The two exams have recently been subject to a 2009 upgrade in-line with CompTIA's work towards ISO standardisation. The former 'A+' (edition 2006-2007) examinations that were classified with the 600 pre-fix are being phased out internationally through 2010. At the close of August 2010, the exams will retire in the British Isles. Since both the '600', and the recently released '700' exams are currently allowed to be taken in Prometric & Vue test centres, it makes sense to study for the 700 examinations now, & not have to re-certify later on. 'CompTIA' A+ Essentials and 'CompTIA' A+ Practical Application are the new exam titles (220/701 & 220/702 respectively). The 4 earlier examinations have been streamlined in to two brand new examinations, and some more updated information has been included. Formerly, the 'A+' was broken into four examinations: 1 essential & 3 'elective' specialisations. During the last several years, the market has grown to the stage where all 4 examinations are actually considered necessary - hence the re-formatting into two essential examinations. Those who have previously achieved the 600 examination can bring their accreditation up-to-date by sitting an up-grade examination : BR-003. Supplemental training will almost certainly be necessary, especially for individuals who just originally worked on 2 of the four electives. Enough training time should be allowed for the new technology aspects however.

Several companies supply a practical Job Placement Assistance facility, designed to steer you into your first job. Sometimes, there is more emphasis than is necessary on this service, because it's relatively easy for any motivated and trained individual to get work in the IT industry - because companies everywhere are seeking skilled employees.

Ideally you should have CV and Interview advice and support though; and we'd recommend everybody to get their CV updated the day they start training - don't wait until you've graduated or passed any exams. Various junior support jobs have been offered to trainees who are still learning and haven't even passed a single exam yet. This will at least get you into the 'maybe' pile of CV's - rather than the 'No' pile. If you don't want to travel too far to work, then it's quite likely that a specialist locally based employment agency can generally serve you better than some national concern, as they're going to be familiar with the jobs that are going locally.

Just be sure that you don't conscientiously work through your course materials, and then do nothing more and imagine someone else is miraculously going to secure your first position. Stop procrastinating and get on with the job. Invest the same resource into finding your first job as it took to get qualified.

Accredited exam simulation and preparation software is vital - and should definitely be obtained from your training provider. Often students can find themselves confused by trying to prepare themselves with questions that are not from authorised sources. Quite often, the way questions are phrased is unfamiliar and it's important to prepare yourself for this. For many reasons, it's essential to ensure that you're absolutely ready for your actual certification exam before embarking on it. Rehearsing simulated tests logs the information in your brain and will save a lot of money on failed exams.

The old fashioned style of teaching, utilising reference manuals and books, is often a huge slog for most of us. If this sounds like you, look for learning programmes that are multimedia based. Studies have time and time again confirmed that connecting physically with our study, is proven to produce longer-lasting and deeper memory retention.

Interactive audio-visual materials involving demonstration and virtual lab's will beat books every time. And they're far more fun. You really need to look at some example materials from your chosen company. They have to utilise video demo's and interactive elements such as practice lab's.

It doesn't make sense to select online only courseware. With highly variable reliability and quality from all internet service providers, make sure you get physical media such as CD or DVD ROM's.

The actual Network+ 2009 examination is now numbered 'N10-004', superseding the old N10-003. A bigger emphasis is placed upon Security in the '09 Network+ exam, as well as network-design & wireless networking. This naturally is in addition to the foremost elements of network-management & infrastructure.

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