The not for profit institution 'CompTIA' - Computing Technology Industry Association - was established in the early 1980's. They've developed progressively and now are world leaders in IT qualifications that are vendor neutral. This essentially means they're absolutely free to independently generate & monitor exams and accreditations that are needed by the IT market, regardless of a particular company's commercial interests. This is excellent for students, because they can be taught about various platforms & how they 'inter-connect' and integrate with one another - a common scenario in industry today. Every time a new syllabus is created, 'CompTIA' invites several educational & industrial groups to join them and validate that every area has been thought about equally, & the programs are appropriate from a commercial perspective.

The two examinations have recently been subject to a 2009 update in-line with CompTIA's advance towards ISO standardisation. Globally the 2006-2007 versions of 'A+' (those with examination pre-fix number 600) will be phased out over the coming 12 months. After the 31st August '10 they will no longer be accessible in the UK. Because both the '600', & the recently released '700' exams are currently allowed to be taken in 'prometric' & 'Vue' test centres, it's sensible to study for the 700 examinations now, and avoid having to certify again later on. The individual 'A+' 2009 examinations are now: CompTIA 'A+' Essentials (examination 220/701) and 'CompTIA' 'A+' Practical Application (examination 220-702.) As well as some extra content on newer technologies, there are now two exams that cover aspects of all 4 of the past examinations. Originally, the A+ was split into 4 examinations: one essential & three 'elective' specialisations. As the market has moved on, the knowledge from all four exams is now regarded as crucial, & therefore has been condensed into 2 compulsory exams. CompTIA have also produced the 'BR-003' 'up-grade' exam, for students certified under the '600' exams who want to up-date to the new 700 exams. This will almost certainly necessitate additional study, although not so much if you covered information on all four of the previous exams, rather than only the two that were required. Obviously however the newer technology content must be learned about.

Clearly these jobs often lead to much more senior jobs if the appropriate accreditations have been put in place. That is why its very important to examine your long term options prior to choosing your career training route. This means a discussion with a skilled industry expert clarify that the track you ultimately choose is right and cost effective. it is often really useful to consider personalised career training bundles that incorporate the A+ & Network+ courses. 'Bundling' various program materials together can be quite financially attractive.

If you are excited about any of the following jobs, the A+ would certainly serve you well : Depot Technician, Call Centre Technician, PC Technician, Help Desk Technician, Field Services Technician, Remote Support Technician and IT Administrator. Career prospects open up to include Network Installers, Administrators & Technicians for those who attain the CompTIA Network+ too.

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