The new DataSys+ beta is available. $50 USD. Sign up between now and May 28, 2026.,

Join CIN as we provide a Sneak Peek to the next release of CompTIA CySA+ V4 certification. We will welcome special guest @James Stanger and @Nick Pierce as they walk us through why industry is looking for this exam, what is changing in cybersecurity analytics, and take a deep dive into the exam objectives. We will topics covered by the exam and some teaching practices to help deliver the content to students.

CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) is the premier certification for cyber professionals tasked with incident detection, prevention, and response through continuous security monitoring. It validates a tech professional's expertise in incident response and vulnerability management processes, emphasizing the critical communication skills necessary for effective security analysis and compliance.

Build skills with CompTIA training and validate them with CySA+ certification.

• Enhance security operations processes, differentiate threat intelligence and threat hunting, and identify malicious activity using appropriate tools.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments, prioritize vulnerabilities, and recommend effective mitigation strategies for vulnerability management.
• Apply attack methodology frameworks, perform incident response, and understand the incident management lifecycle to handle security incidents effectively.
• Utilize communication best practices to report on vulnerability management and incident response, providing stakeholders with actionable plans and meaningful metrics.

What: CIN Sneak Peek: CySA+ V4
When: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 12:00- 2:00 PM CST
Who: Dr. James Stanger, CompTIA and Nick Pierce, Northern Virginia Community College
Where: ON24
Register Here

Anyone from Kenya who has done the CompTIA Hybrid Server Pro Core I and II certifications?

Hi CIN community (CINners?), and thanks in advance for the help!

As I'm setting up my profile and fulfilling the requirements for completion, I wanted to ask about the upcoming A+ TTT schedule and when the next round of exam vouchers will be available.

If this topic has already been covered, please feel free to point me to the right thread. Much appreciated!

Hey folks!

I did not even notice it when I did not get a fulfillment package for my last couple of certifications. I was telling my students recently (they are doing Tech+ A+ and Network+) that when you earn a new certification CompTIA will mail you a hard copy of the certificate and wallet card. One of my students told me this morning that he asked for it and was given the option to purchase one, but they are not provided. Can anyone tell me when that changed?

Thanks in advance!

My Cysa+ is set to expire in Dec. and I have my CEU's for the SecurityX TTT and 15 hours of conferences. I had intended completing the SecurityX exam now but best laid plans.
Can anyone make in recommendations for suggestions as to training that will be credited?

I am no longer doing the Cisco track so I am looking at either,

CERTMASTER LABS FOR SECURITYX (EXAM CAS-005) - 40 CEUs
or
CERTMASTER LEARN FOR SECURITYX (EXAM CAS-005) - 40 CEUs

Has anyone got any sugguestions?

Thanks
Greg Porter

Hey fellow Linux+ candidates

I wanted to share a free resource that’s been super helpful in my prep for the XK0-006 exam: Skunkworks Academy Linux+ Mock Exam Tool

It’s a browser-based readiness tracker that lets you:

• Run randomized assessments (20–25 questions recommended)
• Track your best and latest scores locally
• Identify domain gaps across all exam objectives
• Export/import your progress between machines

Tip: For a realistic exam feel, set it to “Timed = Yes” and “Show answers = No.”

It’s not a replacement for hands-on labs, but it’s great for quick self-checks and building confidence. If you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear your thoughts or suggestions for improvement!

Happy studying and good luck to everyone aiming for Linux+

Hello Guys,
Has Anyone of you received Linux+ V8 Exam vouchers? I haven't received it yet.
is there anything have to do?

When is the new version of Security+ TTT going to be scheduled? I am teaching a 701 class currently, but know it is scheduled to be updated again.

Seeing so many people sharing their Security+ journeys here is motivating

Quick question for those who’ve already passed or are deep into studying:

If you had to start Security+ all over again, what would you do differently?

Would you:

• Focus more on practice exams?
• Spend more time on hands-on labs?
• Use fewer resources but go deeper?
• Or follow a completely different study strategy?

I’m especially interested in real-world advice (what actually helped you pass, not just what sounds good).

Also, for those who passed recently — how long did you study and what resources made the biggest difference?

Appreciate any insights

I was wondering if anyone has some information and resources to CEU's that have been submitted in the past to update their SecurityX (CASP+) certification. I know CompTIA provides a list of options like CISM, or CISSP, but I'm sure there are other options, like courses and educational videos to participate in as well. Just trying to create a list of options for those who have passed their CASP but don't want to take a higher level certification.

HAPPY HOLIDAY!!

CINners, it has been a great year!! In 2025 we have added 1,895 new members to our community bringing the CIN community to just under 8,000 global members. In the community, we have shared great conversations, connections, resources and delivered 140 CIN webinars!

While we are excited about 2025 and all the great connections made, we are really looking forward to a fantastic 2026! We are already underway planning webinars for the year, which will include series covering SecAI+, AutoOps+, CySA+, DataSys+, Security+, and SecOT+, just to name a few! We are also looking to welcome CIN's 10,000th member!

This community would not be where it is today without you!! Your participation and interest keep the community alive! In this holiday season, we wish you the very best and hope you have a great 2026!

Looking for any opinions on Certmaster Perform and the Labs for A+ (at this point specifically Core 2). I am finding with the course I am teaching for a company, I need to take some of the labs out of required ones that I assign to my students. I do not have them do the Challenge Labs already. Before I go through the labs again and determine these myself, is there a document somewhere or any forums/posts with opinions on the labs and which ones may be a priority?

Good morning,

I haven’t received the Data+ V2 voucher yet and was just checking to see if they’ve been sent out.

Thank you!
Tracey

Hello CINers

Good to say I found out time to take both Competency Assessment and passed on first attempt - completed the learning path via the courseware which will suffice for knowledge acquisition

had issue completing the learning path , for some persons that dont see some items load or with the new courseware update cant get up to 100% completion, please do try a different browser. switched from chrome to edge and it worked for me - loaded all items and finished learning in Dec.

Though this isnt a credly badge based achievement- it validates skills in AI basics and prompting. comes with a sharable and verifiable cert/link + this competency doesn't expire( I guess it should)

Above are my thoughts -

Big thanks to @Stephen Schneiter @Nick Pierce #1 for putting this together.

I see the CompTIA SecAI+ is scheduled to launch on February 17, 2026, Is there going to be TTT for it? If so is there a current estimated timeline?

What is the progress of Security 8+

For the next CIN The Pulse session, get ready for an intriguing discussion with Linda Brooks-Rix, co-CEO of AVUE and CompTIA’s James Stanger. Linda is a recognized authority regarding federal human capital management and has been a resource for the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Journal, the Huffington Post, and members of the United States Congress. Over the years, she has implemented technical and AI solutions for the U.S. federal government. She will share her experiences with AI implementation. Linda and James will investigate the rapidly-shifting value shifts that are taking place today in the face of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). In their conversation, they will draw lessons from Linda’s experiences, and use case studies to outline:

• Forces that have been in motion for decades, and what they mean to AI and AGI
• Perceptions about the ‘shunning / tioning’ of the workforce
• The ramifications of AGI, and the most advanced technology we can provide as humans
• Why organizations “backtrack” on their AI implementations, and how this can be avoided
• How not all jobs will disappear, but every job will change
• Durable skills we can hone in the age of AI/AGI
• How tomorrow’s techs can negotiate the inevitable

What: CIN The Pulse: Unskilled. The Human Shadow Behind the Artificial Workforce
When: March 19th, 2026, 11:00 AM CT / 5:00 PM GMT
Who: James Stanger, Chief Technology Evangelist, Linda Brooks-Rix, co-CEO of AVUE
Where: ON24

Register Here

Dear @Stephen Schneiter ,

Thank you so much for approving our instructor, we're learning so much through the valuable resources in CIN. Just wanted to ask you on the status of other 5 instructors of us which their account is currently pending for your approval, if you want I can share their names and other detail with you? I hope they get their accounts approved ASAP.

The leaderboard at Brain Wave Technology Services Co. decided to enroll all instructors even those with lower level certifications in to the lates SecAI TTT, at least they will get familiarized with Certmaster labs and .... if not with the technical knowledge of TTT itself.

Thank you so much for everything, so excited to be part of this amazing community.

Hi CIN Team

Would TestOut Office Pro and Certiport content be competing against each other? Or is there a partnership somewhere? I'm just identifying whether TestOut Office Pro content would be something I can use for my Office courses.

Hello, everyone,

The CompTIA CertMaster Practice for A+ Core 2: 220-1202 answer explanations for the multiple-choice questions in objective 2.6 do not reflect the update from 7 malware removal steps in version 220-1102 to 10 malware removal steps in version 220-1202.

I recently opened a ticket with CompTIA Support to address this, but it was closed without any action taken. Students are quick to point out this discrepancy and are deterred from continuing to use CertMaster.

What would be the best way for the CompTIA product development team to quickly address this issue? The exam has been publicly available since March 2025, so I am surprised it has not been quickly fixed.

Thank you in advance.

Hello colleagues,
I passed the SecurityX (CAS-005) exam today 07-01-26. It was challenging but I managed to get through it successfully.

We’re excited to invite our global training partners to an exclusive briefing on key updates impacting the certification and learning ecosystem. This session will provide early insights into new products and updates from your customer success team.

During this webinar, we'll cover:

• Celebrate the launch of CompTIA SecAI+: Get an overview of the new certification and how to request more detailed information and resources.
• See a live demo: View the experience of using CertMaster Perform for SecAI+.
• Updates from your Customer Support and Customer Success team: Don't miss out on the latest updates.

Your participation will also allow you to ask questions. If you cannot attend live, register to view the on-demand recording.

What: Global Delivery Partner Webinar Meet-Up
When: February 17th, 2026, 10:00 AM CT / 4:00 PM GMT
Who: CompTIA Delivery Partner Team and CompTIA Products Team
Where: ON24
Register Here

CompTIA DataAI: The Reimagined DataX Certification for the Advanced Data and AI Workforce​

January 12, 2026

CompTIA is rebranding its advanced DataX certification as DataAI, reflecting the fundamental shift in how data work is performed across modern organizations. This official transition is set to take place on January 21, 2026.

Data and AI are no longer adjacent disciplines: Today’s data roles increasingly require proficiency in machine learning, advanced analytics, and AI-driven decision-making.

Artificial intelligence is becoming more deeply embedded into analytics, operations, and decision-making, with demand rising for professionals who can design, implement, and operate intelligent data systems responsibly and at scale.

CompTIA DataAI validates those capabilities, giving experienced professionals a clear way to demonstrate advanced expertise, while giving employers confidence that their data and AI initiatives are being built on sound technical, operational, and governance foundations.

I have seen a demo of a computer hardware simulation in the TTT series. It was some type of game that have simulation used to connect peripheral devices, cables etc . If you know about this game name, please provide a link.
@LynW @Stephen Schneiter

Thank you in advance