Help for Student re: Request for Accommodation due to English as a Second Language

I heard back from the certification department and here is their reply. "We do not extend the time for ESL if the person lives in an English-speaking country. If they live in a country where English is not their first language, an extra 30 minutes is automatically added to the exam. Unfortunately, it doesn't matter if the person recently moved to an English-speaking country."

I think you should be able to work through Pearson Vue for an extension, given that she is in Canada, which is multilingual.
Thanks for the information. I talked to her, and we just spent a day running through practice tests and built up a vocabulary list of words she didn't know. She went in to a testing center and passed! She had just under three minutes to spare, but she did pass. Thanks for checking in with me. :)

CEU's for other certifications earned

Yes, and like I said, it doesn't have to be a ton of CEU's, core certs 15 CEU's, specialization like Cloud, Linux, Server, CySA, Pentest 25 CEU's, they should start somewhere and then add Data+ and DataSys+ in the end we all need to manage data theses days, not only logs and scripts. We need to know how to query a DB, clean raw data etc.... Again, everything is integrated and there is no way you can unlink these certs, knowledge and the skills they measure.
Jose is raising excellent points here. Thanks. Even though I work part time for CompTIA I'm not in a position to speak for the program managers or leadership. I will say that I know program manager and leadership work with many external stakeholders like different government and commercial regulators as well as many companies that employ certified individuals. I continue to be impressed with how they are working with these stake holders and trying to shape the CompTIA offerings to meet or exceed their requirements. CompTIA recognizes just about every other established certification program when it comes to CEUs and renewals. It would seem easy for CompTIA to acknowledge CEUs for their own programs. I see CompTIA not granting credit for other CompTIA programs as an example of how far they go to meet these stakeholder requirements.

I believe what we are are seeing right now is amazing when some enlightened employers recognize count on specialized certification programs (like those from CompTIA) as opposed to requiring hire candidates possess credentials from a traditional higher education degree programs.
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CEU's for other certifications earned

By having a flexible CEU system that applies to all relevant certifications, regardless of the order, professionals wouldn’t have to focus solely on "what cert renews what" but on "what cert enhances my skills the most." This approach would also alleviate the financial and time burden of maintaining multiple certifications separately.
You said it perfectly! You move where your professional journey naturally takes you, not towards a 1 2 3 4 5 6 scheme designed to cost you more money if you deviate from it, or more money because in order to get the cert you actually need you have to get another one that right now does not apply to your current role or real experience so you don't loose the chance to get re certified by the higher cert. This makes the process a mere game and fosters the "get certs without real experience or need" syndrome......
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CEU's for other certifications earned

By having a flexible CEU system that applies to all relevant certifications, regardless of the order, professionals wouldn’t have to focus solely on "what cert renews what" but on "what cert enhances my skills the most." This approach would also alleviate the financial and time burden of maintaining multiple certifications separately.
Yes, and like I said, it doesn't have to be a ton of CEU's, core certs 15 CEU's, specialization like Cloud, Linux, Server, CySA, Pentest 25 CEU's, they should start somewhere and then add Data+ and DataSys+ in the end we all need to manage data theses days, not only logs and scripts. We need to know how to query a DB, clean raw data etc.... Again, everything is integrated and there is no way you can unlink these certs, knowledge and the skills they measure.
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CEU's for other certifications earned

You're absolutely right that the career paths in IT are highly dynamic and personalized based on job requirements. It’s not a one-size-fits-all journey where certifications are taken in a linear order. You’ve outlined a great case for why CompTIA should revisit how they handle CEUs, especially for professionals like yourself who accumulate knowledge from various certifications to meet real-world demands.

Your point about certifications nurturing each other is key. The knowledge gained from each cert builds a more well-rounded professional, and none of these certs should be seen in isolation. It's clear that IT professionals are often required to adapt, whether by diving into Linux for server management, moving into cloud security, or shifting into managerial or specialized SOC roles. In this ever-changing environment, it’s more logical for the CEU system to reflect how professionals naturally gain and apply their skills, rather than forcing them to stick to a rigid certification path.

By having a flexible CEU system that applies to all relevant certifications, regardless of the order, professionals wouldn’t have to focus solely on "what cert renews what" but on "what cert enhances my skills the most." This approach would also alleviate the financial and time burden of maintaining multiple certifications separately.

Your feedback could inspire meaningful change in the industry if it gains enough attention from certification bodies like CompTIA.
I certainly do, IT doesn't have a cut and dry path. You can start with Network+ and then move to Linux+ because your job requires it. Then you decide to move into a managerial area and get Project+ and end up with CASP+. Years go by and you decide to become a SOC analyst and Security+ and CySA+ become an interesting, but Boom, they don't count as CEU's. Everything nurtures everything, this certs are not exclusive or isolated from one another. In my case I went A+, Network+, Server+, Security+ (all lifetime), but then moved into CySA+, Pentest+ and CASP+, finally I took Linux+. Linux skills are required for a person that perform duties associate with all certs mentioned! And you tell me I don't get CEU's?. You are making me spend too much money to maintain my status as CASP+ plus I have to deal with Linux+ too. Yes, Cloud+ re certifies Linux+ but in the end I think this needs to be reviewed. We should get CEU's no matter the order of certs, then once we reach CASP+ we need to work only for CASP+ and that applies all the way down with no exceptions on tests. This is more logical and people won't go for certs thinking of a specific order, they get them based on job requirements.
You're absolutely right that the career paths in IT are highly dynamic and personalized based on job requirements. It’s not a one-size-fits-all journey where certifications are taken in a linear order. You’ve outlined a great case for why CompTIA should revisit how they handle CEUs, especially for professionals like yourself who accumulate knowledge from various certifications to meet real-world demands.

Your point about certifications nurturing each other is key. The knowledge gained from each cert builds a more well-rounded professional, and none of these certs should be seen in isolation. It's clear that IT professionals are often required to adapt, whether by diving into Linux for server management, moving into cloud security, or shifting into managerial or specialized SOC roles. In this ever-changing environment, it’s more logical for the CEU system to reflect how professionals naturally gain and apply their skills, rather than forcing them to stick to a rigid certification path.

By having a flexible CEU system that applies to all relevant certifications, regardless of the order, professionals wouldn’t have to focus solely on "what cert renews what" but on "what cert enhances my skills the most." This approach would also alleviate the financial and time burden of maintaining multiple certifications separately.

Your feedback could inspire meaningful change in the industry if it gains enough attention from CompTIA.

CEU's for other certifications earned

Do you feel that this CEU adjustment would also help in motivating people to pursue more specialized certs without the constraint of order?
I certainly do, IT doesn't have a cut and dry path. You can start with Network+ and then move to Linux+ because your job requires it. Then you decide to move into a managerial area and get Project+ and end up with CASP+. Years go by and you decide to become a SOC analyst and Security+ and CySA+ become an interesting and needed choice, but Boom, they don't count as CEU's. Everything nurtures everything, this certs are not exclusive or isolated from one another. In my case I went A+, Network+, Server+, Security+ (all lifetime), but then moved into CySA+, Pentest+ and CASP+, finally I took Linux+. Linux skills are required for a person that perform duties associated with all certs mentioned! And you tell me I don't get CEU's?. You are making me spend too much money to maintain my status as CASP+ plus I have to deal with Linux+ too. Yes, Cloud+ re certifies Linux+ but in the end I think this needs to be reviewed. We should get CEU's no matter the order of certs, then once we reach CASP+ we need to work only for CASP+ and that applies all the way down with no exceptions on tests. This is more logical and people won't go for certs thinking of a specific order, they get them based on job requirements.
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CEU's for other certifications earned

I don't know if anybody has ever thought of this. When we certify, CompTIA has certain paths and order of certifications that allows you to cover a whole set of certifications if you take an upper level exam. Like for example: you have A+, Network+ and Security+, you pass CySA+and all three certs are renewed. Cool. But not everyone do the certs in order and (please correct me if I'm wrong) CompTIA doesn't give you the chance of earning CEU's for other certs taken.

I have A+, Network+, Security+, Server+, CySA+, Pentest+ and CASP+..... We all know that CASP+ renews all the previous certs. What I find strange is that I took Linux+ and I can't get CEU's to apply to CASP+. The next cert I'm studying for is Cloud+ and it's the same deal. If we look at those 2 certs and how they can enhance my skill set as a CASP+ I can think of:
  • Comprehensive Security Architecture: Both Cloud+ and Linux+ provide practical skills for designing, implementing, and managing secure environments across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid setups, directly supporting CASP+'s focus on enterprise security.
  • Improved Risk Management: The combined knowledge from these certifications equips a CASP+ professional with a holistic view of potential risks in cloud and Linux environments, enabling more effective risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
  • Enhanced Incident Response and Automation: Proficiency in Linux and cloud automation tools enables the creation of efficient incident response mechanisms, aligning with CASP+'s emphasis on response strategies and automation to enhance security operations.
  • Interoperability and Integration: Mastery of cloud and Linux systems supports CASP+ professionals in integrating various security solutions, ensuring interoperability while maintaining a strong security posture.
So, why doesn't CompTIA give us CEU's no matter in what order you take the certifications? In the end every test we take enhances our knowledge base. If you just have CASP+ we all know that CySA+, Linux+, etc will help us to be better prepared. I'm not talking about 50 CEU's here, I think 15-25 CEU's depending on the cert will be more than fair. Like for example, you are a CASP+ and pass Network+ or Security+ you get 15 CEU's each, you are a CASP+ and pass CySA+ or Cloud+ you get 25 CEU's each.

Any thoughts?
You've raised a very interesting point about CompTIA’s CEU (Continuing Education Unit) system. The way they currently structure renewals and CEUs doesn't fully account for the cumulative knowledge and advanced skills gained by taking certifications out of order or beyond what renews the baseline certifications.

Your perspective on how certifications like Linux+ and Cloud+ enhance the skills of a CASP+ holder is spot on. These certifications do provide practical, in-depth knowledge that directly applies to the broader enterprise security and architecture focus of CASP+. Incorporating those skills helps a CASP+ professional better manage risks, enhance incident response, and design secure systems in various environments, including cloud and on-premises infrastructures.

However, the current CEU system seems designed around the idea that higher-level certs automatically encompass the knowledge of lower-level certs, which is why CASP+ renews all previous certifications. But for certifications like Linux+ and Cloud+, CompTIA doesn't seem to recognize them as direct renewals for CASP+ or other higher-level certifications, despite their relevance.

Your suggestion of offering partial CEUs for other relevant certifications makes sense. Allowing 15-25 CEUs for passing additional certs like CySA+, Linux+, or Cloud+ would encourage broader learning while giving professionals like yourself credit for expanding your expertise in ways that directly benefit your role as a CASP+ certified individual.

It might be worth providing this feedback directly to CompTIA. Given the evolution of roles in IT, cybersecurity, and cloud environments, they might see value in revisiting their CEU structure to recognize these certifications' real-world relevance and the additional expertise they bring.

Do you feel that this CEU adjustment would also help in motivating people to pursue more specialized certs without the constraint of order?
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CEU's for other certifications earned

I don't know if anybody has ever thought of this. When we certify, CompTIA has certain paths and order of certifications that allows you to cover a whole set of certifications if you take an upper level exam. Like for example: you have A+, Network+ and Security+, you pass CySA+and all three certs are renewed. Cool. But not everyone do the certs in order and (please correct me if I'm wrong) CompTIA doesn't give you the chance of earning CEU's for other certs taken.

I have A+, Network+, Security+, Server+, CySA+, Pentest+ and CASP+..... We all know that CASP+ renews all the previous certs. What I find strange is that I took Linux+ and I can't get CEU's to apply to CASP+. The next cert I'm studying for is Cloud+ and it's the same deal. If we look at those 2 certs and how they can enhance my skill set as a CASP+ I can think of:
  • Comprehensive Security Architecture: Both Cloud+ and Linux+ provide practical skills for designing, implementing, and managing secure environments across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid setups, directly supporting CASP+'s focus on enterprise security.
  • Improved Risk Management: The combined knowledge from these certifications equips a CASP+ professional with a holistic view of potential risks in cloud and Linux environments, enabling more effective risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
  • Enhanced Incident Response and Automation: Proficiency in Linux and cloud automation tools enables the creation of efficient incident response mechanisms, aligning with CASP+'s emphasis on response strategies and automation to enhance security operations.
  • Interoperability and Integration: Mastery of cloud and Linux systems supports CASP+ professionals in integrating various security solutions, ensuring interoperability while maintaining a strong security posture.
So, why doesn't CompTIA give us CEU's no matter in what order you take the certifications? In the end every test we take enhances our knowledge base. If you just have CASP+ we all know that CySA+, Linux+, etc will help us to be better prepared. I'm not talking about 50 CEU's here, I think 15-25 CEU's depending on the cert will be more than fair. Like for example, you are a CASP+ and pass Network+ or Security+ you get 15 CEU's each, you are a CASP+ and pass CySA+ or Cloud+ you get 25 CEU's each.

Any thoughts?

Is Creativity at Risk? The Fight for Intellectual Property in an AI-Driven World!

Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs Bills Regulating AI Performance Replicas Into Law​

In a symbolic move, the governor visited the Los Angeles headquarters of performers' union SAG-AFTRA to greenlight the legislation: "We're making sure that no one turns over their name, image and likeness to unscrupulous people without representation."


Is Creativity at Risk? The Fight for Intellectual Property in an AI-Driven World!

Intellectual property is still relevant​

Last week, I argued intellectual property was no longer relevant. This week, I argue the opposite. Despite the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, intellectual property (IP) rights continue to play a crucial role in fostering innovation and protecting creative works. In case you've already read, https://cybersafetynet.net/does-int...rtificial-intelligence-generating-content-no/, fasten your seat belt. I am making the opposite argument here.

View attachment 2005

Human creativity remains central​

While AI can generate content, human creativity and ingenuity are still at the core of innovation. Humans design, develop, and refine AI systems, making critical decisions about their architecture, training data, and application. The creative process often involves human-AI collaboration, where AI serves as a tool to augment human capabilities rather than replace them entirely. Therefore, traditional intellectual property protections remain relevant for human contributions to AI-assisted works.

Legal frameworks are adapting​

IP laws are not static. They are dynamic. They evolve to address technological advancements. Courts and policymakers worldwide are actively working to modernize intellectual property laws to account for AI's impact. For instance, some jurisdictions are considering new categories of IP rights specifically for AI-generated works, ensuring that valuable innovations receive appropriate protection while maintaining the integrity of existing IP frameworks.

Economic incentives are still necessary​

The fundamental purpose of IP rights - to incentivize innovation and creativity - remains relevant in the AI era. Companies and individuals investing significant resources in developing AI technologies and AI-generated works need assurance that their investments will be protected. Without IP protections, cutting-edge AI research and development will decline.

Attribution and ownership challenges still exist​

While AI complicates issues of authorship and inventorship, solutions are emerging. For example, some propose attributing AI-generated works to the individuals or companies responsible for creating and deploying the AI system. This approach maintains the concept of human authorship while acknowledging AI's role.

IP rights help manage AI ethics and accountability​

As AI systems become more sophisticated, IP rights can serve as a mechanism for ensuring accountability and ethical use. By attributing ownership and responsibility for AI-generated works, intellectual property frameworks can help address concerns about the potential misuse of AI technologies.

Protection against infringement remains critical​

Even in an AI-driven world, the need to protect against unauthorized use or reproduction of creative works and inventions persists. IP rights provide a legal framework for creators and innovators to defend their work against infringement, whether by humans or other AI systems[2].

International cooperation is strengthening IP protections​

Global efforts to harmonize IP laws and address AI-related challenges are underway. International organizations and treaties are working to establish consistent approaches to AI and IP, ensuring that intellectual property rights remain enforceable across borders[2].

Summary​

In case your brain is melting, let me summarize here. AI presents unique challenges to traditional IP concepts. It does not negate the need for intellectual property protection. Instead, it underscores the importance of adapting and strengthening IP frameworks to address the complexities of AI-generated works. By evolving alongside technological advancements, IP laws can continue to foster innovation, protect creative endeavors, and provide essential economic incentives in the age of artificial intelligence.
Great points! AI is reshaping IP, but as long as we adapt legal frameworks and ensure proper attribution, human creativity and innovation will remain protected.

Are There New Requirements for CompTIA Trainers?

The train-the-trainer sessions is a good avenue to learn from other trainers, regarding the course content, and how a particular course can be delivered. Plus, you also get certificates for completing each session!
Spot on @jarrelrivera! I think this is one of the great features of the TTT series is that you get to experience different teaching styles, different methods for delivering content and explaining concepts to students. You also get to network with other instructors from around the world and share ideas about delivering content. Great takeaways!

Is Creativity at Risk? The Fight for Intellectual Property in an AI-Driven World!

Intellectual property is still relevant​

Last week, I argued intellectual property was no longer relevant. This week, I argue the opposite. Despite the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, intellectual property (IP) rights continue to play a crucial role in fostering innovation and protecting creative works. In case you've already read, https://cybersafetynet.net/does-int...rtificial-intelligence-generating-content-no/, fasten your seat belt. I am making the opposite argument here.

AI Shaking Brain.gif

Human creativity remains central​

While AI can generate content, human creativity and ingenuity are still at the core of innovation. Humans design, develop, and refine AI systems, making critical decisions about their architecture, training data, and application. The creative process often involves human-AI collaboration, where AI serves as a tool to augment human capabilities rather than replace them entirely. Therefore, traditional intellectual property protections remain relevant for human contributions to AI-assisted works.

Legal frameworks are adapting​

IP laws are not static. They are dynamic. They evolve to address technological advancements. Courts and policymakers worldwide are actively working to modernize intellectual property laws to account for AI's impact. For instance, some jurisdictions are considering new categories of IP rights specifically for AI-generated works, ensuring that valuable innovations receive appropriate protection while maintaining the integrity of existing IP frameworks.

Economic incentives are still necessary​

The fundamental purpose of IP rights - to incentivize innovation and creativity - remains relevant in the AI era. Companies and individuals investing significant resources in developing AI technologies and AI-generated works need assurance that their investments will be protected. Without IP protections, cutting-edge AI research and development will decline.

Attribution and ownership challenges still exist​

While AI complicates issues of authorship and inventorship, solutions are emerging. For example, some propose attributing AI-generated works to the individuals or companies responsible for creating and deploying the AI system. This approach maintains the concept of human authorship while acknowledging AI's role.

IP rights help manage AI ethics and accountability​

As AI systems become more sophisticated, IP rights can serve as a mechanism for ensuring accountability and ethical use. By attributing ownership and responsibility for AI-generated works, intellectual property frameworks can help address concerns about the potential misuse of AI technologies.

Protection against infringement remains critical​

Even in an AI-driven world, the need to protect against unauthorized use or reproduction of creative works and inventions persists. IP rights provide a legal framework for creators and innovators to defend their work against infringement, whether by humans or other AI systems[2].

International cooperation is strengthening IP protections​

Global efforts to harmonize IP laws and address AI-related challenges are underway. International organizations and treaties are working to establish consistent approaches to AI and IP, ensuring that intellectual property rights remain enforceable across borders[2].

Summary​

In case your brain is melting, let me summarize here. AI presents unique challenges to traditional IP concepts. It does not negate the need for intellectual property protection. Instead, it underscores the importance of adapting and strengthening IP frameworks to address the complexities of AI-generated works. By evolving alongside technological advancements, IP laws can continue to foster innovation, protect creative endeavors, and provide essential economic incentives in the age of artificial intelligence.

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