Set up 28 years ago, the Computing Technology Industry Association (or 'CompTIA' in short) is a non-profit institution. The organisation produces vendor neutral accreditations that have made it a world number one in this industry. So they can freely produce & control a whole collection of IT industry exams and produce their own certifications which don't apply to just one specific vendor's solutions. This is excellent for IT students, as they can be taught about different platforms and how they inter-connect & integrate with each other - a common circumstance today. 'CompTIA' brings together several commercial and learned industry organisations when designing or up-dating an exam, to ensure all things are considered & the most industry relevant syllabuses are crafted.

New students to the IT industry can turn to 'CompTIA' for a good deal of their initial study courses. Generally, students who are interested in careers within Networking, Servers, Systems, Security, Support & Communications will start out with CompTIA, although trainees within any sector would likely find a 'CompTIA' accreditation a helpful addition to their Resume. The latest package of starter level courses named STRATA have been compiled by 'CompTIA'. These are for those who need a better understanding of fundamental IT knowledge, but don't specifically work in I.T. themselves.

In relation to 'Network+' , the previous 'N10-003' has currently been updated by the 'N10-004', the '2009' edition. In addition to the solid component of managing and running networks & their infrastructures, the new exam concentrates heavily on security, design & wireless-skills.

In 2009 each program under-went upgrades, and new examinations are actually in existence for each of them. 'A+' exams that commenced using the prefix '600' (that is the 2006-2007 edition) are now being phased out globally. At the end of August 2010, the exams will be retired in the British Isles. As '2009' examinations ('700') are already offered at test-centres regionally, these newer learning programs would be a more sensible solution for anyone just about to start. The specific A+ 2009 examinations have become: 'CompTIA' 'A+' Essentials (examination 220-701) & CompTIA A+ Practical Application (examination 220/702.) The 4 previous examinations have been stream-lined in to two new examinations, & some additional up-dated information has been added in. The previous format was 1 compulsory 'essentials' exam and 3 electives, of which just one was required to be sat. Nowadays the sector demands workers with knowledge that was in all the four previous exams. Trainees will get that information from the two new compulsory A+ programs. 'CompTIA' have also released the 'BR-003' bridging examination, for trainees qualified under the '600' exams who need to update to the new 700 examinations. Extra training will almost certainly be required, particularly for individuals who just originally studied for 2 of the four 'electives'. Sufficient training time need to be factored in for the new aspects though.

Normal study times for these exams are thought to be about 100-150 hours for the 'A+' , and 75-100 hrs for the N+ . Studying part time, this could be accomplished over a 6 month period if you select an appropriate quality of training & superior exam prep software.

These certifications & positions can be done enroute to a more advanced I.T. role. Before you get started on a training-program, consider where you prefer your career destination to be. This requires a discussion with an experienced IT training advisor to ensure that the path you ultimately choose is right and cost effective. IT Training companies may offer to build a bespoke training-path by putting together a number of training programs to get the individual from where they're starting from to wherever they would like to go.

The A+ program & the Network+ program are CompTIA's flagship certifications. An extremely beneficial group considered as a bundle, they're the kick off point for many excellent career paths. Trainees learn many basic PC concepts with A+ , including support, repair, maintenance installation, security and fault-finding. It also handles certain personal and communication skills required to get established in IT. The 'CompTIA' N+ certification stretches this knowledge to a more thorough comprehension of networking, servers & routers, and how they connect together. Security is of course very important, & wireless-technology is dealt with to some degree. The two certifications complement one another nicely, and collectively form a very good starting platform for additional exam packages, or a solid career in IT support.

The career roles that follow are all feasible for the applicant holding a 'CompTIA' 'A+' qualification: Remote Support Technician, Call Centre and Depot Technician, Field Service Technician, Help Desk Technician, IT Administrator and PC Technician . CompTIA 'Network+' opens up opportunities for Network Administrators & Technicians, IT Cable Installers and Network Installers.

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