The non profit organisation CompTIA - 'Computing Technology Industry Association' - was formed in the early 1980's. They've built over the years to become the number one in vendor-neutral I.T. accreditation. What this means is they can supply and oversee independent industry-recognised I.T. exams and qualifications that don't support any one company's interests more than another. This is very good for trainees, as they can learn about different platforms & how they inter-connect & integrate with one another - a not unusual situation today. CompTIA brings together several commercial and learned industry groups when creating or up-dating an examination, to make sure that all sides are thought about & the very best industry relevant syllabuses are crafted.

For a new student to IT, CompTIA provides the basic foundation training courses in various sectors. Students looking to get into networks and support, or security, systems & servers will usually start with CompTIA, although it is reasonable to say that 'CompTIA' certifications will enhance virtually any CV targeted towards the I.T. industry. CompTIA are also now producing 'STRATA' certifications : these are not especially for men and women employed in the I.T. industry, but for those whose careers require a fundamental understanding of computing.

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

The most renowned of all of the CompTIA certifications are undoubtedly the A+ and the Network+. Together they comprise the first step toward many career paths in IT, and as a result are frontrunners within their industry. A+ training programs cover all the basics of PC maintenance, fault finding & repair; including installation, security and support. On top of that, the 'A+' handles specific relationship-building skill-sets to assist you to communicate better with others. 'Network+' takes the subject further, by building in a more significant knowledge of how networks function and connect with each other. Security is of course paramount, and wireless-technology is dealt with to some extent. Both accreditations go with one another well, and collectively provide an excellent start-up platform for other exam programs, or a strong career in IT support.

The two exams have recently gone through a 2009 'facelift' in-line with CompTIA's move towards ISO standardisation. 'A+' examinations which began with the number '600' (that is the 2006/2007 edition) are being phased out around the world. At the end of Aug 2010, the examinations will retire in the British Isles. Since both the '600', and the new '700' examinations are currently allowed to be taken in 'prometric' & Vue test-centres, it seems sensible to study the '700' exams now, and avoid having to certify again later. 'CompTIA' A+ Essentials and CompTIA 'A+' Practical Application are the new exam titles (220-701 and 220-702 respectively). The four original exams have been re-structured into 2 brand new exams, & some more updated information has been included. Originally, the 'A+' was split into four examinations: one essential & 3 'elective' specialisations. Today the market demands professionals with expertise that was in all of the previous exams. Trainees can get that information from the 2 '2009' obligatory A+ programs. CompTIA also have introduced the 'BR-003' 'up-grade' examination, for people accredited in the '600' examinations who need to update to the current '700' exams. Passing the up-grade examination will generally take more study, but this ought not to be too onerous for those who formerly studied all electives. The newly created subject areas will clearly need some extra study.

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