CompTIA ('Computing Technology Industry Association') is a not for profit organisation that was formed in 1982. They've developed through the years to become the number one in vendor neutral IT certification. This essentially means they're free to independently deliver and monitor exams & certifications which are required by the I.T. sector, regardless of a particular company's commercial interests. With the current move towards inter-connectivity and systems convergence, this is a great step for the IT student, as it provides cross platform learning & an understanding of 'integration'. 'CompTIA' brings together several commercial and learned industry groups when building or upgrading an examination, to ensure that all things are thought about and the most industry related syllabuses are created.

Several of these roles can be starting-points for higher-level IT careers, and so, much like all career tracks, it's important to first talk over just what your end goals are, & what type of learning-style you prefer. Do take time to discuss everything with a training and I.T. professional - it will help safeguard you against set backs as time goes on. IT Training organisations can often produce a tailored training path by assembling a combination of training programs that will take the student from where they're starting from to wherever they want to go.

In 2009 each program underwent upgrades, & new examinations are actually to be found for each of them. The former 'A+' (version 2006-2007) exams that were classified with the '600' prefix are now being phased out globally during 2010. At the end of Aug 2010, the examinations will be retired in Great Britain. Up to then, trainees can sit either the 600 or the more recent '700' exams at local test-centres (namely Vue & Prometric). Common sense dictates that new students should learn version 2009. 'CompTIA' 'A+' Essentials and 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application are the new exam titles (220/701 and 220/702 respectively). The principle changes were a whole restructuring of the previous 4 examinations into only two examinations, & the addition of some teaching on more recent relevant technologies. Although the older 'A+' had four examinations within the complete program, only 2 were needed to get the qualification. Right now the marketplace demands professionals with know-how that used to be in all four past examinations. Trainees will learn that information from the two '2009' compulsory 'A+' programs. A bridging examination has been produced by CompTIA for anybody who have the previous certification. BR/003 is the exam number. Successfully passing the bridging examination will normally require further study, but it ought not to be especially onerous for people who formerly studied all 4. Plainly though the new technology topics will need to be mastered.

For the 'A+' exams give yourself somewhere around 100 to 150 hours to study and prepare, and slightly less for the Network+ exams (perhaps around 75 to 100 hours). Learning part-time, this could be accomplished over a 6 month time period if you go for an appropriate quality of training matter & superior examination prep materials.

The most renowned of all the 'CompTIA' qualifications are undoubtedly the A+ & the Network+. An exceptionally useful pair taken as a bundle, they're the kick off point for a lot of thriving career-tracks. 'A+' training covers all the fundamental basics of PC maintenance, fault finding & repair; including support, security & installation. So that you can establish yourself in the I.T. market, the A+ also handles several communication and personal skills. The CompTIA 'Network+' accreditation expands this knowledge to a more thorough comprehension of networking, servers and routers, & exactly how they connect together. Security is obviously very important, & wireless-technology is covered to a certain extent. The two qualifications go with each other nicely, & collectively form a good starting platform for other examination programs, or a solid career in I.T. support.

The 'Network+' 2009 examination is now coded N10-004, replacing the old N10-003. As well as the strong component of managing and running networks and their infrastructures, the new exam focuses closely on design, security and wireless skill-sets.

If you are considering any of the following careers, the A+ will serve you well : Call Centre Technician, Depot Technician, PC Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Services Technician, Remote Support Technician and IT Administrator. 'CompTIA' 'Network+' unwraps possibilities for Network Administrators & Technicians, Network Installers & IT Cable Installers.

For a new trainee to I.T., 'CompTIA' supplies the initial foundation training programs in many sectors. Students wanting to get into networking and support, or security, systems & servers should most often start with CompTIA, although its fair to state that CompTIA certifications will enhance any CV targeted towards the I.T. industry. The latest package of starter level courses called 'STRATA' have been compiled by 'CompTIA'. These are for those who could do with a greater idea of fundamental IT information, but don't specifically work in IT themselves.

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