SkillSoft announces the availability of new CompTIA A+ certification programme

CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) is an association of leading technology companies (IBM, Microsoft, etc), and includes in its aims the promotion of industry standards for the IT sector.

"The A+ is an entry level IT Technician qualification and is intended to assess technicians in the areas of installing, upgrading, repairing, configuring, troubleshooting, and performing preventative maintenance of basic personal computer hardware and operating systems" explains Rudolph Tegalaar from Comptia in Dubai.

While the CompTIA A+ is aimed at training individuals in companies who need technical staff trained in one of the three A+ exam tracks, the A+ Essentials exam may also be taken by non-technical staff looking for a primer in current personal computer technologies and methodologies (e.g. IT sales staff).

The higher objectives achieved by this course will be expertise in personal computer components, laptop and portable devices, operating systems, printers and scanners, networks, security, safety and evironmental issues and communication and professionalism.

"Previously, the certification track consisted of one hardware exam, and one client OS exam. Skillsoft had covered previous A+ certification paths but 2006 marked a departure for the A+ certification", says Ali Zaheer, eLearning Account Consultant at Xpert Learning.

"This year the exam track consists of one core exam: the A+ Essentials; and one elective exam from a choice of three: the A+ IT Technician, the A+ Remote Support and the A+ Depot Technician. The electives are due for launch in July 2007, thus giving users enough time to attempt and complete the prerequisite: A+ Essentials," adds Zaheer.

"This is good news for individuals who want to train themselves at their own pace and convenience", says Ali Zaheer, "What's even better is that users won't have to wait for long for the training material, and they can be e-learning and implement it in their daily practice as and when they progress further in the course."