10/16/2000 -- The Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) recently announced the beta dates for its revised A+ exams and new Server+ exam.

According to the CompTIA Web site, the A+ beta period will be from Nov. 22 through Dec. 8. The beta consists of a new core exam (#220-201) as well as a new OS exam (#220-202). Objectives can be found at http://www.comptia.com/certification/aplus/aplus_revision.htm.

CompTIA's Server+ beta, consisting of one exam, will be open from Nov. 14 through Nov. 29. The exam number has not yet been released.

According to CompTIA, the new Server+ certification, which will officially debut next year, is designed to certify the skills of mid- to upper-level hardware technicians with 18 to 24 months of experience. The finalized objectives have not yet been released online, but general information can be found at http://www.comptia.com/certification/serverplus/index.htm.

By passing the required beta exam(s) for either certification, candidates will become fully certified, with all the benefits of those who achieve the certification through the final versions of these exams. However, candidates should be aware that there are advantages and disadvantages to achieving a designation though these betas. While the exams are significantly less expensive ($68 for both CompTIA members and non-members), the beta exams feature many more questions than will be present on the final versions, and pass/fail results will not be immediately available.

Both Prometric and VUE will proctor these betas. Note that online registration is not available through Prometric. Also, registration for the A+ exam will not be available before Nov. 22.

For more information on CompTIA and its vendor-neutral certifications, including A+, Network+, i-Net+ and Server+, please visit http://www.comptia.com. - B.N.

UPDATE (12/02/00): CompTIA has extended the beta period for the A+ exams until Dec. 15. Click here for more information.