7/14/2004 -- On July 1 the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) extended the Mix-and-Match grace period for its A+ exams through Sept. 30.

The new deadline gives candidates who passed one A+ exams based on the previous 2001 objectives an additional three months to pass their second exam using the new 2003 versions.

After Sept. 30, CompTIA will only grant the title to those who have passed both 2003 exams.

The organization said in a statement that it extended the deadline "to more closely coincide with the academic calendar and the expressed needs of candidates and partners."

A spokesperson told CertCities.com that the extension was not preannounced before the previous deadline of June 30 because "the decision was just made. Since the original announcement was made last November, there was time for candidates to prepare without needing to push [this announcement] for the June 30 deadline."

CompTIA released the 2003 A+ exams in November.

For more information about this announcement, go here. -Becky Nagel