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Gregory Childers · Apr 6, 2025

precious said:
Curious, have any of your students actually taken a liking to the labs or cyber ranges, even if its optional?

The topic has never come up in class, with one exception. I was teaching PenTest+ at a military base as part of program of cybersecurity training. Other trainers were teaching CySA+ and other cybersecurity courses. The program was going to end with some blue team/red team exercises.

The rooms provided for training:

Pre-WWII annex buildings with no wired connections and two-prong power outlets that were no longer to code.
Power strips using three-prong to two-prong adapters so they could plug into the power outlets.
A very flaky wifi that worked intermittently and was down for a whole day.
Long folding tables and metal folding chairs.
A dry erase board with no markers or erasers.

Needless to say, we didn't do any labs that week. We barely had internet access. But that was on the client.

Tony Mationg · Apr 6, 2025

Well done!!!

MarkGrohman · Apr 6, 2025

The academic partner purchase experience does not seem to be the same as in the past.

If I wish to purchase single Tech+ voucher (new school district) for a student where do I go? Is the cost in the US $97 for partners?

precious · Apr 5, 2025

Gregory Childers said:
Seriously? I haven't done any labs in Security+ in almost 10 years, much less a cyber range. I tell the students the labs are there if they want to do them. They can reinforce the lecture. But they're certainly not required to pass the exams because CompTIA exams do not test for any specific tools.

Curious, have any of your students actually taken a liking to the labs or cyber ranges, even if its optional?

Gregory Childers · Apr 5, 2025

CompTIA does not have the next version of Project+ on their road map yet, so I doubt you will see it until at least 2026.

Gregory Childers · Apr 5, 2025

Seriously? I haven't done any labs in Security+ in almost 10 years, much less a cyber range. I tell the students the labs are there if they want to do them. They can reinforce the lecture. But they're certainly not required to pass the exams because CompTIA exams do not test for any specific tools.

Abdelmlak_Said · Apr 5, 2025

Abdelmlak:

James Stanger said:
Yes - the cost barrier is just . . . brutal! And, thank you for the rundown of the "personalities," as it were, of the various environments, based on goals. What is your favorite environment for team-based scenarios?

Best regards,

James
Chief Technology Evangelist, CompTIA
[email protected]

James Stanger - Olympia, Washington, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn

Location: Olympia · 500+ connections on LinkedIn. View James Stanger’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members.

www.linkedin.com

Hey James! Thanks for the kind words.

For team-based scenarios, I really enjoy Wazuh Demo Labs. When combined with tools like Suricata, MISP, and vulnerability modules, it offers a great Red vs. Blue experience. It’s especially strong for blue team training and simulating real-world SOC environments.

Let me know if you'd like more details!

Best,
Abdelmlak

omar_shukurov · Apr 5, 2025

Stephen Schneiter said:
Hello @omar_shukurov, thanks for reaching out! Happy to assist. I am reaching out to find the local contact. As soon as I hear back from the team I will send and intro email to the both of you so you can connect. Hope this helps.

OMG, Finally. Thank you so much. This has made my day honestly. You're the best!!!

shaify · Apr 5, 2025

Try Hackme
Mile2 Cyberrange

TechTrainer11 · Apr 5, 2025

Hi no exam vouchers yet for the Pentest we are ready to sit the exam just needs patience and time

VICTOR CHIDI OKPURUKA · Apr 4, 2025

LaQuaila Pegues said:
Hello, I am interested in finding out when the next Project+ training will be?

Co-asking also. would love to know..

precious · Apr 4, 2025

bertman3139 said:
Thanks... I found it shortly after I posted. Being lazy!

Welcome

bertman3139 · Apr 4, 2025

precious said:
Click Here .............. Yes it is available

Thanks... I found it shortly after I posted. Being lazy!

James Stanger · Apr 4, 2025

Thank you, Abdelmlak and Mr. Said for your replies! Great stuff, and very helpful. I sure hope we can hear from other folks, too!

Best regards,

James

James
Chief Technology Evangelist, CompTIA
[email protected]

James Stanger - Olympia, Washington, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn

Location: Olympia · 500+ connections on LinkedIn. View James Stanger’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members.

www.linkedin.com

James Stanger · Apr 4, 2025

Abdelmlak_Said said:
Hey James!

I’ve used a variety of cyber range environments depending on the training goals. Here are a few I’ve worked with:

TryHackMe—Great for beginners and intermediate learners. Some rooms for attacking perspectives: to learn security tools (Hydra, Nmap, OpenVas ...)

Damn Vulnerable Web Application (DVWA) and Metasploitable2 for testing.

Wazuh Demo Labs—Useful for blue team/defensive security labs, like SIEM and incident response, with the integration of TIP (Threat Intelligence Platform) like MISP, Vulnerability detector module, IDS/IPS (Suricata and Snort)

What I Like:
- Hands-on practice — It’s the best way to learn and retain technical skills.
- Team-based scenarios — Some ranges offer Red vs. Blue, which simulates real-world teamwork and adversarial thinking.

What I Don’t Like:
- Cost barriers — High-quality cyber ranges can be expensive for individuals without organizational backing.

Abdelmlak:

Yes - the cost barrier is just . . . brutal! And, thank you for the rundown of the "personalities," as it were, of the various environments, based on goals. What is your favorite environment for team-based scenarios?

Best regards,

James
Chief Technology Evangelist, CompTIA
[email protected]

James Stanger - Olympia, Washington, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn

Location: Olympia · 500+ connections on LinkedIn. View James Stanger’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members.

www.linkedin.com

James Stanger · Apr 4, 2025

precious said:
At Prometheus Cyber Consulting, cyber ranges are a core part of both our internal training and community outreach efforts. We regularly use platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and Cyber Range Pro for structured skill-building, red vs. blue team simulations, and CTFs.

Last year, we launched a free cyber training initiative for local youth, using PicoCTF challenges as the foundation. It was an incredible experience-many of the students had never touched a command line before, and by the end of the program, they were solving real-world security puzzles and thinking like ethical hackers. It was inspiring to watch their confidence grow through hands-on learning.

Internally, we also run custom cyber range scenarios for our consultants. One standout exercise was a simulated API attack and defense drill, where teams had to secure a vulnerable API under threat from an APT-style actor. Exercises like these not only sharpen technical skills but also build teamwork and incident response capabilities.

What we love about cyber ranges:
- Realistic scenarios and immediate feedback
- Gamified learning environments that keep learners engaged
- The ability to tailor experiences to our specific training goals

What we find limiting:
- Limited customization options in some platforms
- Cost barriers for smaller teams or non-profit projects
- Some ranges lack depth in simulating enterprise-level infrastructure

Always happy to connect and share ideas-especially with others passionate about hands-on cybersecurity education.

Precious "Greetings From Red Team Offensive"

Precious (Prometheus Cyber Consulting):

Thank you much for your very specific run-down of what you love about cyber ranges, and what you find limiting. I think you've really listed the big 3, know what I mean? Customization and cost go hand-in-hand, right? And, it's tough to simulate enterprise-level infrastructure, given licensing issues, etc. Right?

So cool that you simulate API-based attacks and defense; I talk with quite a few industry folks worldwide, and second to social engineering, API-based attacks are the second thing that C-level leaders talk about when discussing security issues. So cool to see you focusing on that with a cyber range. And, young folks love the gamification of a cyber range; it's all about getting hands-on, right?

James
Chief Technology Evangelist, CompTIA
[email protected]

James Stanger - Olympia, Washington, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn

Location: Olympia · 500+ connections on LinkedIn. View James Stanger’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members.

www.linkedin.com

bertman3139 · Apr 4, 2025

Tempestt Woodard said:
Just wanted to share that I passed my CySA+ exam yesterday!!! I’m still on a high!

Go Tempest Go Tempest Go Tempest!!

James Stanger · Apr 4, 2025

precious said:
At Prometheus Cyber Consulting, cyber ranges are a core part of both our internal training and community outreach efforts. We regularly use platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and Cyber Range Pro for structured skill-building, red vs. blue team simulations, and CTFs.

Last year, we launched a free cyber training initiative for local youth, using PicoCTF challenges as the foundation. It was an incredible experience-many of the students had never touched a command line before, and by the end of the program, they were solving real-world security puzzles and thinking like ethical hackers. It was inspiring to watch their confidence grow through hands-on learning.

Internally, we also run custom cyber range scenarios for our consultants. One standout exercise was a simulated API attack and defense drill, where teams had to secure a vulnerable API under threat from an APT-style actor. Exercises like these not only sharpen technical skills but also build teamwork and incident response capabilities.

What we love about cyber ranges:
- Realistic scenarios and immediate feedback
- Gamified learning environments that keep learners engaged
- The ability to tailor experiences to our specific training goals

What we find limiting:
- Limited customization options in some platforms
- Cost barriers for smaller teams or non-profit projects
- Some ranges lack depth in simulating enterprise-level infrastructure

Always happy to connect and share ideas-especially with others passionate about hands-on cybersecurity education.

Precious "Greetings From Red Team Offensive"

Thank you,

Rick Butler said:
Hol'up - Full Stop, Helm
Dost my eyes yet decieveth me, or hast the great Dr. James Stanger made his presence known here in the CIN?

Oh and @Stephen Schneiter - "Capture the Flab"?? See and every Partner Summit, I roll into the gym at 0600 for the morning lift. I'm beginning to think this may have to be a more defined thing...

As for Cyber ranges, I've always been constrained to have to build my own, or use freebee environments like Hack the Box or the like. And one of the things I've often found is that you get general concepts down - but the one off specifics that tend to make things interesting tend to get left off, particularly as how threats evolve over time.

Yes, I'm here in the forum, Sir Rick! And, the "Capture the Flab" is definitely from me . . . both because of a "typo," and for fairly obvious reasons!

precious · Apr 4, 2025

bertman3139 said:
Hello Cinners, Can you provide the link for the TTT of the 1201? I'm assuming there's no 1202 out yet... Lastly, is the new A+ available for students at this time?

Thanks!

Click Here .............. Yes it is available

precious · Apr 4, 2025

Congratulations! Great achievement

Abdelmlak_Said · Apr 4, 2025

Hey James!

I’ve used a variety of cyber range environments depending on the training goals. Here are a few I’ve worked with:

TryHackMe—Great for beginners and intermediate learners. Some rooms for attacking perspectives: to learn security tools (Hydra, Nmap, OpenVas ...)
Damn Vulnerable Web Application (DVWA) and Metasploitable2 for testing.
Wazuh Demo Labs—Useful for blue team/defensive security labs, like SIEM and incident response, with the integration of TIP (Threat Intelligence Platform) like MISP, Vulnerability detector module, IDS/IPS (Suricata and Snort)

What I Like:
- Hands-on practice — It’s the best way to learn and retain technical skills.
- Team-based scenarios — Some ranges offer Red vs. Blue, which simulates real-world teamwork and adversarial thinking.

What I Don’t Like:
- Cost barriers — High-quality cyber ranges can be expensive for individuals without organizational backing.

bertman3139 · Apr 4, 2025

Certificates in Professional Development and college credits earned. Facilitators, Dr. Ray and Mrs. Anderson.

bertman3139 · Apr 4, 2025

Dr. Ray encouraging sharing wisdom and congratulating students who graduated from the Professional Development training.

Rick Butler · Apr 4, 2025

James Stanger said:
Thank you, Stephen! Yeah, everyone: I've been curious, lately, how folks are feeling about cyber ranges. What are your experiences, and what specific vendors do you use? And, to expand on our above questions just a bit, what features do you and your students appreciate?

Hol'up - Full Stop, Helm

Dost my eyes yet decieveth me, or hast the great Dr. James Stanger made his presence known here in the CIN?

Oh and @Stephen Schneiter - "Capture the Flab"?? See and every Partner Summit, I roll into the gym at 0600 for the morning lift. I'm beginning to think this may have to be a more defined thing...

As for Cyber ranges, I've always been constrained to have to build my own, or use freebee environments like Hack the Box or the like. And one of the things I've often found is that you get general concepts down - but the one off specifics that tend to make things interesting tend to get left off, particularly as how threats evolve over time.

Stephen Schneiter · Apr 4, 2025

C Buckner said:
I am at a school district that has used TestOut PC Pro for years. I understanding the merging / moving the TestOut content to CompTIA but what I am confused about is if I need CertMaster Perform or CertMaster Learn for the A+ content?

Great question. Basically, everything will be moving to CertMaster Perform. We hosted a CIN Instructor Toolbox a couple of weeks ago, where CertMaster Perform for A+ was discussed and demoed. They discussed the differences between CertMaster Perform and CertMaster Learn. You can check it out on-demand here. https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4889911/993E4AD3DA0CD7A1DE986E9E0B6BF259

Your CompTIA rep should be able to answer your questions as well, and provide you access so you can take a look for yourself. Please let me know if I can assist.

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