The non-profit organisation 'CompTIA' - 'Computing Technology Industry Association' - was established in 1982. They've developed progressively and now lead the world in I.T. qualifications that are vendor neutral. So they can freely produce and be in control of an entire collection of I.T. industry examinations & issue their own accreditations that don't just apply to one specific company's goods. With the current move towards 'inter-connectivity' & systems 'convergence', this is seen as a welcome move for the IT student, because it provides cross platform learning and a knowledge of integration. Every time a new examination is being developed (or a previous one updated), 'CompTIA' discusses the content with leading members of the industrial & academic world to create balanced & extremely relevant content.

Anyone looking to establish themselves in I.T. will benefit from programs and qualifications developed by 'CompTIA'. Generally, individuals who are interested in careers within Networking, Security, Servers, Systems, Support and Communications can start out with 'CompTIA', but in fact trainees within any IT sector could find a 'CompTIA' certification a worthwhile component of their Curriculum Vitae. There is now also a push at CompTIA to supply their starter-level STRATA programs to those men and women who do not work in IT, but would reap some benefits from a knowledge of basic I.T. and exactly how it affects their career.

In-line with their ISO standardisation drive, 'CompTIA' have up-dated both A+ & N+ exams to '2009' editions. The former 'A+' (edition 2006-2007) exams that were classified with the 600 pre-fix are now being retired worldwide during 2010. At the close of Aug 2010, the exams will be retired in Great Britain. As 2009 examinations (700) are currently offered at test-centres up and down the country, these newer learning programs would be a more sensible choice for someone just about to start. 'A+' 2009 is now offered as 220-701 CompTIA A+ Essentials and '220-702' CompTIA A+ Practical Application. As well as some additional material on newer technologies, we now have two exams which cover elements of all four of the previous examinations. The old format was 1 compulsory 'essentials' examination and 3 electives, of which just one needed to be taken. As the market has progressed, the know-how from all four exams is now regarded as necessary, and thus has been fine-tuned in to two essential assessments. CompTIA also have produced the BR/003 'up-grade' exam, for students accredited under the '600' examinations who wish to up-date to the current '700' exams. This will almost definitely necessitate additional study, although not so much if you covered information on all four of the previous examinations, instead of just the two that were required. Sufficient training time really should be allowed for the new technology aspects though.

The actual Network+ 2009 exam has been referred to as 'N10-004', replacing the old 'N10-003'. In addition to the solid component of managing networks & their infrastructures, the new examination focuses to a great extent on design, security and wireless skill-sets.

For the 'A+' examinations set aside for yourself approximately 100 to 150 hrs to train and prepare, and somewhat less for the Network+ examinations (possibly up to 75 to 100 hrs). Studying part time, this could be accomplished over a six month period if you select the appropriate quality of training matter and first-rate exam prep products.

The 'CompTIA' 'A+' examinations are mainly designed for anyone looking to start a job in any of these roles: Remote Support Technician, Call Centre and Depot Technician, Field Service Technician, Help Desk Technician, PC Technician and IT Administrator. CompTIA Network+ unwraps opportunities for Network Technicians & Administrators, Network Installers and IT Cable Installers.

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