candidate holding a CompTIA 'A+' certification: Call Centre Technician, Depot Technician, PC Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Services Technician, IT Administrator & Remote Support Technician. Employment prospects open up to include Network Installers, Administrators & Technicians for those who hold the 'CompTIA' Network+ as well.

For a new entrant to I.T., CompTIA provides the basic foundation training in numerous areas. Typically, students who are aiming for employment opportunities within Networking, Systems, Security, Servers, Communications & Support will start with 'CompTIA', although in fact trainees in any IT sector could find a 'CompTIA' accreditation a worthwhile component of their Resume. 'CompTIA' are now also promoting STRATA certifications - these are not specifically for men and women employed in the IT industry, but for those whose positions would benefit from a basic knowledge of computing.

The Network+ 2009 exam is now coded N10-004, updating the old 'N10-003'. In addition to the solid component of managing networks & their internal infrastructure, this latest exam concentrates to a great extent on design, security and wireless skills.

A number of these positions are often starting-points for higher level I.T. careers, therefore, as with all career tracks, it is extremely important to first explore just what your end goals are, & which kind of learning-style you want. This requires actually talking to an experienced IT training advisor to make sure that the route you decide on is suitable & cost-effective. Many companies also offer 'packaged' career-tracks which include these certifications, and so buying in a career bundle can offer considerable cost-savings.

In 2009 both programs under-went up-dates, & new examinations are now in existence for them both. Internationally the 2006-2007 editions of 'A+' (those with examination pre-fix number 600) will be phased-out over the coming twelve months. Come the close of August 2010, the examinations will retire in the British Isles. As 2009 examinations ('700') are already offered at test centres regionally, these newer learning programs are probably a more sensible preference for anyone just starting out. The individual A+ '09 examinations are now: 'CompTIA' A+ Essentials (examination 220/701) and CompTIA 'A+' Practical Application (examination 220/702.) The key modifications were an entire re-structuring of the preceding four exams in to only two exams, and the inclusion of some information on more recent technologies. The previous structure was one required 'essentials' exam and three 'electives', of which just one needed to be sat. But as the industry has progressed, the know-how from all 4 exams is actually considered crucial, and thus has been condensed in to two compulsory exams. Anyone who has formerly passed the '600' exam is allowed to bring their certification up-to-date by taking a bridging exam - BR-003. Supplemental training will undoubtedly end up being required, especially for those who only originally studied for two of the four electives. Adequate training time must be factored in for the new elements though.

The 'A+' program & the 'Network+' training are CompTIA's most widely recognised accreditations. Both of them, as a set, create the building blocks of many modern IT career tracks - & rightly so. The 'CompTIA' 'A+' certification goes over the fundamentals of PC maintenance, security, installation, support, fault finding and repair. To help you become established in the IT industry, the 'A+' also addresses various communication & personal skill-sets. The Network+ takes things further, by building in a greater understanding of how networks operate & connect with one another. Both Security & 'Wi-Fi' are covered to a certain extent. Obtaining both of these qualifications will give a good platform for anyone looking to get into the 'systems' area of the I.T. sector, along with a platform of understanding for additional qualification.

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