The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a trade association that is a well-known and widely-respected provider of professional certification for Information Technology professionals. Unlike many other certification programs, the certifications offered by CompTIA are vendor-neutral, meaning they are not affiliated with any specific IT product brands.

CompTIA offers an extensive array of Certification products, including:

• PC hardware
• Networking
• Servers
• Project management
• Security
• Imaging
• Radio-frequency identification

In addition to the foundation certification provided by CompTIA credentials, Support Professionals and Network Professionals can obtain advanced credentials from hardware and software vendors such as Cisco and Microsoft. Applicants for these careers should aim to obtain a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or a more specific subject such as Network Systems Administration.

CompTIA's interest in providing non-profit, non-affiliated technology standards has led to the creation of multiple CompTIA certifications. Each certification offered provides an independent certification system in order to learn and show knowledge of:

• Hardware
• Networking
• Server Specific Hardware
• Computer Security
• Digital Home Technology
• E-Business

According to US Department of Labor predictions, professional information technology career opportunities will grow at a faster-than-average rate through to the year 2016, with growth of approximately 15% over the next eight to ten years. Each CompTIA certification is in a field that is experiencing a large amount of growth.

Though there are more opportunities in software than hardware at the moment. Both fields are projected to grow through the year 2016. In fact the software industry is expected to grow at a rate of 38% between 2006 and 2016. Security professionals will also be in great demand as increased software and hardware needs to be protected.

Network Professionals in careers such as Network Installation and Configuration have a wide range of salary possibilities, depending on their level of education and experience. Salary expectations range from $40,000 for entry-level positions to $100,000 or more for the advanced senior-level positions that are open to applicants with several years’ experience and advanced credentials.

Support Professionals such as IT Technicians, Desktop Support Technicians and Helpdesk Technicians can obtain a CompTIA A+ certification that covers the latest skills and requirements for entry-level IT professions.

CompTIA A+ certification involves successful completion of one core and one elective examination, with topics including:

• IRQs
• Computer repair
• Installation of computer hardware and peripheral devices
• Configuration of computer hardware and peripheral devices

CompTIA A+ is a stand-alone certification that can also be used as a stepping-stone to higher-level credentials.

An IT Professional working in Network Configuration is responsible for designing, installing and trouble-shooting networks, with a focus on configuring networks for operation according to company requirements. Network Configuration requires:

• Strong analytical
• Problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Good communication skills

The ability to work both independently and in a team is also important. Network Configuration Professionals with advanced certification and several years’ experience often work in supervisory roles, where they must be able to motivate and supervise team members.

CompTIA Network + Certification is ideal for anyone interested in a career in Network Configuration. CompTIA Network+ is a foundation-level certification that can be used as a stepping-stone to advanced credentials offered by vendors such as Microsoft and Cisco. An IT Professional in Network Configuration can also gain additional CompTIA certifications such as Security+ and Server+.

A Network Installer is primarily concerned with the practical issues involved in the installation of LAN and WAN systems, such as hardware installation and wiring. They may also responsible for the maintenance and troubleshooting of hardware issues. Network installers should have:

• Good mechanical skills
• Manual dexterity
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Work well both independently and in a team

CompTIA Network+ Certification a good starting-point for anyone interested in a career as a Network Installer. This is an entry-level certification that can be used the foundation for obtaining advanced Networking credentials offered by vendors such as Microsoft and Cisco. Network Installers can also gain additional CompTIA certifications such as Security+ and Server+.

Network Maintenance Professionals often focus on long-term aspects of maintaining networks, such as troubleshooting problems, maintaining security, performing both routine maintenance and minimizing the effects of any problems that arise.

They should have excellent problem-solving skills and decision-making skills, and be able to prioritize problems and solutions to ensure that networks remain stable and functional in the long term. For example, when network problems arise, they may need to decide whether to apply a short-term solution, or work on a long-term solution that may take longer to implement.

CompTIA Network+ Certification is ideal for anyone interested in a career as a Network Maintenance Professional. This is a foundation-level certification that can be used as a stepping-stone to advanced credentials offered by vendors such as Microsoft and Cisco. Network Maintenance Professionals can also gain additional CompTIA certifications such as Security+ and Server+.