Affinity’s Certifications

The CompTIA Security+ Certification Advisory Committee developed the Security+ exam objectives with focus on the needs of the modern IT security professional. Organizations that employ CompTIA Security+ certified staff include Hitachi Information Systems, Trendmicro, Lockheed Martin, the U.S. State Department, and U.S. government contractors such as General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman. CompTIA Security+ is one of the options for certifications required by the U.S. Department of Defense, for military personnel or military contractors engaged in information assurance activities.

An A plus certification is a basic program that certifies a computer technician. The certification is usually written A+. The program shows that an individual can operate a range of operating systems and technologies. It has been available since 1993 and was developed by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). The group was originally made of staffers from various computer dealerships, and now provides a range of certifications for the industry. This certification represents the equivalent of 500 hours of hands-on work with computers. Those who pass it will have mastered ideas like IRQs, memory access, and various other aspects of a “physical” hardware setup. It covers specific technologies from Microsoft, Apple, Novell, and Linux. The A+ certification has changed over the years. The first test has two main sets of objectives, while subsequent tests involved a core set of objectives, and an “elective” for adding specific IT knowledge. Today, lots of those interested in IT use the A+ certification as the first step to a Microsoft MCSE or MCSA certification. CompTIA also offers a Network+ certification for adding knowledge about computer networks. With both in hand, individuals are ready to study for the NCSE or similar tests.

Network+ is a certification that is used to measure skill as a network technician: understanding of network hardware, installation, and troubleshooting. Network+ was first launched in 1999, and exam updates followed in 2002, 2005, and 2009. The 2009 version will be retired on August 31, 2012; new objectives (the “2012 objectives”) will begin to be examined in Nov/Dec 2011. Topics include network hardware, connections, software, the OSI Reference model, and different protocols used in local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). CompTIA recommends the A+ certification and nine months networking experience before sitting for the exam, but this is not required. Network+ prepares one for continuing to Microsoft certifications and Cisco certifications. A combination A+/Network+, A+/Server+, or (just) Security+ certification can fulfill the elective exam requirement of the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification.