Set up twenty-eight years ago, the 'Computing Technology Industry Association' (or CompTIA in short) is a non-profit organisation. They've developed progressively & right now lead the world in IT certifications that are vendor neutral. This means they are able to offer and over-see independent industry recognised I.T. exams and qualifications that don't reflect a single organisation's interests above another. As systems regularly 'converge' & inter-connect in industry, this provides the I.T. trainee with a more rounded knowledge and comprehension of cross platform integration. CompTIA brings together several business & learned industry groups when building or up-dating an exam, to ensure that all things are thought about & the most industry relevant syllabuses are crafted.

The most well known of all of the 'CompTIA' qualifications are without doubt the 'A+' & Network+. Jointly they encompass the basis of many career-paths in IT, and therefore are frontrunners in their industry. Trainees learn a good deal of fundamental PC principles with A+ , including maintenance, support, repair, security, installation and fault-finding. On top of that, the A+ teaches several relationship building abilities to help you communicate much better with others. The CompTIA N+ certification expands this experience to a deeper comprehension of networks, servers and routers, and just how they connect together. 'Security' is of course very important, & wireless-technology is covered to some degree. Obtaining these two qualifications will give a solid platform for anyone considering getting into the systems side of the IT market, as well as a platform of knowledge for additional qualification.

Obviously these positions can often lead to much more advanced assignments if the appropriate accreditations are in place. That is why it's imperative to examine your long term plans before picking out your career-training path. The best way to optimise your career-path fully is to get advice from an IT expert ahead of starting on your training. IT Training organisations may offer to develop a tailored training-path by putting together a combination of training programs that will get the individual from where they are now to wherever they would like to go.

In 2009 each programme under-went up-dates, & new examinations are now to be found for each of them. 'A+' examinations which began using the prefix '600' (i.e. the 2006-2007 version) are now being phased-out around the world. At the close of Aug 2010, the examinations will retire in the British Isles. As '2009' exams (700) are already offered at test centres up and down the country, the newer learning programs would be a more valuable choice for anyone who is just starting out. CompTIA 'A+' Essentials and 'CompTIA' 'A+' Practical Application are the new exam titles (220-701 and 220/702 respectively). The most crucial modifications were a complete re-structuring of the preceding 4 exams into just 2 examinations, & the inclusion of some information on newer relevant technologies. The old format was one required 'essentials' exam & three electives, of which just one needed to be taken. But as the market has developed, the expertise from all four examinations is actually deemed necessary, & therefore has been condensed into two essential assessments. Anybody who has formerly taken the '600' examination can bring their qualification up to date by sitting a bridging examination - BR/003. Passing the bridging exam will usually take additional study, although it ought not to be especially much of a challenge for those who initially studied all electives. Adequate training hours should be allowed for the new aspects however.

The job roles listed here are all appropriate for the applicant with a CompTIA A+ certification: Call Centre Technician, Depot Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Service Technician, PC Technician, IT Administrator & Remote Support Technician. Career opportunities will also include Network Installers, Administrators & Technicians for those who have the 'CompTIA' Network+ as well.

For a new trainee to IT, CompTIA provides the initial foundation training in various sectors. Wherever a student opts to work in I.T., there are various 'CompTIA' certifications that will enhance their abilities. Individuals who are specifically thinking about Networking, Support, Systems, Security, Communications & Servers are especially well served. 'CompTIA' are also now promoting STRATA qualifications : these are not necessarily for men and women employed in the I.T. market, but for those whose careers require a fundamental understanding of computing.

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