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'Soft skills' to feature in updated A+ exams

CompTIA has announced changes to its A+ certification that include enhancements to it security modules and the addition of 'soft skills' into the qualification.

John Venator, president and chief executive officer at CompTIA, said: "Technology is constantly evolving and so are the skills required for individuals working with technology must have. This requires us to continually evaluate and, when needed, update our certification products.

"In 2006 and beyond, employers want a foundation-level certification that covers both technology essentials and the specialized skills required in different computer service and support environments.

"With this update, CompTIA A+ continues to serve as the skills benchmark for entry into a technology career. Aligning this credential with specific job roles will increase its value to employers, employees and students alike."

CompTIA says the enhancement of the security component in CompTIA A+ exams reflects the fact that today's entry-level IT worker encounters a host of security issues related to applications, operating systems, communications, procedures, and physical environments.

The organisation adds that including soft skills in the exams is in line with the need for IT workers to be able to interact and communicate verbally and in writing in a clear and professional manner with co-workers, customers, partners, and others.

Neill Hopkins, vice president of skills development at CompTIA, said: "The role of the IT professional is more strategic for organisations, and technical skills alone are no longer enough for most IT jobs.

"More than ever, companies value employees who can think strategically and communicate effectively, as well as those who possess strong business fundamentals.

"IT workers who understand how to use technology to meet business goals, and who can articulate this understanding, are golden in the eyes of employers."

The updated CompTIA A+ certification will continue to include two exams delivered as computer-based tests. CompTIA says one exam will cover core competencies in the latest hardware and software technologies, including a greater emphasis on information security skills, safety and environmental issues and soft skills.

The second exam will focus on how to apply the skills in specific job environments. CompTIA says candidates and employers will have the ability to select the second exam that best fits their employment goals, or employee needs, such as IT technician, remote support or depot technician.

"The most significant and exciting aspect of this update is the flexibility it will offer," Venator said. "More than ever before, individuals will have the power to take control of their career options and to focus on specific areas in which they are interested. Employers will be able to select the exam elements that best suit their business's needs, assuring that their personnel have the validated skills that are most relevant to the job tasks they are performing."

The updated CompTIA A+ exams are scheduled for availability in the third quarter of 2006. The current version of CompTIA A+ remains available worldwide.

"Candidates now studying for, or considering CompTIA A+ certification, are encouraged to continue their preparation, as there is ample time available to them to achieve the certification based on its current objectives," said Hopkins.

According to CompTIA, approximately 700,000 individuals in some 190 countries around the world hold CompTIA A+ certification.

External link

For further information on A+ certification, visit: www.comptia.org/certification/a/?nav=quick

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