1. Cybersecurity & Career Resources
  2. Featured Stories
  3. Frequently Asked Questions on NICCS

Attention:  CISA Learning is now available!  If you are an EXTERNAL (non-CISA) user access the new system using this url: CISA Learning. The Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE) has been permanently decommissioned and replaced by CISA Learning. Please reference the CISA Learning page for the latest information. Please note: CISA Users (staff and contractors) should access CISA Learning through the internal site. You should have received an email on December 4, 2024, titled “CISA Learning is LIVE!” with more information.

Frequently Asked Questions on NICCS

NICCS is proud to feature a variety of training, education, workforce development, and career resources for current and prospective cybersecurity professionals, government employees, Veterans, academia, and everyday users. By highlighting ways to get involved in the cyber workforce, tips to stay safe online, and resources for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, NICCS honors its mission of being a national resource/hub for cybersecurity education, careers, and training. Looking for help on how to succeed in cyber? A great way to get started is checking out some of our most frequently asked questions from NICCS users. Check them out with our answers below!

How do I get started in cyber?

Exploring the NICCS interactive version of the Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework) is a great place to start. The NICE Framework provides a common lexicon for describing cybersecurity work and workers. The NICE Framework is the backbone of the tools and resources on NICCS. This interactive tool explains the different types of Cyber Work Role Categories and their associated Work Roles as well as the Tasks, Knowledge, and Skills needed to succeed. The NICE Framework now also includes Competency Areas, or clusters of related Knowledge and Skill statements, that correlate with one’s capability to perform Tasks in a particular domain.

Are there no-cost training courses available on NICCS?

There are thousands of cybersecurity-related training courses in the NICCS Education & Training Catalog for users of all skill levels to explore. The courses in the Catalog are all mapped to the NICE Framework as well as organized by provider, location, delivery method, and proficiency level. With virtual and in-person class options, the NICCS Education & Training Catalog truly has something for everyone, including a variety of courses that are no-and-low cost.

What can I use to map cybersecurity career options to align to my goals?

The Cyber Career Pathways Tool will allow you to identify, build, and navigate potential cyber careers based on your goals. It also helps users better understand how to advance from one cyber role to another as well as identify the overlapping Tasks, Knowledge, and Skills needed to begin, transition, or advance your career in different career paths. The Tool also offers spotlight videos from individuals currently in those roles as well as opportunities to complete micro-challenges to experience how to perform in those work roles. 

Where can I find information on open cybersecurity jobs?

Ready to apply to jobs? The Interactive Cybersecurity Career Map shows hundreds of thousands of open federal cybersecurity career opportunities across the country and around the world. The map provides information on preferred city, state, and salary range as well as remote and telework eligible job options. Click the CISA Jobs icon to start your application process to join the CISA team! 

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Do you have a question that did not get answered today? Please email us at NICCS@mail.cisa.dhs.gov.



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