Latest activity

Brandon Royal · Oct 30, 2024

A Quick Intro (1/2)
I'm excited to connect w/ this grp of dedicated professionals & share my journey/expertise/passion for teaching and advancing cybersec skills in diverse communities. With15+ YoE in the cyber field (I'm older than I look), I bring a bkgnd in compsci & cyber tech, along with extensive hands-on knowledge in digital network exploitation, threat analysis and adv. incident response.

Kwabena Fred · Oct 30, 2024

TraceyO said:
Hi all,

I passed the CompTIA DataSys+ on Thursday. It was a great experience!

Thank you for the great resources and support!

Tracey

Congratulations

Kwabena Fred · Oct 30, 2024

Nice one. But I won’t place DataSys+ above Data+. I believe they are all unique at their levels and based on interest and career pathways.

Mike Huisman · Oct 30, 2024

@Stephen Schneiter - Sorry to bother you, but from what I am seeing many people have already got the information regarding vouchers for the Network+ TTT. Is that process still ongoing? Since the process started in early September, it feels like I may have been missed. I appreciate that you are coordinating and providing all of these TTT sessions in quick succession, so if there is a better person to contact please let me know!

Brandon Royal · Oct 30, 2024

Hello CIN Community!

I'm reaching out to connect with fellow instructors who share a passion for making a difference in underserved communities, particularly those at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As members of the CIN, we have a unique opportunity to collectively empower those communities with the skills and certifications needed to excel in cybersecurity and IT.

I'm currently working on an initiative to develop and support cyber range and training programs for local HBCUs in Baltimore, MD. The long-term goal is to scale these programs across all 100+ HBCUs. The goal is to create immersive, hands-on experiences that span foundational IT skills to advanced cybersecurity certifications, leveraging CompTIA's courseware and certifications as a central part of the curriculum.

If you're interested in contributing to this vision or if you know of any similar programs in the space, I'd love to hear from you. Specifically, I'm looking to:

Identify CompTIA Instructors interested in partnering on or mentoring for these programs
Gather insights from those who may already be involved in similar initiatives
Source any existing resources, best practices, or ideas that would help make this program impactful and sustainable

Together, we can help bridge the IT and cybersecurity skills gap and open new doors for talented students in these communities. Please reach out here or via a direct message ([email protected]) if you're interested or have resources to share. In the meantime, I will be scouring the forums for ideas and similar discussions.

Looking forward to collaborating,

Brandon Royal, MSCy, CSIE, GSTRT, CISSP

Michael Schmitz · Oct 30, 2024

Fouad said:
Hi Stephen,

How long doe sit take to receive the Cloud+ voucher after the attendance records were pulled? Thanks

From past expierence: 4-8 weeks, depending on good the Data is of the attendance records (email address matches CIN Accounts), if there are errors and for sur:, how busy stephan is. He needs to check the data, internal review, order vouchers and so on.. and since there are two other TTT running this month, and Datasys is not send out, it may be this year. but maybe not.. But that is my guessing from expierence.

Michael Schmitz · Oct 30, 2024

jarrelrivera said:
I suggest that you look at TTT sessions next year (2025)
By completing all sessions, you can use it for CEU points. You may also be able to get an exam voucher, i.e. Cloud+.

Per your transcript, Linux+ and Cloud+ are due for renewal on January 2026.
If you take Cloud+ in 2025, that also renews A+, Network+ and Linux+.
If you get an exam voucher from TTT sessions, then you renew it for free.

OR, you can take Pentest+ in 2025, which then renews CySA+, Security+, Network+, A+
but it doesn't renew Linux+ tho... might just need to start with Cloud+ first.

The Windows for the Cloud+ Voucher is already closed. He may view the 4 sessions and get 8 Points for it.
Pentest TTT will be in 2025. since the New Version will be released in Dec. 24.
Linux+ new Version is in Dev. so there should be in late 25 a TTT or in early 26..
Some time to get that done.

jarrelrivera · Oct 29, 2024

jcrochon said:
Fellow Instructors,

I’m curious about how you approach developing and delivering classroom labs, especially when there’s a need to differentiate from the provided CertMaster Labs or similar online lab environments. As we know, hands-on labs are essential for reinforcing concepts and giving students practical experience, but I want to explore ways to avoid redundancy while keeping the content engaging and effective.

Preferred Lab Environment:
- Do you tend to use physical hardware setups, or do you prefer virtual machines and simulations? In Cisco instruction, for example, Packet Tracer allows us to demonstrate network configurations without needing physical equipment, but what’s your go-to?

for intro courses such as Cisco's IT essentials or Cisco's CCST, packet tracer is alright.
for higher level certs, I prefer hands-on labs i.e. real routers and switches, co'z they need to know how to do tasks in real world scenario. The Cisco IOS commands doesn't change much so it is alright to keep the lab for years.
for security courses, virtual labs are preferred.

The platforms, apps, and interfaces frequently change hence, I like to use CertMaster instead, so as to minimize server and client administration on my part. I just need to enrol the students, and voila! the labs are set.

Guidebooks or Resources:
- Are there specific guidebooks, manuals, or resources you rely on for inspiration when designing in-classroom labs? I find that instructor guides provided by some vendors can be helpful, but I’m always looking for more diverse options that can complement the CertMaster Labs.

For vendor-specific course deliveries, I prefer to use the vendor's documentation i.e. Microsoft, Splunk, Palo Alto, etc.
For Linux, I look at RedHat materials, and the guides from Linux Foundation.

Unique Lab Scenarios:
- How do you ensure the lab scenarios you create are unique and add value beyond what’s covered in CertMaster or other vendor-provided labs? For instance, do you design scenario-based labs that connect multiple topics together, or do you prefer to break down complex tasks into smaller, focused demos?

It depends on the course delivery. If it is client-based, then you should tailor-fit the course to the apps / systems used by the client. i.e. for CySA+ delivery, if the client uses Nessus for vulnerability assessment, then we use Nessus. Otherwise, I might opt to use Greenbone's OpenVAS instead.

Balancing Physical and Virtual Components:
- How do you strike the right balance between using physical hardware versus virtual environments like Packet Tracer or VMware? I find that while virtual environments are convenient, physical hardware can sometimes provide a more tactile learning experience. What has worked best for you and your students?

Budget and resources play a key role.

Do you have the resources to keep, update and maintain a physical lab? Then do so. That'd be your competitive advantage over others.
If you have the budget, but not the resources to update and maintain a physical lab, then you may opt to go for CertMaster labs instead.
If you don't have the budget nor the resources, then build your own lab with an LTSC license perhaps.

I hope these help.

jarrelrivera · Oct 29, 2024

While I agree that token ring is no longer common in today's time, please be aware that ring topology still has uses in the current setting.

Have you encountered any token ring lately? No.
Do you know of any current network protocols that support a ring topology? Yes, i.e. MRP (https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/62849). See link for reference: https://www.perle.com/supportfiles/mrp.shtml

How about the bus topology? While bus ain't quite used anymore, its extended relative of tree topology however, is still used in today's time.

Meanwhile, I agree with the view @BrianFord, and I quote:
"I view that as an instructor opportunity, where you, as an instructor, can work with students to connect a protocol and a topology to an implementation."

jarrelrivera · Oct 29, 2024

I haven't seen any lab videos from CompTIA.
There are lecture videos, but not for lab demonstrations.

There are 100+ labs in Net+. Not sure they'd be doing any videos soon.
But I will...

jarrelrivera · Oct 29, 2024

Jeff Strain said:
So, I am really confused about maintenance fees. My understanding is we only pay for the most expensive cert and even then... Not sure how this works when you have multiple at the same level. I am also unsure when it starts. Looking at Continuing education, I have a lot of certifications, and I am confused about whether I need to pay anything this year.

I also see that most of my certs this year have not been sent to fulfillment. I think this is the paper certification.

Any way... I'm hoping I have a budget left over at work, and I can pay some of these, but I'm really confused as to what I should pay.

It looks like I partially paid Cloud+, and since it is listed in the professional series, is that the only one I need to care about?

Here is a transcript if you want to help me

Transcript for Jeffrey Lynn Strain

Check out my transcript to see all of my accomplishments.

www.certmetrics.com

I suggest that you look at TTT sessions next year (2025)
By completing all sessions, you can use it for CEU points. You may also be able to get an exam voucher, i.e. Cloud+.

Per your transcript, Linux+ and Cloud+ are due for renewal on January 2026.
If you take Cloud+ in 2025, that also renews A+, Network+ and Linux+.
If you get an exam voucher from TTT sessions, then you renew it for free.

OR, you can take Pentest+ in 2025, which then renews CySA+, Security+, Network+, A+
but it doesn't renew Linux+ tho... might just need to start with Cloud+ first.

Fouad · Oct 29, 2024

Rick Butler said:
There is a two-week window between the last session and the time that the data is pulled of all the attendees. That window closed yesterday. After that, CompTIA has to run the list to make sure it's clean (which can take quite a bit of time to verify). After that, the order goes in and has to be cleared and processed.

In short, it can take about 6-8 weeks if the TTT was well-attended.

/r

abiodun1991 said:
@Stephen Schneiter , thank you for the clear explanation about the voucher of cloud+,

Hi Stephen,

How long doe sit take to receive the Cloud+ voucher after the attendance records were pulled? Thanks

abiodun1991 · Oct 29, 2024

Stephen Schneiter said:
Hello @abiodun1991, you are correct that in most cases for the TTT series there is a two-week grace period in which attendees can catch up on-demand in order to be considered for a voucher. The Cloud+ TTT was different since there were only 4 sessions and a full week between the four sessions. It was decided that there was plenty of time for attendees to get caught up on the first two sessions, and we would just need to offer a one-week grace period.

With all that said, with the data team working on the DataX TTT series voucher distribution, they did not pull the Cloud+ series attendence until last week. So, the two week policy still held. Hope this helps.

@Stephen Schneiter , thank you for the clear explanation about the voucher of cloud+,

Stephen Schneiter · Oct 29, 2024

abiodun1991 said:
I want to correct myself based on @Rick Butler and @micheal is one week not two week .

Hello @abiodun1991, you are correct that in most cases for the TTT series there is a two-week grace period in which attendees can catch up on-demand in order to be considered for a voucher. The Cloud+ TTT was different since there were only 4 sessions and a full week between the four sessions. It was decided that there was plenty of time for attendees to get caught up on the first two sessions, and we would just need to offer a one-week grace period.

With all that said, with the data team working on the DataX TTT series voucher distribution, they did not pull the Cloud+ series attendence until last week. So, the two week policy still held. Hope this helps.

Michael Schmitz · Oct 29, 2024

Stephen Schneiter said:
Both of those courses content are on the new platform. If you are listed as an instructor for your organization in the platform you should see the instructor material listed. If not, you just need to reach out to your CompTIA rep and they will activate it for you. Hope this helps.

Seems there is no more PDF available for instructors. Sad. But times are changing.

Michael Schmitz · Oct 29, 2024

If you have Cloud+ (or maybe in the Future the DataPath). It depends on when you renew and pay. I had once the Problem, that i would have to pay the Fee twice, because i renewed the CASP+ before the Cloud+ renew date was available. Different Paths are independend.
It may be a way to attend a TTT that will give you a chaance to get a Voucher for your Renewal.
And then you need to upload your Certificates for getting the Points.

Jose A Ruiz Marquez · Oct 28, 2024

Jeff Strain said:
I thought down this path, but got the following message. Also, I think the higher level are $75.

I have CASP+ and I pay $50 each year, 75 is the number of CEU's per 3 year period

Jeff Strain · Oct 28, 2024

BrianFord said:
Jeff,
From the Certmetrics site "If you hold an A+, Security+, Linux+, Pen Test+ and or CySA+ and you plan to renew fully with a higher level CompTIA certification then your CE fees will be waived.".

I hold Sec+, CySA+, Linux+, Cloud+, and Data+ AND CASP+. I pay $50 for CASP+. That's all.
It's that question about 'Intent Level' that's important. You need to choose the highest level certification as per:
https://www.comptia.org/continuing-...ity/earn-a-higher-level-comptia-certification

Given your transcript your highest level (intent) is CySA+ or PenTest+.

It may be worthwhile for you to challenge SecurityX.

Regards,
Brian

It is one the docket for the next year. I should complete all of the old CompTIA certifications this year. I will attempt some of the newer ones as well. Just trying to cross them all off

.

Jeff Strain · Oct 28, 2024

Jose A Ruiz Marquez said:
It's $50 a year, whether you have 1 or a 100 certifications. Your payment should point towards your highest cert, in your case CySA+

I thought down this path, but got the following message. Also, I think the higher level are $75.

Jose A Ruiz Marquez · Oct 28, 2024

It's $50 a year, whether you have 1 or a 100 certifications. Your payment should point towards your highest cert, in your case CySA+

Mark Anthony Germanos · Oct 28, 2024

BrianFord said:
Jeff,
From the Certmetrics site "If you hold an A+, Security+, Linux+, Pen Test+ and or CySA+ and you plan to renew fully with a higher level CompTIA certification then your CE fees will be waived.".

I hold Sec+, CySA+, Linux+, Cloud+, and Data+ AND CASP+. I pay $50 for CASP+. That's all.
It's that question about 'Intent Level' that's important. You need to choose the highest level certification as per:
https://www.comptia.org/continuing-...ity/earn-a-higher-level-comptia-certification

Given your transcript your highest level (intent) is CySA+ or PenTest+.

It may be worthwhile for you to challenge SecurityX.

Regards,
Brian

CompTIA should do a better job promoting higher certs. A lot of certificate earners just pay the CE fees because they do not know they can get a higher cert and avoid the CE fees. Also let's remember, the higher cert helps them qualify for jobs with more $$, more pride and more responsibility.

BrianFord · Oct 28, 2024

Jeff,
From the Certmetrics site "If you hold an A+, Security+, Linux+, Pen Test+ and or CySA+ and you plan to renew fully with a higher level CompTIA certification then your CE fees will be waived.".

I hold Sec+, CySA+, Linux+, Cloud+, and Data+ AND CASP+. I pay $50 for CASP+. That's all.
It's that question about 'Intent Level' that's important. You need to choose the highest level certification as per:
https://www.comptia.org/continuing-...ity/earn-a-higher-level-comptia-certification

Given your transcript your highest level (intent) is CySA+ or PenTest+.

It may be worthwhile for you to challenge SecurityX.

Regards,
Brian

Jeff Strain · Oct 28, 2024

So, I am really confused about maintenance fees. My understanding is we only pay for the most expensive cert and even then... Not sure how this works when you have multiple at the same level. I am also unsure when it starts. Looking at Continuing education, I have a lot of certifications, and I am confused about whether I need to pay anything this year.

I also see that most of my certs this year have not been sent to fulfillment. I think this is the paper certification.

Any way... I'm hoping I have a budget left over at work, and I can pay some of these, but I'm really confused as to what I should pay.

It looks like I partially paid Cloud+, and since it is listed in the professional series, is that the only one I need to care about?

Here is a transcript if you want to help me

Transcript for Jeffrey Lynn Strain

Check out my transcript to see all of my accomplishments.

www.certmetrics.com

AC Black · Oct 28, 2024

Hi All,
I would have sworn they discussed having example videos for the various labs in Net+ 009 CM Perform. I can't find them for the trees - so to speak.
Can someone point me in the right direction?

Also, are there any explanations or videos for the few PBQs in the CM Perform final?

I trying NOT to reinvent the wheel if they are already somewhere I'm over looking.

Thanks in advance CINners,
Amy

Stephen Schneiter · Oct 28, 2024

Retro-HiDef said:
I attended the Cloud+ TTT sessions. How do I go about claiming my voucher? Appreciate the support, I am new here so not familiar with the process.

Hi @Retro-HiDef, welcome to the community! @Rick Butler and @Michael Schmitz have responded about the voucher distribution process for attending the TTT series. You do not need to take any further action to receive a voucher. The data team pulled the attendance records for the Cloud+ TTT series and is in process. As mentioned, it does take a while to qualify attendees and receive the vouchers for distribution.

Thank you for your patience as we work through the process.

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