Set up 28 years ago, the 'Computing Technology Industry Association' (or CompTIA for short) is a non-profit association. They've built over time to become the number one in vendor neutral IT accreditation. This means they can supply & over-see independent industry recognised IT examinations and accreditations that don't reflect any one company's interests more than another. This really is excellent for trainees, as they can be taught about different platforms and how they 'inter-connect' and integrate with one another - a not unusual circumstance today. 'CompTIA' brings together numerous business & learned industry organisations when building or upgrading an examination, to make sure that all sides are considered & the very best industry relevant syllabuses are created.

New entrants into the I.T. market can turn to 'CompTIA' for many of their initial study courses. Individuals considering getting into networking & support, or systems, servers & security should most often start with CompTIA, though its true to state that CompTIA accreditations will improve any Resume designed for the I.T. market. A new package of beginner-level courses called STRATA have been put together by 'CompTIA'. These are for people who need a better idea of basic I.T. knowledge, but don't necessarily work in I.T. themselves.

By far the most renowned of all the CompTIA qualifications are undoubtedly the A+ and 'Network+'. These two, as a set, create the foundation of many contemporary I.T. career-tracks - and for a good reason. Students learn many basic PC principles with 'A+' , such as maintenance, support, repair, installation, security and fault-finding. Additionally , it handles different personal and communication skillsets required to get established in I.T.. The Network+ takes things further, by developing a more significant knowledge of how networks operate and connect with each other. The important issue of Security is underlined, & Wireless networks are reviewed at an elementary level. Both certifications go with each other well, and collectively form a good starting platform for other exam packages, or a good career in IT support.

Both of the exams have fairly recently undergone a 2009 upgrade in line with the company's move towards ISO standardisation. The earlier A+ (edition 2006/2007) exams which were categorised using the '600' pre-fix are being retired worldwide during 2010. After the 31st August '10 they will no longer be obtainable in the UK. As '2009' examinations (700) are already available at test centres around the country, these newer learning programs are probably a more valuable solution for anyone who is just starting out. A+ '09 is now offered as '220-701' 'CompTIA' 'A+' Essentials and 220/702 'CompTIA' 'A+' Practical Application. The main changes were an entire restructuring of the preceding four exams in to just two examinations, & the inclusion of some information on more recent technologies. Even though the previous A+ had 4 examinations in the total program, only 2 were required for the certification. Over the last 4 years, the market has grown to the point where all 4 exams are now considered necessary - hence the re-formatting into two required exams. An up-grade exam has been created by 'CompTIA' for any person who have the older accreditation. BR-003 is the exam number. Successfully passing the upgrade exam will normally demand further study, although it ought not to be too onerous for those who initially studied all four. The new technology subjects will of course need some fresh learning.

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