The CertCrush Blog

Microsoft AB-900 Copilot and Agent Administration Fundamentals Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

Microsoft AB-900 is the new fundamentals cert for administering Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI agents. Here is what the exam covers, what it costs, how it is scored, and whether it is worth sitting in 2026.

10 Jul 2026

CompTIA SecAI+ vs ISACA AAISM: Which AI Security Certification Should You Take in 2026?

CompTIA SecAI+ and ISACA AAISM are the two flagship AI security certifications of 2026, but they are built for very different people. Here is a clear breakdown of domains, cost, prerequisites and which one actually fits your role.

9 Jul 2026

ISC2 CCSP Exam Is Changing on 1 August 2026: What's New and Should You Sit It Before Then?

The ISC2 CCSP exam moves to a new outline on 1 August 2026, folding AI and machine-learning security into all six domains. Here is exactly what changes, whether the old or new version suits you, and how to decide if you should sit before the deadline.

9 Jul 2026

Fortinet Is Retiring FCP, FCSS and FCX on 15 July 2026: The New NSE 1-8 Path Explained

Fortinet is overhauling its certification programme on 15 July 2026, retiring the FCF, FCA, FCP, FCSS and FCX names for an expanded NSE 1-8 ladder. Here is what is changing, what happens to your credential, and how to prepare.

8 Jul 2026

ISC2 CC Exam Is Changing on 1 September 2026: What's New and Should You Sit It Before Then?

ISC2 refreshes the Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) exam outline on 1 September 2026, folding AI security concepts into all five domains. Here is exactly what is changing and whether you should book CC before the deadline.

8 Jul 2026

ISC2 SSCP Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

The ISC2 SSCP is the hands-on security practitioner cert that sits between Security+ and CISSP. Here is the full 2026 breakdown: seven domains, the new CAT exam format, cost, and an honest verdict on whether it is worth it.

7 Jul 2026

Microsoft SC-730 Cybersecurity Business Professional Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

Microsoft SC-730 is a new Cybersecurity Business Professional certification for non-technical staff. Here are the domains, cost, exam format and an honest verdict on whether it is worth taking in 2026.

6 Jul 2026

CISM Exam Is Changing on 3 November 2026: What's New and Should You Sit It Before Then?

ISACA is updating the CISM exam content outline on 3 November 2026, adding enterprise and information security architecture and shifting the focus to strategy. Here is exactly what is changing, how the domains move, and whether you should sit CISM before the deadline or wait.

6 Jul 2026

AZ-204 Is Being Replaced by AI-200 in 2026: Should You Take AZ-204 Before 31 July?

AZ-204 retires on 31 July 2026 and AI-200 becomes the new Azure developer certification. Here is a clear, honest ruling on whether to rush AZ-204 before the deadline or pivot straight to AI-200, with exam facts for both.

5 Jul 2026

Google Cloud Professional Cloud Security Engineer Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

A full breakdown of the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Security Engineer certification in 2026: exam domains, cost, format, salary and an honest verdict on whether the GCP security cert is worth it for your career.

5 Jul 2026

Microsoft AB-100 Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

Microsoft AB-100 is the new expert-level Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect certification. Here is a full breakdown of the exam domains, cost, prerequisites, format and whether it is worth pursuing in 2026.

5 Jul 2026

AWS Certified Generative AI Developer (AIP-C01) Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

AWS just launched its first professional GenAI credential. Here is a full breakdown of the AIP-C01 exam domains, cost, format, recommended experience and whether the AWS Certified Generative AI Developer is worth it in 2026.

4 Jul 2026

CompTIA DataAI (DY0-001) Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

CompTIA rebranded DataX as DataAI in January 2026. Here is a full breakdown of the DY0-001 exam: the five domains, the 529 USD cost, the format, who it suits, and an honest verdict on whether CompTIA DataAI is worth it in 2026.

4 Jul 2026

AZ-800 and AZ-801 Are Becoming One Exam (AZ-802): What's Changing in 2026 and Should You Wait?

Microsoft is retiring AZ-800 and AZ-801 on 30 September 2026 and replacing them with a single AZ-802 exam. Here is what is changing, who should rush the old path, and who should wait.

4 Jul 2026

CompTIA Tech+ vs A+: Which Entry-Level Cert Should You Take First in 2026?

New to IT and stuck between CompTIA Tech+ and A+? We compare cost, exam format, domains, difficulty and hiring value so you can pick the right entry-level certification to start with in 2026, and avoid wasting money on the wrong one.

3 Jul 2026

CompTIA CloudNetX (CNX-001) Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

CompTIA CloudNetX (CNX-001) is CompTIA's new expert-level network architect certification. Here are the four exam domains, the cost, the prerequisites and an honest verdict on whether it is worth taking in 2026.

3 Jul 2026

GitHub Copilot Certification (GH-300) Explained: Cost, Format and Is It Worth It in 2026?

A full breakdown of the GitHub Copilot certification (GH-300): cost, exam format, the six skills measured, the January 2026 revision and an honest verdict on whether it is worth your time in 2026.

3 Jul 2026

OSCP vs OSCP+: What Changed in 2026 (Bonus Points, AD and Renewal)

OffSec split the OSCP into two credentials and scrapped the 10 bonus points. Here is exactly what OSCP vs OSCP+ means in 2026, how the Active Directory scoring changed, and whether the exam is now harder.

2 Jul 2026

ISACA CRISC Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

A full breakdown of the ISACA CRISC certification for 2026: the four updated exam domains, cost, pass mark, experience rules, salary data and an honest verdict on whether it is worth your time and money.

1 Jul 2026

Cisco CyberOps Is Now CCNA Cybersecurity (200-201): What Changed in 2026 and Should You Take It?

Cisco renamed CyberOps Associate to CCNA Cybersecurity in 2026 and refreshed the 200-201 exam to v1.2 with new AI objectives. Here is what actually changed, whether your study materials still count, and if the cert is worth taking.

1 Jul 2026

IAPP AIGP Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

The IAPP AIGP is the leading AI governance certification. This guide breaks down the four exam domains, the full cost, salary data and exam format, then gives an honest verdict on whether the AIGP is worth it in 2026.

1 Jul 2026

GIAC Offensive AI Analyst (GOAA) Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

The GIAC Offensive AI Analyst (GOAA) is the first major certification for offensive AI. Here is a full breakdown of the domains, the CyberLive exam format, the real cost and whether it is worth it in 2026.

30 Jun 2026

CCNP Security 350-701 v1.1 vs v2.0: What's Changing in 2026 (And Should You Wait?)

Cisco moves the CCNP Security 350-701 SCOR core exam from v1.1 to v2.0 on 27 August 2026, and three concentration exams retire the same day. Here is exactly what is changing and whether you should test now or wait.

30 Jun 2026

ISACA AAIA Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

A full breakdown of the ISACA AAIA (Advanced in AI Audit) certification: the three exam domains and their weightings, the real cost, the CISA prerequisite, and an honest verdict on whether it is worth it in 2026.

29 Jun 2026

ISACA AAIR Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

ISACA's Advanced in AI Risk (AAIR) certification launched in April 2026. Here is the full breakdown of the three domains, the exam format, the real cost and an honest verdict on whether AAIR is worth it for risk professionals.

28 Jun 2026

Microsoft SC-900 Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

A complete breakdown of the Microsoft SC-900 exam in 2026: the four domains and their weights, exam cost, format, the new Security Copilot content, and an honest verdict on whether the Security, Compliance and Identity Fundamentals cert is worth your time.

27 Jun 2026

CompTIA Security+ SY0-801 vs SY0-701: What's Changing in 2026 (And Should You Wait?)

CompTIA Security+ SY0-801 is due in late 2026 with dedicated AI and LLM content. Here is exactly what changes from SY0-701, who should sit which version, and whether it is worth waiting for the new exam.

27 Jun 2026

CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005) Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005) is the new name for CASP+, and it is now CompTIA's expert level security certification. Here is a full breakdown of the four domains, the real exam cost, the difficulty, how it compares to CISSP, and whether it is worth it in 2026.

26 Jun 2026

AI-102 vs AI-103: Which Azure AI Certification Should You Take in 2026?

AI-102 retires on 30 June 2026 and AI-103 is its successor. Here is a clear, side-by-side comparison of the two Azure AI certifications, plus a straight answer on which one you should take this year.

26 Jun 2026

CISSP Experience Waiver Just Got Cut: Does Your CEH, CISA or OSCP Still Count in 2026?

ISC2 slashed the CISSP experience waiver list from around 50 certifications to 25 on 1 April 2026, removing CEH, CISA, CRISC and OSCP. Here is exactly what still counts, what changed, and how to plan your CISSP path now.

26 Jun 2026

AI-900 vs AI-901: What's Changed in Microsoft's Azure AI Fundamentals Exam (2026)

Microsoft retires AI-900 on 30 June 2026 and replaces it with AI-901. Here is exactly what changed, how the new Foundry-focused exam works, and which version you should sit now.

25 Jun 2026

CompTIA AutoOps+ Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

CompTIA AutoOps+ (AT0-001) launched in June 2026 as the first vendor-neutral cert built solely for IT automation and DevOps. Here are the domains, cost, exam format and an honest verdict on whether it is worth it.

24 Jun 2026

CompTIA SecOT+ Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

CompTIA SecOT+ is the brand new operational technology security certification launching in December 2026. Here is what the exam covers, the domains, the cost, the beta timeline and an honest verdict on whether it is worth your time.

23 Jun 2026

ISACA AAISM Explained: Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

ISACA's new AAISM credential is the first certification built purely for AI security management. Here are the exam domains, the real cost, the CISM or CISSP entry requirement and an honest verdict on whether it is worth it in 2026.

23 Jun 2026

Certification Deep Dives7 min

AZ-500 vs SC-500: Which Microsoft Security Certification Should You Take in 2026?

AZ-500 retires on 31 August 2026 and SC-500 is its replacement. This guide compares the AZ-500 vs SC-500 domains, cost, format and timing so you can choose the right Microsoft security exam and not waste a study cycle.

22 Jun 2026

ISACA CCOA Explained: Exam Domains, Cost and Is It Worth It in 2026?

ISACA's CCOA is a new hands-on cert for SOC analysts, built around performance-based questions and open-source tools. Here is what the exam covers, what it costs, how it compares to CySA+, and whether it is worth taking in 2026.

22 Jun 2026

SC-200 vs SC-300: Which Microsoft Security Certification Should You Take in 2026?

SC-200 vs SC-300 confuses most people choosing a Microsoft security certification. One trains you to hunt threats in a SOC, the other to control identity and access. Here is how to pick the right one in 2026.

21 Jun 2026

AWS AI Practitioner vs Azure AI Fundamentals: Which First?

AWS AI Practitioner vs Azure AI Fundamentals compared head to head. Cost, content, employer recognition, and which AI fluency certification to take first in 2026.

22 May 2026

SecAI+ vs CySA+: How CompTIA's AI Security Cert Compares

A head-to-head comparison of CompTIA SecAI+ vs CySA+ for 2026. Cost, exam format, career outcomes, and which AI-era cybersecurity cert fits your career stage.

22 May 2026

PenTest+ vs CEH: Which Penetration Testing Cert Is Better?

PenTest+ vs CEH compared head to head. Cost, exam format, salary outcomes, and the career situations where each penetration testing certification wins.

22 May 2026

ISC2 CC vs CompTIA Security+: The Better Entry-Level Cert?

ISC2 CC vs CompTIA Security+ compared head to head. Cost, exam format, employer recognition, and an honest verdict on which entry-level cybersecurity cert to take first.

22 May 2026

CISA vs CISM: Which ISACA Certification Comes First?

A head-to-head comparison of CISA vs CISM in 2026. Cost, exam format, salary outcomes, and which ISACA certification fits audit vs management career paths.

22 May 2026

CISSP vs CISM: Which Cybersecurity Leadership Cert Wins?

CISSP vs CISM compared head to head: exam format, salary, career fit, and which leadership credential wins for engineers, managers, and CISO-track professionals.

22 May 2026

CySA+ vs Security+: Which CompTIA Cert Should You Take Next?

A direct comparison of CompTIA CySA+ vs Security+ for 2026. Domain weights, exam format, salary outcomes, and the career situations where each cert wins.

22 May 2026

CISSP Exam Cost in 2026: The Full Breakdown

Every dollar of the CISSP exam cost in 2026, from the $749 exam fee to AMFs, training, retakes, and study materials. Plan your budget before you commit.

22 May 2026

CompTIA SecAI+ Explained: Domains, Cost and Career Value

A complete breakdown of CompTIA SecAI+ (CY0-001) covering all four domains, exam cost, salary data, and whether the industry's first AI security certification is worth your time.

22 May 2026

ITIL 5 Foundation Explained: Cost, Format and Is It Worth It in 2026

ITIL 5 Foundation launched February 2026 with new AI governance content. Here's everything you need to know about cost, format, and whether the certification is worth it.

22 May 2026

ITIL 5 vs ITIL 4: What's Changed?

ITIL 5 launched in February 2026 with AI governance, a new 8-activity value chain, and a shift to digital product management. Here's what changed and what it means for your certification.

10 Apr 2026