CompTIA
Download the DIVA CompTIA partnership profile
Latest Developments
In October 2005, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) launched a new phase of partnership to collaborate on existing and prospective awards for Scottish education and training. This collaboration is part of SQA’s Digital media and ICT Vendor Alliance (DIVA) programme.
The agreement was formally launched in Glasgow on 26 October 2005 by Matthew Poyiadgi, Regional Director for CompTIA, with Anton Colella, Chief Executive, and John Young, Director of Qualifications, for SQA.
It covers:
- Maintenance and onward development of existing awards incorporating CompTIA units, focusing initially on Server+, Inet+ and Security+ in the context of SQA’s HN Computer Internetworking framework.
- Investigation of new qualifications in areas such as Linux+ and HTI+.
- Facilitation of ‘train-the-trainer’ courses for new certifications.
- Collaboration on career progression and associated learning pathways in line with the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
- Associate Membership of CompTIA by SQA.
- Review of the potential for a CompTIA Scottish Advisory Council.
Latest Developments
CompTIA launches vendor neutral PC Fundamentals certificates to jump-start IT careers
In April 2009, the CompTIA Strata™ series of exams were launched at the 6th Annual E2C Event in Birmingham.
More people than ever before know how to use technology, but fewer are going into IT careers. The number of computing course applicants more than halved between 2001 and 2007 (e-Skills, 2008).
ICT is everywhere. Computers have become standard work equipment in nearly every job. In the UK, 75 percent of workers report that they use ICT in their jobs, while 90 percent of new jobs require ICT user skills.
The CompTIA Strata™ series of exams were developed to help professionals and students work efficiently in their current roles, or obtain the necessary skills to pursue a career in ICT. Business owners can ensure that their in-house employees have basic technical knowledge with CompTIA Strata™.
The CompTIA Strata™ vendor-neutral assessments – Fundamentals of PC Functionality and Fundamentals of Technology – measure the basic competencies needed to work with PCs and PC technology. The exams validate foundational knowledge of PC functions, as well as basic hardware and software maintenance.
Upon completion of each CompTIA Strata™ exam, individuals who pass will receive a certificate, proving their basic abilities to work with PCs.
Exams are available from July 2009 throughout the UK and Ireland at Pearson VUE and Prometric testing centres.
For more information and to download the exam objectives, please visit: http://www.comptia.org/certifications/strata.aspx.
Update for CompTIA A+ 2009
On 7 August 2009, CompTIA launched the 2009 edition of CompTIA A+. The 2009 Edition consists of two exams, CompTIA A+ Essentials (220-701) and CompTIA A+ Practical Application (220-702).
The new version of A+ Essentials measures the necessary competencies of an entry level IT professional with at least 500 hours of hands-on experience in the lab or field. It tests for the fundamentals of computer technology, networking and security, as well as the communication skills and professionalism previously included in the 603 and 604 exams – since those skills are universal and should be a part of any IT professional’s skill set in today’s market, regardless of job function.
CompTIA A+ Practical Application exam is an extension of the knowledge and skills identified in A+ Essentials, but the focus is on scenarios in which troubleshooting and tools must be applied to resolve problems, with more of a 'hands-on' orientation. Successful completion of both 220-701 and 220-702 is required for CompTIA A+ (2009 Edition) certification.
The 2009 Edition of CompTIA A+ provides entry-level IT professionals with validation of the broad base of skills necessary to perform in a variety of entry-level job roles. Some examples are enterprise technician, field service technician, PC or Support technician, or IT administrator.
Objectives for the new A+ exams are at http://certification.comptia.org/resources/objectives.aspx
Current A+ Exams
The existing A+ exams (220-601, 220-602, 220-603, and 220-604) remain relevant and are in use by organisations and educational institutions throughout the world. Those exams will remain in the market until 31 August 2010 to allow all who are training or studying with current materials to complete their course of study. CompTIA A+ is ISO 17024 accredited, and as such, undergoes regular review and update so that the IT community can be assured of its continuing currency and relevance in the marketplace.
Events
CompTIA EMEA Member Conference, 22 October 2009, Ascot Racecourse
The CompTIA EMEA Member Conference brings together more than 200 industry executives to a targeted, informational and fun event at Ascot Racecourse. The conference provides an environment for exhibitors and attendees to learn new ways to grow their businesses, gain insight into the latest IT trends, and form new partnerships.
Attendees include; IT vendors, hardware and software, IT Distributors and Resellers, IT Service & logistics organizations, Government and Education Agencies IT Education & Skills Providers.
James Caan, from the panel of the popular TV series Dragons' Den, will present an uplifting and motivational keynote presentation, focusing on running and growing a business in the current economic climate. The session will be interspersed with stories about Caan's own experiences and successes.
For more information and to download the event agenda, please visit: http://www.comptia.org/events/emea2009/highlights.aspx
For more information on DIVA developments with CompTIA, contact Michelle Henderson, E2C (Education 2 Careers) Programme Manager (e-mail: mhenderson@comptia.org or +44(0)207 330 6063.