The Student Experience
Learn what to expect as a student in our Cyber Defense Analyst Program.
The Onboarding Experience
The Program Experience
The Alumni Experience
What’s It Like as a Student in the Cyber Defense Analyst Program?
Glad you asked! Use the menu to the left to navigate through the steps you'll take—from discovering if we're the right training provider for you to the first night of class!
The Onboarding Experience
Step 1: Discover
Browse our website to learn a little about us, the training we provide, and our scholarships and payment plans.
(Psst! This blog series written by a CDA graduate is a great place to start!)
Step 2: Apply
Like what you see? It's time to apply! We accept up to 35 students per cohort, and seats fill up fast. Submit your application.
Step 3: Book a Meeting
Once we receive your application, be sure to keep an eye on your email! We'll send you a reminder to book a video call with us (usually via Zoom) so we can start the intake process. No need to be nervous—we just want to learn a little more about you and your goals and make sure our experience is a good fit for you!
Still nervous? Here's a more comprehensive list of what we'll discuss during our call:
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Expectations and requirements of the bootcamp
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Career outcomes
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Payment plans and available scholarships
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Any questions you have!
Please note that this is NOT a sales call. It's a call with our training team, which is comprised of experienced cyber pros who can answer any questions you have.
Step 5: Receive a Checklist
To *officially* kick off the onboarding process, we'll email you an onboarding checklist to keep you on track and get you ready to begin class! Steps include...
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Paying your deposit
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Figuring out your financing plans
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Completing our Cybersecurity Foundations course
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A verbal 1:1 assessment
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Reviewing the course calendar
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Reviewing the student handbook
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Completing the rest of the tasks on this page for onboarding
Step 7: Attend Class Sync Before Class
A week before we officially kick-off the course, we'll get everyone together virtually to give you a taste of what you can expect during the program. This is a great opportunity to test your webcam/microphone, meet your instructors and classmates, and ask any last-minute questions you have!
The Program Experience
Step 2: Attend Live Classes for 8 weeks
Class is held Monday through Thursday from 7-9pm CT. During these 8 weeks, you'll build an analytical process, tool mastery, critical thinking, and the ability to assess and validate your findings—in other words, your cyber tradecraft.
Please note that you’ll be expected to keep your webcam on, be attentive, and interact with your instructors and peers during class time.
Step 4: Enter the Virtual SOC for 4 Weeks
For the last 4 weeks of class, you'll be immersed in a virtual Security Operations Center (SOC) to get a feel for what it's like to be on-the-job. You'll work your "shift" in the virtual SOC at the regular class time (7-9pm CT, Monday through Wednesday), and then you'll meet with your SOC manager on Thursday to review and walk through tickets from the week.
Step 5: Schedule Your CDCP Exam
At the end of the class, you’ll have the opportunity to attempt the Cyber Defense Certified Professional (CDCP) exam. We strongly recommend that you attempt this to put the knowledge and skills you learned throughout the course to the test.
Step 6: Collect Your Badges!
You’re done! Be sure to keep an eye on your email for any badges you’ve earned throughout the course. All students who complete the course will receive a Cyber Defense Analyst Program badge, and students who pass the CDCP will receive an additional badge.