A+ Certification, sponsored by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association), validates the latest skills needed by today's computer support professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers.

At present CompTIA is sponsoring exams for the 2003 and the 2006 versions. Global Computer Training Center (GCTC) is currently offering the 2006 A+ Certification course. There are now three separate technical paths a candidate must select from before pursuing the A+ certification. One can study for any of the three options but must pass one of those three exams in addition to passing the Essentials exam to obtain the 2006 A+ Certification.

The student will gain the knowledge needed to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. The course will cover security, safety and environmental issues and communication and professionalism modules that are required for the A+ Certification exams .

The objectives for the four exams, which are listed below, will be covered in the GCTC courseware. Every student must learn the Essentials material. The other three course modules will be covered regardless of the second exam one decides to pursue.

The A+ Certification course consists of 51 hours of instructor led and hands-on training. It can be completed in 7 days (full-time) or 8.5 weeks (part-time).

A basic working knowledge of computers is a useful background for individuals considering A+ Certification. There are no other prerequisites and GCTC does not require entrance exam for this class. The A+ Certification course is indispensable to individuals who want to advance their careers and marketability in the field of personal computer support and service. More employers and businesses are requiring even experienced IT professionals to be A+ certified. This course is recommended for those individuals who want to change careers and begin establishing credibility.

A candidate seeking to prepare for the revised 2006 A+ Certification must study to pass 2 exams: the CompTIA A+ Essentials and one of the three additional elective exams (IT Technician, Remote Support Technician, or Depot Technician).

A candidate seeking to prepare for the 2003 A+ Certification must study to pass 2 exams: Core Hardware Exam and Operating System Exam. The 2003 A+ exams will be retired from the U.S. marketplace by June 30, 2007 . There are exceptions to this retirement date. One can view the CompTIA calendar for information by pasting the following link into the address line above.

The 2003 and 2006 versions of the exams can be taken at any Thomson Prometric or Pearson VUE Testing Center .

After attaining an A+ Certification based on the Essentials and IT Technician exams, one becomes eligible to pursue technical roles such as IT Technician, Enterprise Technician, PC Technician, Desktop Support Technician, Field Technician, or PC Support Technician.

If one opts to attain an A+ Certification based on the Essentials and Remote Support Technician exams, one becomes eligible to take on technical roles such as Remote Support Technician, Help Desk Technician, or Call Center Technician.

Or if one pursues an A+ Certification based on the Essentials and Depot Technician exams, one becomes eligible to take on technical roles such as Depot Technician or Bench Technician.

Regardless of which specialty one focuses on, A+ Certifications are known throughout the IT community as one of the best ways to break into the information technology field and build a solid career.