The not-for-profit institution CompTIA - Computing Technology Industry Association - was formed in the early 1980's. They have grown step by step and now lead the world in IT qualifications that are vendor-neutral. This basically means they are absolutely free to independently develop & monitor examinations and certifications which are required by the I.T. industry, regardless of a specific business' commercial interests. Because systems frequently converge and inter-connect in the business world, this provides the IT student with a much more wholesome knowledge and grasp of cross platform integration. Each time a new examination is being put together (or a previous one up-dated), CompTIA consults with top associates of the professional and academic world to create balanced & highly relevant content.

By far the most renowned of all the CompTIA accreditations are undoubtedly the 'A+' & Network+. Collectively they constitute the first step toward a good number of career-paths in IT, and consequently are frontrunners within their field. 'A+' courses cover all of the fundamental basics of PC maintenance, fault finding & repair; including security, installation and support. Additionally , it addresses various personal & communication skill-sets needed to get established in IT. Expanding on this awareness, the 'Network+' certification goes into networks, (including routers & servers) and explains exactly how they inter-connect. Both 'Security' & wireless technology are dealt with to some level. Obtaining these two accreditations will give a good grounding for anyone looking to get into the 'systems' side of the I.T. sector, as well as a foundation of knowledge for additional qualification.

For a new entrant to I.T., CompTIA supplies the basic foundation training courses in numerous areas. In general, individuals who are interested in employment opportunities in Networking, Servers, Systems, Security, Communications and Support will start with 'CompTIA', although trainees within any sector could find a CompTIA accreditation a worthwhile component of their CV. The latest package of starter level courses called STRATA have been put together by 'CompTIA'. These are designed for people who could do with a more effective idea of fundamental I.T. information, but don't essentially work in IT themselves.

On to the '09 edition of the 'Network+' : N10-004 is currently the exam reference number. A larger importance is placed on Security in the '09 N+ exam, together with network design and wireless networking. This naturally is as well as the foremost aspects of network-management & infrastructure.

Standard learning time for these examinations are estimated at around 100 to 150 hrs for the A+ , & 75 to 100 hours for the 'Network+' . This makes acquiring them both within 6 months part-time study entirely feasible, as long as quality multi-media training products utilised, in conjunction with effective exam preparation-software.

These qualifications and employment options can be done enroute to a much more advanced IT placement. Before you decide to go for a training course, consider just where you want your final destination to be. The best way to maximise your career path the most is always to receive advice from an IT professional ahead of starting out with your training course. IT Training organisations may offer to produce a personalised training-path by combining a number of programs that will get the individual from wherever they're starting from to wherever they want to end up.

The CompTIA 'A+' examinations are primarily designed for anyone looking to start a job in any of the following roles: Remote Support Technician, Call Centre and Depot Technician, Field Service Technician, Help Desk Technician, PC Technician and IT Administrator. Career prospects will also include Network Administrators, Technicians and Installers when you hold the 'CompTIA' Network+ too.

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