The not for profit institution 'CompTIA' - Computing Technology Industry Association - was formed in 1982. They've built through the years to become the leader in vendor neutral I.T. accreditation. What this means is they are able to supply and over-see independent industry recognised IT exams and accreditations that do not support any one organisation's interests over another. This is excellent for IT students, because they can learn about different platforms and how they 'inter-connect' & integrate with one another - a not unusual scenario in industry today. 'CompTIA' brings together numerous business & academic industry organisations when creating or upgrading an exam, to ensure all things are considered & the most industry related syllabuses are crafted.

For a new trainee to I.T., 'CompTIA' provides the basic foundation training courses in numerous sectors. In general, trainees who are aiming for employment opportunities in Networking, Security, Servers, Systems, Communications & Support should probably start with CompTIA, although in fact students in any sector could find a CompTIA certification a worthwhile addition to their Curriculum Vitae. CompTIA are now also offering STRATA qualifications - they're not specifically for men and women employed in the I.T. industry, but for people whose jobs need a fundamental knowledge of computers.

A number of these jobs can be starting points for higher-level IT positions, and so, much like all career tracks, it is important to first go over what your end goals are, and which kind of learning style you want. Take time to discuss the whole thing with a training and I.T. advisor - it will protect you from any set-backs later on. it is often sensible to think about tailored career training programs that include the 'A+' & Network+ programs. 'Bundling' several program materials into one can be very cost effective.

In-line with their ISO standardisation drive, CompTIA have up-dated both 'A+' and Network+ exams to '2009' editions. A+ exams which began using the number 600 (i.e. the 2006-2007 version) are now being phased-out internationally. In the United Kingdom, they cease being offered on 31.08.2010. Up until that date, students can sit either the 600 or the more recent '700' examinations in regional test centres (namely 'Vue' and Prometric). Common sense suggests that new entrant students should learn edition '2009'. The specific 'A+' 2009 exams are now: 'CompTIA' A+ Essentials (examination 220-701) and 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application (exam 220/702.) The four previous exams have been stream-lined into two new exams, & some additional updated information has been included. Formerly, the 'A+' was broken into 4 exams: 1 essential and three elective specialisations. During the last 4 years, the industry has progressed to the point where all four examinations have become considered necessary - hence the reformatting into 2 essential examinations. Anybody who has previously taken the '600' exam may bring their accreditation up-to-date by sitting an up-grade examination : BR/003. Passing the up-grade exam will usually need additional study, although this ought not to be especially onerous for those who initially studied all four. Clearly however the new technology topics will have to be mastered.

The 'A+' program & the Network+ training are 'CompTIA's' most widely recognised qualifications. Both of them, as a pair, create the foundation for many modern IT career tracks - & rightly so. A+ training teaches all the fundamentals of Computer maintenance, fault-finding & repair; including installation, security and support. So that you can become established within the I.T. sector, the A+ also covers several communication and personal skillsets. The Network+ takes the subject further, by building in a greater understanding of how networks operate and communicate with one another. Security is needless to say very important, and wireless technology is covered to a certain extent. The two accreditations go with each other nicely, and together form an excellent starting platform for additional examination packages, or a strong career in IT support.

The actual Network+ 2009 exam is now numbered N10-004, superseding the earlier 'N10-003'. As well as the solid element of managing networks and their internal infrastructure, the new examination concentrates heavily on design, security & wireless skills.

If you're thinking about any of these work opportunities, the A+ will work well - Depot Technician, Call Centre Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Service Technician, PC Technician, IT Administrator, and Remote Support Technician. With the CompTIA 'Network+' as well, you could look at becoming a Network Installer, an IT Cable Installer, a Network Administrator or a Network Technician .

For the 'A+' examinations allow yourself more or less 100 to 150 hrs to study & prepare, and somewhat less for the Network+ exams (possibly close to 75 to 100 hrs). With the correct multimedia training that is backed up by authorised examination preparation software, the two certifications could be achieved within just half a year for the individual who is studying around employment.

Home-Study CBT Certification Training In Microsoft MCSE Networking >>