'CompTIA' (Computing Technology Industry Association) is a not for profit company formed in 1982. They have developed over time to become the leader in vendor neutral IT certification. So they can freely develop and be in control of a whole collection of I.T. industry exams and issue their own qualifications that don't apply to just one particular company's solutions. Because systems frequently converge and inter connect in the business world, this provides the I.T. trainee with a more wholesome knowledge and grasp of cross-platform 'integration'. CompTIA gathers together various commercial and academic industry groups when creating or up-dating an examination, to ensure all things are thought about and the most industry relevant syllabuses are created.

For the new trainee to I.T., CompTIA provides the preliminary foundation training programs in many sectors. Wherever a trainee chooses to work in IT, there are 'CompTIA' accreditations that will enhance their abilities. Those who are specifically thinking about Networking, Security, Systems, Support, Communications & Servers are especially well-served. 'CompTIA' are also now offering STRATA certifications : they're not specifically for men and women employed in the I.T. sector, but for people whose jobs need a basic knowledge of computing.

As part of their ISO standardisation drive, CompTIA have upgraded both 'A+' and N+ examinations to '2009' editions. Internationally the 2006/2007 versions of A+ (those with exam prefix numbers '600') will be phased out within the coming year. In the United Kingdom, they cease being offered on 31st August 2010. As 2009 examinations (700) are already available at test-centres regionally, the newer learning programs would be a more valuable alternative for someone just about to start. A+ '09 will now be offered as 220-701 CompTIA 'A+' Essentials and 220/702 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application. In addition to some more content on newer technologies, there are now two exams that cover aspects of all four of the earlier examinations. Formerly, the 'A+' was broken into four examinations: 1 essential & three elective specialisations. But as the industry has moved on, the know-how from all 4 examinations is now regarded as necessary, & therefore has been fine-tuned into 2 required assessments. A bridging exam has been produced by 'CompTIA' for anybody with the previous accreditation. 'BR-003' is the reference number. Extra training will almost certainly end up being needed, especially for individuals who just originally studied for 2 of the 4 electives. Clearly though the newer technology content must be mastered.

For the A+ exams give yourself around 100 to 150 hours to train & prepare, & a bit less for the Network+ examinations (perhaps up to 75-100 hrs). Studying part time, this could be done over a 6 month period if you go for an appropriate quality of training and excellent examination preparation products.

As for the '09 edition of the 'Network+' : N10-004 has become the exam reference number. A larger importance is placed upon security in the '2009' Network+ exam, along with network design & wireless-networking. This obviously is as well as the primary elements of network management & infrastructure.

Several of these positions are often starting points for higher level IT careers, therefore, as with all career-tracks, its vital that you first look at what your end-goals are, and what type of learning style you prefer. Take the opportunity to go through every little thing with a training program and I.T. advisor - it will protect you against set-backs in the future. IT Training organisations should offer to develop a personalised training-path by putting together a selection of training programs to take the individual from wherever they are now to wherever they want to end up.

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