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Passed SecurityX CAS-005

While I agree that the exams should be more rigorous, let's be honest... If someone wants to study and cram for an exam then there is no need for the experience... simply to pass. I am reminded of the paper MCSEs of the late 1990s. Hopefully they at least learn something along the way. I wish I could say that the cost of the exam would be a barrier, but I've always said that an crook would happily spend $1000 to earn $10,000.
The people who are exam cramming their way to paper certs are the sane people who complain that CompTIA exams are too expensive.

Then I remind them that GIAC, ISC2, ISACA, and OffSec certifications are much more expensive.

New-ish to teaching IT and looking for suggestions

Hi everyone! I am not a new teacher, but I am new to teaching IT classes. I've taught math mostly and some PLTW computer science/programming-focused courses the last several years. Our district realized that while our community has very little need for programmers, we have a tremendous need for IT workers in all sectors. Additionally, new dual credit partnerships with the local community college have come in and out with PLTW and in with CompTIA! The district actually purchased TestOut licenses, but...

This year I will have 3 levels of IT classes - the classes were determined by the District and Community College
Year1: Tech+ (and other intro to computers skills MS Office suite, HTML)
Year2: A+
Year3: Net+ (1st sem) and Linux+ (2nd sem)

I am still relatively new to the world of IT myself - I took my A+ Cert last with the students! I do have some experience and interest in the IT world, but I am more broad than deep. I plan to do the same route for certification this year with Net+ and Linux+, but I am looking for suggestions from the more experienced teachers that might be here as to how best to run the "day to day" with my students.

Do you use digital notebooks? Do you use CertMaster (or another program)? Last year I showed videos from TestOut, pausing them for discussions and connections, but students filled out guided note sheets that I created. The notes followed the videos and then forced them to scavenger hunt the "text". It was a ton of work for me, but it did work well.
What works well for you?

I also want my students to have some hands-on and authentic experiences, but I do not have much in the way of resources. My 1st year students always take apart and reassemble old computers and laptops - they don't work however. For A+, I gave my students a box of parts and had them assemble the computer as a review, but they were the same old computers my first years use. I also had my A+ students last year make patch cables and test them. I am absolutely looking for any other low-cost, easy-to-implement hands-on labs/activities.

Finally, this year I should have access to 20-ish working computers obsoleted from the district, but they have been completely erased - NO Windows OS, and I am not allowed to reconnect them to the district network. Aside from installing Linux on them (which is very likely) are there any free resources you would suggest I put on them? Ultimately, these older laptops will probably have to serve my classes for several years - and I want them secured so that I can do that, but I also need some ideas of what I can actually DO with them.

Thank you all for reading through this and for any help and suggestions you might offer!

Course Migration

Hello,

I’ve created a new Canvas course for the 1200 series and would like to know if there’s a way to smoothly migrate students from my existing 1100 series course while preserving their progress in the new shell.

Has anyone successfully done this before, or is there a recommended method to handle this type of transition?

Thank you!
I've never done anything like that, myself, but perhaps you can do a Provisioning export the data in Settings > Reports into a CSV, change the associated Course ID (and other fields as needed) and push it back using the SIS Import tool, doing the UI Override.

Maybe move one student using the UI so you can see the before and after changes that you might need to make in your CSV.

1754529130202.png

Don't forget to consult the SIS Import documentation for info on how to form the CSVs properly.

What's in a name?

From a Linux perspective, SecurityX sounds a bit outdated. SecurityWayland is more modern.
You'd be proud of me, Jason - I crafted that particular response...on my old Surface 5 - running Linux Mint.

We could always go with X - but then Elon Musk might have something to say about it.

What's in a name?

CompTIA has been adjusting the certification program for quite a while now, and, as I could tell, wanted to create classes of certifications based on bands of proficiency, from 'essentials', 'pro', and 'experts'.

And the 'X' certs do have a certain edginess to them - just ask this guy:

1754527940481.png

I'm sure someone thought of X-Men, but that might not live up to the inclusive language standard and Disney may throw a fit.

/r

  • Question
Course Migration

Hello,

I’ve created a new Canvas course for the 1200 series and would like to know if there’s a way to smoothly migrate students from my existing 1100 series course while preserving their progress in the new shell.

Has anyone successfully done this before, or is there a recommended method to handle this type of transition?

Thank you!

What's in a name?

I am sure William Shakespeare would agree that it does not matter, but as I preen over passing CAS-005 yesterday, I wonder if CompTIA's marketing department might not have taken a wrong turn on this one.

Certified Advanced Security Practitioner... it sounds reverential - a title to be respected. When the Advanced Security Professional walks in you step aside and follow his lead because he (or she) knows of what they speak.

SecurityX... I don't know... it sounds a bit millennial. If you think that might be a compliment then get off my lawn! I was not involved in the conversations around it but I am trying to wrap my head around the thinking on this one. What is CompTIA trying to do with this name? Can anyone explain it? I would love to put the old cert on a business card but this... I really don't know.
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Passed SecurityX CAS-005

I'm concerned that with the continual reduction in length, they may be removing the rigor of the exam. There are a lot of candidates who somehow manage to pass the exams without the minimum five years of experience.

CompTIA exams are already like that. There are far too many people who exam cram and pass CompTIA exams with little to no experience.
While I agree that the exams should be more rigorous, let's be honest... If someone wants to study and cram for an exam then there is no need for the experience... simply to pass. I am reminded of the paper MCSEs of the late 1990s. Hopefully they at least learn something along the way. I wish I could say that the cost of the exam would be a barrier, but I've always said that an crook would happily spend $1000 to earn $10,000.

CIN TTT Series: Linux+ V8

It is time for the next TTT series! Join the CompTIA Instructor Network and special guest @jasoneckert as he Leads the Linux+ TTT series. Jason will cover the exam objectives and provide hands on examples as you strengthen your Linux skills. We will discuss how to cover the content with students and suggest various labs to let students gain hands-on experience as they prepare for certification.

What: CIN TTT Series: Linux+ V8
When: September 9 - October 9, 2025 (Ten sessions), 6:00 - 8:00 PM CDT
Who: Jason Eckert
Where: ON24
Register Now

View attachment 2372
Registered!!! Thank you, sir

Passed SecurityX CAS-005

I'm concerned that with the continual reduction in length, they may be removing the rigor of the exam. There are a lot of candidates who somehow manage to pass the exams without the minimum five years of experience.

CompTIA exams are already like that. There are far too many people who exam cram and pass CompTIA exams with little to no experience.

Changing Jobs

Everyone,

I have not received my certification codes from the A+ train the trainer. I am about to start working at another technical college, and I do not want to loose my opportunity to it for the A+. What do I need to do in order to receive the codes?

Thanks
Hello @Eddy Harden, I am waiting on the Data team for the A+ vouchers. Will your email address change from what you used to register for the A+ series? If it is either post the new address here or DM me and I will make sure the team updates the email for distribution. We will make sure you get your vouchers.

CIN TTT Series: Linux+ V8

It is time for the next TTT series! Join the CompTIA Instructor Network and special guest @jasoneckert as he Leads the Linux+ TTT series. Jason will cover the exam objectives and provide hands on examples as you strengthen your Linux skills. We will discuss how to cover the content with students and suggest various labs to let students gain hands-on experience as they prepare for certification.

What: CIN TTT Series: Linux+ V8
When: September 9 - October 9, 2025 (Ten sessions), 6:00 - 8:00 PM CDT
Who: Jason Eckert
Where: ON24
Register Now

View attachment 2372
Registered!!!
  • Like
Reactions: Eddy Harden

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