How much does training cost?
Training is of no cost to qualified veterans.
What IT experience/training (if any) do I need to be accepted into the program?
Basic IT skills and cyber security experience are not needed for this training program course, but general computer skills are needed to access and complete the training. Minimum requirements include: use of computer technology; basic familiarity with computer hardware, software and operating systems. Optional: specific IT training; IT certifications, such as A+; direct experience with computer technology at the system level; computer security experience.
How do I apply?
Once available, simply fill out the application form on the Admissions page and send it to .
How are students selected?
W2CW™ staff selects students for the program based on their application date, computer skills, keen interest in information security, military experience and geographic proximity to interested employers.
Is all of the training online?
Yes, all the training is online accessible with a basic PC or laptop and internet access.
Do I need any special type of computer or other equipment (like a web cam) to take the training?
You will need a computer with a web cam and internet access. Required equipment will be provided by the program if you do not already have equipment sufficient for program participation.
If I don't have the right computer set up, will someone help me get it?
Yes, during orientation we will supply you with any required hardware and software needed for W2CW™ training and will train you in the use of the equipment and the training environment.
How long will the W2CW™ training take?
The course is a total of 24 weeks. During weeks 15-19 you will study for and take the Comp TIA Security+ exam, Certified Expert Incident Responder (CEIR) Exam and the Certified Expert Privacy Professional (CEPP) Exam. During weeks 20-24 the student will finish with a capstone project
What types of jobs will I be qualified for after graduation from W2CW™?
This program will position you for an entry level commercial or government position as a cyber security professional with opportunities for advancement. In industry and government, the most common cyber security jobs are those of cyber security analysts and cyber-security specialists. More advanced positions include, cyber security managers, system security engineers, forensic analysts, and incident responders. A cyber security professional is primarily interested in protecting an organization's information systems and networks against hackers, spyware, and viruses; a government cyber security professional is also concerned with protecting the nation's security and preventing attacks against our critical infrastructure by adversaries, such as cyber terrorists.
Do I need to have a college degree to take this training?
No, you do not need a college degree for this training.
How much can I expect to earn after I graduate?
You can expect to earn a starting salary between $50,000 and $75,000 per year.
What kind of security clearances do I need and how do I get them?
You do not need a security clearance to complete the program. Many employers will not require a clearance.
Who will help me if I have questions during the training?
The W2CW™ training coordinators and your appointed peer mentor will be available for any questions.
What is the W2CW™ online community and what will it do for me?
The online community provides you with opportunities to communicate regularly with your fellow students, instructors, and mentor. It also offers access to a number of Veterans' assistance programs, and individuals such as mental health professionals, financial planners, job counselors, parenting experts and more who are available at your request.
What if I have to leave the W2CW™ program?
W2CW™ will work with warrior students to determine the best outcome for the student should the student have to leave the program before graduation.
I am on active duty. Do I qualify for W2CW™ training?
Not at this time. At some time in the future, however, we plan to broaden our offerings to Active Duty and military spouses.
What is a Warrior?
A Warrior is a Veteran of military service.
What is the W2CW™ Letter of Commitment?
Warrior to Cyber Warrior™ is a unique training/ career placement program because it matches each student with a prospective information security employer when training begins. The prospective employer signs a W2CW™ Letter of Commitment, which is basically a Memo of Understanding agreeing to hire the W2CW™ student as an intern with the promise of a job upon graduation if the internship is mutually satisfactory.
How are Prospective Employers chosen?
W2CW™ staff reach out to corporations and agencies at the local, state and federal level to ascertain their Information Security needs. In many cases, prospective employers have a need for additional personnel in this area. W2CW™ staff then work with the Chief of Information Security/Cyber Security, HR and Veterans hiring within the entity to secure a written Letter of Commitment to hire a warrior student.
Is there any employer education about hiring Veterans?
Information flows two ways. An information packet (for example, Hiring America's Best produced by Give an Hour and National Organization on Disability) about employing Wounded Warriors and Veteran is given to each prospective employers. In return, employers fill out a questionnaire about their competencies as potential employers.
Must the Employer Internship I provide be paid?
Yes, we prefer our employer partners provide a small stipend to support the student during their internship.
What are the W2CW™ graduates qualified to do?
W2CW™ graduates will exit the training program with a basic level hands-on capability to support an organization with their cyber security requirements and a Security+ certification. These include incident response, deployment and maintenance of the security perimeter, user level cyber security awareness training, identification and remediation of security vulnerabilities, assistance with system certification and accreditation processes, COOP/Recovery Planning, development and maintenance of cyber security policies. Optional skill sets that can be acquired during our program include a certification in privacy.
What qualifications does a W2CW™ have?
W2CW™ graduates will graduate the program with basic cyber security and privacy protection skills. They will have an understanding of various legislative or regulatory-mandated processes, such as the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), the Federal Risk Management Framework as defined by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Department of Defense Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process (DIACAP). Students will have acquired the Security+ certification and have the option to acquire the Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) certification for privacy.
What security clearances does a W2CW™ graduate have?
The W2CW™ program does not include issuance of security clearances for all students. However, some students may have already earned a clearance prior to starting or completing the course.
If I hire a W2CW™ graduate, what are they expecting to be paid? (range)
Starting salaries should be in the $50,000 - $75,000 range depending on location and skill sets.