Want to apply for free cybersecurity job training with CyberSkills2Work? Welcome to the application for program participation. Starting an application gets you a step closer to answering America’s call for more trained cybersecurity professionals. It puts you at the threshold of the nation’s best cybersecurity workforce development initiative. Map out a career and apply for cybersecurity pathway training, today.
Before You Apply
Wait! Make sure that you meet basic program criteria before you apply for cybersecurity training with CyberSkills2Work. Keep these key qualifications in mind:

Program Eligibility
A high school diploma and U.S. citizenship are the minimum requirements for program eligibility.

Pathway Training Programs
CyberSkills2Work pathway training programs are free to eligible transitioning military, first responders, veterans, military spouses, women, underrepresented minorities, and government employees.

Determine Your Cyber Aptitude
We highly recommend that you take our cyber aptitude assessment before submitting a program application. The assessment will help determine which work roles suit you best, based on your demonstrated abilities. Then, on the program application, you will be able to select the pathway training program for your chosen work role.
What You Will Need
Before attempting to fill out the application, gather all essential documents and keep them on hand. The following materials must be submitted with your CyberSkills2Work application:

Service Records
We must receive proof of your military service. Acceptable documents include a DD214, DD215, or Record of Separation. First responders must furnish a signed verification letter of employment (on the organization’s official letterhead), confirming present or previous job status. The letter should include dates of service, position held, duties performed, and contact information for the employer who can verify your employment.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Only documented proof of citizenship is accepted, including a birth certificate; U.S. passport or passport card; or a Permanent Resident Card/Alien Registration Receipt Card.

Résumé
Provide a complete outline of your current and previous education, job titles and duties, and employers.

School Transcripts
Proof of your highest level of formal education is required. A copy of an educational record (such as a high school diploma, GED, or college transcript) is acceptable.

Letter of Intent
Express your intentions for the cybersecurity field and CyberSkills2Work in a formal letter of interest.

Valid Photo ID
Valid credentials are a state driver’s license or identification card.
Additional Requirements by Institution
Besides meeting minimum requirements for program participation, eligible applicants must also meet the prerequisites of our educational institutions. Each institution may have additional qualification requirements for acceptance in CyberSkills2Work pathway training programs. Choose from the following list of educational institutions to get information about a school’s eligibility requirements:
Cyber Defense Forensics Analyst Pathway
Prerequisites
Eligibility
Application Period: September 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024 - Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. - Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, woman, military spouse, underrepresented minority, or government personnel. - Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. School transcripts of the highest level of education completed are required. - Must have some IT or cybersecurity experience.
Technical Support Specialist Pathway
Prerequisites
N/A
Eligibility
Application Period: September 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, woman, military spouse, underrepresented minority, or government personnel.
- Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (School transcripts of the highest level of education completed are required.)
Cyber Defense Forensics Analyst Pathway
Prerequisites
N/A
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, woman, military spouse, underrepresented minority, or government personnel.
- Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (School transcripts of the highest level of education completed are required.)
- Must have some IT or cybersecurity experience.
- Reference checklist.
Cyber Defense Incident Responder Pathway
Prerequisites
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, woman, military spouse, underrepresented minority, or government personnel.
- Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (School transcripts of the highest level of education completed are required.)
- Must have at least two years IT or cybersecurity experience.
- Reference checklist.
Cyber Defense Analyst Pathway
Prerequisites
Prospective students must already have an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited university with a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, woman, military spouse, underrepresented minority, or government personnel.
- Prospective students must already have an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited university with a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA. (School transcripts of the highest level of education completed are required.)
- Must have some IT or cybersecurity experience.
Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist Pathway
Prerequisites
N/A
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, woman, military spouse, underrepresented minority, or government personnel.
- Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (School transcripts of the highest level of education completed are required.)
- Must have some IT or cybersecurity experience.
- Must apply for admission to ENMU-Ruidoso’s Computer & Network - Security Certificate Program.
2024 System Administrator Pathway
Prerequisites
Basic computer and IT skills.
Applicants are highly encouraged to complete a free, brief, online introductory cybersecurity certification prior to applying and include their badge or documentation of completion as part of their application. Applicants who complete this certification prior to applying will be preferred as this demonstrates readiness for the training program. CISCO Training
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, woman, military spouse, underrepresented minority, or government personnel.
- Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (School transcripts of the highest level education completed are required.)
- Must have some IT or cybersecurity experience
2024 Cyber Defense Analyst Pathway
Prerequisites
Need at least 1 year IT experience, or a Network+ certification, or have previously completed the UWF System Administrator pathway.
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, woman, military spouse, underrepresented minority, or government personnel.
- Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (School transcripts of the highest level education completed are required.)
- Must have some IT or cybersecurity experience
2024 Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist Pathway
Prerequisites
Applicants must have at least 2 years of IT or cybersecurity experience, or have successfully completed UWF's System Administrator Pathway.
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, woman, military spouse, underrepresented minority, or government personnel.
- Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (School transcripts of the highest level education completed are required.)
- Must have some IT or cybersecurity experience
Threat/Warning (OSINT and Dark Web) Analyst Pathway
Prerequisites
High school diploma
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, or first responder.
- Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. School transcripts of the highest level of education completed are required.
- Must have some IT or cybersecurity experience.
Cyber Defense Analyst Pathway
Prerequisites
- Applicants should have some knowledge of computers and computer networks and be prepared to make the time commitment needed to successfully complete the 22-week program.
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, woman, military spouse, underrepresented minority, or government personnel.
- Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (School transcripts of the highest level of education completed are required.)
- Must have some IT or cybersecurity experience.
- Must have proof of Florida residency.
- Must have a letter of recommendation (from an employer, coworker, teacher or other professional) explaining why you are an ideal candidate for program participation.
Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist Pathway
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with hardware and software and knowledge of working in a Windows environment.
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, woman, military spouse, underrepresented minority, or government personnel.
- Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (School transcripts of the highest level of education completed are required.)
- Must have some IT or cybersecurity experience.
Systems Security Analyst Pathway
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with hardware and software and knowledge of working in a Windows environment.
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, woman, military spouse, underrepresented minority, or government personnel.
- Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (School transcripts of the highest level of education completed are required.)
- Must have some IT or cybersecurity experience.
Cyber Defense Analyst Pathway
Prerequisites
Familiarity with hardware and software and knowledge of working in a Windows environment.
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, woman, military spouse, underrepresented minority, or government personnel.
- Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (School transcripts of the highest level of education completed are required.)
- Must have some IT or cybersecurity experience.
Vulnerability Assessment Analyst Pathway
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with hardware and software and knowledge of working in a Windows environment.
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, woman, military spouse, underrepresented minority, or government personnel.
- Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (School transcripts of the highest level education completed are required.)
- Must have some IT or cybersecurity experience
Technical Support Specialist Pathway
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with hardware and software and knowledge of working in a Windows environment.
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, woman, military spouse, underrepresented minority, or government personnel.
- Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (School transcripts of the highest level education completed are required.)
- Must have some IT or cybersecurity experience.
ICS Threat Warning Analyst Pathway
Prerequisites
Familiarity with hardware and software and knowledge of working in a Windows environment.
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, woman, military spouse, underrepresented minority, or government personnel.
- Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (School transcripts of the highest level of education completed are required.)
- Must have some IT or cybersecurity experience.
Understanding the Terms of Participation
CyberSkills2Work offers an extraordinary learning experience and career development opportunity for program participants. Learners of our program are privileged to receive free cybersecurity education and career guidance from national experts. In order to enjoy the full benefits of the program, all eligible participants must comply with these terms:
- Register with CyberSkills2Work upon program approval and manage your learner profile in the MyCyberSkills2Work portal.
- Provide your own personal computer with reliable internet connection.
- Reside in the U.S. throughout the duration of an elected training program.
- Engage in all program activities, courses, exam preparation, assigned labs, job fairs, and workshops. Participants who fail to participate in activities or exercises or simply fail to show effort may be disqualified.
- Remain in good academic standing.
- Maintain perfect attendance and provide documentation for any excused absences.
- Search for post-program employment with employers in critical infrastructure sectors.
Ready to Apply?
Don’t delay. Start your CyberSkills2Work application, today. Provide all requested materials, and check your personal, educational, and work history information for accuracy before submitting the application. Don’t fret if you can’t complete the application in one sitting. You may save your application and finish it later with your application login credentials.
After You Apply
Now that you’ve applied, what’s next? With your login credentials, you can manage your application while you await an acceptance decision. Here’s what you can do:
- Print your application.
- Update previously provided information.
- Upload required documents.
This program is funded by the NSA National Centers of Academic in Excellence in Cybersecurity Program (NCAE-C).