3/10/2004 -- The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) announced last week that its grace period allowing candidates to mix-and-match 2001 and 2003 versions of its A+ Hardware and Operating Systems exams in order to earn the A+ credential will end June 30.

Although the 2001-version exams retired late last year, CompTIA has been allowing candidates who passed only one of the 2001 exams to finish the requirements by passing one 2003 exam.

Beginning July 1, both exams will need to be the 2003 versions.

"Ending this grace period helps to ensure that those earning CompTIA A+ in 2004 and beyond have demonstrated knowledge mastery that is current and relevant," the organization said on its Web site. "CompTIA urges all A+ candidates who have passed a 2001 Core Hardware or Operating Systems exam to make the most of the remaining grace period and schedule the remaining exam as soon as possible."

More information on this announcement can be found here. -Becky Nagel