I get email all the time from people looking for training and certification options in the field of unified communications. CompTIA is one of the leaders in IT certifications and have begun broadening their efforts in the past year.

Recently I was invited to join in their Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Breakaway Conference, being held July 31 to August 2 at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. I'm very disappointed that my scheduling logistics just won't allow me to be there, but I'll be talking to CompTIA more and more in the months ahead and will continue posting their updates here.

CompTIA A+ Exams Based on 2003 Objectives Available Until June 30
Certification validates foundation-level skills for IT careers

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., June 12, 2007 – The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the world’s largest provider of certifications for technology professionals, announced today that June 30, 2007 is the last day that CompTIA A+® certification exams based on 2003 objectives will be available for many certification candidates.

CompTIA A+ was updated in 2006 to reflect the evolving skills required for individuals embarking on a career in technology and by the employers who hire them. After June 30, only exams based on the 2006 objectives will be available to many certification candidates around the world. Exams based on 2003 objectives will retired in some markets, including the United States and Canada. Additional information on retirement dates for exam based on the 2003 objectives is available at http://certification.comptia.org/a/New_A_Calendar.aspx .

“CompTIA A+ certification is the skills benchmark for entry into a technology career,” said Neill Hopkins, vice president, skills development, CompTIA. “Many organizations rely on CompTIA A+ to maximize efficiency in recruiting, hiring, training and promoting IT employees. They know that individuals holding our certifications have the job skills needed to support their technology infrastructure efficiently and reliably. For job seekers, CompTIA A+ provides them with a recognized, respected credential that validates their ability to meet today's job requirements.”

Among the core skills that CompTIA A+ validates are an IT professional’s ability to complete installation, configuration, diagnostic, preventive maintenance, and basic networking tasks. The exam also covers security, safety, environmental issues, communication, and professional etiquette topics.

To register for a certification exam, or to find out more about CompTIA A+, visit http://certification.comptia.org/a/default.aspx .

About CompTIA
In 2007, CompTIA is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Just as the information technology (IT) industry it serves has grown, CompTIA has also enjoyed remarkable growth over the past 25 years. The organization was founded by representatives of five micro-computer dealerships working together to find better ways to do business. Today, CompTIA has more than 22,000 member companies in over 100 countries around the world; and serves as the voice of the world’s $1 trillion-plus IT industry. CompTIA is committed to advancing the long-term success and growth of the IT industry by helping organizations maximize the benefits they receive from their investments in technology; and by helping individuals to obtain the skills and credentials they need for productive careers in IT. For more information, please visit: www.comptia.org .