Founded twenty eight years ago, the 'Computing Technology Industry Association' (or CompTIA in short) is a non-profit association. They've grown step by step & now are world leaders in IT qualifications that are vendor neutral. What this means is they can offer and oversee independent industry recognised IT exams and accreditations that don't reflect a single organisation's interests over another. With the current shift towards 'inter-connectivity' and systems convergence, this is a welcome move for the I.T. student, because it offers cross platform learning and a comprehension of 'integration'. 'CompTIA' gathers together various commercial & academic industry organisations when creating or upgrading an examination, to make sure that all things are considered and the very best commercially relevant syllabuses are crafted.

Expect to allow around a hundred to a hundred and fifty hrs studying time for the A+ examinations, & for the 'Network+' about seventy-five to a hundred hrs. Studying part time, this can be achieved over a 6 month time period if you opt for the right quality of training and first-rate examination prep software.

In-line with their ISO standardisation move, 'CompTIA' have upgraded both A+ & N+ examinations to '2009' editions. A+ exams which started with the number 600 (that is the 2006/2007 version) are now being phased out internationally. Come the end of Aug 2010, the exams will retire in Great Britain. As '2009' exams (version 700) are currently offered at test centres regionally, these newer study programs would be a more sensible option for someone just about to start. A+ 2009 is now presented as '220-701' 'CompTIA' 'A+' Essentials & 220/702 CompTIA A+ Practical Application. The four earlier examinations have been stream-lined into 2 brand new exams, & some more up-dated information has been added. Formerly, the 'A+' was split into four exams: 1 essential & three 'elective' specialisations. Nowadays the marketplace requires professionals with know-how that was in all of the previous examinations. Individuals will learn that information from the 2 new obligatory A+ programs. Anyone who has previously passed the 600 examination may bring their accreditation up-to-date by taking a bridging examination - 'BR-003'. Further training will undoubtedly end up being necessary, particularly for many who only initially worked on two of the four electives. Obviously however the new technology topics will have to be studied.

The 'A+' program & the 'Network+' program are 'CompTIA's' most widely recognised accreditations. Collectively they comprise the first step toward many career paths in I.T., and as a result are leaders within their field. The CompTIA A+ accreditation covers the fundamentals of PC maintenance, security, installation, support, fault finding & repair. Additionally , it covers different personal and communication skill-sets needed to get established in I.T.. The CompTIA 'Network+' qualification stretches this experience to a wider comprehension of networks, servers & routers, and how they communicate. Both 'Security' and Wi-Fi are dealt with to some level. 'CompTIA' 'A+' & Network+ provide a solid foundation for a Systems career in I.T., and furthermore a great platform for various other advanced certification programs.

The way in which your courseware is broken down for you can often be overlooked. In what way are your training elements sectioned? And in what sequence and what control do you have at what pace it arrives? The majority of training companies will set up a 2 or 3 year study programme, and deliver each piece one-by-one as you pass each exam. If you think this sound logical, then consider this: What if for some reason you don't get to the end of each and every exam? What if you don't find their order of learning is ideal for you? Without any fault on your part, you mightn't complete everything fast enough and not receive all the modules you've paid for.

The very best situation would see you getting all the learning modules sent to your home before you even start; the whole caboodle! This way, nothing can happen down the line which could affect your progress.

'Exam Guarantees' are often bundled with training offers - this always means you have to pay for the exams at the start of your training. Before you jump at the chance of a guarantee, think about this: In this day and age, we have to be a little bit more aware of sales ploys - and generally we grasp that we're actually paying for it - it's not because they're so generous they want to give something away! Those who take exams one at a time, funding them as they go are much more likely to pass. They are mindful of their investment and revise more thoroughly to be up to the task.