The not for profit organisation 'CompTIA' - 'Computing Technology Industry Association' - was established in the early 1980's. They've developed progressively and right now are world leaders in IT certifications that are vendor neutral. Which means they're able to independently produce & monitor a whole range of I.T. industry exams and issue their own qualifications which don't apply to just one particular organisations' solutions. As systems frequently converge and inter connect in industry, this provides the IT trainee with a more rounded knowledge and understanding of cross-platform 'integration'. Each time a new examination is being developed (or an earlier one upgraded), 'CompTIA' consults with top associates of the commercial & academic world to provide well balanced and very relevant content.

For the new trainee to I.T., CompTIA offers the basic foundation training courses in numerous areas. Trainees thinking of getting into networking & support, or servers, security & systems should usually begin with 'CompTIA', though its reasonable to say that CompTIA accreditations will enhance just about any CV geared for the I.T. industry. The latest set of starter level programs called 'STRATA' have been released by 'CompTIA'. These are for people who could do with a better idea of basic IT information, but don't specifically work with IT themselves.

Of course these jobs often lead to more advanced jobs if the right certifications are in place. That's why it is important to look at your long-term options prior to choosing your career-training track. The best way to maximise your career-path fully is to obtain advice from an I.T. expert before getting started with your training course. The best companies offer discounted career-tracks which incorporate these qualifications, & so investing in a training 'bundle' can provide significant cost savings.

For the 'A+' examinations give yourself approximately 100-150 hours to study & prepare, and slightly less for the N+ examinations (perhaps around 75-100 hours). Studying part-time, this can be done over a half year time period if you decide on an appropriate quality of training and outstanding examination prep software.

The CompTIA 'A+' examinations are primarily designed for anybody planning to begin work in any of these areas: Call Centre Technician, Depot Technician, PC Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Services Technician, IT Administrator, and Remote Support Technician. With the CompTIA 'Network+' as well, you can look at becoming a Network Installer, an IT Cable Installer, a Network Technician or a Network Administrator.

In 2009 both programmes under-went up-grades, & new exams are now available for them both. The former A+ (version 2006/2007) examinations which were classified using the '600' prefix are being phased out worldwide throughout 2010. After the 31st August '10 they will no longer be obtainable in Britain. Up until that time, trainees can sit either the 600 or the more recent '700' exams in regional test centres (namely Vue & 'Prometric'). Common sense suggests that new entrant trainees should study edition 2009. 'A+' '09 will now be presented as '220-701' 'CompTIA' A+ Essentials and 220-702 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application. The 4 original examinations have been stream-lined into 2 new examinations, & some more up-dated information has been included. Initially, the A+ was split into four exams: one essential and 3 'elective' specialisations. Right now the sector demands professionals with knowledge that used to be in all of the previous exams. Students will get that knowledge from the 2 new obligatory A+ programs. An up-grade exam has been created by 'CompTIA' for everyone who have the older accreditation. BR/003 is the exam reference. This will probably require extra study, although less so if you studied all of the earlier examinations, as opposed to just the two that were required. Sufficient training time should be allowed for the newer technology aspects however.

The 'A+' program and the 'Network+' program are CompTIA's flagship accreditations. An extremely useful set considered as a bundle, they're the starting point for quite a number of excellent career tracks. 'A+' training covers all of the fundamentals of Computer maintenance, fault finding and repair; including support, security & installation. On top of that, the 'A+' covers specific relationship building skill-sets that may help you communicate more effectively with other people. 'Network+' takes things further, by working on a greater knowledge of how networks function & connect with each other. The vital issue of 'Security' is underlined, & Wireless technologies are outlined at an elementary level. The two certifications complement each other well, and collectively form an excellent start-up platform for other examination packages, or a good career in IT support.

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