Established twenty-eight years ago, the 'Computing Technology Industry Association' (or 'CompTIA' in short) is a non-profit association. They've built over the years to become the leader in vendor-neutral I.T. certification. This means they can offer and oversee independent industry recognised IT examinations & certifications that do not reflect any one company's interests more than another. This is excellent for IT students, as they can learn about various platforms & how they inter-connect and integrate with each other - a not unusual situation in industry today. 'CompTIA' brings together numerous commercial and academic industry organisations when creating or updating an exam, to ensure all sides are considered & the very best industry relevant syllabuses are created.

The two exams have recently undergone a 2009 update in-line with CompTIA's work towards ISO standardisation. 'A+' examinations that started using the number '600' (i.e. the 2006-2007 version) are being phased-out worldwide. In Britain, they cease being offered on 31st August 2010. As 2009 exams ('700') are already offered at test centres across the country, the newer study programs are probably a more practical solution for anyone who is just getting started. CompTIA 'A+' Essentials and CompTIA A+ Practical Application are the new exam titles (220-701 and 220/702 respectively). The 4 earlier examinations have been re-structured into 2 new examinations, and some further updated information has been introduced. Even though the older 'A+' had 4 exams in the complete program, only two were expected for the certification. Over the last four years, the industry has grown to the point where all 4 exams are actually considered necessary - hence the re-formatting into two essential exams. An up-grade exam has been created by 'CompTIA' for anybody who have the previous qualification. 'BR-003' is the reference number. Extra training will almost certainly end up being needed, especially for many who only initially worked on two of the 4 electives. Sufficient study time must be allowed for the new aspects however.

Essentially the most popular of all the CompTIA qualifications are without doubt the 'A+' and the Network+. An incredibly valuable group considered as a package, they're the starting point for a lot of excellent career tracks. The CompTIA 'A+' qualification teaches the fundamentals of PC maintenance, security, installation, support, fault-finding and repair. Additionally, the 'A+' teaches certain relationship-building skillsets to help you communicate much better with other people. Network+ takes the subject further, by working on a more significant understanding of how networks function and communicate with one another. Both 'Security' & Wi-Fi are discussed to a certain level. Having both of these certifications will provide a solid platform for anyone looking to get into the 'systems' side of the IT sector, along with a platform of understanding for additional certification.

The 'Network+' 2009 exam is now coded N10-004, replacing the earlier N10-003. A larger importance is placed on Security in the '2009' Network+ examination, along with network design & wireless networking. This of course is as well as the key aspects of network management and infrastructure.

Anyone starting in IT will benefit from programs and qualifications developed by 'CompTIA'. Students looking to get into networking & support, or servers, security & systems will most often start with CompTIA, though it's true to state that 'CompTIA' certifications can enhance virtually any Resume geared for the I.T. market. 'CompTIA' are now also marketing STRATA accreditations - they're not especially for people employed in the IT industry, but for those whose positions require a fundamental understanding of computers.

The 'CompTIA' 'A+' examinations are mainly aimed at anyone planning to start work in any of the following roles: I.T. Administrator, P.C. Technician, Remote Support Technician, Field Service Technician, Help Desk Technician and Call Centre & Depot Technician. Employment opportunities will also include Network Installers, Administrators and Technicians for those who hold the 'CompTIA' 'Network+' as well.

As you can imagine these jobs can often lead on to more senior assignments if the correct certifications are in place. That is why its essential to look at your long-term plans before deciding on your career training route. The best way to optimise your career-path fully is to obtain guidance from an I.T. advisor prior to starting with your training program. The best companies offer discounted career-tracks which include these qualifications, and so purchasing in a career 'bundle' may offer substantial cost savings.

For the 'A+' exams give yourself somewhere around 100-150 hrs to train and prepare, and somewhat less for the Network+ exams (possibly close to 75-100 hours). With the appropriate multi-media training that is supported by accredited exam practice software, both certifications could be completed in six months for the student who is learning around a job.

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