Veterans Cyber Academy

The SANS Veterans Cyber Academy is an intensive, accelerated training program that provides world-class SANS training and GIAC certifications to launch careers quickly and effectively in cybersecurity. The SANS Cyber Academies are 100% scholarship-based, at no cost to students.

How The Program Works

Interested candidates will follow the application process below, candidates must earn an invitation to progress to each stage of the process.

  • Complete a web application form.
  • The application will be reviewed, and an online assessment sent within three days.
  • Complete the online assessment before application close.
  • Assessment results are reviewed once a week.
  • Submit supporting documents to complete the application.
  • Complete an interview questionnaire.
  • All candidates receive notification of acceptance or denial, the notification timeframe is dependent on the volume of applications.
  • The application process is a competitive process. You must be invited to each of the stages listed above.
  • All applicants will lose access to the online assessment upon application close at 10 am ET on November 19.

2024 Academy Schedule

Nov.
November 4 – Application Window Opens
Nov.
November 19 – Application Window Closes
Feb.
February 3, 2025 – Training Begins
Sept.
September 2025 – Program Completion

Eligibility Requirements

This Academy is open to: - Veterans - Transitioning service members who are within six months of separation (ETS) at the time of application. - Active Duty Military Spouses - Must not have prior or current work experience in the information security field outside of previous military experience. - Must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Legal Resident (Green Card holder) currently residing in the U.S. - Graduates currently pursuing or having achieved a Master's or Ph.D. in information security are not eligible to apply. - If you are currently earning above $80,000 annually, regardless of the industry, you are not eligible to apply.

Curriculum

The first course you take will be SEC275 Foundations & GFACT Certification
The second course you will take is SEC401 Security Essentials & GSEC Certification
The third and final course you will take is SEC504 Incident Handling & GCIH Certification
Application and Academy Roadmap

Step by Step Information on the Application Process

Learn more about the application process and how the academy helps launch your new cybersecurity career in less than a year.

Time Commitment for Students

The SANS Cyber Academy is a fast-track, intensive program, and students are expected the time required to complete the program will vary by student. Students are given three months to complete the training modules for each course and pass the corresponding GIAC Certification exam. Each student will complete three courses, and the the full program will take no longer than twelve months to complete.
On average, it takes most SANS students 150 hours to prepare for one GIAC certification attempt.
All courses are taken online via SANS OnDemand and are self-paced. Students are required to complete each course and certification in twelve weeks depending on the particular academy's schedule.

"Academy graduates are able to on-ramp very quickly with employers, having already proven their ability to perform crucial cybersecurity tasks."

- Chris Elgee SANS Cyber Academy Mentor & Alumni

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