Claude Mythos and the AI Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call

https://www.bain.com/insights/claude-mythos-and-ai-cybersecurity-wake-up-call/

In this 2-hour hands-on session, CompTIA’s @James Stanger will walk you step-by-step through how to design, build, and test a practical AI agent. Think of the agent as a Q-branch, customized digital tech assistant.

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Create a basic AI agent using free and pay-tier platforms
• Plan your agent like a project— understand why, like painting a house, success is all in the preparation
• Evaluate AI agent tools and platforms and decide which ones fit your needs
• Map and document workflows during the planning before even considering building an agent
• Apply industry best practices for building agents, including setting goals, organizing the information that your agent needs, setting boundaries, and the vital testing and security measures you should consider

Join CompTIA’s Dr. James Stanger to move beyond AI buzzwords and leave with a clear, practical roadmap for building an AI agent you, your students, and industry workers can use.

WHAT: CIN Instructor Toolbox
WHEN: Thursday April 23, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM CT
WHO: James Stanger, Chief Technology Evangelist, CompTIA
WHERE: ON24

Register Here

I want to settle this once and for all. How does CompTIA score their exams?

Every exam has a handful of PBQs, while the overwhelming majority of questions are multiple-choice. Most exams have a maximum of 90 questions, but could have fewer. All exams are on a 100-900 scale, with the exception of a few exams that are pass/fail only.

A well-known trainer posted this on another forum:

Questions have different weighting. CompTIA has never released score values from questions but it is estimated that a multiple choice question (MCQ) is about 9 points, multi-select questions (MSQs) are worth 9 points X however many correct answers there are to select and PBQs run around 90 points (partial credit can be earned).

Click to expand...

I have no idea where he got this information. I taught classes FOR COMPTIA and never once did they mention how they scored their exams. I helped write exam questions and never once did they mention how they scored their exams.


My question is this: Does anyone have corroborating evidence that clearly shows CompTIA publicly announcing how they score their exams?

Hi CIN Team

I currently get an email from my CompTIA account manager of all upcoming and coming soon CompTIA certifications. Shouldn't this be something that should be readily available to us CompTIA instructors in the CIN? I see posts (and I've made posts myself in the past) enquiring when a new certification is coming or when an update is coming. Maybe creating a place for displaying them all would help?

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

I started to write a post here about the skills that are required to be a good or great or excellent technical trainer... but it got pretty long, and I decided to post it to my blog. I hope you click through and enjoy it, and I look forward to reading your thoughts on it!

The wait is Over!! All systems are GO! We are GO for launch! The CIN TTT Series for Network+ N10-009 is now open for registration!!

What: CIN TTT Series Network+ N10-009 10 sessions
When: June 20 - July 25, 2024, 2:00 - 4:00 PM Central Daylight Time, Tuesday and Thursdays
Who: Don Tilley, Cybersecurity Instructor, Access Computer Training
Where: ON24
REGISTER HERE

Hello
Could somebody please give me a URL, so that I can purchase the
latest A+ instructor kit?

Thank you


Bernard

An admin, Stephen, said in one of his posts that that the best approach anytime anyone needs a voucher or discount is to reach out to their Account Executive. How do you find the Account Executive for your university? The Account Executive for DeVry University is no longer with CompTIA. How do I find the new Account Executive for DeVry University? I called the CompTIA Customer Support and they told me to reach out to my university to find out who the Account Executive is. However, I'm the contact! So, I cannot reach out to myself. Please help!

Are you ready for the brand new AutoOps+ certification from CompTIA? Join us as we welcome @James Stanger and @Tyler Harris as they walk us through this new cert.

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. The certification launches in June 2026.

Skills covered:

• Use scripting and automation to streamline IT workflows and manage enterprise systems efficiently.
• Automate configuration, provisioning, and maintenance using infrastructure-as-code and modern tool chains.
• Build and manage CI pipelines to automate testing, ensure quality, and improve collaboration between teams.
• Implement secure, compliant delivery pipelines that enable rapid, reliable deployment and operational efficiency.

WHAT: CIN Sneak Peek AutoOps+ V1
WHEN: Thursday April 16, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM CT
WHO: James Stanger, Chief Technology Evangelist, CompTIA and Tyler Harris
WHERE: ON24

Register Here!

Hello everyone,


I am an experienced technical trainer and digital transformation specialist currently holding MCT, FCT, and CertNexus Authorized Instructor credentials. I deliver training in cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI for both youth and professional audiences.


I am interested in becoming a CompTIA instructor and would appreciate guidance from the community on the current qualification requirements and recommended pathway.


Are there specific certifications, partnership models, or authorization steps required to teach CompTIA courses officially?


Thank you in advance for your support and insights.

We are currently seeking qualified and experienced instructors to join our pool for delivering CompTIA Network+ training programs in the Philippines.

AI is quickly becoming a baseline literacy for every student, not just those in technology. Students across all majors are using AI tools in work, study, and everyday life, often without guidance on how to use them effectively or responsibly.

Join Henry Mann, Senior Director of Product Development at CompTIA, for a tour of CompTIA AI Fundamentals, a new, vendor-neutral course designed for teaching students critical AI skills.

During the webinar, we'll explore how AI Fundamentals:

• Builds practical AI literacy for all learners, with no prior tech experience required
• Embeds responsible and secure AI use across disciplines
• Provides hands-on AI practice in a secure environment, no third-party tools or extra accounts
• Aligns with workforce expectations and recognizes skills with the CompTIA AI Fundamentals CompCert

AI Fundamentals will be available in June 2026. Register now to explore the new CompTIA AI Fundamentals course and see how teaching AI literacy today can better prepare your students for tomorrow's workforce.

What: CompTIA Academic Webinar
When: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 2:00 - 3:00 PM CT
Who: Henry Mann, Sr Director Product Development, CompTIA
Where: ON24
Register Here

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

I've been a technical trainer for 25+ years. I've taken more than 16 different cert exams from CompTIA and re-certified in many of them two, three, four, five, or even six times. I've even re-certified in two CompTIA certs that were "good for life" certifications. Mostly, this was due to requirements from end clients who wanted me to hold the most recent version of the cert exam that they wanted me to teach. It doesn't matter that I've passed Security+ in 2005, 2010, 2019, 2021, and 2023. They don't trust that my 25+ years of technical training experience, list of certs, and continuing education make me qualified to teach the latest version of the exam. Because they think that the exam is different now, since the version number changed.

Honestly, I never studied for recertification exams. By teaching the courses on a regular basis, I drilled the information into my long-term memory. Every time an exam versions, only 10%-15% of the exam objectives change, mostly because they gradually add new content. But the evolution of the exams is extremely slow. There are lots of topics on my first Security+ exam that are still on the most recent Security+ exam.

It's strange because the same clients don't seem to care that I've only taken the ISC2 CISSP, ISC2 CCSP, ISACA CISM, or any other exam only one time each. They only seem concerned that I've passed THE MOST RECENT version of the CompTIA exam, apparently because passing a previous version doesn't matter in their eyes.

CompTIA doesn't print the version number on the certifications. And they don't care if you renew the cert by taking the new version, or by racking up CEUs, or by passing a different industry cert. That's what I've been doing the last few years.

Out of all my current active CompTIA certs, the one that expires the soonest is in 2027, and the one that expires the furthest out is 2031.

I really have to thank CompTIA for all the free certs and the free and discounted Beta exams over the years. Honestly, if it weren't for them, I probably wouldn't have taken as many exams as I have over the years. The costs add up quickly. Students complain nonstop about voucher costs, when CompTIA is one of the most affordable options on the market. Go check the cost of ISC2, ISACA, OffSec, and GIAC exams if you don't believe me.

I have chosen NOT to take new versions of the exam for certs I already hold. I don't learn anything new by studying for a cert that I've already passed multiple times. I'm completely fine renewing my certs by getting different certs or by racking up CEUs from webinars, conference attendance, and other educational opportunities.

I've got vouchers for Linux+. DataAI, and I'm still waiting on a voucher for Data+ (which I let expire). I'm attending the SecAI TTT, and am looking forward to taking a crack at that exam to see if there's anything new for me on that exam. Mostly, I'm looking for new challenges, not just repeating old challenges.

For those who choose to pass version after version of the CompTIA exams, I wish you the best. If that works for you, I will not disparage it. It just doesn't work for me any more.

I have been working on a resource to help students pass the A+. How do I go about working with CompTIA to get my site to be an authorized resource?

Hi colleagues, I’m currently preparing for my upcoming sessions for CompTIA Security+ . Besides the official CompTIA materials, what are your 'go-to' additional resources or analogies that you find most effective in helping students grasp difficult concepts in this course?

I finally buckled down and took the Linux+ and passed it today. It took some extra study but after I let the 005 get away from me I swore to myself I wouldn't let it happen again. HUGE thanks to @Stephen Schneiter, Jason Eckert's great TTT and the amazing CIN network for the voucher. Watching the expiration timer tick down on it gave me the kick in the pants I needed to finish!

I'm wondering if these "CompTIA Compcert courses" that are not tied to actual CompTIA certifications are going to result in opportunities for instructor work, teaching classes that at best result in a "certificate of attendance"? In my decades of teaching as well as selling new courses to employers, students, and curriculum committees, that path has been made much more successful because of the recognition of CompTIA as a "Certification Issuer".

Thoughts?

Steve

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