An Overview of CompTIA Certification Programs

An Overview of CompTIA Certification Programs

Article by Natalie Aranda

High-tech is often associated with computers or information technology (IT). IT has transformed the way we live and the way we conduct businesses. A well-established certification program is often the indication of maturity of an industry or profession. The programs utilize standard tests to exam the knowledge and level of expertise of the professionals. CompTIA certifications are one of such certification programs for the information technology industry. CompTIA certifications are provided by The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) – a non-profit trade association founded in 1982. Many of ComPTIA certification exams are computer-based and are composed of multiple choice questions.

A+The A+ certification demonstrates the knowledge and understanding of computer hardware and operating systems. It is primarily designed for qualification of a computer technician though many organization utilize the A+ certification training to help their employee to acquire the basic knowledge of computer hardware and operating systems. The actual certification includes the A+ Hardware Exam and the A+ Operating System Technologies Exam, which focuses exclusively on Microsoft operating systems. The A+ exam is designed for IT professionals who have about a year of hands-on experience.

Network+Network+ certification is designed for network technicians to test and demonstrates skill and understanding of network hardware, installation, and troubleshooting in general. Network+ certification is not vendor specific. Besides Network+ certification, network technicians further acquire vendor specific certification, such as to Microsoft certifications and Cisco certifications.

Server+CompTIA Server+ certification demonstrate the competency of server-specific hardware and operating systems skills. A+/Server+ certification focus on the general knowledge of various servers while the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification, of course, test the knowledge of Microsoft products – NT server, SQLServer or Information server for web publishing.

Security+Security+ certification focus on security aspect of information technology, such computer security and network security.

Linux+As the Open Source operation system gains the popularity and wide acceptance, CompTIA offers Linux+ certification. Unlike other CompTIA certifications which focus on general understanding of the subject, not on any vendor-specific products. Linux+ is product-specific, but not vendor-specific because the nature of open source software. The certification exam covers the installation, management, configuration, security, documentation, and hardware of Lunix.

The most-known ComPTIA certification is A+ certification for computer hardware and operating system. Many organizations simply utilize A+ training for general computer training. Other even less-known certifications from ComPTIA are HTI+ (Home Technology Integrator covers installation, integration and troubleshooting of automated home sub-systems; e-Biz+ certification covering basic knowledge of e-commerce, CTT+ certification for training professionals, and CDIA+ certification for document management and enterprise content management.

About the Author

Natalie Aranda writes on computers and technology.