What Certifications Have You Added Alongside CompTIA?

I'm curious how other instructors have built their certification portfolios over the years.

CompTIA has always had a vendor-neutral philosophy, and I think that's one of its greatest strengths. It teaches concepts and skills that apply across technologies instead of focusing on a single vendor.

But many of us also teach courses or work with clients who use specific technologies. That got me wondering how everyone balances CompTIA with other certifications. Besides your CompTIA certifications, what other certifications do you currently hold? Are you pursuing anything new?

How do vendor certifications like Microsoft, AWS, Google Cloud, Cisco, Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks, or CrowdStrike fit into your portfolio? What about vendor-neutral certifications like ISC2 or ISACA? Or more specialized certifications from organizations like OffSec or GIAC?

When you're deciding what certification to earn next, what drives that decision? Customer demand? Personal interest? Better career opportunities? Something else?

I'm not looking for a right or wrong answer. I'm just interested in hearing how other CompTIA instructors think about professional development and how you've put together a certification portfolio that works for you.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Successfully Earned the CompTIA SecAI+ Certification (CY0-001)!

I am excited to share that I have successfully earned the CompTIA SecAI+ Certification (CY0-001) with a score of 868, well above the passing score of 600.
This achievement is the result of 2-3 months of focused preparation, learning, and hands-on practice in the areas of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.
Through this journey, I gained valuable knowledge in:
  • AI-powered threat detection and security operations
  • Securing AI and machine learning systems
  • Risk assessment and incident response
  • Security analytics and threat intelligence
  • Governance, compliance, and ethical AI practices
A heartfelt thank you to my colleagues, mentors, and everyone who supported and encouraged me throughout this learning journey.
I'm excited to apply these skills in real-world environments and continue growing at the intersection of AI and Cybersecurity.

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7490064208525529088/

Successfully Earned CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-004)!

I am excited to share that I have successfully earned the CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-004) certification!

A sincere thank you to CompTIA and the CompTIA Instructor Network (CIN) for providing the Train-the-Trainer (TTT) series and the exam voucher, making this achievement possible.

Special thanks to @Nick Pierce , the CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-004) instructor, for the excellent training, and to @Stephen Schneiter for the support throughout the journey.

Looking forward to applying these skills and continuing to grow in cybersecurity.

CIN TTT Series: AutoOps+ V1

Join us for the new CompTIA Expansion Series certification launch for AutoOps+ V1! Our guest instructor, @Tyler Harris, will lead us through the six-session series covering the exam objectives and provide hands on examples as you strengthen your DevOps skills pertaining to cybersecurity. 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.

CompTIA AutoOps+ validates your skills to automate, secure, and optimize IT operations across cloud and hybrid environments. As part of CompTIA’s new Expansion Series, AutoOps+ is designed to augment your core IT competencies with specialized expertise in automation, scripting, and infrastructure management. Gain hands-on experience to bridge traditional IT roles with modern DevOps practices.

What:
CIN TTT Series: AutoOps+ V1
When: June 23rd - July 9th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT
Who: Tyler Harris, Instructor, ARIMA Consulting, LLC
Where: ON24
Register Here

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🎉 Excited to Share That I Passed the CompTIA SecAI+ exam with 900 score! 🎉

I am pleased to announce that I have successfully completed the CompTIA SecAI+ exam, achieving a score of 900. This achievement represents a meaningful milestone in my ongoing commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the rapidly evolving field of AI security.


I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Train-the-Trainer (TTT) sessions, which provided invaluable insights and practical knowledge that significantly deepened my understanding of AI security concepts. The on-demand study materials were exceptionally well-structured and played a crucial role in my exam preparation.


A very special thank you to Stephen Schneiter for giving me the opportunity to participate in this program and for providing the exam voucher. Your support and commitment to helping learners succeed are truly appreciated.


I also appreciate CompTIA for developing a certification that addresses the growing importance of securing AI systems and applying AI responsibly in today's cybersecurity landscape.


I look forward to building on this achievement and applying these insights to real-world challenges at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity.


#CompTIA #SecurityAI #CompTIAAI #AISecurity #CyberSecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #GenerativeAI #ContinuousLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #TTT #Certification #LifelongLearning

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

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Office Pro v.9 - Advanced Content??

I've been diggin into the new Office Pro v.9 and see that some of the content that was previously in the normal unit like Microsoft Word, is now under "Word Advanced."
I'm wondering if others are teaching some or all of the advanced content? I want my students to know enough to pass the MS Office certification exam.
TIA!

  • Question
Instructor Support

I am a Director for a Govcon company. We are in need of 1099 instructors to teach a Linux + and Sec X course to our customer. This course is to be taught virtually. We will provide the curriculum. Respondents need to have a verifiable secret clearance. We are also, looking for instructors to teach in person on occasion for other COMPTia courses e.g. Pentest, A+CISSP, CCNA etc... If interested, please contact me at [email protected] with your resume and copies of certifications.

A+ (Core 1 and Core2) in a 15 week course.

I'm putting together a 15 week course for A+ (core 1 / core 2). The modules 1-10 are for core 1. And Modules 11-22 are for Core 2. What would CompTIA recommend for a student to take the Core 1 after modules 1-10 and Core 2 after modules 11-22. OR take both certs at end of semester.

Circling Back...

There was a discussion (started by me) a few weeks ago about an MCT who inadvertently violated exam policy by using a touch screen.

I sat the Cloud+ exam yesterday and after waiting 42 minutes for the proctor, I decided to ask. According to him, if your hardware is a touch screen but you do not try to use it during the exam then it is acceptable.

I thought some of you might be interested.

Exam Rules - BEWARE!

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.

Def Con 34

Anyone heading to Las Vegas for Def Con August 6-9? If so, let's connect! I will be hanging around the Noob Village (https://www.noobvillage.org/) with @GingerHacker. I will actually be giving a workshop around SecAI+ on Friday at 12:00pm.

Be sure to reach out if attending! CINners unite!!


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Remote Security+ Instructor

I am looking to hire a security+ instructor. The instructor will teach two live online sessions per week, review practice questions, explain key exam objectives, and help students prepare confidently for the certification exam. Remote opportunity with the potential for ongoing cohorts.

Interested instructors, please send me an email at [email protected] with your experience, availability, and expected rate.

Thanks,

Unused vouchers received

Good afternoon, CINers!

I would like to know if there is any issue with not using most of the certification exam vouchers we received for participating in the TTT training sessions. I am proud to be a CIN member, and if it were up to me, I would have a wide range of CompTIA certifications in my portfolio! Unfortunately, however, due to time and availability constraints, it is not possible to stay up-to-date with all the certifications that interest me, as I have other professional commitments that prevent me from dedicating myself fully to them.

Currently, I watch the broadcast recordings and download the presentations primarily to learn and stay current with the latest IT technologies - something CIN has uniquely enabled me to do (even without taking the certification exams). That said, I do intend to obtain the other certifications within my reach in the not-too-distant future (if possible).

Best regards,

CIN TTT Series AI Fundamentals Session 1

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.

Passed SecAI

I passed my SecAI exam, and immediately afterward I fell sick. My physiotherapist said it was due to heavy lifting. I was like, "How? I didn't lift anything!" 😂

This is based on a true story, but I'm recovering well, guys.
Thank you so much, Stephane, for the voucher, and thank you to our instructor for the course and all the support.

AI Simulations Stuck

Hello,
I have been going through AI Fundamentals CompCert course smoothly, then all of sudden, AI based activities/simulations stopped working, I enter a prompt, I takes forever to answer. I went on to skip the AI sim activities but everynext AI sim activity behaved the same, I reported the problem two days ago, but the issue the stills remains. Alternatives that I tried to resolve the issue are following:
> Tried changing broswers,
> Clear browser cache.
> Restart computer.
> close all running programs.
non of the above option worked, I am still stuck and course progress is at halt. I am attaching an error code attachment that might give some of you a hint to help me with the issue.
Thank you!!Screenshot 2026-07-27 155907.png
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Reactions: Wenzel25

Looking for a Server+ Instructor for an onsite training session in the Philippines

EDIT: A trainer has been selected, according to our HR, so the application is now closed. Thank you to everyone who expressed interest.

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!

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