November 2023 Program – Academy 1 & 2

The application period for the November 2023 program Academy 1 & 2 closes on October 17, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. ET

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 

The November 2023 program is made up of two Academies: Academy 1 and Academy 2. These Academies are held entirely online and run from November 6, 2023, through February 16, 2024, with a mandatory four-hour New Student Orientation scheduled for October 30, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) for Academy 1, and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) for Academy 2.  

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 the program starting on November 6, 2023, the Skilling Academy will only accept complete application packages that are received by 12:00 p.m. ET on Friday, October 17, 2023. 

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

Acceptance Notification 

Applicants for the program starting on November 6, 2023, will receive an email of acceptance or denial no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on October 20, 2023. Applicants accepted into the November 2023 program are required to attend the mandatory virtual orientation on Monday, October 30, 2023. from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) for Academy 1 and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) for Academy 2. 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.