3/22/2006 -- Last week the Electronic Technician Association (ETA), an organization that offers a number of vendor-neutral technology and computer-related certifications, announced that it has revised its rollover program that allows holders of CompTIA's A+ and Network+ titles to bypass the exam needed to earn the ETA's comparable certifications.

In the rollover program, if ETA candidates already hold the A+, for example, they do not need to take the organization's Computer Service Technician (CST) exam to earn that title. Instead, candidates simply need to show proof of holding A+ and pay a $49 (U.S.) fee. The standard price of the exam is $75 (U.S.).

Similarly, those who hold Network+ can show proof and pay $69 (U.S.) to earn the organization's Certified Network Systems Technician (CNST) designation. The exam typically costs $100 (U.S.).

While the grandfathering process itself hasn't changed, the organization has partnered with StudyExam4Less.com to handle all CompTIA rollovers marketing and administration. Although the fee has increased slightly, candidates now receive a number of additional benefits, including a free, one-year membership with the ETA and 20 CompTIA, Microsoft and other exam study guides. "We wanted to make it a real value -- a no brainer," commented M. Siddique, president of StudyExam4Less.

The non-profit ETA was established in 1978 and currently offers more than 30 certifications.

For more information on the ETA's certification program, go here. -Becky Nagel