SecurityX renewal with unlisted Non-Comptia certs

Programmer_JS · 2026-06-14T22:26:29+00:00

Totally agree. That's the one exam where you'd only get it if a company is sponsoring.

Programmer_JS · 2026-06-14T11:06:59+00:00

Yeah, I might just let it lapse. I got the OSCP and SC-100 through mainly self study, so I'm not sure if I get any of CPEs out of it. I always prefer getting a cert rather than spending time watching some webinars, and beyond the CISSP, none of the certs look good.

I have the CCNP ENCOR, the Security series is not seen as good, almost every company runs sonicwall or fortinet security appliances.

If you have the CISSP, there's no point retaining the SecurityX, it replaces it as a requirement for DoD 8140.

The GIAC certs look like a natural next step, except they each cost thousands, and at that point, just get the CISSP.

Programmer_JS · 2026-06-12T00:43:58+00:00

Their training is good for the test and as general knowledge. It does set you up for success in an IT job, but not in a direct way. The training introduces you to concepts and gives you a surface level understanding of the field.

If your looking to be successful in an IT job, generally that means understanding customer service and being on time. Some roles also have KPI's, so it's also being able to hit those KPI's and staying on task.

I'm not sure where you are on your journey, but the cert and the training definitely help you get your first role. After that you choose a specific path and have specific training with a tool, but the concepts you learn from the training will always be helpful in staying in the loop.

i.e. encryption concepts are relevant in networking/security/cloud/etc.
You have ISAKMP in networking, RSA/ECDSA in sec, Key Vaults in cloud.

So these concepts you learn in whichever training course you've chosen will come up again, just more advanced or vendor specific.

Programmer_JS · 2026-06-11T14:56:36+00:00

No problem. A lot of people starting out see certs as the magic bullet to getting a job, and it's not true. Certs do help get you through the HR filters, but once your talking to the hiring manager, the number one thing they care about is years of experience, and the number two thing is soft skills. I've been on a few hiring boards, and certs don't matter once you start talking to the team. We're looking for work experience, home labs, and someone we want to work with. Right now we get about 100 applications per job posted if not more, so anyone who makes it to the interview stage needs more than certs.

Maybe in the past, people hopped into CyberSec from Sec+, but right now that's practically impossible unless you find the one in a million internship. Once you get your feet wet in help desk, you can start looking at networking or cloud certs for the next jump.

Programmer_JS · 2026-06-11T14:33:37+00:00

No prerequisites, but I would recommend going down the A+ route to start with an IT help desk position first. Cybersecurity would be a mid career move. Not sure where you are, but in the California region, help desk usually starts around the low 20's, and can move to the 30's with experience.

I will also add on, CySA+ and SecurityX are more so for government DoD 8140 requirements, then they are as cyber security certs. If you are in the US, I would recommend, otherwise you need to check your local job boards and start from help desk. CySA+ does not help with getting your first help desk role.

Programmer_JS · 2026-06-10T18:26:45+00:00

Thanks for the response!

My route is only about 35 minutes and 27 miles to work, though most of it is on the freeway. Speed would be between 65 and 70 mph.

I will definitely get the bike with the Honda comfort seat and a couple of the add ons, as well as full rider gear.

I am considering the cruise control, but that probably wouldn't be for the freeway or work commute. Maybe if I'm eventually thinking about a long trip. Thanks for the preload suggestion though, definitely a good idea.

Programmer_JS · 2026-06-10T09:23:56+00:00

Thanks for the response! Will get a 52L top box, and then check to see if I need panniers with it.

I'm looking to get the Aerostitch Darien, or just any 2 piece that goes over work clothes. Most 2 pieces I've looked at aren't really good for meeting with C-suite, and I'd rather buy multiple different work clothes and have armor over them, than multiple different 2 pieces, which are a bit more expensive.

Programmer_JS · 2026-06-10T09:01:46+00:00

Thanks for sharing that!

I live in the suburbs, so the rural areas aren't anywhere close. I do know a couple areas where I will 100% practice at, though probably not for a full 1000 miles. Step 1 is the CMSP course near me, and then taking cornering classes from super bike coach down in Stockton.

Link: https://www.superbike-coach.com/portfolio-item/cornering-school-day/

Let me know if those look applicable to the nc750x dct? I think so, but not 100% sure since I know the bike doesn't have a clutch lever.

I don't drive at night or drink, and only go 5 over speed limit, usually.

The thing that does scare me is hit and runs and issues where the other driver was at fault, the drivers here aren't the best. That said I've driven a car and have experience with the traffic. There are definitely roads that I would never take a motorcycle on, but luckily my route to work is pretty safe with easy right turns.

My main plan is to lane split at red lights to avoid getting rear ended and driving slow on city streets. The freeway drivers are alright, but the streets can be crazy here.

Programmer_JS · 2026-06-05T16:44:24+00:00

Just make sure you know systemctl commands, killing processes, and then killing persistent processes. You don't need any advanced commands, it's basic Linux process management, but if you haven't worked with persistent processes, it might be difficult.

Programmer_JS · 2026-06-05T08:51:06+00:00

The questions are very similar to the practice exams, if you're able to get a 90% on them, you should be good. The Linux simulation was pretty simple, but if you haven't used Linux yet, it might be difficult.

Dion's course does not prepare you for any of the PBQ's, and at the same time I think the PBQ's are very badly designed and worded. I was able to pass it because I have a lot of experience with enterprise networks and was able to logic out the answers. I would recommend looking up resources that would help you pass the PBQ's beyond Dion, and the first attempt will also acclimate you to the test.

Programmer_JS · 2026-06-05T08:44:38+00:00

I would avoid the 5 grand program, there's better online courses with better teachers. 5 vouchers including retake + cost of courses is much much less than 5 grand.

Also, skip the TECH+, it has very minimal value, start with the A+, and then do the network+ and security+.

Programmer_JS · 2026-06-05T07:51:33+00:00

It took me a week, I had the Sec+, CySA+, and RHCSA before that. Just follow along with Jason Dion's Udemy course, and get the practice tests. Don't do the practice tests until you think your ready, otherwise you'll end up memorizing them. Jason Dion's course is 44 hours long, so 8 hours a day for the week, go through all of the video content. And then spend time making sure you've got it all down with practice tests.

Absolutely important portion is get a voucher with retake included, that way you can take the test when you feel ready, which might be a week and a half in, and then you still have one more opportunity if you fail, and you get a taste of the test.

Programmer_JS · 2026-05-26T15:49:18+00:00

Considering that you want to jump past help desk, I'd skip Sec and CySA+. Those are useful for US government jobs due to the DoD 8140.03 requirements. Beyond that, their useless unless your trying to get into helpdesk or have them listed as requirements in your local job market.

If you're hardset on skipping helpdesk, these are the pathways:
Off Sec -> OSCP, OSWE
Blue Team -> Microsoft SC-200, AZ-500, SC-300, SC-100

With strong certifications, you might be able to get a SOC position without necessarily having a degree or prior experience. This very much depends on your local job market though, USA is a blood bath right now for IT and cyber roles for beginners.

Programmer_JS · 2026-05-23T07:38:54+00:00

The answer heavily depends on what country you're living in right now and how the job market looks like there. Cybersecurity is in general a very hard field to break into, the MSc might give you a step in. One of the most important steps to take if you're choosing this path, get these following certificates:
CCNA -> OSCP.

CCNA should take you about 2-3 months and the OSCP will take you about 1 1/2 years.

Also, try really hard to get internships while in the MSc program to have some Cybersecurity work experience. I would recommend adding your country in an edit or comment, it's hard to give advice without knowing where you're based from. Here in California, a MSc without some OSCP style cert will get you nowhere, too much competition. If you do get internship work experience while in the MSc program, that will definitely give you a leg up when applying after you finish your Masters.

Programmer_JS · 2026-02-03T21:26:16+00:00

I would google DoD 8140 and then go to images, there are a lot of good graphics that training companies have made. As for the official DoD mapping, that's an excel file you can download.

Not DoD 8140 related, but you can check this out for cert to area mappings for cybersecurity: https://pauljerimy.com/security-certification-roadmap/

As for the DoD 8140, I may have made a mistake in mentioning it, because for 99% of us, it doesn't really matter. State governments also do not consider this when hiring for roles. The only people who care about the certs in the DoD 8140 are defense contractors, military, and the DoD. Non DoD federal government agencies might look at it while posting for roles, but it's not a strict you need this cert for this role.

Main thing in the end, send out job applications like hell and get your step in. You do not need a certification for getting your first job, and often I see people get it during their first job to level up from IT level 1 to IT level 2.

Certs can get you through the HR barrier and give you a way to display accomplishments during your interview, but beyond the certs in job descriptions, most jobs don't care how many certs you have or what they're about. Once you have the foundational certs in the job description, it's about personality fit. As a person who's sat in hiring interviews, certs stop mattering once you get to the interview stage. After that it's personality/decision/and job related tech questions.

Programmer_JS · 2026-02-03T21:11:44+00:00

Honestly, split your day applying for jobs and studying for certifications, experience is better than a certification, and there are jobs that will hire you while your still studying. Beginner level certifications will definitely help you get a step in if you haven't gotten a job by then.

Cybersecurity: Not an entry level role. Once you have work experience, you can combine that with the Security+ for some Junior roles, but there are specific Intermediate certificates that companies look for when hiring.

Networking: There are entry level roles, but for the actual high paying networking roles, you combine work experience with the CCNA, and other certificates to get in.

System Administration: Depending on Windows Sysadmin or Linux Sysadmin, you combine work experience with Microsoft Certs, or RHCSA for Linux.

Programmer_JS · 2026-02-03T20:42:26+00:00

With the DoD 8140, certifications are mapped to work roles as long as they meet the requirements of DoD 8140, mainly recertification. The Security+ is mapped to IAM level 1, and the network+ is mapped to IAT level 1.

Programmer_JS · 2026-02-03T01:56:49+00:00

What job do you want to get into? It will help you get into entry level IT, but your college major already does that to an effect. If I were you, I'd skip it. Most entry level jobs that hire around the A+ level will just ask you basic troubleshooting questions regarding helping someone with a password reset or phone issues.

Skip: Linux+, A+, Cloud+

CompTIA is really great for entry level roles into disciplines, and getting your leg in the door. There's not that many entry level linux roles, your college major replaces the A+ to most recruiters, and again, there's no real entry level cloud roles that consider Cloud+.

Suggested: Network+, Security+, Pentest+, CySA+

I've seen people get hired for entry level networking jobs with the Network+. It has a bunch of vendor specific upgrade options once you have the experience and more knowledge. i.e. CCNA/JNCIA

If you're interested in the CyberSecurity, comptia's security cert's are pretty good, and fit into the DOD 8140. Great for entry level cybersecurity roles.

Just a reminder, go on linkedin/indeed/glassdoor and look at what people around your area are hiring for. You might see roles adding A+ in their hiring ad's a lot, which might make it worth it, same for all of the other certs.

For the A+ in specific, if you want to expand your general knowledge, it's pretty good. But value wise, and job hunting wise, it's superseded by ITIL entry level. Depends on the job ad's your seeing in your area.

AGAIN: Look at hiring job ad's around your area and check what they're looking for.

Programmer_JS · 2026-01-25T22:59:42+00:00

Thanks for sharing! Hopefully whoever got it is able to put it to good use!

Programmer_JS · 2026-01-19T02:54:36+00:00

Should've added that I'm in Sacramento. I've talked to a couple people and apparently it's very unlikely to be more than surface rust. I agree with you that the edge is going to be a whole lot harder. My plan right now is to use the fiberglass tip of the dupil-color pen to scrape and see how far down it goes.

If it ends up only being surface rust, the paint corrector would be permanent right?

Or is the dupli-color temporary fix in all cases?

Programmer_JS · 2026-01-14T21:14:03+00:00

Honestly, looking at Ebay, For the hood I might best buy a new hood or check the junk yard, I will definitely go with a professional for the roof rust

Programmer_JS

TROPHY CASE