CompTIA ('Computing Technology Industry Association') is a not for profit enterprise that was formed in 1982. They have developed over the years to become the leader in vendor-neutral IT certification. This means they can provide & oversee independent industry recognised I.T. exams and accreditations that don't support any one organisation's interests above another. This is very good for IT students, as they can learn about different platforms & how they inter-connect and 'integrate' with one another - a not unusual circumstance now in industry. CompTIA brings together various business & learned industry groups when creating or updating an examination, to make sure that all things are considered & the most industry relevant syllabuses are created.

For a new student to IT, 'CompTIA' supplies the basic foundation training courses in numerous sectors. Typically, students who are looking for employment opportunities in Networking, Servers, Systems, Security, Support and Communications will start with CompTIA, although in fact students in any IT sector could find a CompTIA accreditation a worthwhile addition to their Resume. The latest package of beginner-level courses called STRATA have been compiled by 'CompTIA'. These are for those who could do with a more effective understanding of fundamental I.T. knowledge, but don't specifically work with IT themselves.

With regards to Network+ , the old 'N10-003' has today been superseded by the N10-004, the 2009 edition. A greater importance is placed on Security in the '2009' N+ examination, in addition to network design & wireless-networking. This of course is in addition to the key aspects of network-management & infrastructure.

The most renowned of all the 'CompTIA' qualifications are without doubt the 'A+' & Network+. These two, as a pair, create the foundation of many modern I.T. career tracks - and for a good reason. Individuals get to grips with many fundamental computer principles with 'A+' , such as repair, maintenance, support security, installation & fault finding. To help you become established in the I.T. market, the 'A+' also handles a number of communication & personal skill-sets. Network+ takes things further, by working on a more in-depth understanding of how networks function & connect with each other. The important issue of 'Security' is introduced, and Wireless technologies are outlined at an elementary level. The two qualifications go with each other well, and collectively form an excellent starting platform for further exam packages, or a strong career in I.T. support.

These certifications and positions are in many cases done enroute to a more senior IT placement. Before you decide to get started on a training course, look at where you prefer your ultimate destination to be. This means actually talking to a professional IT training expert to ensure that the path you choose is appropriate and cost effective. Training organisations can often build a tailored training path by assembling a selection of programs to get the individual from where they are now to where they would like to go.

As a part of their ISO standardisation move, CompTIA have up-graded both 'A+' and N+ examinations to '2009' editions. 'A+' examinations which started with the prefix 600 (i.e. the 2006/2007 edition) are now being phased out around the world. In Great Britain, they discontinue on 31.08.2010. Up to that date, students can take either the 600 or the newer '700' exams in regional test centres (namely 'Vue' & 'Prometric'). Logic dictates that new trainees should learn edition 2009. A+ '09 is currently offered as '220/701' 'CompTIA' A+ Essentials & 220-702 CompTIA 'A+' Practical Application. The 4 previous exams have been streamlined in to 2 brand new exams, and some further up-dated material has been introduced. The previous format was 1 required 'essentials' examination and three electives, of which just one was required to be taken. Right now the sector needs professionals with know-how that was in all of the past examinations. Trainees will get that information from the 2 '2009' essential A+ programs. Those who have formerly passed the 600 exam may bring their qualification up-to-date by sitting a bridging examination : BR/003. This will almost definitely involve extra learning, although not so much if you studied all 4 of the earlier examinations, as opposed to only the minimum of two. Sufficient training hours need to be factored in for the new aspects though.

If you're considering any of the following roles, the 'A+' will definitely serve you well - I.T. Administrator, P.C. Technician, Remote Support Technician, Field Service Technician, Call Centre and Depot Technician & Help Desk Technician. 'CompTIA' Network+ opens up opportunities for Network Administrators and Technicians, IT Cable Installers & Network Installers.

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