'CompTIA' (Computing Technology Industry Association) is a not for profit operation formed in 1982. The company produces vendor neutral certifications that have made it a global number one in this field. This means they can supply and over-see independent industry-recognised I.T. examinations and accreditations that don't reflect a single company's interests over another. As systems frequently converge & inter-connect in industry, this supplies the IT trainee with a more wholesome knowledge & understanding of cross-platform 'integration'. Each time a new examination is being developed (or an earlier one up-graded), CompTIA discusses the content with top associates of the commercial and educational world in order to create well balanced & highly relevant content.

The 'CompTIA' 'A+' examinations are primarily designed for anyone hoping to start work in any of these roles: Depot Technician, Call Centre Technician, Field Services Technician, PC Technician, Help Desk Technician, Remote Support Technician and IT Administrator. With 'CompTIA' 'Network+' on top of that, you're able to think about becoming an IT Cable Installer, a Network Installer, a Network Technician or a Network Administrator.

For the A+ exams allow yourself around 100 to 150 hrs to train and prepare, and a bit less for the 'Network+' examinations (perhaps around 75 to 100 hours). Studying part time, this could be achieved over a six month time period if you pick out the right quality of training & first-rate examination preparation software.

The actual 'Network+' 2009 exam has been known as N10-004, updating the previous N10-003. As well as the solid component of managing and running networks and their infrastructures, the new examination concentrates heavily on design, security & wireless skills.

In 2009 each programme under-went up-dates, & new examinations are now in existence for them both. A+ examinations that began with the prefix 600 (i.e. the 2006/2007 edition) are now being phased out globally. At the close of August 2010, the examinations will retire in the British Isles. Up until then, individuals can take either the '600' or the newer 700 exams at local test-centres (namely 'Vue' & 'Prometric'). Reason suggests that new students should take edition '2009'. 'A+' 2009 is currently presented as '220/701' 'CompTIA' 'A+' Essentials & 220/702 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application. The 4 original exams have been streamlined in to two brand new examinations, & some further updated material has been added. The previous format was 1 required 'essentials' examination and three 'electives', of which only one needed to be sat. As the industry has moved on, the knowledge from all four examinations is now regarded as essential, & consequently has been condensed into two compulsory exams. 'CompTIA' also have introduced the BR/003 bridging test, for people certified in the 600 examinations who need to update to the current '700' exams. Successfully passing the up-grade examination will generally take more study, although this shouldn't be especially difficult for those who initially studied all electives. Enough training time really should be factored in for the new technology aspects though.

'CompTIA' 'A+' and the Network+ are by far and away the most widely recognised of their accreditations. Both of them, as a set, form the building blocks for many current I.T. career tracks - & for a good reason. 'A+' courses cover all of the fundamental basics of PC maintenance, fault finding & repair; including support, security & installation. In addition , it addresses certain personal and communication skillsets required to get established in I.T.. Advancing this knowledge, the Network+ accreditation looks at networks, (this includes routers and servers) and explains how they inter-connect. The very important challenge of Security is introduced, and Wireless technologies are reviewed at a basic level. CompTIA A+ and N+ will give you a firm foundation for a systems career in I.T., and also a great basis for various other more senior qualification programs.

Visual Basic Programming Online Certification Courses >>