Set up 28 years ago, the 'Computing Technology Industry Association' (or 'CompTIA' for short) is a not-for-profit establishment. They have built over time to become the number one in vendor neutral IT accreditation. So they can independently produce and control an entire collection of IT industry exams & produce their very own qualifications that don't just apply to one particular vendor's solutions. This is very good for IT students, as they can be taught about various platforms & how they inter-connect & 'integrate' with one another - a not unusual scenario today. 'CompTIA' gathers together various commercial & academic industry groups when designing or upgrading an exam, to ensure all things are thought about & the very best commercially related syllabuses are created.

If you're considering any of the following jobs, the A+ will work well : P.C. Technician, I.T. Administrator, Remote Support Technician, Field Service Technician, Call Centre & Depot Technician and Help Desk Technician. With the 'CompTIA' Network+ on top of that, you're able to look at becoming a Network Installer, an IT Cable Installer, a Network Administrator or a Network Technician .

In 2009 both programs underwent up-dates, and new exams are now in existence for each of them. The earlier A+ (version 2006/2007) exams that were categorised with the '600' prefix are now being retired internationally during 2010. In the UK, they cease being offered on August 31st 2010. Up to then, students can sit either the '600' or the more recent '700' exams in regional test-centres (namely 'Vue' & Prometric). Reason suggests that new entrant trainees should study version 2009. CompTIA 'A+' Essentials & CompTIA A+ Practical Application are the new examination titles (220/701 and 220/702 respectively). As well as some additional material on more recent technology, we now have two exams that cover components of all four of the past examinations. Although the old A+ had four examinations within the whole program, just 2 were needed to get the accreditation. But as the industry has moved on, the know-how from all four exams is actually deemed essential, & thus has been condensed in to 2 compulsory exams. 'CompTIA' have also introduced the BR-003 'up-grade' exam, for trainees certified under the 600 examinations who need to get up to date with the current '700' exams. Supplemental training will almost certainly end up being necessary, especially for individuals who just initially studied for 2 of the four 'electives'. Plainly though the new technological content will have to be mastered.

A number of these jobs are often starting-points for higher-level IT positions, therefore, much like all career-tracks, its extremely important to first consider precisely what your end goals are, & which kind of learning style you want. The best way to maximise your career-path fully is to receive guidance from an I.T. expert before getting started on your training program. It's often sensible to look at tailored career training packages that include the 'A+' and 'Network+' courses. 'Bundling' a number of course materials together is usually very cost effective.

On to the '2009' edition of the Network+ : N10-004 has become the examination number. Along with retaining it's teaching on network infrastructure & management, the updated '2009' examination points to an increased importance on Security, wireless-networking abilities & network-design concepts.

For the A+ examinations give yourself somewhere around 100 to 150 hrs to train and prepare, & somewhat less for the Network+ examinations (maybe around 100 hours). Learning part time, this can be accomplished over a 6 month period if you decide on the right quality of training and superior examination preparation products.

The most popular of all of the CompTIA accreditations are without doubt the 'A+' and the Network+. An incredibly valuable pair considered as a package, they're the starting point for a lot of thriving career paths. Individuals learn a good deal of important computer concepts with A+ , such as maintenance, support, repair, security, installation and fault finding. So that you can establish yourself within the IT sector, the A+ also covers a variety of communication and personal skillsets. 'Network+' takes the subject further, by working on a more in depth knowledge of how networks function and connect with one another. The important matter of 'Security' is underlined, and Wireless networks are outlined at an introductory level. CompTIA 'A+' & 'Network+' provide a solid foundation for a Systems career in I.T., & also a very good platform for various other more senior certification programs.

For a new trainee to IT, 'CompTIA' provides the initial foundation training programs in various sectors. Whatever area a trainee opts to work in IT, there are various 'CompTIA' certifications that will enhance their skills. Individuals who are specifically thinking about Networks, Security, Systems, Support, Communications & Servers are especially well-served. A new set of beginner-level programs called 'STRATA' have been released by CompTIA. These are for those who need a greater understanding of fundamental I.T. knowledge, but do not essentially work with I.T. themselves.

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