Founded 28 years ago, the Computing Technology Industry Association (or 'CompTIA' in short) is a non-profit establishment. They've developed over time to become the number one in vendor neutral IT accreditation. This basically means they're free to independently create & monitor examinations & qualifications which are needed by the I.T. industry, irrespective of a particular company's commercial interests. With the current move towards 'inter-connectivity' & systems 'convergence', this is seen as a welcome step for the I.T. student, because it delivers cross-platform learning & an understanding of integration. When a new examination is being developed (or an earlier one updated), 'CompTIA' consults with top associates of the professional and educational world to produce well balanced & extremely relevant content.

Anybody looking to establish themselves in I.T. will profit from programs & qualifications produced by 'CompTIA'. In general, individuals who are interested in careers within Networking, Systems, Security, Servers, Communications & Support can start with CompTIA, but in fact trainees in any IT sector would find a 'CompTIA' certification a helpful addition to their CV. 'CompTIA' are now also promoting 'STRATA' qualifications : these are not especially for those working in the I.T. sector, but for those whose careers need a fundamental understanding of computers.

Any of the employment roles listed here will be feasible for the individual holding a 'CompTIA' 'A+' accreditation: Depot Technician, Call Centre Technician, Remote Support Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Service Technician, PC Technician & IT Administrator. Job prospects will also include Network Technicians, Installers and Administrators for those who have the CompTIA Network+ as well.

Several of these jobs are often starting points for higher level IT positions, therefore, as with all career tracks, it is extremely important to first discuss what your end-goals are, & which learning style suits you. This requires actually talking to a skilled training expert to make sure that the path you select is suitable and cost-effective. It can be beneficial to look at tailored career training packages that incorporate the 'A+' & Network+ programs. Bundling various program materials together is often quite cost-effective.

Typical learning time for these exams are judged to be about 100 to 150 hours for the A+ , and 75 to 100 hrs for the N+ . This makes achieving them both inside of 6 months part time studying very possible, as long as quality multi-media training materials are used, in conjunction with good examination preparation software.

The two examinations have recently undergone a 2009 upgrade in line with CompTIA's work towards 'ISO' standardisation. Globally the 2006/2007 versions of A+ (with exam pre-fix number 600) will disappear within the next year. Come the end of Aug 2010, the exams will retire in the British Isles. Since both these, & the recently released 700 exams at the moment are allowed to be taken in 'prometric' & Vue test centres, it seems sensible to study for the '700' exams now, and not have to re-certify later on. 'CompTIA' 'A+' Essentials & 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application are the new examination titles (220-701 & 220/702 respectively). The principle modifications were a whole restructuring of the past 4 exams into only two exams, & the addition of some teaching on more recent technologies. Formerly, the 'A+' was split into 4 exams: 1 essential and three elective specialisations. Over the last four years, the market has grown to the stage where all four examinations have become thought to be necessary - hence the reformatting in to 2 required exams. Those who have previously achieved the 600 exam can bring their accreditation up to date by sitting an up-grade exam : 'BR-003'. Additional training will undoubtedly end up being required, especially for many who just originally studied for two of the four 'electives'. The extra subjects will naturally call for some fresh learning.

In relation to 'Network+' , the old N10-003 has today been updated by the N10-004, the 2009 version. Along with maintaining its teaching on network infrastructure and management, the updated '2009' exam places a greater emphasis on security, wireless networking skills and network-design principles.

By far the most well known of all of the 'CompTIA' certifications are undoubtedly the 'A+' and Network+. An incredibly beneficial pair considered as a bundle, they're the kick off point for quite a number of successful career paths. Students get to grips with a good deal of essential computer concepts with 'A+' , such as repair, maintenance, support installation, security and fault finding. In addition , it addresses certain personal and communication skill-sets needed to get into I.T.. Network+ takes the subject further, by building in a more significant understanding of how networks function and connect with each other. Both Security & wireless technology are dealt with to some degree. The two certifications go with each other nicely, and together form a good starting platform for other exam programs, or a good career in IT support.

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