The non profit organisation CompTIA - 'Computing Technology Industry Association' - was formed in 1982. The operation produces vendor-neutral qualifications that have made it a global leader in this field. This essentially means they are absolutely free to independently generate and monitor exams and qualifications which are required by the IT sector, regardless of a particular business' commercial interests. This really is excellent for trainees, as they can learn about various platforms and how they inter-connect & 'integrate' with each other - a common circumstance today. CompTIA brings together several business and learned industry groups when designing or upgrading an examination, to ensure all sides are considered and the most commercially relevant syllabuses are crafted.

Average study times for these exams are estimated at around 100 to 150 hours for the 'A+' , and 75-100 hrs for the Network+ . Using the appropriate multi-media training package that is supported by accredited examination preparation software, both qualifications could very well be accomplished in half a year for the trainee who is learning whilst holding down a job.

Both of the exams have recently undergone a 2009 upgrade in-line with the company's efforts towards 'ISO' standardisation. A+ exams that began with the number 600 (that is the 2006-2007 version) are being phased-out around the world. Come the end of August 2010, the exams will be retired in the British Isles. As both these, and the recently released 700 examinations are currently available to sit in Prometric and Vue test-centres, it's sensible to study the 700 examinations now, and not have to re-certify later on. A+ 2009 will now be presented as '220-701' 'CompTIA' 'A+' Essentials & 220/702 CompTIA 'A+' Practical Application. The 4 original examinations have been re-structured in to 2 new examinations, and some more updated material has been introduced. Formerly, the 'A+' was split into four examinations: one essential and three 'elective' specialisations. Nowadays the market demands workers with expertise that used to be in all four previous exams. Trainees can get that understanding from the two new essential 'A+' programs. Anybody who has previously achieved the '600' examination may bring their accreditation up to date by taking an up-grade exam : BR-003. This would probably call for extra study, although not so much if you covered information on all of the older examinations, rather than only the minimum two. The newly created subjects will obviously require some extra learning.

On to the 2009 version of the Network+ - 'N10-004' is now the exam reference number. As well as the strong component of managing and running networks & their infrastructures, this latest examination concentrates to a great extent on security, design & wireless skills.

The employment roles listed here are all possible for the applicant holding a CompTIA 'A+' certification: IT Administrator, PC Technician, Field Service Technician, Remote Support Technician, Call Centre & Depot Technician and Help Desk Technician. 'CompTIA' Network+ unwraps opportunities for Network Administrators & Technicians, IT Cable Installers & Network Installers.

Essentially the most popular of all the 'CompTIA' qualifications are without doubt the A+ & the Network+. Collectively they encompass the basis of many career paths in I.T., and as a result are leaders in their field. Trainees learn many essential computer principles with A+ , such as repair, maintenance, support security, installation and fault-finding. Additionally, the A+ handles specific relationship building abilities that will help you to communicate better with others. Network+ takes things further, by building in a more in-depth knowledge of how networks operate and connect with each other. The very important challenge of Security is underlined, and Wireless networks are discussed at an elementary level. 'CompTIA' 'A+' & Network+ will give you a firm basis for a Systems career in I.T., & furthermore an excellent basis for other more more senior accreditation programs.

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