9/17/2003 -- On Sept. 9 the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) updated its CTT+ exam to new 2003 objectives, released three weeks prior.

Earning CTT+, CompTIA's technical trainer title, is a two-step process: Candidates must first pass a written exam, then a video review of their teaching skills.

The title's video-based evaluation updated to the new objectives Sept.12.

The change was somewhat unexpected: The release date of the 2003 exams was not pre-announced on the organization's Web site. And, with this update, the new exams instantly replaced the previous 2001 versions, whereas typically CompTIA gives candidates a one- to two-month "overlap" period where both version are available.

A CompTIA spokesperson could not say exactly why the switch was not pre-announced, but did say that the timing of the release "relates to legal and contractual topics relevant to the acquisition of the exam" from the The Chauncey Group two years ago.

She also commented that the objective changes "are not significant."

"Anyone who studied using the 2001 objectives should have no problem passing these exams," she said.

The new exam code for the written exam is TK0-201. The new exam code for the video review is TKO-202. The 2003 objectives can be downloaded here in PDF format.

Candidates currently in the process of certifying can mix-and-match the objective versions: e.g., a candidate who already passed the 2001 written can use the 2003 objective-based video review to earn the title.

Like all CompTIA certifications, CTT+ is good for life and does not need to be renewed once earned.

CompTIA is also in the process of updating its IT Project+ exam to new 2003 objectives, released in June. The organization has characterized this update as a "significant revision."

The spokesperson told CertCities.com that the release date for the 2003 IT Project+ exam has not yet been set. With this release, the organization plans to have an overlap period, giving candidates a chance to choose between the two versions.

For more information on IT Project+, click here.

For more information on CTT+, click here. -Becky Nagel