The two exams have recently been subject to a 2009 upgrade in-line with CompTIA's move towards 'ISO' standardisation. The earlier A+ (version 2006-2007) examinations that were categorised with the '600' pre-fix are now being retired worldwide during 2010. After the 31st August '10 they will not be accessible in Britain. Up until then, individuals can sit either the 600 or the newer 700 examinations at regional test centres (specifically 'Vue' and 'Prometric'). Common sense dictates that new students should take edition 2009. CompTIA 'A+' Essentials and 'CompTIA' 'A+' Practical Application are the new exam titles (220-701 & 220/702 respectively). The most crucial modifications were a total restructuring of the previous 4 examinations into only 2 exams, & the inclusion of some information on newer technologies. The old structure was 1 required 'essentials' examination & 3 'electives', of which just one was required to be sat. These days the sector demands workers with knowledge that was in all four previous examinations. Students can get that understanding from the two new obligatory 'A+' programs. Anyone who has previously achieved the 600 examination may bring their qualification up-to-date by taking an up-grade exam - BR-003. Extra training will undoubtedly be required, especially for individuals who just originally studied for 2 of the four 'electives'. Adequate study time should be allowed for the new technology aspects however.

Each programme of learning has to build towards a properly recognised certification as an end-result - not a useless 'in-house' plaque for your wall. You'll find that only recognised qualifications from the likes of Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco and CompTIA will be useful to a future employer.

By far the most popular of all of the CompTIA qualifications are without doubt the A+ & 'Network+'. Jointly they encompass the basis of a good number of career paths in I.T., & therefore are frontrunners within their industry. A+ training covers all the fundamentals of PC maintenance, fault-finding & repair; including support, security & installation. It also addresses certain personal & communication skills needed to get established in IT. Network+ takes things further, by working on a more significant understanding of how networks function & connect with each other. The very important matter of 'Security' is introduced, & Wireless technologies are outlined at an introductory level. Getting these two certifications will give a solid grounding for anybody seeking to get into the systems side of the I.T. market, together with a platform of knowledge for further accreditation.

Commercially accredited qualifications are now, without a doubt, beginning to replace the more academic tracks into the IT sector - so why is this? Key company training (as it's known in the industry) is most often much more specialised. Industry is aware that this level of specialised understanding is what's needed to handle a technically advancing commercial environment. CISCO, Adobe, Microsoft and CompTIA dominate in this arena. Many degrees, for example, become confusing because of vast amounts of loosely associated study - and a syllabus that's too generalised. Students are then held back from understanding the specific essentials in enough depth.

Imagine if you were an employer - and you required somebody who had very specific skills. What should you do: Go through loads of academic qualifications from graduate applicants, trying to establish what they know and what trade skills they have, or choose a specific set of accreditations that precisely match your needs, and make your short-list from that. Your interviews are then about personal suitability - rather than on the depth of their technical knowledge.

For the A+ examinations allow yourself around 100-150 hours to train and prepare, & a bit less for the 'Network+' examinations (possibly around 100 hours). Using the best multimedia training package that is supported by authorised exam preparation software, both accreditations could very well be achieved inside of 6 months for the student who is learning around employment.

Interactive Commercial PC Training Courses For CompTIA Network Tech Support >>