'CompTIA' ('Computing Technology Industry Association') is a non-profit organisation formed in 1982. The company produces vendor neutral certifications that have made it a global leader in its field. Which means they're able to freely develop and be in control of a whole range of I.T. industry exams and issue their own qualifications that don't apply to just one particular vendor's products. With today's move to 'inter-connectivity' and systems convergence, this is seen as a welcome step for the IT trainee, because it delivers cross platform learning & a comprehension of integration. Every time a new examination is being put together (or an old one up-graded), 'CompTIA' consults with top associates of the commercial and academic world to create balanced & extremely relevant material.

The 'A+' training and the 'Network+' training are 'CompTIA's' flagship certifications. A very valuable group taken as a package, they are the starting place for a lot of productive career paths. Individuals learn a good deal of fundamental computer concepts with A+ , such as repair, maintenance, support security, installation & fault finding. In addition , it addresses different personal and communication skills required to get into I.T.. Network+ takes things further, by building in a more significant knowledge of how networks operate & connect with one another. Both Security & 'Wi-Fi' are dealt with to a certain extent. Getting both of these certifications will give a good grounding for anybody seeking to get into the 'systems' side of the I.T. industry, as well as a platform of understanding for further qualification.

Many of these jobs are often starting-points for higher-level IT positions, therefore, much like all career-tracks, it is vital that you first talk about exactly what your end-goals are, & which learning-style you want. This means a discussion with a professional training expert to make sure that the course you decide on is appropriate and cost effective. Many organisations offer discounted career tracks which incorporate these accreditations, and so buying in a career 'bundle' may offer substantial cost savings.

The two examinations have recently gone through a 2009 update in line with CompTIA's advance towards 'ISO' standardisation. 'A+' examinations which commenced using the prefix '600' (i.e. the 2006/2007 edition) are now being phased out internationally. In Great Britain, they cease being offered on 31st August 2010. Up until that date, individuals can sit either the 600 or the more recent 700 exams in regional test-centres (specifically Vue and Prometric). Common sense suggests that new students should learn version 2009. 'CompTIA' 'A+' Essentials and 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application are the new examination titles (220-701 and 220/702 respectively). The key changes were a whole restructuring of the past 4 exams in to just 2 exams, & the addition of some teaching on newer relevant technologies. Even though the previous A+ had 4 examinations within the complete program, only 2 were needed for the qualification. As the industry has moved on, the knowledge from all 4 exams is actually considered crucial, & consequently has been fine-tuned into two compulsory assessments. Those who have previously passed the '600' exam may bring their certification up to date by taking a bridging exam - BR/003. Additional training will almost certainly be needed, especially for individuals who only originally studied for 2 of the four electives. Sufficient training hours must be allowed for the newer technology elements however.

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