VA Cyber
Reskilling Academy
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Your New Cyber Career Awaits!
Little-to-No IT/Cyber Experience Needed
Join one of the fastest-growing professional fields and launch your new career in cybersecurity today.
Cybersecurity skills are in demand now more than ever. Almost every organization needs to protect itself from cybercriminals. This 8-week program provides the practical skills in computers, technology, and security fundamentals needed to launch your career in cybersecurity.
The Best Way to Get Started in a New Career
Earn up to 3 Cyber Certificates for Free!
Benefits of VCSA
- Free Training
Your tuition is funded by the state of Virginia. - Work While You Learn
Flexible training schedules take weeks—not years. - Professional Mentors
Major area employers are involved.
Program Eligibility
- Resident of Northern Virginia
- U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
- Limited or no cyber/IT experience (Experienced applicants should apply to the Upskilling Academy.)
- Financially impacted by COVID-19
Registration for Reskilling is closed for 2022!
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Sample Job Titles of Graduates
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SOC Analyst (Tier I and II)
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Information Security Analyst
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Junior System Administrator
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IT Specialist
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Junior Security Engineer
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Incident Response Analyst (Tier I)
Ready to learn more?
Visit our FAQ page to read more about this program.
Reskilling Academy Core Curriculum
The Reskilling Academy consists of self-paced online courses that allow students to work while learning. Students have 8 weeks per course to complete the training and earn the associated certification. The total program time is 6 months.
Click the course titles below to view the course descriptions.
SANS Foundations: Computers, Technology, & Security
In this course, learn the core knowledge and develop applied practical skills in computers, technology, and security fundamentals that are needed to kick-start a career in cybersecurity. The course provides the needed information to go from zero technical and security knowledge to a level of sufficient theoretical understanding and applied practical skills that will enable students to speak the same language as industry professionals. Module areas include networking concepts, operating systems, programming, computer hardware, and much more!
Security Essentials Bootcamp (GSEC Certification)
This course is an in-depth, hands-on information security essentials course, covering network security essentials, defense-in-depth, threat management, cryptography, Windows security, and Linux security. SEC401 utilizes extensive hands-on exercises to teach students the essential fundamental skills and techniques needed to identify and analyze malicious activity to prevent and detect attacks. This course will prepare students to execute hands-on skills such as design and how to build a network architecture using VLANs, NAC, and 802.1x based on an APT indicator of compromise; run Windows command-line tools to analyze the system looking for high-risk items; run Linux command-line tools (ps, ls, netstat, etc.), and much more.
Hacker Tools, Techniques, Exploits, and Incident Handling (GCIH Certification)
This course teaches (a) the methods, techniques, and tools that malicious actors use and the most effective techniques for limiting the risk from those attacks; (b) how to proactively posture for incidents; and (c) how to respond to incidents when they occur. Students will learn how to turn the tables on computer attackers. It addresses the latest cutting-edge insidious attack vectors, the “oldie-but-goodie” attacks that are still prevalent, and everything in between. In addition, the course explores the legal issues associated with responding to computer attacks, including employee monitoring, working with law enforcement, and handling evidence. Students will execute best practices for handling security incidents, employ processes and tools to identify attacks or attackers, and evaluate systems from the perspective of an attacker to identify vulnerabilities.
Academy Application Process
Step 1. Submit Application
To start, apply here. After submission, you will be instructed to create a SANS account. Return to the confirmation page to start the online application through the SANS portal. After submitting the application, we will send you a CyberTalent Assessment to be completed within 3 days.
Step 2. Interview
Selected candidates will be asked to submit additional documentation and be invited to a one-on-one virtual interview.
Step 3. Candidate Selection & Notification
An Advisory Board will review the candidate’s application and all submitted information. Selected candidates will be notified.