The non profit organisation 'CompTIA' - Computing Technology Industry Association - was formed in 1982. They've developed step by step and now lead the world in I.T. qualifications that are vendor-neutral. Which means they're able to independently produce & monitor a whole collection of IT industry examinations and produce their very own qualifications which don't apply to just one specific organisations' solutions. With today's move to 'inter-connectivity' and systems convergence, this is a great move for the I.T. student, as it delivers cross platform learning & an understanding of integration. Every time a new exam is being put together (or a previous one updated), CompTIA consults with leading associates of the industrial and educational world to provide well balanced and highly relevant material.

The CompTIA A+ examinations are for the most part designed for anyone interested to start a job in any of the following roles: Call Centre Technician, Depot Technician, Field Services Technician, PC Technician, Help Desk Technician, IT Administrator, and Remote Support Technician. With the 'CompTIA' Network+ as well, you could consider becoming a Network Installer, an IT Cable Installer, a Network Technician or a Network Administrator.

For the 'A+' examinations allow yourself somewhere around 100 to 150 hrs to train and prepare, & a bit less for the Network+ examinations (maybe up to 75-100 hours). Learning part time, this can be done over a six month period if you pick out the right quality of training and excellent examination prep products.

Both examinations have quite recently undergone a 2009 'facelift' in line with CompTIA's advance towards 'ISO' standardisation. The previous A+ (version 2006/2007) examinations which were categorised using the 600 prefix are being phased out worldwide during 2010. In the United Kingdom, they cease being offered on 31.08.2010. Up to then, trainees can take either the '600' or the more recent 700 exams at local test centres (namely 'Vue' & 'Prometric'). Reason suggests that new entrant trainees should study version '2009'. A+ 2009 will now be offered as '220-701' CompTIA 'A+' Essentials & 220/702 'CompTIA' 'A+' Practical Application. Along with some added material on more recent technologies, we now have 2 exams that cover elements of all 4 of the preceding exams. The previous format was one compulsory 'essentials' examination and three electives, of which just one was required to be taken. During the last several years, the industry has progressed to the stage where all 4 examinations are now considered necessary - hence the re-formatting into 2 essential exams. An up-grade exam has been created by 'CompTIA' for anyone who have the older certification. BR-003 is the exam number. This will probably involve additional learning, although not so much if you studied all 4 of the original exams, instead of just the two that were required. Enough study time must be factored in for the newer technology elements however.

These qualifications and positions are in many cases done on the way to a much more senior I.T. position. Before you go for a training program, bear in mind just where you plan for your final destination to be. The way to maximise your career path fully is always to take advice from an I.T. professional ahead of starting with your training course. It's often sensible to think about personalised career-training packages that include the A+ & Network+ programs. Bundling several program materials together can be very cost effective.

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