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precious · Jul 15, 2026

BrianFord said:
I wanted to give you all a heads-up. A person using the username kiranjadhav010407 has posted all the CompTIA-branded (still copyrighted) Security+ SY0-601 materials on LinkedIn. I reported it and asked that it be taken down, but there were over 350 comments: a mix of copyright warnings and thanks for posting.

When things like this happen, some people blame folks like us: instructors who have access to and use those copyrighted training materials.

Thanks for raising this. It is important to clarify we as CompTIA instructors follow strict usage policies regarding training materials.

When copyrighted content is shared publicly like this it creates a misconception that these materials are freely distributable, which is not the case and also devalues the certification and can mislead learners.

Reporting such posts is the right step, and continued awareness helps maintain the credibility of our training ecosystem.

Mitch Garvis · Jul 15, 2026

Gregory Childers said:
Why do you say that? Laptops are predominantly built without touchscreen technology and testing centers don't allow the use of smartphones or tablets.

I think the main issue is that he USED the touch screen. The issue, as I recall, was that his mouse stopped working in the middle of his exam, so he used the touch screen. I am going to make a note to ask Pearson Vue if that is a thing... can we use a screen that has touch if we do not actually touch it.

Gregory Childers · Jul 15, 2026

If you have a current certification that has not expired yet, you can use the CertMaster CE, but only if it is for a newer version of the exam than the one you passed. CertMaster CE is only an option for the A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications.

Gregory Childers · Jul 15, 2026

CRKrueger said:
Oh man, don't get me started on AI, I have to cert on Copilot just to qualify to apply to get my MCT back.

It would benefit everyone to have working knowledge of ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Claude as their baseline.

Otherwise, they're getting left behind.

Gregory Childers · Jul 15, 2026

CRKrueger said:
Obviously I'm going to be up the latest courseware before I teach any class, the question is, is a valid current certification required by CompTIA?

If you're teaching for a CompTIA Authorized Partner you will need to pass the current version of the certification to teach the class.

If you're not, there are no rules. You don't even need the cert, although I personally wouldn't recommend that.

Gregory Childers · Jul 15, 2026

James Turner said:
Testing on a laptop without a touchscreen is going to get harder as time goes on. Seems like that is more the norm now. I guess I will start testing at a center when my old laptop finally dies.

Jim

Why do you say that? Laptops are predominantly built without touchscreen technology and testing centers don't allow the use of smartphones or tablets.

Mitch Garvis · Jul 15, 2026

Michael Schmitz said:
I looked for this MCT Post:
He was banned for 6 Months initially, before the Appeal. What his Problem was, is not mentioned.
If he violated again after the 6 Months, he would be banned for 2 Years.

that is the reason, i like to use Testcenter, and not testing from Home..

The original post did state what the problem was. He may have deleted it. He used a touch screen.

Michael Schmitz · Jul 15, 2026

Mitch Garvis said:
In the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) Forums recently a trainer too us through the saga of his breaking the exam rules and being blocked from testing for a period of time (possibly two years). While this specific case was about Microsoft exams, I feel it is important that we all know the importance of following the exam rules... especially when we are taking Remote-Proctored exams instead of going into an testing centre.

I wrote this article about the incident: https://garvis.ca/2026/06/29/exam-rules/

Folks, the rules are clear, and when you register you will be told what they are. Whether this is your first or your hundredth exam, take the time to review the rules and make sure you can abide by them. For instance (a big one, and in this case the reason behind the issue): Touch screens are forbidden. Your proctor will see second monitors and make sure you disconnect them, but they will not see that your screen is a touch screen. That is on you to know.

I am happy that I have never been accused of breaking the rules... but I confess, when I heard about this incident I went back and reread the rules to be sure I did not accidentally do so. I have not taken a CompTIA exam since, but will do the same... every single time.

I looked for this MCT Post:
He was banned for 6 Months initially, before the Appeal. What his Problem was, is not mentioned.
If he violated again after the 6 Months, he would be banned for 2 Years.

that is the reason, i like to use Testcenter, and not testing from Home..

shaify · Jul 14, 2026

Congratulations

Reuel Santiago · Jul 14, 2026

Hi All,

As the post title suggests, my organization is looking for a Server+ instructor who will deliver a training session for us. I was contacted by our HR regarding this, so I don't have all the details yet, but the training is going to be conducted onsite, in our office along Ayala Avenue in Makati. The training will last 5 days, most likely from Monday to Friday (no exact dates yet). Interested parties may send me an e-mail at

[email protected]

So that I may then forward your information and any concerns you may have to our HR Team.

Thanks in Advance!

Reuel Santiago · Jul 14, 2026

I contacted support about this and it has been confirmed that I can indeed use the product to renew my certification. I'm going through it now. Support also acknowledged the discrepancy so I hope the descriptions get fixed.

Jill West · Jul 14, 2026

Wow, that's incredible--congrats!! What did you think of the exam?

Jill West · Jul 14, 2026

Gregory Childers said:
Have you seen the 2013 film "She"?

I haven't! Will need to check this out.

Jill West · Jul 14, 2026

JeromeUG said:
The session was super awesome!
Just a timezone issue(11:00pm - 1:00am, but I managed to stay all through

Wow, that's dedication!!

Jill West · Jul 14, 2026

Amelia A. said:
I'm excited to share that this session was so awesome that I'm waiting for the recorded version so I ca watch it again! It's that valuable. If you haven't signed up for the course, do it now. You won't regret it. The presenter, Jill West, is top-notch. We are honored to have her at CIN.

Yay--glad you're enjoying it! I've had SO much fun putting this series together. And everything being shared in the chat takes the session to a whole new level.

James Turner · Jul 14, 2026

I have used CertMaster to teach high school students A+, It does a good job. The only thing I would recommend outside of CertMaster is having actual hardware for them to be able to take apart and put back together. One of my more memorable experiences was watching a student exclaim how hard he had to push to get the video card to seat into the motherboard. We used 1 computer for 4 or 5 students, just so they could get a feel for the real thing.

James Turner · Jul 14, 2026

Testing on a laptop without a touchscreen is going to get harder as time goes on. Seems like that is more the norm now. I guess I will start testing at a center when my old laptop finally dies.

Jim

Jzol · Jul 14, 2026

BrianFord said:
I wanted to give you all a heads-up. A person using the username kiranjadhav010407 has posted all the CompTIA-branded (still copyrighted) Security+ SY0-601 materials on LinkedIn. I reported it and asked that it be taken down, but there were over 350 comments: a mix of copyright warnings and thanks for posting.

When things like this happen, some people blame folks like us: instructors who have access to and use those copyrighted training materials.

Sad that happened. I will say the one thing that is challenging is that under the Resources tab, under courseware, there is the accessibility document. I do include the accessibility document in my course, but I hide it so other students do not have access to it.
It strictly states, “This document is to be used only by authorized instructors and students who have accessibility needs. Other use or distribution is prohibited.” So in cases where we have students who do need the document and then decide to publish it, it can leak out to others very quickly.

Mr Iman · Jul 14, 2026

I agree.

Mitch Garvis · Jul 14, 2026

DougBrooks said:
Just read the article, it's a very well written reminder.

I remember the last exam I took from home, I had to unplug 3 of my 4 monitors before I could sit it, that's a royal faff, but it's something we know we need to do

I have written several articles on the online proctored exams, including a couple that have photographic evidence of the impossibility of sitting the exam from my actual workstation (https://garvis.ca/2021/04/14/the-exam-room-welcome-home/ shows my desk when I was living in California, https://garvis.ca/2025/06/17/online-certification-exams-are-they-worth-it/ shows my desk when I was living in Canada). Those of us who have lots of tech and even worse lots of clutter need to either change our way of living, or else find a different way to take our exams from home; I chose the latter!

BrianFord · Jul 14, 2026

I wanted to give you all a heads-up. A person using the username kiranjadhav010407 has posted all the CompTIA-branded (still copyrighted) Security+ SY0-601 materials on LinkedIn. I reported it and asked that it be taken down, but there were over 350 comments: a mix of copyright warnings and thanks for posting.

When things like this happen, some people blame folks like us: instructors who have access to and use those copyrighted training materials.

Hashmi · Jul 14, 2026

I also watched the on demand, the session was informative and motivating. I could not watch it live because of time zone differences.

CRKrueger · Jul 14, 2026

Gregory Childers said:
Plus, AI is getting pushed into every exam.

Oh man, don't get me started on AI, I have to cert on Copilot just to qualify to apply to get my MCT back.

CRKrueger · Jul 14, 2026

Obviously I'm going to be up the latest courseware before I teach any class, the question is, is a valid current certification required by CompTIA?

DougBrooks · Jul 14, 2026

Jill hosted an amazing session, I am looking forward to catching tomorrow's live, I caught up on the catch-up today and noticed an issue with the chat, it was not showing anything from the session itself.
@Stephen scheider would you be able to look at this ahead of tomorrow's session?

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