Join us for CIN TTT series covering CompTIA DataSys+ V2 certification! @Stephen.Patton will lead us through the ten-session series covering the exam objectives and provide hands on examples as you strengthen your database management 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.

CompTIA DataSys+ is a vendor-neutral certification designed for professionals with approximately 2–3 years of hands-on experience in database administration. The updated DataSys+ V2 validates the knowledge and skills required to design, deploy, manage and maintain databases across on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments. It ensures candidates can work with relational and non-relational databases, develop and run SQL and basic scripts, monitor performance, and implement security and business continuity best practices.

DataSys+ V2 expands beyond traditional DBA responsibilities to cover data acquisition and integration, scripting and programming concepts, and the impact of ORMs and application code on database performance. The exam tests the ability to secure data at rest and in transit, apply encryption and key management, implement identity and access management (IAM) and Zero Trust concepts, and support backup, restore, disaster recovery and high availability.

What: CIN TTT Series DataSys+ V2
When: October 05 through November 03, 2026, 5:00 - 7:00 pm CT - PLEASE NOTE: This series meets on MONDAY and TUESDAY
Who: Stephen Patton, Adjunct Professor, Purdue Global
Where: ON24
Register Here

Is there a way for an instructor to experience what a student experiences in a class? I am teaching the Linux+ CertMaster Learn and would like to see what resources the students in the class have regarding checking completion and scores. I have a student who complained to me he was not able to track these. Of course, as an instructor I can run the Class Gradebook or Individual Scores by Course reports, but I don’t know what students have like these.

Thank you

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

Didn't receive the Certmaster Key for AutoOpS+ CIN. Received the exam voucher. It was not provided during the session in materials section. Can someone please advise?

I have purchased the material and didnt find the slides

Hi, I obtained my Project+ certification on My 11th 2024. I recall receiving an email that prior certifications would not expire, but new ones would. I received an email: "Your CompTIA Project+ CE certification will expire on Oct 01, 2028." I checked the CompTIA website, and there is no mention that Project+ must be renewed, regardless of the accomplishment date. Certainly, they are not mass emailing all Project+ certification holders. I checked Crucial Exams, and it indicated I was correct. Color me confused

Copilot:
Based on the information currently available, your recollection appears to be correct.

• You earned CompTIA Project+ on May 11, 2024.
• At that time, Project+ was a Good-for-Life (GFL) certification, meaning it did not require renewal. [crucialexams.com], [help.comptia.org]
• CompTIA announced a policy change in 2025: new Project+ certifications earned on or after October 1, 2025, require renewal every three years through the Continuing Education (CE) program. People who earned Project+ before that cutoff date retain the original Good-for-Life status. [crucialexams.com]

Cheers,
Assistant Professor Shane Allen
Oklahoma State University OKC Campus
Lead Professor for BT Cybersecurity degree

Why has the CIN APP been removed from the APP store

Join us for a Sneak Peek of the next version of CompTIA Security+ V8 certification! Dr. James Stanger and Brian Ford will join us to discuss changed to the updated certification exam, talk about the need for these job skills and take a deeper look into the exam objectives.

CompTIA Security+ is the premier global certification that establishes the essential skills required for core security functions and a career in IT security. It showcases professionals' capabilities in securing networks, applications, and devices, ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. CompTIA Security+ focuses on practical, hands-on skills to tackle real-world challenges.


What: CIN Sneak Peek: Security+ V8
When: September 24th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CT
Who: Dr. James Stanger and Brian Ford
Where: ON24
Register Here

What is the progress of Security 8+

Today I just passed Linux +. One needs to be on top of things to pass Linux + , its not an easy exam. Thanks Steve, CIN Director and Jason for all the resources and support. Its full of commands and hands on application of Linux stuff. One really needs to know what is happening otherwise, you can be left off guard.

Thanks Thanks

Interesting... I don't see a thread about this reasonably new certification?

OUR STORY SO FAR:

It was Friday afternoon when the training broker emailed me to ask if I have this certification, and if I am available the weeks of September 28 and October 5. Available? YES. Certified? No... but it is a mesh of cybersecurity and AI so it shouldn't take much. 'Can you be certified by Tuesday?' Wow, that's cutting it tight... but who needs a weekend when Monday is the holiest day of the Jewish year, right? Fine... I booked my exam appointment and downloaded the courseware.

I blazed through the course manual and PowerPoints over the weekend, and by the time I lit the candles I was comfortable in where I was. I would have another hour or two to study Monday night after breaking the fast, and then if I felt I needed it again on Tuesday morning.

(I did not count on getting sick Sunday evening and spending a lot of the next 36 hours very under the weather)

Tuesday morning I scrambled to arrange my makeshift exam area in the hallway; I made sure my son would take his German Shepherd out for a couple of hours, and I bribed my (much smaller) dog with treats so that she would let me sit the exam undisturbed.

It was one of those exams when I was not sure what the final page would say... but when I clicked and it read that I passed I was relieved. Also... it was not a borderline pass. Yay.

This marks the eleventh CompTIA exam that I have passed. To date my record is 11-0, which is much better than my record on Microsoft exams.

I realized as I booked the exam that this is the first version 1 of a CompTIA certification that I have ever taken. I never sat a CompTIA exam until 2021... my Network+ was the 98th certification exam I ever sat. I may have come late to the party with CompTIA, and while I might regret not starting sooner, I am glad I started. I am enjoying the vendor agnostic nature of the certifications that I never had with Microsoft or VMware... and there seems to be a lot more teaching opportunities for CompTIA these days than some other vendors.

Now let's see how much I enjoy delivering the SecAI+ in person next week!

I'll be taking the Linux+ XK0-006 exam this week. I have to admit that my Linux experience isn't on par with my Windows experience, but I do know a lot about hardware, software, scripting, security, networking, IAM, etc.

Do you have any advice that might help me prepare for the Linux+ exam? I have access to the CertMaster Learn, Labs, and Study materials. I also have access to the Instructor PDF and the slide decks for the class. Any sage advice, tips and tricks, "must-know" topics, or hints you can provide (without violating the NDA) would be greatly appreciated.

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,

I recently enrolled in the CompTIA AI Fundamentals Competency Certificate through the Train The Trainer Webinar Series.


During enrollment, I reached a step asking me to select the instructor who teaches my class, as shown in the attached screenshot. However, when I search for an instructor, “No matches found” appears.

I am a CIN community member and instructor, and I would appreciate guidance from anyone who has completed this course or encountered the same enrollment issue.

Thank you for your help!

Acquire Nexus is putting together a pool of qualified trainers for an upcoming training engagement in Delta State, Nigeria.
We're looking for certified/qualified instructors across the following areas:

• Tech Support (CompTIA A+, ITF+, Network+, Digital Literacy, CCNA)
• AI Applied / Agents (CompTIA AI Agent Essentials, AI prompting, Microsoft AI-900/AI-102, AWS Certified AI Practitioner)
• Business & Management (CompTIA Project+, PMI PMP, Business Essentials, Soft Skills Essentials)
• Security (CompTIA Security+, CySA+, PenTest+ SecAI+, )
• Cloud & Server (CompTIA Cloud+, Server+, AWS/Microsoft Azure Associate)
• Software Development (Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate, AWS Certified Developer)
• Data Analysis & Science (CompTIA Data+, Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate, DataAI, Datasys+)
• Office Productivity (Microsoft Office Specialist / Microsoft 365 Certified)

What we're looking for:

• Relevant certification(s) and hands-on experience in your subject area — credentials noted above are a plus, but equivalent certifications (PECB, Cisco, Google, etc.) or demonstrated expertise are also welcome
• Comfortable delivering instructor-led sessions to real cohorts
• Based in or able to work within Delta State, with willingness to travel roughly 18–60 km to the training location
• Availability for up to 2 days per week for the engagement

This is an initial call to identify interested and qualified trainers — details on schedule, compensation, and specific tracks will be shared directly with shortlisted candidates.

Interested? Send your CV, certifications, and area(s) of expertise to [email protected].

Greetings all,
Yesterday I passed my Linux+ exam. I used Certmaster and some online videos.
It was not easy, but if you take your time reading the certmaster, it help alot.

Thank you @Stephen Schneiter

Thank you TTT team.

Hi everyone i join CIN about year ago. this month i complete my Security+ on demand sessions. so i want to know can i get the voucher?

Hello CIN Community,

I recently enrolled in a CompTIA CompCert course through the CompTIA Instructor Network (CIN) after attending the AI Fundamentals Webinar.

During the enrollment process, I was asked to select an institution for the CompCert exam. However, my university was not listed among the available institutions, so I selected another institution that may not currently be operational or may not be able to schedule the exam. I have completed the course waiting for my exam to be scheduled in the assessment tab. I have added a screenshot of exam assessment.

I would appreciate advice from anyone who has experienced a similar situation:

• What options are available if the selected institution cannot schedule the CompCert exam?
• Can a CIN member select a different active/operational institution, including one located outside their country, to facilitate or schedule the exam?
• If this is allowed, which institution should I select?

I would be grateful for any guidance or experience you can share.
Thank you!

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!!

Join us for the CIN TTT series covering the next release of the CompTIA CySA+ certification. Our guest instructor, @Nick Pierce , will lead us through the eight-session series covering the exam objectives and provide hands on examples as you strengthen your cybersecurity analysis 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.

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.

Skills covered in this series:

• 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 TTT Series CySA+ V4
When: June 8 through July 1, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm CT
Who: Nick Pierce
Where: ON24
Register Here
(Please note, registering will automatically register you for all 8 sessions. You will be able to add each session to your calendar on from the confirmation email.)

Greetings all,
25th August 2026, I passed my Linux+ exam after 15 days (full-time) of preparation. I used Certmaster only, along with the lab.
What I did
1. Printed the eBook and studied offscreen.
2. Set up the lab (Fedora and Ubuntu ) and did all practicals. (LAB is the key to success)
3. Target 2 modules / Day (reviewed all modules 2 times)

It was not easy, but if you take your time reading Certmaster, it helps a lot.

Thank you, @Stephen Schneiter @jasoneckert

Thank you, TTT team.

Hi, all.
My community college is seeking an experienced cybersecurity professional with a current CISSP license to develop curriculum (with the possibility of later teaching) a CISSP prep course. Please reach out to [email protected] for details.
Thank you!

It seems that the new version of Security+ will be released on Nov 2026, so I was wondering if the TTT will be available before that release date (so instructors can be prepared in advanced).

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+