The not for profit institution 'CompTIA' - Computing Technology Industry Association - was formed in the early 1980's. They've built over time to become the number one in vendor neutral I.T. accreditation. What this means is they can provide & over-see independent industry-recognised IT exams & certifications that don't reflect any one company's interests more than another. With today's move to inter connectivity and systems convergence, this is seen as a welcome move for the I.T. student, because it provides cross platform learning and a comprehension of integration. Every time a new examination is being put together (or a previous one updated), CompTIA consults with top members of the industrial and academic world to create balanced and extremely relevant material.

Be prepared to give yourself around one hundred to one hundred & fifty hours learning time for the A+ examinations, and for the N+ close to seventy five to a hundred hours. Learning part-time, this can be achieved over a six month period if you pick out the appropriate quality of training matter and excellent examination preparation products.

In 2009 both programs under-went up-grades, & new exams are now to be found for each of them. The earlier 'A+' (version 2006-2007) examinations which were classified with the 600 prefix are now being phased out internationally throughout 2010. In Great Britain, they discontinue on 31st August 2010. Since both the '600', and the recently released '700' examinations are currently allowed to be taken in Prometric & Vue test-centres, it makes sense to study the '700' exams now, and not have to certify again later on. 'A+' '09 is currently offered as 220-701 'CompTIA' 'A+' Essentials and 220/702 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application. The four original examinations have been streamlined into 2 brand new exams, and some further up-dated material has been added in. Originally, the 'A+' was broken into 4 exams: one essential & 3 elective specialisations. Nowadays the sector needs workers with knowledge that was in all the four past examinations. Students can get that subject matter from the 2 new obligatory 'A+' programs. An upgrade examination has been produced by CompTIA for everyone who have the older accreditation. BR/003 is the exam number. Further training will almost certainly end up being necessary, particularly for individuals who just initially worked on 2 of the four electives. Clearly though the new technology topics will have to be learned about.

The CompTIA A+ examinations are principally suitable for anybody looking to begin work in any of the following roles: Call Centre Technician, Depot Technician, Field Services Technician, PC Technician, Help Desk Technician, IT Administrator, and Remote Support Technician. Career opportunities will also include Network Technicians, Installers and Administrators when you pass the 'CompTIA' 'Network+' as well.

Anybody starting in I.T. will profit from programs and certifications produced by CompTIA. Generally, trainees who are planning on employment opportunities within Networking, Security, Servers, Systems, Support and Communications will start out with CompTIA, although trainees in any IT sector would find a 'CompTIA' accreditation a helpful component of their CV. 'CompTIA' are now also producing 'STRATA' qualifications : they're not designed for those working in the I.T. sector, but for people whose careers would benefit from a fundamental knowledge of computers.

These certifications and employment options are often taken enroute to a more advanced I.T. role. Before you decide to commit yourself to a training program, bear in mind where you want your final destination to be. Take time to discuss the whole thing with a training program & I.T. expert - it will help safeguard you against set-backs later on. It's often really useful to look at tailored career-training packages that include the 'A+' and Network+ programs. 'Bundling' a number of program materials into one can be very cost effective.

The 'A+' training & the 'Network+' training are 'CompTIA's' most widely recognised certifications. Both of them, as a set, create the foundation for many current I.T. career tracks - and justly so . The 'CompTIA' 'A+' qualification goes over the basics of PC maintenance, installation, support, security, fault finding and repair. On top of that, the A+ covers specific relationship building skill-sets that will help you to communicate much better with others. Network+ takes the subject further, by developing a more in depth understanding of how networks operate and connect with each other. Both Security and Wi-Fi are discussed to a certain degree. Getting these two qualifications will give a good platform for anyone wanting to get into the 'systems' side of the IT sector, along with a platform of knowledge for further qualification.

As for the '09 edition of the 'Network+' : N10-004 is now the examination reference. As well as the strong element of managing and running networks and their infrastructure, the new exam focuses closely on security, design and wireless-skills.

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