The non profit institution 'CompTIA' - 'Computing Technology Industry Association' - was formed in 1982. They've grown progressively and right now lead the world in I.T. accreditations that are vendor-neutral. Which means they're able to independently create & monitor a complete range of IT industry exams and produce their very own certifications that don't just apply to one particular company's solutions. With the current move towards inter connectivity and systems 'convergence', this is seen as a welcome step for the I.T. trainee, as it provides cross-platform learning & an understanding of integration. Each time a new exam is being assembled (or an earlier one up-dated), CompTIA discusses the content with leading members of the commercial and educational world to create well balanced & very relevant material.

In relation to Network+ , the previous N10-003 has now been updated by the N10-004, the '2009' edition. Along with retaining its focus on network management and infrastructure, the up-graded '2009' examination points to a greater importance on Security, wireless-networking abilities and network design standards.

'CompTIA' A+ & the Network+ are by far and away the most commonly accepted of their qualifications. These two, as a set, form the building blocks of many contemporary I.T. career-tracks - & for good reason. A+ training covers all of the fundamental basics of Computer maintenance, fault finding & repair; including security, installation and support. In addition, the A+ covers a number of relationship building skill-sets that will help you to communicate better with others. Developing this awareness, the N+ qualification goes into networks, (including routers and servers) and explains exactly how they inter-connect. Security is needless to say extremely important, & wireless-technology is discussed to a certain extent. CompTIA 'A+' and Network+ provide a firm footing for a systems career in I.T., and furthermore a very good basis for various other more senior qualification programs.

As part of their ISO standardisation drive, 'CompTIA' have up-dated both 'A+' & N+ examinations to 2009 versions. A+ examinations which began using the prefix '600' (i.e. the 2006-2007 version) are being phased out globally. In the United Kingdom, they cease being offered on August 31st 2010. Since both these, & the recently released '700' examinations at the moment are allowed to be taken in Prometric & 'Vue' test centres, it makes sense to study for the '700' examinations now, & avoid having to certify again later. CompTIA 'A+' Essentials and CompTIA 'A+' Practical Application are the new examination titles (220/701 & 220/702 respectively). The key modifications were a complete re-structuring of the past four exams in to only two exams, and the inclusion of some teaching on more recent relevant technologies. Formerly, the 'A+' was broken into 4 examinations: one essential & 3 elective specialisations. Over the last several years, the marketplace has developed to the point where all four exams are actually considered necessary - hence the re-formatting in to 2 essential exams. An up-grade examination has been produced by 'CompTIA' for everyone who have the old qualification. BR/003 is the exam number. This could almost definitely necessitate extra learning, although not so much if you covered all four of the older exams, instead of only the minimum of two. The new technology topics will obviously require some fresh study.

The 'CompTIA' A+ examinations are predominantly aimed at anyone hoping to begin a job in any of these roles: Remote Support Technician, Call Centre and Depot Technician, Field Service Technician, Help Desk Technician, PC Technician & IT Administrator. Career prospects will also include Network Installers, Administrators & Technicians for those who have the CompTIA 'Network+' too.

For the A+ examinations set aside for yourself somewhere around 100-150 hours to train & prepare, and a bit less for the Network+ examinations (perhaps around 75 to 100 hours). Studying part-time, this can be achieved over a half year time period if you opt for an appropriate quality of training matter and superior examination preparation materials.

For a new entrant to IT, CompTIA offers the preliminary foundation training programs in numerous areas. Individuals wanting to get into networks and support, or servers, security & systems will most often begin with 'CompTIA', although it's reasonable to say that CompTIA certifications will enhance any CV geared for the I.T. industry. A new package of starter level courses named STRATA have been compiled by 'CompTIA'. These are for people who need a greater idea of fundamental I.T. information, but don't always work in I.T. themselves.

Many of these jobs are often starting-points for more professional I.T. positions, therefore, much like all career tracks, it is important to first examine exactly what your end-goals are, & which learning-style you want. Take time to discuss everything with a training & IT expert - it will help safeguard you from any set-backs in the future. IT Training organisations can often build a tailored training-path by putting together a number of training programs to take the individual from wherever they're starting from to where they would like to go.