From now on ward this is where i will be posting Birthday Celebrant

How frequently do you teach each of the following CompTIA courses per year? When was the last time you taught each one? How many CompTIA certifications do you have where you have never taught the class?

CompTIA's current portfolio of certification classes is as follows;

A+ (Core 1 and Core 2)
Cloud+
CloudNetX
CySA+
Data+
DataSys+
DataX
Linux+
Network+
PenTest+
Project+
Security+
SecurityX
Server+
Tech+

I passed the SecurityX exam this morning. I passed the CAS-004 back in April 2022.

It's a challenging, comprehensive exam. I had 88 questions. 4 PBQs and 1 VM question.

CIN is kicking off a new TTT series! This TTT series will focus on professional development around the CompTIA Compcert courses. While these will not be tied to a CompTIA certification exam, as always, we will provide a certificate of attendance that you can use to show for professional development.

Our first series will be the CompTIA AI Essentials. This will be a four-session series designed to provide the following knowledge and skills:

• Learn what defines artificial intelligence from other types of intelligence and computing
• Practice communicating about AI effectively
• Explore AI tools and the ways they can support your organization
• Craft AI prompts
• Navigate the privacy and security concerns AI technology presents
• Prepare for AI's effect on the future of technology

What: AI Essentials TTT series
When: Mondays and Wednesdays, August 4-13, 6:00 - 8:30 pm CST
Who: Nick Pierce
Where: ON24
Register Here

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

Just checking in on when the A+ core 1 & 2 vouchers are anticipated to go out.

First and foremost, I want to sincerely thank you @Stephen Schneiter, for generously sharing the CNX‑001 voucher with me on July 1, 2025.
I’m delighted to share that I passed the exam today and this achievement would not have been possible without your support.
Once again thank you.

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

My A+ and Network+ had expiration dates in 2028. This was due to my earning the CASP+ and then renewing it by passing the ISACA CISM.

I passed the fifth version of Network+, which extended my Net+ and A+ until 2031. My first Network+ certification was in 2005.

At this point, I don't really see the point of taking any of the certification exams again if I've already passed them. Especially if I've passed multiple versions already.

I didn't even study for the Net+ this time. Didn't even download the objectives. Just signed up and took it blind and passed easily. The exams don't change enough from one version to the next to justify constantly retaking them. Maybe 10%-15% changes, tops.

I'll just renew them with CEUs from now on because there is zero value to constantly retaking exams just because the version changes. They don't list the version number on the certificate. Just the date originally earned and the expiration date.

For the record, none of my clients require that I have the most current CISSP, CISM, CAPM, MS Azure, or any other certification. It makes no sense at all for me to retake any CompTIA exam that I've already passed before.

I've still got DataX and Linux+ left to pass, and then I'm done taking CompTIA exams.

Location: Hybrid (Remote with in-person labs 2xmonth), preference for those living in the Washington DC region for in-person labs
Type: 16 hours week, Part-time four hours day, four days a week
Start Date: late-August
Compensation: TBD

Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic CompTIA Instructor to lead and deliver high-quality training for students preparing for the CompTIA Tech+ certification exam. This course introduces fundamental IT concepts and is designed for entry-level tech professionals or students exploring careers in technology.

Responsibilities:​

• Deliver engaging, hands-on instruction for CompTIA Tech+ curriculum (formerly IT Fundamentals+).
• Guide learners through foundational IT concepts including hardware, software, networks, databases, security, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and adapt lesson plans, assignments, and lab exercises based on learner needs.
• Provide one-on-one support and mentorship to students as needed.
• Prepare learners for success on the CompTIA Tech+ certification exam.
• Track student progress and maintain accurate records.
• Stay up to date with CompTIA curriculum updates and industry trends.

Qualifications:

• Required:
  • Current CompTIA Tech+ (or ITF+) or CompTIA A+ certification.
  • 1-2+ years of experience in IT or technical education.
  • At least 1-2 years of teaching experience with adult learners in workforce, post secondary, or adult education settings.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to teach and adapt content to various learning styles.
  • Passion for teaching and student success.
  • Must pass a background check.
• Preferred:
  • Prior experience teaching CompTIA courses (Tech+, A+, etc.).
  • Other CompTIA or IT certifications (A+, Network+, etc.).
  • Experience with LMS platforms (Canvas, Moodle, etc.).
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
  • Reside in the Washington, DC region

How to Apply:​

Please submit the following to [email protected]:

• Resume or CV
• Cover letter highlighting relevant experience
• Any certifications or credentials (CompTIA, teaching, etc.)

Hello CINers,

I wanted to know if I could take the CompTIA SecurityX exam again. I used OnVUE to set my exam for July 4, 2025. Unfortunately, I couldn't continue with the exam because of an internet outage right before check-in, even though the system check was completed after my scheduled time. The same day I talked to Pearson VUE customer service and was told that a free retake was not available. Please assist @Stephen Schneiter

The new CompTIA Data+ V2 (DA0-002) will launch in October 2025. Join the CompTIA Instructor Network and special guest @James Stanger and @Kwabena Fred as they take a Sneak Peek into changes with the new exam vs. the current version. 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 Sneak Peek: Data+ V2
When: Thursday, August 28, 2025, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM CDT
Who: Dr. James Stanger and Fred Anaafi
Where: ON24
Register Now

Contractor Position – Covered 6 Cyber Security Technician (CST) Program - Assistant Instructor​

Location: Primarily Remote / Occasional Travel to Ventura, California (Up to 15%)
Duration: 5-week cycles (200 hours total per cohort)
Hours: Average of 25 hours a week
Compensation: Competitive contractor rate dependent on experience.

About the Program​

The Covered 6 Cybersecurity Specialist Training (CST) Program is a 5-week, 200-hour intensive course designed to prepare students for careers in cybersecurity and IT. The program blends classroom instruction with hands-on labs, ensuring students are ready for industry-recognized certifications including CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+. For more information, please visit https://www.covered6.com/.

Position Overview​

We are seeking an experienced cybersecurity lab instructor to deliver high-quality instruction to adult learners preparing for careers in IT and cybersecurity. This is a remote contractor role, though occasional on-site teaching in Moorpark, CA is required (travel included). The instructor will lead daily live lab sessions, facilitate discussions, and ensure students are prepared for CompTIA certification exams.

Key Responsibilities​

• Deliver hands-on labs covering CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ objectives.
• Lead students through real-world exercises in hardware, networking, security, and troubleshooting.
• Occasionally cover lecture content of CompTIA material.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and exam preparation strategies for learners of diverse backgrounds.
• Collaborate with program staff to refine curriculum and align labs with industry best practices.
• Assess student performance through quizzes, lab evaluations, and practical scenarios.
• Travel to Southern California as needed for in-person lab delivery or events.

Required Qualifications​

• Current CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications (or higher-level certifications with ability to teach fundamentals). Will consider experience in lieu of certifications.
• 2-5 years of professional experience in IT support, networking, or cybersecurity roles.
• 2-5 years of instructional or training experience, ideally with adult learners or veterans. Will consider relevant education as experience.
• Strong command of provided lab-based teaching methods and hands-on exercises.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cohort-based program environment.

Preferred Qualifications​

• Experience with other CompTIA certifications or related credentials.
• Background in curriculum development and instructional design but not required.
• Familiarity with virtual lab platforms and blended learning delivery.
• Prior work in educational institutions, defense, or law enforcement environments.

How to Apply​

Please submit the following to [email protected]

1. Resume or CV
2. List of current certifications and expiration dates
3. Brief cover letter highlighting relevant teaching and cybersecurity experience
4. At least one reference from a training or technical role
5. Must be a US. Citizen and willing to travel

Hello CINers,

I'm thrilled to have reached this significant milestone in my cloud infrastructure and services journey by passing CloudNetX CNX-001 exam today!

Thank you so much @Stephen Schneiter for the voucher

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!

I’ve been in a junior IT support role for about a year, and I’m debating whether going for the CompTIA A+ is still worth it at this stage. My day-to-day already covers a lot of hardware, OS, and networking basics, but I’ve noticed the exam objectives still focus heavily on legacy systems and older troubleshooting methodologies.

For those who’ve taken it recently, did you find the content aligned with current workplace realities, things like cloud-based endpoint management, MDM tools, and modern security protocols? Or did it feel more like a formal check-the-box credential for HR filters?

I found one training program that integrates real-world simulations and labs that mimic enterprise environments (instead of just rote Q&A drills). That hands-on approach sounds promising, but I’m wondering if the A+ itself goes deep enough to make it worthwhile in 2025.

Hi everyone,

Was wondering where I can access the PDF for the Instructor Guide and the Official PowerPoint slides for Training.
How do we usually get these materials? Are they provided after enrollment, or do we need to request them separately?

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.


Thank you in advance!

When I go to resources all I see is past TTT sessions. Where can I find the next course, or how to get notified for the coming classes?

Saul M.

I was able to complete this lab but don't understand where Telnet and SSH factor in. The lab states that only these commands should be allowed on the network but the solution doesn't require specifying Telnet or SSH, nor their ports 23 and 22. It seems that the solution allows ANY traffic into these networks.

The CompTIA AI Essentials will start soon don’t forget to join the sessions

I need to know what the difference is between the A+ Learn and A+ Perform courses. That will help me determine which course I will be using this fall. I begin teaching this next week, but haven't gotten a response from my account manager. Any help would be appreciated.

I see that CompTIA removed the PBQ practice questions in the CertMaster courses. Are the labs the sole replacement for that? I found that my students really enjoyed working with the practice PBQs in the 1100 series CertMaster.

Any alternatives out there that others are using with students?

Future TTT courses should include a session on how to answer a mock simulation question in exam so we can train our students well or can tell what they will looking for in the simulation exam. Most of students get scared when they think the simulation will be like lab exercise.

In TTT we should be trained on our training a mock simulation exam, it will be very helpful to trainer when teaching the course.

smashed the exam today!
Huge thanks to CIN and a big shoutout to @Stephen Schneiter & CompTIA for making it happen.
On to the next one! SecurityX

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.