Why Cybersecurity?
JOIN AN IN-DEMAND PROFESSION
TRANSFER YOUR SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
CONTINUE TO SERVE YOUR COUNTRY
Checklist: How to Launch your Career
You have decided to pursue a cybersecurity career, what’s next? Depending on your previous education, training, and experience there are several different steps you can take to get started. Use the checklist below to gather the information you need to be successful.
Not sure what careers are available to you? There are more possibilities than you think! Use these NICCS tools to map your military experience, skills, and knowledge to cybersecurity Work Roles in the Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework):
- NICE Framework: This interactive version of the NICE Framework allows you to explore cybersecurity Work Roles, and the Tasks, Knowledge, and Skills necessary to be successful in each one.
- Cyber Career Pathways Tool: This resource allows you to check out cybersecurity career paths mapped to the NICE Framework and gain valuable insights for launching or transitioning to a variety of different careers in cybersecurity.
Explore the certifications that will help you along your career path, whether you are looking for beginner certifications, or those that will pair well with your experience, education, and training. Check out the Cybersecurity Certifications page on NICCS and visit certification provider websites for more information about beginner, intermediate, and expert level cybersecurity certifications.
Supplement your previous experience with cybersecurity training that will help you achieve your goals. Check out these training resources:
- CISA Learning (Formerly FedVTE): Find 850+ hours of FREE course content for Veterans. Note: CISA Learning replaced FedVTE in November 2024.
- CyberSkills2Work:
- Find FREE education & training for many audiences, including Veterans.
- NICCS Education & Training Catalog: Search thousands of online and in-person cybersecurity courses from a variety of providers, all in one central location and mapped to the NICE Framework.
If you need additional education to support your desired career path, there are several resources available to you to help with your cybersecurity education. Here are a few places to get started:
- Designated cybersecurity schools: Check out the 400+ top cybersecurity schools across the country and find an institution near you to apply today.
- Scholarships: There are several scholarships for cybersecurity studies you can research to help pay for your schooling. One example is the CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, which provides students with $27,000 to $37,000 for undergraduate and graduate studies at participating institutions.
- Financial assistance: Financial assistance for Veterans is available through a variety of programs and organizations. A few places to get started are the Yellow Ribbon Program and the GI Bill.
- NICCS Interactive Cybersecurity Careers Map: Search thousands of federal cybersecurity job openings.
- CyberSeek: Review data about the cybersecurity job market in your community, what roles are best to target, and how to go about transitioning to those roles.
- Cybercareers.gov: Learn more details and gather resources to support your future cybersecurity career in the federal government.
Learn More: Downloadable Guide
To help Veterans enter this rewarding career field, CISA provides Cybersecurity Training and Education for Veterans: A user guide for those who formerly served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This guide expands on all of the information listed above and includes even more resources to help Veterans begin a career in cybersecurity.
Click below to access the complete guide to CISA’s cybersecurity education and training opportunities for Veterans.
Information for Veteran-Serving Organizations
Is your organization hiring Veterans? Download the free Cybersecurity Training and Education for Veterans: Champion Communications Manual to help your organization quickly get the word out about these valuable resources. The Manual includes helpful materials, such as:
- Email templates and easy instructions on how you can distribute resources to your members
- Sample blog posts and social media messaging to help you spread the word
