CompTIA
CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industries Association) 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. They are widely adopted internationally – and are specified by Microsoft as an entry point to some of its Professional level certifications.
Currently, CompTIA offers certifications in PC hardware, networking, servers, Internet, e-business, project management, training, Linux, security, home technology, document imaging and RFID. The courses and exams can be readily recognised by the trademark “+” suffix.
Whilst in some instances more than one course/exam is required, the CompTIA portfolio is largely single level, topic specific. The most popular certifications include the following:
CompTIA A+ Certification
- aimed at computer support professionals
- ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, basic networking and security
CompTIA Network+ Certification
- shows understanding of networking components
- ability to install, configure and troubleshoot basic networking hardware, protocols and services.
CompTIA Security+ Certification
- shows knowledge in security topics, such as communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, access control, authentication, external attack and operational security
CompTIA Server+ Certification
- aimed at mid to upper level technicians
- spans installation, configuration, upgrading, maintenance, troubleshooting and disaster recovery
Comprehensive and up to date information on CompTIA certifications can be found at http://certification.comptia.org/default.aspx
Applying Your CompTIA Credentials Toward a Microsoft Certification
Microsoft accepts the combination of CompTIA A+ with either CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Server+ as an elective for the Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA) certification program. In addition, Microsoft accepts CompTIA Security+ as an elective for both the MCSA and the Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certifications, and as a specialization option for the MCSA: Security and MCSE: Security certifications. Refer to the CompTIA certification site for details on how to communicate (“publish”) your CompTIA certifications to Microsoft.
http://certification.comptia.org/mcsa/default.aspx
CompTIA certifications and training are proven to add value. A large-scale study in the US and Canada by the Kotler Marketing Group found:
56% IT Managers regard CompTIA certification to be an important recruitment factor
They rate CompTIA certified employees higher in terms of technical knowledge, adaptability and ability to handle issues
Organisations with high CompTIA certification levels experience higher service desk utilisation (+11%); lower staff turnover (16% v 24%); higher network up time
(See the CompTia website for full details)
