CDA COHORT 9 & 10 – APRIL 2024

The application period for Cohorts 9 & 10 closes on March 12, 2024

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Federal Cyber Defense Skilling Academy helps civilian federal employees develop their cyber defense skills through training in the baseline knowledge, skills, and abilities of a cyber defense analyst (CDA). Students will have the opportunity to focus on professional growth through an intense, full-time, three-month accelerated training program. Those looking to make a career change, join the cybersecurity community, or learn cybersecurity skills are encouraged to apply for the Skilling Academy.

Program Dates

Cohorts 9 and 10 are held entirely online and run from April 1, 2024, through July 11, 2024, with a mandatory four-hour New Student Orientation scheduled for March 25, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) for Cohort 9 and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) for Cohort 10.  

If accepted, you will be required to participate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, excluding federal holidays. Please note that you will not be able to maintain your Alternative Work Schedule during the program. It is expected that you will return to your regular duty assignment during breaks unless your home agency has approved leave.

Application Deadline

For Cohorts 9 and 10 starting on April 1, 2024, the Skilling Academy will only accept complete application packages that are received by 12:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. 

• Application packages received after the application period closes may be considered for future program cycles if there are slots available. 

Acceptance Notification

Applicants for Cohorts 9 and 10 will receive an email of acceptance or denial no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on March 15, 2024. Accepted applicants are required to attend the mandatory virtual orientation on Monday, March 25, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) for Cohort 9 and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) for Cohort 10. The accepted applicant’s supervisor will also be invited to attend the orientation. It is highly recommended that supervisors attend the first half of orientation.

How to Apply

Please visit the How to Apply section of the Skilling Academy webpage for details on how to apply.

Contact Us

For questions and inquiries, please contact the Federal Cyber Defense Skilling Academy at SkillingAcademy@cisa.dhs.gov.