Subject-matter expert
James Conrad
James brings more than 30 years of IT experience to his training. He got his start in IT volunteering for a nonprofit and becoming their defacto IT pro — while using an MS-DOS portable computer. Before joining CBT Nuggets, James did freelance IT work, and wrote and reviewed technical books. His hobbies include photography, hiking, and traveling, especially to Eastern Europe and Russia.
Credentials
Certifications James Conrad holds
Vendor-issued credentials James holds — the practitioner background behind the courses your team will train on.
- Microsoft Certified Professional
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert
- Microsoft Certified Technician
- Certified Ethical Hacker
- CompTIA A+
Training coverage
Courses that carry James Conrad's expertise into your team plan
Use these courses as proof of coverage for the roles and technologies your team needs to support.
Courses James Conrad teaches
Azure
AZ-800
This Microsoft AZ-800 training teaches you to administer Windows Server hybrid core infrastructure while also preparing you for Microsoft’s exam AZ-800. Earn your Microsoft Certified Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification by learning how to manage Windows Server across on-premises environments and Azure, including identity services, networking, storage, and virtualization in hybrid infrastructures. You'll get hands-on with modern Windows Server capabilities, learn how Windows Server environments connect to Azure, and how to deploy, manage, and troubleshoot infrastructure that spans both local data centers and the cloud. Get ready to pass exam AZ-800 on the first try with virtual labs and unlimited practice tests included in this course.
Azure
Microsoft Entra ID
This Microsoft Entra ID training will help you build a secure, scalable identity infrastructure from the ground up. This course provides a comprehensive deep dive into Microsoft Entra ID (formerly named Azure Active Directory), giving you the practical expertise to manage identities, enforce Zero Trust security, and streamline access across hybrid environments. You'll move from foundational setup to deploying advanced governance and automated identity protection.
Cisco
CCST Cybersecurity
Practical training to prepare for the Cisco CCST Cybersecurity exam. This entry‑level course takes you through essential security principles, from CIA triad and attack types to defenses like hardening and network segmentation. Learn real‑world threat and vulnerability types such as malware, phishing, denial of service, IoT exploits, and social engineering. You’ll walk through access management (AAA, MFA, RADIUS), encryption (hashing, certificates, PKI) for data at rest, in transit, and in use. Dive into TCP/IP vulnerabilities, network architecture (IDS/IPS, DMZ, VPN, NAC), and secure wireless setups. Master OS-level security for Windows, macOS, and Linux, endpoint tools like netstat and tcpdump, patching and compliance, and log analysis. Finally, explore vulnerability and risk management, threat intelligence, disaster recovery, plus SIEM, forensic, and incident response frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK and NIST. Learn in bite‑sized videos, designed to help you get certified and start protecting networks.
CompTIA
A+ Core 2
Prepare for the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) V15 exam with expert-led training, unlimited practice exams, and virtual labs. Build real-world IT support skills across Windows 11, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, with expanded focus on OS management, cloud productivity tools, file systems (ReFS, XFS), UEFI/TPM, hybrid deployments, and command-line utilities like whoami and sfc. This course dives into Zero Trust security, passwordless authentication, MDM, DLP, EPP/EDR, and protection against email-based threats and fileless malware. You'll also cover software troubleshooting, ticketing systems, and operational best practices. Prepare to sit the 220-1202 exam with confidence and level up your IT career.
CompTIA
CompTIA A+ Core 1
Build a foundation in IT with this expert-led CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) training. This course includes an A+ Core 1 practice test, study guide, and virtual labs to make sure you're confident on exam day. You’ll learn how to troubleshoot PCs, configure mobile devices, support networking and cloud technologies, and work with virtualization. Through real-world scenarios, interactive modules, and targeted practice questions, you’ll build experience you can apply right away in roles like Help Desk Technician or IT Support Specialist.
CompTIA
CompTIA Tech+
This CompTIA Tech+ training helps IT beginners build essential skills. Learn to troubleshoot hardware, software, and networks, and manage devices, all while you prep for the Tech+ exam. Designed as the ideal starting point for IT careers, the Tech+ certification validates hands-on expertise in foundational IT concepts. Master IT fundamentals, security, and software development to land your first IT job. This CompTIA training is ideal for individuals or teams, and includes unlimited CompTIA Tech+ practice tests and virtual labs.
Cybersecurity
Microsoft SC-900
This Microsoft SC-900 training prepares you to earn your Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) certification. You'll learn the fundamentals of security, compliance, and identity (SCI) within the Microsoft services ecosystem. You'll also explore how to use Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Entra to create a secure cloud environment. This Microsoft SC-900 training is perfect for IT newcomers, students, end users, and enterprise training programs.
ISACA
Cybersecurity Fundamentals (ITCA)
This ITCA - Cybersecurity Fundamentals training covers how to perform the basic, professional tasks required of an entry-level IT professional in a cybersecurity capacity. Although earning the ITCA Cybersecurity Fundamentals certification is valuable for cybersecurity hopefuls, the training is also excellent for non-IT professionals and teams who need a well-rounded understanding of the threats that exist in the modern world, how best to avoid them, and what to do if there is a successful attack against your network.
ISACA
ITCA
This ITCA Computing Fundamentals training covers introductory concepts that entry-level IT professionals should be aware of: networking, virtualization, and security. Use this Computing Fundamentals (ITCA) exam prep to learn how to manage and troubleshoot hardware, software, networking, and cybersecurity issues, giving you a strong foundation ofentry-level IT skills. Once you take this ITCA course, and you'll be prepared to earn your ITCA certification.
ISACA
Networks and Infrastructure Fundamentals (ITCA)
This entry-level Networks and Infrastructure Fundamentals (ITCA) training prepares IT professionals to design, configure, and secure networks while ensuring compliance. Part of the ISACA ITCA certification, this networking course teaches practical skills for managing hardware, network setups, and troubleshooting. Perfect for entry-level IT pros, and ITCA exam prep.
Linux
010-160
This LPI Linux Essentials (LPI 010) training covers the basic commands and functions of the Linux operating system, and prepares you to earn the LPI Linux Essentials (010-160) certification. Whether you’re starting your career in open source, or looking for advancement, this training can verify your skill set, and certify you as a Linux professional.
Linux
LPI Security Essentials
This Linux Professional Institute Security Essentials (020-100) training covers how to implement best practices in network security maintenance, identify vulnerabilities, and respond effectively to incidents in Linux-based IT infrastructures. You'll learn cybersecurity skills that apply in any environment, as well as techniques and tools that are particular to Linux environments. The LPI Security Essentials certification is an excellent start for a cybersecurity career, and this 020-100 exam prep will prepare you to earn it.
Buyer proof
How Howard County's IT Department Upskilled 80 People, Protected a 600-Server Migration, and Kept Its Training Budget Intact
Local Government · Howard County, MD · 80 employees across 8 disciplines
Howard County's Department of Technology reports 100% license engagement to leadership every month and has won two consecutive budget approvals on the strength of that usage data.
- Physical servers migrated to HyperV virtual environments
- ~600
- Distinct technical disciplines under one department
- 8
- License engagement reported to leadership
- 100%
“I include our leadership, so they know that we're engaging with the training. When the budget comes and they see CBT Nuggets, they say: ‘Oh yeah. We keep that.’”
Elizabeth Nwadiuko
Technical Services Manager