9/10/2003 -- The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) announced today that it will be releasing the 2003 versions of its A+ exams on Nov. 26.

When live, these exams will instantly replace the versions to be released Friday, which are based on the 2001 objectives but contain unscored beta items covering 2003 objective topics. CompTIA has previously described the new objectives as a "minor update" to the 2001 set.

The exams will continue to be in linear format. CompTIA announced last month that it has dropped adaptive format permanently so that it can continually test beta items both for upgrades and to refresh the question pool.

CompTIA's A+ certification is made up of two exams: Core Hardware and OS. It is a vendor-neutral title designed for computer repair technicians. Once earned, the credential is good for life -- there is no need to upgrade.

Candidates who pass one 2001 exam will be allowed to mix-and-match with the 2003 exams to earn the title, the organization said.

For more information on today's announcement as well as to access the objectives for both versions of the exams, click here. -Becky Nagel