11/1/2006 -- Yesterday, the Computing Technology Industry Association announced that two more exams for its newly restructured, vendor-neutral A+ hardware technician certification are now available.

With the new A+, which debuted late September, candidates still take two exams but now are allowed to choose a specialty. Candidates must take the new A+ Essentials exam (220-201), but can choose between these options for the second exam: 220-602, for the typical IT technician; 220-603, focused more for remote support and help desk technicians; and 220-604, for "depot" or "bench" technicians.

603 and 604 are the exams that went live yesterday.

"The most exciting aspect of this update to CompTIA A+ is the flexibility it offers individual candidates and employers," John Venator, president and chief executive officer of CompTIA, said in a released statement. "More than ever before, individuals have the power to take control of their career and focus on specific areas of computer service and support. Employers can select the exam elements that best suit their business needs, assuring that their personnel are certified with the skills most relevant to the job tasks they are performing."

Those who want to take the previous version of the A+ exams can do so at least through December. A retirement schedule is available here.

For more information on the new A+ and to get the objectives for the new exams, go here. -Becky Nagel<