The non-profit organisation CompTIA - Computing Technology Industry Association - was established in 1982. They've developed over the years to become the leader in vendor-neutral IT certification. What this means is they can provide & over-see independent industry recognised I.T. examinations & accreditations that don't support a single organisation's interests more than another. This is very good for trainees, as they can learn about various platforms & how they 'inter-connect' and 'integrate' with each other - a common circumstance now in industry. Every time new syllabuses are produced, CompTIA invites several academic and industrial organisations to come together & verify that every aspect has been considered equally, and the programs are commercially appropriate.

In relation to Network+ , the previous N10-003 has today been replaced by the 'N10-004', the 2009 edition. A greater emphasis is placed on Security in the 2009 Network+ examination, along with network design and wireless-networking. This of course is in addition to the key elements of network-management and infrastructure.

Expect to give yourself in the region of one hundred to one hundred and fifty hrs learning time for the A+ examinations, and for the 'Network+' close to seventy five to one hundred hours. Using the appropriate multimedia training package that's backed up by authorised exam practice software, both accreditations could very well be accomplished in 6 months for the trainee who's studying whilst holding down a job.

Both of the examinations have quite recently gone through a 2009 update in line with the company's efforts towards 'ISO' standardisation. The earlier 'A+' (edition 2006-2007) exams which were categorised with the 600 prefix are now being retired internationally through 2010. After 31st August 2010 they will no longer be accessible in the United Kingdom. Because both these, & the recently released 700 examinations are now allowed to be taken in Prometric & Vue test centres, it makes sense to study for the '700' exams now, and avoid having to certify again later on. 'A+' '09 will now be presented as '220-701' 'CompTIA' 'A+' Essentials & 220-702 CompTIA A+ Practical Application. Along with some additional material on newer technologies, we now have two exams that cover aspects of all 4 of the past examinations. Although the old A+ had 4 exams in the whole program, just 2 were necessary to get the qualification. Nowadays the sector requires professionals with know-how that was in all of the preceding exams. Trainees will get that understanding from the two '2009' obligatory A+ programs. Those who have formerly taken the '600' examination can bring their accreditation up-to-date by sitting a bridging examination - BR-003. This would almost certainly necessitate additional learning, although not so much if you studied all four of the older examinations, instead of just the two that were required. Clearly though the new technology subjects will need to be learned about.

For a new entrant to IT, 'CompTIA' provides the basic foundation training in many sectors. Trainees thinking about getting into networking & support, or systems, servers & security will most often start with 'CompTIA', though it is fair to state that CompTIA accreditations will improve just about any Curriculum Vitae targeted towards the IT sector. CompTIA are now also promoting 'STRATA' accreditations - these are not especially for men and women employed in the IT market, but for people whose jobs need a basic knowledge of computers.

The 'A+' training & the Network+ program are CompTIA's flagship qualifications. Together they comprise the basis of a good number of career paths in IT, and consequently are leaders in their industry. Individuals get to grips with many important PC principles with A+ , including repair, maintenance, support security, installation & fault finding. To help you to become established within the IT sector, the 'A+' also handles various communication & personal abilities. The CompTIA N+ qualification stretches this awareness to a wider grasp of networking, servers and routers, and just how they communicate. Security is naturally vital, & wireless technology is discussed to a certain degree. Both accreditations go with each other well, and collectively provide a good start-up platform for additional examination programs, or a good career in IT support.

The CompTIA 'A+' examinations are for the most part aimed at anybody hoping to begin work in any of these areas: Depot Technician, Call Centre Technician, Field Services Technician, PC Technician, Help Desk Technician, IT Administrator & Remote Support Technician. Employment prospects open up to include Network Installers, Administrators and Technicians when you hold the CompTIA 'Network+' too.

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