The not for profit organisation 'CompTIA' - 'Computing Technology Industry Association' - was established in 1982. They have developed over the years to become the leader in vendor-neutral I.T. certification. This means they can offer and oversee independent industry recognised IT exams and accreditations that don't support any one organisation's interests over another. As systems frequently 'converge' & inter-connect in the business world, this provides the I.T. student with a much more wholesome knowledge & grasp of cross-platform 'integration'. 'CompTIA' brings together numerous commercial and academic industry organisations when designing or updating an examination, to make sure that all sides are considered and the most industry related syllabuses are created.

Essentially the most well known of all of the 'CompTIA' qualifications are without doubt the 'A+' and the Network+. An exceptionally important set considered as a package, they're the starting place for a lot of thriving career paths. The 'CompTIA' 'A+' qualification covers the fundamentals of computer maintenance, security, installation, support, fault-finding and repair. In addition , it covers a number of personal & communication skillsets needed to get your foot on the ladder of I.T.. 'Network+' takes the subject further, by working on a more significant understanding of how networks operate and connect with one another. Security is needless to say extremely important, & wireless-technology is discussed to some extent. Acquiring these two qualifications will provide a solid platform for anyone seeking to get into the systems side of the I.T. market, together with a platform of knowledge for further accreditation.

If you are thinking about any of the following careers, the 'A+' will definitely work for you : Depot Technician, Call Centre Technician, Remote Support Technician, Field Service Technician, Help Desk Technician, PC Technician and IT Administrator. With CompTIA Network+ also, you're able to look at becoming a Network Installer, an IT Cable Installer, a Network Technician or a Network Administrator.

New entrants into the I.T. market can look to 'CompTIA' for quite a number of their initial study courses. Anyone looking to get into networking and support, or systems, servers & security should usually begin with 'CompTIA', though its reasonable to state that CompTIA certifications can enhance virtually any CV geared for the I.T. market. There is now also a push at CompTIA to deliver their starter-level 'STRATA' products to those people who don't actually work within IT, but would benefit from a comprehension of basic I.T. and exactly how it influences their job.

Be prepared to allow about a hundred to one hundred & fifty hrs learning time for the A+ exams, and for the Network+ around seventy-five to a hundred hrs. This means acquiring them both within 6 months part time studying entirely possible, as long as high quality multimedia training materials utilised, along with good exam preparation-software.

Many of these roles are often starting points for higher level IT positions, therefore, much like all career tracks, its extremely important to first go over exactly what your end goals are, & which learning-style suits you. Do take time to discuss the whole thing with a training & I.T. expert - it will help safeguard you from any set-backs as time goes on. IT Training companies may offer to build a tailored training-path by putting together a selection of training programs that will take the student from wherever they are now to where they would like to go.

The actual Network+ 2009 exam has been referred to as N10-004, updating the earlier N10-003. In addition to the solid component of managing and running networks & their infrastructures, the new exam focuses heavily on design, security and wireless skills.

In 2009 both programmes under-went up-dates, & new exams are now to be found for them both. Internationally the 2006/2007 versions of A+ (with the exam prefix 600) will be phased-out within the coming 12 months. After August 31st '10 they will not be available in the United Kingdom. As 2009 exams (version 700) are currently offered at test centres around the country, the newer study programs are probably a more practical solution anybody just getting started. The individual 'A+' '09 examinations are now: 'CompTIA' A+ Essentials (examination 220/701) and 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application (examination 220/702.) The 4 previous exams have been streamlined into two brand new examinations, and some further updated material has been added. The previous structure was one compulsory Essentials examination and 3 'electives', of which just one was required to be sat. During the last several years, the marketplace has developed to the stage where all four examinations are actually regarded as essential - hence the reformatting in to two required examinations. An up-grade examination has been created by CompTIA for those with the previous certification. 'BR-003' is the exam reference. This will almost certainly involve additional learning, although not so much if you covered all four of the original examinations, as opposed to only the required 2. Sufficient study hours need to be factored in for the new aspects however.

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