The non profit organisation 'CompTIA' - Computing Technology Industry Association - was established in the early 1980's. They've developed step by step & right now lead the world in IT qualifications that are vendor neutral. This essentially means they're free to independently deliver and monitor examinations & certifications which are required by the IT sector, irrespective of a specific business' commercial interests. Because systems regularly 'converge' and inter-connect in industry, this provides the IT student with a more wholesome knowledge & grasp of cross-platform integration. Each time a new exam is being assembled (or an earlier one upgraded), 'CompTIA' consults with leading associates of the professional and academic world to provide balanced and very relevant material.

The 'CompTIA' 'A+' examinations are predominantly aimed at anybody looking to begin a job in any of these roles: Call Centre Technician, Depot Technician, PC Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Services Technician, Remote Support Technician and IT Administrator. 'CompTIA' 'Network+' opens up possibilities for Network Administrators and Technicians, IT Cable Installers & Network Installers.

These accreditations and job roles are in many cases done on the way to a much more advanced I.T. position. Before you commit yourself to a training-program, give some thought to exactly where you prefer your final destination to be. Take time to go through everything with a training & I.T. advisor - it will safeguard you from any set backs down the road. Many organisations offer 'packaged' career-tracks which incorporate these qualifications, & so investing in a career 'bundle' frequently offers substantial reductions in price.

Both of the examinations have recently been subject to a 2009 'facelift' in line with the company's move towards ISO standardisation. The earlier A+ (edition 2006-2007) examinations that were categorised using the 600 pre-fix are now being retired worldwide throughout 2010. After 31st August 2010 they will not be obtainable in the UK. As both the '600', and the recently released 700 examinations are now available to sit in 'prometric' & Vue test centres, it's sensible to study for the 700 exams now, and not have to certify again later. The specific A+ '09 examinations are now: 'CompTIA' A+ Essentials (exam 220-701) & CompTIA 'A+' Practical Application (exam 220/702.) The 4 original examinations have been re-structured into 2 new examinations, & some additional up-dated material has been added in. Formerly, the 'A+' was broken into four examinations: one essential and three 'elective' specialisations. But as the industry has moved on, the expertise from all 4 exams is actually regarded as crucial, & therefore has been fine-tuned into 2 essential assessments. CompTIA also have produced the BR/003 'up-grade' test, for trainees certified in the 600 exams who need to get up to date with the new '700' examinations. Extra training will almost certainly end up being required, especially for individuals who only originally worked on 2 of the four electives. Plainly though the newer technological topics must be studied.

New students to the I.T. market can turn to CompTIA for a good deal of their preliminary study programs. Typically, trainees who are interested in careers within Networking, Servers, Systems, Security, Communications & Support can begin with 'CompTIA', although in fact students within any IT sector would likely find a 'CompTIA' certification a worthwhile component of their Curriculum Vitae. 'CompTIA' are also now producing STRATA qualifications - these are not designed for those working in the I.T. industry, but for those whose careers require a fundamental knowledge of computers.

The A+ program & the 'Network+' program are CompTIA's most widely recognised certifications. Together they constitute the basis of many career paths in IT, and as a result are frontrunners within their field. Individuals get to grips with a good deal of basic computer concepts with A+ , including maintenance, support, repair, security, installation & fault-finding. So that you can establish yourself within the IT industry, the 'A+' also handles various communication & personal skills. Network+ takes things further, by working on a more in-depth knowledge of how networks function and connect with each other. 'Security' is naturally vital, and wireless technology is covered to some extent. The two accreditations go with each other nicely, and collectively provide a good starting platform for other examination programs, or a solid career in IT support.

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