'CompTIA' (Computing Technology Industry Association) is a not for profit operation formed in the early 1980's. They have built over the years to become the number one in vendor neutral I.T. accreditation. What this means is they are able to provide & oversee independent industry-recognised IT exams and qualifications that don't support any one organisation's interests over another. With the current shift to inter connectivity & systems 'convergence', this is seen as a welcome step for the I.T. student, as it offers cross platform learning and a comprehension of integration. Each time new syllabuses are produced, CompTIA invites numerous educational and industrial groups to come together and verify that each area has been considered equally, & the programs are appropriate from a commercial perspective.

Both exams have recently undergone a 2009 'facelift' in line with the company's efforts towards 'ISO' standardisation. A+ exams which commenced with the number 600 (i.e. the 2006/2007 edition) are being phased-out internationally. After the 31st August '10 they will not be available in Britain. Because both the '600', & the new 700 exams are currently allowed to be taken in 'prometric' & 'Vue' test-centres, it seems sensible to study for the '700' exams now, & avoid having to certify again later on. The individual 'A+' '09 exams have become: CompTIA A+ Essentials (examination 220-701) and 'CompTIA' 'A+' Practical Application (exam 220/702.) Together with some more subject matter on newer technologies, there are now 2 examinations that cover components of all 4 of the earlier exams. Initially, the A+ was broken into 4 examinations: one essential & three elective specialisations. Over the last four years, the market has developed to the point where all four exams are actually thought to be necessary - hence the reformatting in to two essential exams. CompTIA have also produced the 'BR-003' 'up-grade' exam, for trainees accredited in the '600' exams who want to get up to date with the new '700' examinations. This will almost definitely require further study, although not so much if you studied all 4 of the older examinations, instead of only the required 2. The extra subject areas will undoubtedly require some fresh study.

New starters in the I.T. sector can turn to CompTIA for many of their initial training programs. Anyone thinking of getting into networks and support, or servers, security & systems should most often begin with 'CompTIA', although it's fair to state that 'CompTIA' certifications can enhance virtually any CV designed for the IT marketplace. There is certainly now also a thrust within 'CompTIA' to deliver their starter level STRATA programs to those men and women who don't work within I.T., but would gain from an awareness of basic IT and just how it influences their work.

The 'A+' training & the 'Network+' program are 'CompTIA's' flagship qualifications. These two, as a set, form the building blocks for many contemporary I.T. career-tracks - & for good reason. Trainees learn many important computer concepts with A+ , such as support, repair, maintenance security, installation and fault finding. To help you establish yourself in the IT industry, the 'A+' also covers several communication & personal skillsets. Network+ takes things further, by working on a more significant understanding of how networks operate and communicate with one another. Both 'Security' and Wi-Fi are discussed to some level. 'CompTIA' A+ & 'Network+' provide a solid basis for a systems career in IT, and also a very good platform for various other advanced accreditation programs.

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