CompTIA is the non-profit trade association advancing the global interests of information technology (IT) professionals and companies including manufacturers, distributors, resellers, and educational institutions.

The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard for computer support technicians. The international, vendor-neutral certification proves competence in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting. CompTIA A+ certified technicians also have excellent customer service and communication skills to work with clients.

CompTIA A+ is part of the certification track for corporations such as Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco and Novell. Other technology companies, including CompuCom and Ricoh, have made CompTIA A+ certification mandatory for their service technicians. More than 700,000 people worldwide have become CompTIA A+ certified since the program’s inception in 1993.

CompTIA A+ Essentials measures the necessary competencies of an entry-level IT professional with a recommended 500 hours of hands-on experience in the lab or field. It tests for the fundamentals of computer technology, networking and security, as well as the communication skills and professionalism now required of all entry-level IT professionals.

CompTIA A+ Practical Application is an extension of the knowledge and skills identified in CompTIA A+ Essentials, with more of a “hands-on” orientation focused on scenarios in which troubleshooting and tools must be applied to resolve problems.

The CompTIA Network+ certification is the sign of a competent networking professional. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that proves a technician’s competency in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructure.

Since its introduction in 1999, more than 235,000 people have become CompTIA Network+ certified. Microsoft includes CompTIA Network+ in their Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) program, and other corporations such as Novell, Cisco and HP also recognize CompTIA Network+ as part of their certification tracks.

Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that CompTIA Network+ candidates have at least nine months of experience in network support or administration or academic training, along with a CompTIA A+ certification.

The CompTIA Security+ certification designates knowledgeable professionals in the field of security, one of the fastest-growing fields in IT. Security threats are increasing in number and severity, and the gap between the need for security professionals and qualified IT personnel is the largest of any IT specialty, according to a 2008 CompTIA study. Even in a troubled economy, most businesses plan to maintain or increase their investment in security.

CompTIA Security+ is an international, vendor-neutral certification that proves competency in system security, network infrastructure, access control and organizational security. Major organizations that employ CompTIA Security+ certified staff include Booz Allen Hamilton, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Motorola, Symantec, Telstra, Hitachi, Ricoh, Lockheed Martin, Unisys, Hilton Hotels Corp., General Mills, the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines.

Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that CompTIA Security+ candidates have at least two years of technical networking experience, with an emphasis on security. The CompTIA Network+ certification is also recommended.

CompTIA Project+ is a globally recognized project management certification that identifies qualified and quality project managers.

The CompTIA Project+ certification is an international, vendor-neutral certification that covers the entire project life cycle from initiation and planning through execution, acceptance, support and closure.

CompTIA Project+ gives project managers the skills necessary to complete projects on time and within budget, and creates a common project management language among project team members.

CDW requires CompTIA Project+ in certain positions, and it is recommended for project managers at Alltel, Dell, Ricoh and the U.S. Dept. of State.

Unlike some project management certifications, CompTIA Project+ can be earned quickly and cost-effectively. There are no prerequisites, and candidates are not required to submit an application or complete additional hours of continuing education.

CompTIA’s Strata program offers fundamental to advanced certificates that validate a wide range of subjects in information technology (IT). Students and professionals holding a Strata certificate demonstrate that they have the knowledge required to enter and excel in IT and technology-related fields. Strata exams validate knowledge in several IT subjects, including Green IT, Technical Sales and PC concepts.

The CompTIA Strata Certificate Program is designed for:

• Individuals seeking a new career in IT
• Students new to the IT and technology job market
• Professionals in technology sales careers
• Individuals considering CompTIA A+ or other IT industry certifications
• Certified or seasoned IT career professionals who want enhance their credentials

Green IT is a specialized certificate designed for the certified or seasoned IT professional. The comprehensive Strata – Green IT exam covers green IT technologies and techniques combined with green IT standards and policies.

Candidates who pass the exam show that they have the knowledge and skills to implement environmentally sound techniques such as disposal, preservation of power, and reduction of an organization’s carbon footprint.

Strata – Green IT certificate holders will be able to identify organizations and standards, implement virtualization on IT systems, and calculate the ROI involved in implementing green IT initiatives.

The Strata – Green IT certificate is intended for IT professionals who have decision making authority over a company’s IT infrastructure such as an IT manager, IT supervisor, data center manager, or facilities / operations manager.

Prerequisites:

It is recommended that candidates taking the exam for Strata – Green IT have at least 18 – 24 months of technical experience with a CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Server+ certification.

The CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) certification identifies excellent and dedicated industry instructors.

CompTIA CTT+ is an international, vendor-neutral certification that covers core instructor skills, including preparation, presentation, communication, facilitation and evaluation in both a classroom and virtual classroom environment. Adobe, Dell, Microsoft, Novell and Ricoh recommend that their trainers be CompTIA CTT+ certified. The Training Associates also look for CompTIA CTT+ certification when hiring trainers.

All candidates must take the CompTIA CTT+ Essentials exam, and at least one of the two designations: Classroom Trainer or Virtual Classroom Trainer. Candidates will need to supply a video or recording of their classroom or virtual classroom sessions.

The CompTIA Server+ certification is recognized by the industry to prove competency in server support.

CompTIA Server+ is an international, vendor-neutral certification for server support professionals with 18 to 24 months of experience with Industry Standard Server Architecture (ISSA) technology. Companies such as CDW Computer Centers and CompuCom require it of their IT employees.

CompTIA Server+ certifies technical knowledge in areas such as RAID, SCSI and multiple CPUs, as well as capabilities with disaster recovery. Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that CompTIA Server+ candidates hold a CompTIA A+ certification.

The CompTIA Linux+ certification is recognized throughout the industry as a benchmark certification for professionals who work with open-source platforms.

CompTIA Linux+ is a vendor-neutral certification, generic across distributions, targeted to individuals with a minimum of six to 12 months of practical Linux experience. The CompTIA Linux+ exam covers fundamental management of Linux systems from the command line, user administration, file permissions, software configuration and management of Linux-based clients.

Oracle and Novell recognize CompTIA Linux+ in certain certification tracks, and it is recommended for Hitachi Electronics and Fujitsu Japan employees.

CompTIA PDI+ is an entry-level, vendor-neutral certification proving competence in basic maintenance of printers, scanners, copiers and fax machines.

The certification is recognized by several industry leaders, including Canon, Sharp and Xerox, as a benchmark certification for professionals that service and support document imaging devices.

CompTIA PDI+ covers a technician’s understanding of basic electromechanical components and tools, print engine and scan processes and components, color theory, connectivity and networking. The exam also covers soft skills such as customer service, professionalism, safety and environment. While there are no prerequisites for the CompTIA PDI+ certification exam, it is recommended that entry-level candidates have foundation-level knowledge or hands-on experience working with printing and document imaging devices.

The CompTIA Convergence+ certification proves the competence and knowledge of IT professionals specializing in unified communications.

The CompTIA Convergence+ certification is an international, vendor-neutral certification that recognizes a technician’s ability to design, implement and manage both data and voice networking. Although not a prerequisite for CompTIA Convergence+ certification, it is recommended that candidates are CompTIA Network+ certified and have 18 to 24 months of work experience in areas that include data networking, VoIP, and other convergence related technologies.

Several companies that provide solutions such as VoIP and data networking value and support CompTIA Convergence+ certification, including Avaya, Siemens and Intel.