It only makes sense to consider learning programs that grow into commercially acknowledged certifications. There are way too many minor schools offering 'in-house' certificates which aren't worth the paper they're printed on when it comes to finding a job. Only nationally recognised certification from the major players like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA and Adobe will open the doors to employers.

In 2009 each programme under-went upgrades, & new examinations are now available for them both. Globally the 2006-2007 editions of 'A+' (those with the exam prefix 600) will be phased out over the next twelve months. At the end of Aug 2010, the exams will retire in the British Isles. As 2009 examinations (700) are currently offered at test-centres regionally, the newer learning programs are probably a more sensible solution for anyone just getting started. The specific A+ 2009 exams have become: 'CompTIA' 'A+' Essentials (examination 220-701) and CompTIA 'A+' Practical Application (exam 220-702.) As well as some extra content on more recent technologies, there are now two examinations that cover aspects of all 4 of the past examinations. Although the previous A+ had four exams in the total program, only two were required to get the accreditation. During the last four years, the marketplace has grown to the point where all four exams are now considered necessary - hence the re-formatting in to 2 required exams. CompTIA also have introduced the 'BR-003' 'up-grade' examination, for people qualified in the 600 exams who wish to update to the current '700' examinations. Extra training will undoubtedly be needed, especially for those who only originally studied for 2 of the four 'electives'. Sufficient study time really should be allowed for the new aspects however.

Be expecting to give yourself close to one hundred to one hundred & fifty hours studying time for the A+ examinations, and for the 'Network+' around seventy-five to one hundred hrs. Learning part time, this could be accomplished over a 6 month time period if you select the right quality of training matter & excellent exam prep products.

Many men and women are under the impression that the state educational system is still the best way into IT. So why are commercial certificates beginning to overtake it? With the costs of academic degree's becoming a tall order for many, along with the IT sector's growing opinion that vendor-based training most often has much more commercial relevance, there has been a dramatic increase in Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe accredited training courses that educate students at a much reduced cost in terms of money and time. Vendor training works by honing in on the skill-sets required (along with a proportionate degree of related knowledge,) instead of spending months and years on the background 'extras' that academic courses often do (because the syllabus is so wide).

The crux of the matter is this: Recognised IT certifications tell an employer precisely what skills you have - it says what you do in the title: for example, I am a 'Microsoft Certified Professional' in 'Windows XP Administration and Configuration'. Therefore an employer can look at the particular needs they have and what certifications will be suitable to deal with those needs.

As for the '09 edition of the Network+ - N10-004 has become the examination reference number. Along with retaining its attention on network infrastructure & management, the up-dated 2009 examination places a greater importance on Security, wireless networking skills and network-design concepts.

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