I have a couple of students who are telling me that on a practice exam they were asked to identify a particular NIST publication. While I have told them they need to know the talking points of all of the ones referenced in the course, would they be asked on the exam to call out that 800-53 is privacy controls while 800-61 is cyber risk management? I do not remember a question like that... although I think another exam I sat had them.

Thanks in advance!

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

I hope you’re all doing well. Are there any new requirements or programs from CompTIA for becoming a trainer, especially since CompTIA Trainer+ is no longer available?

Thanks in advance for any insights!

Tagging @Rick Butler and @Stephen Schneiter for insights. Thanks in advance for any information.

Hi @Stephen Schneiter

May I ask if CloudNetX CNX-001 voucher was already distributed? Thanks!

Very well presented Core 1 & Core 2 TTT sessions by Ms. Lynn Warne. Had to watch "on demand" but enjoyed each session!
Thank you for all the new materials being offered in the Certmaster/TestOut platform, we have been using it for years...

Hello CIN:

So, given that we have taken on some new CIN members this week for Partner Summit as well as over the last month, this post is ONLY for posters that have less than 20 posts total. Anyone can like, but for this thread, I'm asking only new members to post. Let's see who comes up!

Suggested Reply Ideas

1) Who are you, for whom do you teach/work?

2) What is your current certification that you're working?

3) What kind of success stories do you have from where you're working?

In short, this is a "getting to know you" post. But as I said, it's only for the newbies in CIN - to get them posting.

Let's hear it!

/r

Hi everyone,

I’m currently preparing to create training content for teaching students CompTIA Network+, and I’m looking for some help with developing the content and creating labs.

If you have any resources, tips, or lab ideas, I’d greatly appreciate your support.

Thanks in advance!

In retirement, I still remain active in California's community college system, serving as a course reviewer in its C-ID Program. An active effort for faculty involves the creation and utilization of "free textbooks" in what is called the OER program. Two potential resources out there that relate to CompTIA certifications are available for consideration. There may be more, and if you locate them, I'd appreciate it if you'd provide the link.

Network+
Security+

Steve Linthicum, JD, CISSP
Professor Emeritus

Below is the content of an email I sent yesterday to a fellow CompTIA instructor. Thoughts?

--------------------------------------------
Another good reason to be retired:

ChatGPT Request:

Identify five standard multiple choice questions that are likely to appear in the CompTIA SY0-701 exam?

ChatGPT said:​

Sure! I can create five sample multiple-choice questions similar to what you might see on the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam. These questions are designed to reflect the core domains: Attacks, Threats, Vulnerabilities; Architecture and Design; Implementation; Operations and Incident Response; Governance, Risk, and Compliance.

---

Question 1: Threats and Vulnerabilities​

A network administrator notices unusually high outbound traffic from a workstation. After investigation, they find malware that is sending sensitive data to an external server. Which type of malware is most likely responsible?
A. Ransomware
B. Trojan horse
C. Worm
D. Spyware
Answer: D. Spyware
Explanation: Spyware is designed to gather information from a system without the user’s knowledge, often sending it to external servers.

---

Question 2: Architecture and Design​

Which of the following security controls is an example of defense-in-depth?
A. Deploying a firewall
B. Implementing antivirus software
C. Using multi-factor authentication, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems together
D. Requiring strong passwords
Answer: C. Using multi-factor authentication, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems together
Explanation: Defense-in-depth involves using multiple layers of security controls to protect systems.

---

Question 3: Implementation​

An organization wants to secure wireless network communications to prevent eavesdropping. Which of the following protocols provides the strongest encryption for Wi-Fi?
A. WEP
B. WPA2 with AES
C. WPA with TKIP
D. Open Wi-Fi with VPN
Answer: B. WPA2 with AES
Explanation: WPA2 with AES is currently considered the most secure standard for Wi-Fi encryption.

---

Question 4: Operations and Incident Response​

During an incident, a security analyst wants to ensure they capture volatile data before shutting down a compromised server. Which of the following should they collect first?
A. Hard drive logs
B. RAM contents
C. Backup tapes
D. System event logs
Answer: B. RAM contents
Explanation: Volatile data like information in RAM is lost when the system is powered down, so it should be captured first during incident response.

---

Question 5: Governance, Risk, and Compliance​

Which framework is commonly used to manage information security risk and provides guidelines for creating a comprehensive cybersecurity program?
A. GDPR
B. NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
C. PCI DSS
D. HIPAA
Answer: B. NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
Explanation: The NIST CSF provides a risk-based approach for organizations to manage and improve cybersecurity.

---

If you want, I can generate 20–30 more practice questions that cover all SY0-701 domains with the same style and difficulty level as the real exam. This would be very useful for focused study.
Do you want me to do that?

Does anyone have a feedback on first few hardware labs from Network+ class, as most of the participants didn't like first few hardware labs in network+ class on Comptia Platform, rest others are fine and some modules have lot of labs as compared to others as its not being balanced properly

Join us for this Special event, livestreamed from the AFCEA TechNet Augusta conference.

The cybersecurity viability trifecta: Visibility, observability, and properly-trained AI

It’s no secret that cybersecurity professionals struggle to reduce cost, increase scale, and improve their ability to actively profile every element and characteristic of their organization’s attack surface.

For the CompTIA Learning event at TechNet Augusta, join us as we welcome Vectra AI, Keysight, and Cribl. Together, we’ll investigate how organizations manage vulnerabilities and respond to incidents by taking a more data-driven approach. We’ll discuss how organizations are using techniques and technologies such as proactive systems analysis, AI-driven analysis, packet decryption, and packet brokers to enable visibility and observability. Our panelists will regale you with stories about how organizations overcame implementation challenges. They’ll outline how organizations increased their ability to anticipate issues and threats, even as their attack surface morphed more quickly than they ever thought possible. Discussion points will include:

• Discovering and analyzing today’s tech footprint: Traditional and AI-based approaches
• Data collection and the attack lifecycle in today’s hybrid environments: The place of AI
• The practical use of various visibility and observability techniques, architectures, and tools
• Meeting today’s challenges, including changing attack surfaces and increased regulatory compliance pressures.

This session is valid for two (2) hours of CE credits for:

• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA DataSys+
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Security+
• CompTIA Linux+
• CompTIA Cloud+

What: Live Streamed Event
When: Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 1:00-4:00 PM, (2-hour webinar)
Who: James Stanger, CompTIA
Where: ON24
Register Here

did not see one..
Past the Exam today... ;-)

The Wall Street Journal recently posted an article, based on research from the Burning Glass Institute, questioning the value of certs. The WSJ title was "Skill Certificates Rarely Pay Off."
Seems they did not clearly distinguish certificates from certifications.

This tool shows some interesting findings:

Hello, I am interested in finding out when the next Project+ training will be?

I am attempting to purchase exam vouchers for my students, and it appears that with the new website store, academic pricing is not available. Is anyone else experiencing this issue? Does anyone know how to purchase vouchers for students at the academic price now that PearsonVue no longer sells CompTIA vouchers and the new CompTIA store is not supporting academic pricing?

Just got notified that the A+ class that I was supposed to start teaching next week was cancelled because the the cost of core 1 & 2 student material now exceeds the budget of $180 per student. Does anyone have a copy of the Academic Partner price list? Maybe I can cobble together something on the cheap, or at least verify that they are looking at Academic Partner pricing. I've been teaching this class for this institution for 2 years, 1st time with this problem.

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.

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

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