Back in January techexamer Qord posted a link to CompTIA looking for SMEs for a new certification labeled as Cybersecurity Analyst+. I answered the call and signed up for the workshop. I spent this whole week at their headquarters in the Chicago burbs working hard on this project. I've done a few JTAs for SANS/GIAC before but those were item review and passing score only. This one was better in my eyes because we got a chance to create something from zero. Unfortunately I can't say much about the upcoming test but let's just say that it should be welcomed by those looking for something more advanced that Security+ but not as difficult as the CASP. The group made sure this came out at the right level. Next steps include another group with more question writing in April, some QC, and a beta exam later this year. Can't wait to see the end result.
Another thing I can say is that CompTIA is a stellar host and took excellent care of all the SMEs participating in the workshop. They provided decent breakfast and lunch every day. Lunch selection was superb and featured local mexican and middle eastern food, as well as Giordano's, one of the most popular pizza joints in Chicagoland. They even treated us to steak dinner twice during the week. Heck yeah! At the end of the workshop they thanked us for our effort and gave us a goodie bag with a nice mug, SME polo, a pen, and a small
Garret's popcorn in a lovely Chicago tin.
I highly recommend for those who can spare the time to do one of these workshops so you can see what is behind all these exams we take. Don't forget that there's also a stipend for attending so you could most likely cover flying from anywhere in the US, hotel, rental car, and have a few spare bucks after. Upcoming workshops are listed here:
https://certification.comptia.org/get-involved/become-a-subject-matter-expert/workshops