Updated CompTIA A+ Certification Exams Available Today.

New exams reflect changes in technologies, job skills for computer service and support professionals

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. -- The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the world's largest provider of vendor neutral certifications for professionals in the information technology (IT) industry, today announced the worldwide availability of updated CompTIA A+([R]) certification exams.

The updated exams cover both technology essentials and the specialized skills required in different computer service and support environments. The changes to the CompTIA A+ certification exams reflect the need of employers for validated skills that match specific job responsibilities for computer service and support personnel.

CompTIA A+, recognized throughout the world as the foundation credential for a career in technology, continues to include two "high stakes" exams delivered as computer-based tests in a proctored environment. The two exams available today are CompTIA A+ Essentials and CompTIA A+ 220-622.

The CompTIA A+ Essentials exam covers core competencies in the latest hardware and software technologies, including a greater emphasis on information security skills, safety and environmental issues, and soft skills. Enhancement of the security component reflects the fact that IT workers encounter a host of security issues related to applications, operating systems, communications, procedures, and physical environments. The addition of soft skills is in line with the need for IT workers to be able to interact and communicate verbally and in writing in a clear and professional manner with co-workers, customers, partners, and others.

The CompTIA A+ 220-602 exam focuses on how to apply technology skills in specific job environments, such as IT technician, IT administrator, service technician, field PC technician, or computer technician.

The combination of CompTIA A+ Essentials and CompTIA A+ 220-602 is the exam option that maps most closely to the previous CompTIA A+ offering. This combination is also the appropriate certification choice for students interested in careers in technology; for sales professionals who require foundation-level knowledge of technology in their dealings with customers; or for office managers in small and medium-sized businesses who have responsibilities for IT.

The CompTIA A+ offering will be expanded in the coming weeks to include new exams tailored to the specific requirements of other computer support and service jobs. These include CompTIA A+ 220-603 for remote support technicians, service desk technicians, support center technicians, help desk technicians, and call center technicians; and CompTIA A+ 220-604 for depot and bench technicians.

The previous versions of the CompTIA A+ exams remain available worldwide through at least December 31, 2006. Candidates now studying for CompTIA A+ certification based on the prior objectives are encouraged to continue their preparation.

Approximately 700,000 individuals in some 190 countries hold CompTIA A+ certification.

To register for the exams, or for additional information on objectives, courseware and other details on CompTIA A+, please visit: http://certification.comptia.org/a/default.aspx

About CompTIA

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) represents the business interests of the information technology (IT) industry. For 24 years CompTIA has provided research, networking and partnering opportunities to its 20,000 member organizations in more than 100 countries worldwide. CompTIA initiatives extend to areas such as convergence technologies, electronic commerce, information security, IT services, public policy, skills development, and software. CompTIA helps organization maximize the benefits they receive from their investments in technology; and assists IT workers to obtain the skills they need for productive careers in technology. For more information, please visit: www.comptia.org.